A Very Sick Little Puppy And a Shop Sale ~ (Updated)

It has been a long and trying few days.

I had a very sick little puppy on my hands ~ 

She and her brother were both sick ~ 

but Kelly was so much sicker.  

At first, we thought they might have Parvovirus, but they're both immunized and they're so small, we haven't even started taking them out of our yard yet.  It seemed unlikely that they could have Parvo.

Thankfully, they tested negative for that terrible disease.

Somehow, they managed to ingest something that was ugly and it caused them both to get gastroenteritis.

Kelly had hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.

She lost blood and was dehydrated with a low temp.

Luckily, we caught it before she went into shock.

We can't imagine what they might have gotten into.  They are constantly supervised.  They aren't allowed to go into the backyard alone yet.

The only thing that has changed in their environment is our current project in the backyard...removing a huge Sumac from our backyard hill ~ 

Supposedly, Sumac is not poisonous to dogs.  But, the vet said that we can't rule it out.

Awwww.....look at the two of them when they were littler, still at the shelter  ~

My sleeping babies ~

 So...it looks like Kelly will make it through.

She's still not completely herself, but she has medicine and she's eating special food and drinking.   She isn't bleeding anymore (thank goodness).

However, we have been left with the unexpected costs associated with their care.

I am having a little sale in my Online Shop in hopes of raising some extra money to help pay for Kelly's care.

These 7 Select Originals  have all been discounted by $20.00.  Included in this sale are some of my newest pieces.

Here are the 7 originals included in the sale:

"Petula's Thoughtful Journey"

"Serafine's Mountain"

"Jubal's Gift to Lucy"

"Guardians of Her Heart's Desire"

"The Welcoming of The Three Fairies"

"An Unexpected Visitor"

and...

"Miss. Lilly's Roadside Motor Hotel"

And....I just added an 8th original to this sale ~

"Keepers of The Garden Gate"

(The pup on the left is Kelly)

If you purchase any of these originals for the discounted price, I will include a free 4" x 6" print of your choice for free.

Boy, I'll tell you.  Having a sick little pup is a scary thing.

I was so afraid to adopt them in the first place because we lost all of our fur babies recently.  Over the course of 1-1/2 years we lost our 3 beloved pets.

It took a while to commit to adopting.  Then, when this happened I was just in shock.  I couldn't believe that we could possibly lose these babies.

Any purchase you make will be so so so helpful.

Puppies are full of love and fun and silliness.  But when they get sick, it's heartbreaking and there are so many costs involved.

Thank you so much for considering a purchase.

Until Next Time:

Kim

Gerushia's New World

The "Almost Everyday Photo Challenge"...Day 10 ~ Self Portrait.

There are days of hope and light and breath...

and

There are days of loss and darkness and uneasiness.

Hours of sunshine

Hours of shadow 

A seeing-glass of truth and color and decline...

and

A shadow comforts and relieves.

Until the next "Almost Everyday Photo Challenge"

Kim
Gerushia's New World

Lost in That Whirlwind of Time ~

Well, here I am again, lost in that constant whirlwind of passing time.  I adore my blog so very much, and even more, I love the people that I have met through my blog.  Somehow, I find it difficult to keep up with my blog.  I seem to be constantly in the middle of something that keeps me from blogging. I admit it...my life is a whirlwind!!

So, with all of that being said, I still refuse to give up my blog.  I still have good intentions and I want to get back to journaling at least a few times a week.  I do hope to see you all more often and I can't wait to get caught up on reading your blogs as well.

Time is flying crazy fast for me.  It seems it was only yesterday that my garden was in bloom, sharing the scents of a warm summer morning...

Then....I closed my eyes for just a split second and this happened...

Then, another wee second, and this happened...

During these faster than the speed of light days, I have managed to accomplish a few tasks.  I finally got all of my pieces from the "Connecting Spaces" show listed in my shop for the holiday shopping season.  There are 13 altogether.  5 framed, original ACEOS and 8 framed (or unframed) original 4" x 6" pieces.  See anything you like?

You can find my original, framed ACEOs by clicking here.  You can also find all of my original 4" x 6" pieces.  You can purchase them framed as they hung in the gallery, or you can purchase them unframed.  Click right here to see these originals.  They have all been discounted for the holidays.  AND...you can also have a look at my prints..  They have been deeply discounted for the holidays as well.  Simply click right here to see my prints.

Now...here's a tidbit of news that I am so happy about.  My Little Red Riding Hood inspired piece "An Unexpected Visitor" was included in Pasticcio Quartz Issue 13.  This artzine is so rich and delicious. Created by Sarah Fishburn and Angela Cartwright, this beautiful zine is always full of insightful articles and yummy eye candy.  

Here's a sneak peek of the "Little Red Riding Hood" article...

Yep, that's my piece in the upper right hand corner.  I am humbled to be included with so many great and whimsical artists in this article.  Thank you Sarah and Angela for thinking of me!

This particular original piece is not being offered for sale in my shop, because my daughter has claimed it!  BUT, you can purchase it in print form right here!

So....as you see, my life really is a crazy whirlwind.  In between the art projects, taking care of my shop, doing my other "stuff" like cooking and taking care of my family, I've managed to accomplish a few things and still find my way back here (even though it's been over 2 months)!

I won't promise that I'll be back soon...but I WILL be back!

Until Next Time

xoxo

Kim

Gerushia's New World

An Unexpected Blessing...

Each and every day, I make a point of acknowledging the things I am thankful for.  Some days, I shake my head in awe of my blessings ~ even when things are difficult.  Even when life throws me a curve ball that knocks the breath out of me, my blessings are still apparent...

From the best seat in the house ~

...and in good company, I might add ~

I revisit my journey...my unexpected blessing ~

My humbleness and gratitude are immense ~

Honored with the support of old friends ~

 best friends ~ 

...and the love of my family (my sons were at the opening but weren't in the photos...sneaky dogs) ~

I realized a secret dream, a little life goal that came true.  Something magical and spectacular...

BUT ~

Each day is magical and spectacular.  I never lose sight of that.  I look closely to find natures art ~ 

Confetti pinks ~

Stunning coral...alive in the desert ~ 

Late blooming Cosmos, already offering seed for next year ~ 

...and peek-a-boo yellows and warm oranges, hinting at the on-coming Autumn ~ 

Everyday blessings.  I remind myself to notice, to look, to smell.  

Special days are sweet and meeting a goal is grand...BUT, look deep, because Everyday is sweet and grand.

Until Next Time:

Kim

Gerushia's New World

P.S.  There were some friends that drove a long way and were accidentally not included in any photos.  You know who you are and I am so thankful for your support.  And to Amanda...a new generation of art lover...thank you for coming with your mom and thank you for your sweetness.

An Unexpected Visitor...

Have you ever had so much to do that you end up by doing nothing?  That's what I've been doing....nothing.  Mainly because I don't know where to start.  Isn't that a funny and curious thing?  I have an art piece due on July 1st....haven't even started it.  I have huge areas of bareness in my garden.  They need to be filled with color and life...haven't planted a thing.  Well, the list goes on and on.

Poor Juniorbug needs to go to the groomer...he's a silly mess... 

Although my garden is still suffering and in need of more nurturing, I am seeing little signs of life. Plants are blooming this year that haven't bloomed since "My Great Depression of 2008"....

Vibrant pink Four O' Clocks ~

Soft and velvety Lamb's Ear ~

Roses, Salvia and Toadflax ~

Secret prettiness that stayed hidden in the soil until now ~

My little plum tree has managed to offer a few plums this year...

Even though my white picket fence needs re-painting...

it is always a welcome sight to see my purple Sweet Peas winding themselves around the picket fence...chipping paint and all...

My front path is coming along nicely.  With the cooler than usual weather we've been having in Southern California, my Impatiens are happily blooming...

Over the last couple of months, there have been some sad times.  In April, we finally had to say our last good-byes to our sweet, 15 year old Labrador Retriever, Homer...

She was a strong and loyal part of our family with an amazing spirit and a giving heart.  We miss her terribly...

On the lighter side....just a few weeks ago I had the opportunity to meet with a childhood friend...

We met when we were 3 or 4 years old.  We lived next door to each other all of our growing up years.  Like so many people, we lost touch and hadn't seen each other in over 20 years.  Thanks to facebook, we re-connected and met for a 5 hour lunch!  Can you believe that?  I don't recall ever sitting in a restaurant for 5 hours just talking.  We still have a lot to catch up on!  And we will.

During all my "doing nothingness",  I have managed to get a few art pieces done.  This piece in particular is by far my favorite...maybe my favorite ever!

"An Unexpected Visitor"

As you can see, it is based on "Little Red Riding Hood".  My intention was to hold this piece back for my "Connecting Spaces" show at The Riverside Arts Project in September.  But....I have listed the original in my art shop for a few days.  If you have any questions regarding this piece, feel free to email me.  If you like the piece, but don't want to invest in the original, I am offering a print version as well.  

Ohhh....I almost forgot.  Look what I found in my garden!  It's the teeniest, tiniest snail I've ever seen...

Can you believe that?  Nature is truly breathtaking!

Until Next Time:

Kim

Gerushia's New World