A missed gem

I can't believe as much as I love children's literature and collage that I've never seen this gorgeous book before.



Stephen Parlota tells a magical story - every creature loves to read so much that they turn into what they're reading about, people into horses, rabbits into turtles. His use of collage is magnificent!
Thanks to Mindy Crum and her 3rd grade friends for educating me about him

Here are some examples of his work:

and yet another beloved author

Jan Brett

She was at the zoo today signing her new book:



I told her her books just get better and better.
The African theme permeates throughout the book with glorious patterns.

Here's a picture of a real dassie


and dassie, Timbi, from the book


Here the bus she's been touring the country in. Quite a site!

pinch me, please!

I can hardly believe I got to meet Patti Digh,
the illustrious author of these amazing books:








and look - here she is -holding up my art quilt, called Shine!


She and Jane LaFazio are fast friends, sharing a love of their new cowboy boots.


Such a privilege to be invited to be in the picture with these extraordinarily talented women, Patti, Jane, Linda Bannan and Wendee Lee


Near the end of Patti's inspiring talk we were invited to choose, without looking, a rock from her collection
Oddly enough - here's mine:



Shine is surely on my mind these days,
from my art to the shine stamp Davi gave me before she left, to David Crowder to This Little LIght of Mine at mass on Friday.
I'll do my best!

walking in good company for good causes!

Rita and James, we love you!

Glad I could be with Michael, walking for the first time without Peggy.

This is such a beautiful poem to honor our beloved friends with Alzheimer's

Do not ask me to remember.

don't try to make me understand.

Let me rest and know you're with me.

Kiss my cheek and hold my hand.

I'm confused beyond your concept

I am sad and sick and lost.

All I know is that I need you

To be with me at all cost.

Do not lose your patience with me.

Do not scold or curse or cry.

I can't help the way I'm acting,

Can't be different 'though I try.

Just remember that I need you,

That the best of me is gone.

Please don't fail to stand beside me,

Love me 'til my life is done.

--------Author Unknown

Thank you, friends

SMS (Shine)

hmmm-my 701st post

Maybe this is apropos:

SHINE seems to be my new mantra.

Here's David Crowder's Band singing it:

My new button box

from this:

to this:

Thank you, Davi, for my new button box! Love it.

Can't wait to play sorting buttons with Lila.

COC

For those of you not used to CCI lingo those letters stand for Change of Career. That's how we describe pups who have been determined by Canine Companions for Independence as not suitable for service dog careers.
Too many times that's been the fate of my pups, so now, not only do I have a COC pup, but I'm a COC mom.
Mer and I are embarking on a new journey together.
She may not be suitable for the service dog life - and truly when she bolts to the end of her leash in fear at a loud noise - I can understand CCI's thinking, but she is a sweet, loving, joy-filled dog, so we're embarking on a therapy dog career.

Here's a letter she's composed to explain our situation:

My name is America. Sometimes when I come into a room people sing this funny song – “here she comes, Miss America.” I’m fine with it, but it seems a little silly. Canine Companions for Independence named me. I have 6 sisters and all their names start with the letter A too.

I met my mom (people call her Mrs. D.) when I was eight weeks old. I didn’t know very much then, but my mom taught me to do lots of cool things like sit, stay, shake and speak.

After I got all my shots (they only hurt a little bit) my mom started taking me on new adventures. I got to go to the library and the market and senior homes and schools.
I always wore this special cape that said, Canine Companions for Independence. Whenever I had my cape on I had to use my best manners. I could wag my tail, but I couldn’t jump or lick anyone AND I couldn’t eat anything that was on the floor – only things my mom gave me – she called them treats. I get them when I’m being especially good.

When I grew up all the way and learned to go anywhere mom went she took me to college so I could learn to do special things like open doors and pick up keys and turn on light switches. I got too homesick though and now I’m living back home with mom and dad.

Sometimes mom goes to school where there are lots of kids – I love kids. She does something called ‘substituting’ - on those days I get to hang out with kids.

I’ve been taking lots of tests so I can be what she calls a ‘therapy dog’. I’m not sure what that means – probably just meeting and greeting more people. I’m pretty good at that.

If you’re reading this, I hope I’ll get to meet you someday!

America