Introducing Georgina

We would like to introduce Georgina, hopefully a new addition to our household soon. Georgina is an abandoned puppy (I think Cristina said 3 to 4 months old) and in order to fill the 'void' left in our home by the loss of Lucy; we felt we needed to adopt another 'girlie dog'. I just hope when we meet her, Robin accepts her. No idea what breed etc she is, but it doesn't matter. She will never replace Lucy, but Cristina really feels that she needs to fill the void, as it were. I have no doubt that I, personally, will spoil her, as I did Lucy. I am certain Georgina will sooth our grief, and bring back the patter of a second pair of small feet within our apartment walls. And it is good to help these abandoned dogs and give them loving homes. I think she is cute... and especially like the 'bow' across her chest.

In the blink of an eye

Last night I had the strangest of dreams. I dreamt that someone gave me a very large book, like one of those large, old, family bibles. It was very thick and heavy. On the front cover was my name and preceding that the words ‘The life of’. Placed loosely, in envelopes at the front and back of the book were numerous photographs of me, taken throughout my life. I remember some of them – taken at primary school, and others that I did not remember or recognise. On the pages of the book, which I say were many hundreds, was the story of my life! Some of the text was read to me, by whom I do not know, but the words were spoken. Just a basic introduction about me. I recall seeing other pages, but do not recall what their content was, apart from one piece. This particular piece incorporated a ‘video’ of what was supposed to be me – ‘though much older. I thought to myself at the time ‘that can’t be me – his nose is much smaller than mine, and yes he was familiar, but I thought he must be a ‘stand-in’, a look-a-like. He spoke about things philosophically – he was well informed and very spiritual. I do not recall the exact content of his words, just the feeling that they were very profound. All through the dream I kept thinking ‘who could have commissioned this story book of my life and how could they have so many photos of me’ – many of which I had lost over the years and even more that I did not know even existed. I thought that whoever had this book produced must love or be proud of me greatly, as it must have cost a small fortune. Then, out of nowhere an impression came to me. I was shown an image of a bubble, one of those we used to make as children, blown through a ring. But the difference was that this ‘bubble’ had another bubble within it, and another and another. There were hundreds or maybe thousands of bubbles within the same bubble. Each layer of those bubble seemed to represent ‘an existence’ shall we say, of me (my soul or essence). They were all existing parallel to each other and all at the same time. It was as though I was on each layer co-existing with the rest of the other layers. Then it was ‘impressed’ upon me that when one of our existences comes to an end, that essence of that existence ‘slipped’ into the next layer and very smoothly, just as though that bubble had burst. It was instantaneous. In the next bubble (layer) I was still ‘myself’, and it was impressed into me that I may sometimes recall that ‘slip’ and memories of that existence but that the memories would be rather like deja vu, familiar in some way. I did not get the feeling that these existences were ‘past lives’, but more one whole existence, all running together at the same time. Best way I can put it is; it is like someone reading a hundred storybooks at the same time… each book has a different amount and pages and when one book ends, the rest just carry on as they were, being read and closing when they are completed. Then I awoke. I have always believed in reincarnation of the soul, but this dream put a new angle on the theory for me. It was as if something was telling me or impressing upon me that reincarnation was not quite the way I had previously seen it; that we exist on many, many levels of existence all parallel to each other and happening simultaneously. When one bubble bursts the essence of that existence is transferred to the next bubble and the whole thing happens in what can best be described as ‘in the blink of an eye’. And it keeps going on and on until all the bubbles have burst. Like a cat with nine lives maybe. Quite a strange and profound dream, don’t you think? Was this dream the result of some undigested cheese, or the sub-conscious product of an over active imagination - or do you think that I was privy to some deeper understanding of life and its mysteries? Maybe even Lucy was 'touching me' reaching out to give me some comfort as I slept. One thing I know for sure - it really opened my analytical mind to 'other' 'rooms' within the 'mansion' that we call our universe.

Thank you for all your kind comments

A big thank you to all who have left loving comments for Lucy. We are still upset at her loss, so apologies for not adding to my blog for some time - my heart was not really into it just lately. Also, Lucy's portrait still has to be completed. I will complete it... hopefully before Christmas. Even now, whenever I pass her incomplete portrait, her eyes follow me; her portrait will be the best I have ever done - I just need to be in the right frame of mind to sit down and continue with it. But I will find the strength - Lucy will give it to me.

Lucy was an abandoned dog whom we adopted. Her previous owners left her with the outside rubbish/garbage when they moved home. Lucy did not want to leave her home so stayed in the area. Then the area had floods and Lucy survived them - it is said that she would swim in the waters, her head held up high in order to find food. Yest she never wanted to leave her home - how cruel of her previous owners to abandon her like that. But she survived, and kept fighting (that was Lucy all over - a real fighter; however her fight was not without damage. Lucy must have been hit by a passing car at some stage as her back leg showed signs of a break at some time. Then she was finally rescued from the floods and we adopted her on our first introduction. The first thing we did was give her a good bath and then take her to the Vet for examination/check-up and then treatment. Lucy's doctor was wonderful - even shipping in special antibiotics for her from Spain... and a long period of continued treatment followed... trying this, trying that - all in an effort to avoid an operation as she probably had a dangerous cyst on her ovaries and the Vet did not think her heart was strong enough to survive an operation. So we persevered with alternative treatments. Lucy fought on - enjoying a good, and love-filled 2-years with Cristina, myself and of course, Robin. Robin misses her also. Lucy (my little 'girlie dog') is gone - but never, ever, will she be forgotten. I just hope she is getting all the Chourico she wants in her 'doggy heaven'. She was a good assistant chef, always watching the food as it was cooking... just to make sure I did not burn anything! She was also my 'chief food tester', strangely enough. But I really miss the 'click, click, click of her 4 small paws on the tiled floors here - I even imagine I still hear them, some nights -- maybe I really do, and will - 4 always...!
We both thank you all again, for your kind words of comfort.

Robert and Cristina

We will miss you Lucy

Sadly I have to mention that Lucy lost her battle with a long-term illness in the early hours of this morning. After many months of medical treatment attempting to keep her well, she peacefully passed away in Cristina's loving arms.
Lucy was a fighter and I had hoped that her latest relapse of illness would not defeat her. However, she suffered several strokes in her last few days and was unable to walk and her sight was failing. We cared for her these past two years and gave her a loving home. She will be greatly missed by us all and has left this world leaving us fond memories of her, especially her fighting spirit which was immense indeed. I never imagined that I could be so touched, or hurt so much, by the loss of a dog, but Lucy proved me wrong. She became a part of our family and was, after all, daddy's little girlie dog. I will miss her and she will always be in our hearts.

Protect the chidren

This breaks my heart

http://media.causes.com/544740?p_id=77673201

Just hanging around and 'aving a Bud

you have to see this... dogs 'ave all the fun!

http://videos.sapo.pt/g1JqurfVmvjgVGwUcz4T

JackDaddy - you will love this!

That's life!

life is the art of drawing
without an eraser

Cats (and dogs) could be dangerous to your health

A little warning to all us pet owners out there. I once owned a cat that nearly cost me my life!
Retiring to bed late one evening, just as I was climbing my stairs, I was curious about a 'CRACK' sound that startled me somewhat. So what did I do? Decided to investigate of course. I walked into my lounge only to see my sofa begin to burn. There, on the sofa was my cat... also startled. What had happened? Guess what... my very playful cat had found a box of matches that I had carelessly left on the arm of the sofa. He decided it was a good thing to play with! Of course, the matches spilt out and he bit one - igniting it with his teeth... that was the 'crack' sound. What are the odds on a cat igniting a match with his teeth? Must be quite rare I am sure. Fortunately I was there, in ear-shot, close enough to respond. What would have happened if I had left for bed an hour earlier? God only knows. The moral here is obvious - don't leave live matches where our pets might get a hold of them. Even a TV remote control can be a hazard... our pets chewing them or us leaving the remote tucked behind a sofa cushion can cause a short and possibly a fire! So be aware. Whilst our pets can pose a danger to our health, they can also save our lives... but that's another story for later!

Walkies waits for no man

How does Robin let me know when he is ready to go walkies in the mornings? Answer: he sits on my desk just to remind me and blocks my view of the PC whilst I try to use it! Even before I, a mere mortal am dressed and still drinking my morning coffee! He just sits there - looking me in the eyes and cries, like they do when they need to attract our attention. He generally wins every time. Lucy on the other hand sits patiently by the front door without a sound... sometimes I really get to Robin when I casually decide to take Lucy out first... he hates that!

Old beats new EVERY TIME!

Robin is pictured here (which is nothing unusual), however, this composite tells a story that stretches 50 years.
You see, the ball inset is one of Robin's new toys (his most-liked design) ... within moments he almost totally destroys them (as shown above)... BUT the ball in his mouth is one that my wife had, and was given when she was a baby. I found it recently in a box, packed away with old things in our spare room. Nothing unusual about that you may say, however, this little pinkish-red ball has laid untouched for 50 years. That was until 'the BOY' found it! he only mark it had on it was a Small 'bite' created by Cristina's baby teeth! One small mark, she told me, from her 'bay tooth'. Otherwise it was as she left it. But Robin took a liking to it and now, it is his favourite. I wonder why. The good news is that Robin, no matter how hard he tries CANNOT destroy it. It is made of rubber and is hollow. But it is still intact and he cannot make any bite into it. They sure knew how to make balls 50 years ago - 'ROBIN-PROOF' but not Cristina-proof! Her teeth are as sharp today as they were then. I wish I was so well preserved!

A very happy reunion

Who says big cats don't keep memories? Watch this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zVNTdWbVBgc&feature=player_embedded

Rex and Dexter

I found this site and thought his cartoons were very humorous, created by Denis R. Poitras.
http://toonut.com/index.html

Time and tide

Entangled in this maze of time,

As seconds and minutes tick away,

To keep up in this rat race,

We have to struggle each day....

No one can stop time,

And no one can bring it back,

Only the present is yours,

So learn to fight, to attack!

What is gone will never come,

Present will become past, soon,

So what if things didn't go as planned,

Each new day is a boon...

Don't regret yesterday, and wait for tomorrow,

Live today as much as you can,

Put in your best, put yourself to the test,

Because time and tide wait for no man!

Daddy, will you draw me as I sleep?

So I did - my daughter when she was about 5-years-old, 11 years ago (she is a 'grown-up' now). (Click on my pics for an expanded view). It was just a quick and very hasty pastel sketch taking only 1o minutes or in poor light whilst she slept like an angel. I read her a story and when she fell asleep I did this on whatever paper I could find at the time... some discarded grey cartridge paper, but I was pleased with the result and so was she. It is probably the most spontaneous work I have ever done in pastels and, of course, my most loved for obvious reasons; further more, I find it extremely difficult to draw the human form. I need more practice! Yes I did 'life' classes at art school etc, but we humans are so difficult to paint and draw - must be some kind of 'mental' block I have... hands and feet are a no-go area for my art! People expect a portrait to look like them - whereas dogs and cats don't... you can hide your mistakes easier with animal art but not so with people. Camille (one of my Blog followers) commented on my self study earlier... about the execution on my own hand shown; It is probably the first time I have painted a hand that looks half human... and really, the painting was never completely finished... it expressed enough of me at the time so I moved on.