We had a long, but wonderful weekend of fun! Friday was the yearly youth group fundraiser auction we go to with my inlaws, and this weekend we spent playing with dogs, working in the yard, and going to parks. At the auction, we came home with a hand-made quilt, and a print from one of my favorite artists, Don McMichael. We won both of them for under $60... which is good for us, but really a shame for the events the youth group was fundraising for- most the items sold went about the same way. I think with the economy being in the dumps, people were unable, or unwilling to spend the way they have at these auctions in the past.
The print, I'm very thrilled with, actually, beyond thrilled with! Don McMichael, his work is beyond magnificent. He's an Oregon based ocean wildlife painter. I can stand and drool over his work in galleries for hours, but most cost almost as much as the vehicle I drive! LOL Even his prints are far out of my casual spending range, which I can't justify at this point in our lives, when we can use that for other things for the family. I've drooled, and dreamed for years of owning something from this amazing artist. This is a signed, and dated, 381 of 600 print from '83. Older than me! I feel as though I not only own a piece of art history, but a prized piece, from an artist I really admire.
Had we skipped this fundraiser with the family, I would have missed out on this once in a lifetime opportunity for me. It makes me think about other things in life, that have had great reward, when before the event, they seemed so casual, and meaningless. A simple reminder, to always look at life with eyes wide open for opportunities, and never fall into the cumbersome routine of not seeing the world with eyes wide open. Looking at this beautiful print, signed by an artist who I deeply admire, and have admired for most my life, I know there is a reason I was at that event this weekend. No one else really noticed this piece, and I would be willing to bet that I'm the only person there that saw it, that really appreciates it (based on the lack of bids!).
Sunday, we took only Cove out to rock hunt at a local creek, and enjoy the woods. We usually have all 3 of the dogs with us, but we do try to let each have their alone time too. We feel that like human kids, dogs in 'packs' benefit from being away from the dogs. Covy loves the water, fetching sticks, and also the wilderness. It was really nice to spend the time with 'Dovy Dogg', as I call him. While he was confused when we left Traum and Galaxy at home, he quickly got over his confusion when we reached the water ;)
Art updates are coming soon. Lately I've been busy doing the art, but have had no time to take pictures of, up post about said artwork! I have so many 'almost' done pieces it's mind boggling. I have at least 15 pins sitting in a box, ONLY waiting for eyes, and the finish. There are a couple upcoming events I'll be vending at, more info as space is secured and final. Sometimes I feel as though my work is never done, and when I think it's close, something else needs to be done ;)
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