I am so excited for my friend and attorney, Scott Beckstead. He has just been offered the career of a lifetime (well it is to me and HIM). He will be the Director of a new horse sanctuary being set up by the Humane Society of the United States. The sanctuary is located just outside of Roseburg, OR on an 1120 acre property that is an absolute paradise. They will take in a large number of PMU mares from Canada who were rescued as they were being shipped to slaughter, as well as a couple dozen mustangs. These horses will live on the property for the rest of their lives. After that, they will take in needy horses on a case by case basis, with the hope of rehabilitating them and finding them loving homes. I can’t begin to tell you the chills of joy that I feel for him and his family. They have dedicated their lives to the care of unwanted animals – especially horses – and this opportunity is well deserved. My deepest congratulations to them!
To learn about PMU mares, go to: http://www.friendsofanimals.org/programs/domestic-feral/horses/pmu.html
It will make you very angry that the practice continues across the country. Hot flashes are indeed unpleasant, but what is done to these magnificent creatures is criminal.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Whirlwind Spring!
My blog has a new look. As you know, I am totally techno challenged so Jan helped me understand the necessary steps to get started with my blog a few months ago. The banner was a watercolor that Jan had given me for my 60th birthday. 
(She knows about my bird rehab, and how much I love blue birds & ravens in particular....so it was a logical choice for a banner.) Now I've decided it is time that the banner reflect a bit more of me -- does that make any sense? And I felt like a fraud using someone else's artwork on my blog. I DO make art -- just not very often anymore. So until I actually create something of my own -- I asked Susan Tuttle to design something with my spirit. She asked me about 10 questions and ZAP -- I had a new banner! I love it so much, that we are working to create a new website using the format. Cool, huh?!
What an incredible whirlwind we have been on! Just before leaving to go to Asilomar, Vonnie & I decided to rescue a very pregnant mare. She was on pasture, extremely skinny and in desperate need of immediate care. We returned from Asilomar on Thursday, April 16 and on the 17th we brought Zahara to her new home. She is a beautiful little Arab, just the right size for Abigail.
The vet examined her and we immediately got her on decent food and supplements. It didn’t take her long to learn that Abby was the key to the treats and she would nicker when Abby entered the barn.
Vonnie & I were scheduled to leave for Virginia on the 28th and as the week progressed, we began to realize that Zahara was ready to foal. The vet confirmed that delivery was imminent and we were in a quandary! A malnourished mare could have complications, or the foal could be sickly. Poor Derek didn’t sign on to be an animal nurse, but he was willing to learn and do whatever necessary to help us.
At 12:30 am, April 27, DEXTER was born. Our little 14.5 hand mare gave birth to a whopping big stud colt. My first grandhorse. We watched in awe as he struggled to get his gangly legs under control and to stand up. Zahara encouraged him to get into positon to nurse and he immediately began to suckle greedily. Our vet arrived in the late morning to examine both patients and we learned that Zahara was not producing enough milk for the baby. This was due to her poor condition, but it was imperative that something be done immediately. It is not recommended that you bottle feed a foal—first of all, it is very time consuming – but most importantly, the horse can become a bit unruly as it matures. The solution was to locate a very expensive and rare supplement to give Zahara and begin the treatment that day.
Now we were really in a pickle. Due to fly out the next morning, we couldn’t leave the horses without someone who understood the situation to care for them. I desperately needed Vonnie with me for the first few days in VA – and then I felt that she could leave me to head for home. And then, as life happens, everything fell into place as we were able to find an actual “horse sitter”. (Derek was hoping that she would also cook dinner – but no luck for him.) It was a fabulous solution and I’m happy to say that Zahara and Dexter are doing great.
Dexter at 4 hours old. And poor Zahara -- she was so skinny.
(She knows about my bird rehab, and how much I love blue birds & ravens in particular....so it was a logical choice for a banner.) Now I've decided it is time that the banner reflect a bit more of me -- does that make any sense? And I felt like a fraud using someone else's artwork on my blog. I DO make art -- just not very often anymore. So until I actually create something of my own -- I asked Susan Tuttle to design something with my spirit. She asked me about 10 questions and ZAP -- I had a new banner! I love it so much, that we are working to create a new website using the format. Cool, huh?!What an incredible whirlwind we have been on! Just before leaving to go to Asilomar, Vonnie & I decided to rescue a very pregnant mare. She was on pasture, extremely skinny and in desperate need of immediate care. We returned from Asilomar on Thursday, April 16 and on the 17th we brought Zahara to her new home. She is a beautiful little Arab, just the right size for Abigail.
The vet examined her and we immediately got her on decent food and supplements. It didn’t take her long to learn that Abby was the key to the treats and she would nicker when Abby entered the barn.
Vonnie & I were scheduled to leave for Virginia on the 28th and as the week progressed, we began to realize that Zahara was ready to foal. The vet confirmed that delivery was imminent and we were in a quandary! A malnourished mare could have complications, or the foal could be sickly. Poor Derek didn’t sign on to be an animal nurse, but he was willing to learn and do whatever necessary to help us.
At 12:30 am, April 27, DEXTER was born. Our little 14.5 hand mare gave birth to a whopping big stud colt. My first grandhorse. We watched in awe as he struggled to get his gangly legs under control and to stand up. Zahara encouraged him to get into positon to nurse and he immediately began to suckle greedily. Our vet arrived in the late morning to examine both patients and we learned that Zahara was not producing enough milk for the baby. This was due to her poor condition, but it was imperative that something be done immediately. It is not recommended that you bottle feed a foal—first of all, it is very time consuming – but most importantly, the horse can become a bit unruly as it matures. The solution was to locate a very expensive and rare supplement to give Zahara and begin the treatment that day.
Now we were really in a pickle. Due to fly out the next morning, we couldn’t leave the horses without someone who understood the situation to care for them. I desperately needed Vonnie with me for the first few days in VA – and then I felt that she could leave me to head for home. And then, as life happens, everything fell into place as we were able to find an actual “horse sitter”. (Derek was hoping that she would also cook dinner – but no luck for him.) It was a fabulous solution and I’m happy to say that Zahara and Dexter are doing great.
Dexter at 4 hours old. And poor Zahara -- she was so skinny.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
Hampton, VA
Virginia has just been the BEST! Each event is special in its own unique way – its hard to describe, but those who are fortunate enough to attend Art & Soul at different locations will understand what I am saying.
Maria has outdone herself with the store! We have everything
but the kitchen sink – oh wait a minute – I think we have a miniature one in the vintage ephemera section. The hottest item has been the new DG3 art gel. She has sold over 400 bottles. The make-and-takes have been a huge success. Attendees are grabbing lunch and then rushing to the store to make something new and fun. It has been a great place to gather, make new friends and revie
w the day. Our thanks to US Artquest for donating the supplies for our projects.
The weather has been very cooperative after the tornado on Monday. Suffolk is only a short 20 minutes away and they were hit hard. The proceeds from our Silent Auction will be donated to the Suffolk Tornado Relief Fund.
As with the Asilomar attendees, our VA gals have outdone themselves with the ‘special project’. I am continually amazed at how everyone interprets each item and the creativity that is expressed. Portland – you have a challenge ahead of you!
And once again, Vendor Night was amazing! It was a purchasing frenzy and exciting to watch. There was no room for me and the scooter to navigate the room – it was wall to wall women (with a few very tolerant husbands thrown in). There was so much incredible art -- wish I had a bazillion dollars to spend.
Sadly, it is time to begin packing for the return home. But we will have fond memories of 08 and fresh ideas to implement for 09!
Maria has outdone herself with the store! We have everything
but the kitchen sink – oh wait a minute – I think we have a miniature one in the vintage ephemera section. The hottest item has been the new DG3 art gel. She has sold over 400 bottles. The make-and-takes have been a huge success. Attendees are grabbing lunch and then rushing to the store to make something new and fun. It has been a great place to gather, make new friends and revie
w the day. Our thanks to US Artquest for donating the supplies for our projects.The weather has been very cooperative after the tornado on Monday. Suffolk is only a short 20 minutes away and they were hit hard. The proceeds from our Silent Auction will be donated to the Suffolk Tornado Relief Fund.
As with the Asilomar attendees, our VA gals have outdone themselves with the ‘special project’. I am continually amazed at how everyone interprets each item and the creativity that is expressed. Portland – you have a challenge ahead of you!
And once again, Vendor Night was amazing! It was a purchasing frenzy and exciting to watch. There was no room for me and the scooter to navigate the room – it was wall to wall women (with a few very tolerant husbands thrown in). There was so much incredible art -- wish I had a bazillion dollars to spend.
Sadly, it is time to begin packing for the return home. But we will have fond memories of 08 and fresh ideas to implement for 09!
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Asilomar
My daughter, Vonnie, her darling husband, Derek, Jan and I enjoyed the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean while at Asilomar in Pacific Grove, CA. It was chilly and windy, but absolutely beautiful. The ocean in central CA is similar to our Oregon shoreline….and so is the weather. Not conducive to sunbathing as they do further south. People who attempt to swim in the northern part of Pacific Ocean need to wear wet suits or are members of the Polar Bear Club.
I saw many grazing deer including a couple of very pregnant does. Wish I could be there when the fawns arrive. They were not at all frightened of my scooter and just watched with wide eyes and huge ears as I went zipping by. Well “zipping” is hardly the word --- my scooter does not zip. It chugs….and it hates hills. But it gets me from point to point as Asilomar is spread out all over the place.
The attendees had a marvelous time and enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the venue. They dressed warmly and were thrilled when I told them that we would return in May 2009. Since I live in the woods in rural Oregon, I have to remember that not everyone has the country at their backdoor and that Asilomar is quite a special treat. Its too bad that I don’t have sleeping rooms for 200 people – then we could have retreats at home.
Two special and lovingly goofy ladies, Marian McBryde and LeeAnne Wallace entertained us each evening at dinner with their “Art & Soul Food” masterpieces. The
y had us all in hysterics including the serving staff. It warmed my heart to hear the laughter and to see new friendships develop. My ultimate passion for the events is to nurture these relationships. Our longing to create art and the experiences we share give us a life-long bond with one another. I have many friendships that have endured 
for years, based on family, business, 
sports --- but my art friends are special. They seem to have 
come at a time in my life when 
I was searching for something. Can you relate? Most of us can – and that is why our retreats are so important to us. I love reading your interactions on Yahoo; to hear that you are making arrangements to meet; starting new off shoots based on your locations or interests. It is what I had envisioned when starting this venture. We are truly a sisterhood and we are strong and loved.
I saw many grazing deer including a couple of very pregnant does. Wish I could be there when the fawns arrive. They were not at all frightened of my scooter and just watched with wide eyes and huge ears as I went zipping by. Well “zipping” is hardly the word --- my scooter does not zip. It chugs….and it hates hills. But it gets me from point to point as Asilomar is spread out all over the place.
The attendees had a marvelous time and enjoy the rustic atmosphere of the venue. They dressed warmly and were thrilled when I told them that we would return in May 2009. Since I live in the woods in rural Oregon, I have to remember that not everyone has the country at their backdoor and that Asilomar is quite a special treat. Its too bad that I don’t have sleeping rooms for 200 people – then we could have retreats at home.
Two special and lovingly goofy ladies, Marian McBryde and LeeAnne Wallace entertained us each evening at dinner with their “Art & Soul Food” masterpieces. The
y had us all in hysterics including the serving staff. It warmed my heart to hear the laughter and to see new friendships develop. My ultimate passion for the events is to nurture these relationships. Our longing to create art and the experiences we share give us a life-long bond with one another. I have many friendships that have endured 
for years, based on family, business, 
sports --- but my art friends are special. They seem to have 
come at a time in my life when 
I was searching for something. Can you relate? Most of us can – and that is why our retreats are so important to us. I love reading your interactions on Yahoo; to hear that you are making arrangements to meet; starting new off shoots based on your locations or interests. It is what I had envisioned when starting this venture. We are truly a sisterhood and we are strong and loved.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Abigail's Art Retreat
I’ve received many requests to allow children to attend our events. And also have had many suggestions to offer a retreat just for kids. I would love to take Abby to a place where we could take a class together -- that wonderful bonding time with a child. Something really creative instead of just attending a movie or a theme park. With that in mind, we have developed the first mixed media art retreat for adults and children. Abigail’s Art Retreat will be held in Portland, at the Embassy, Feb 14-16, 2009. The retreat is open to artistic and creative children when accompanied by an adult. It is NOT a camp – it IS an opportunity to enhance a creative experience with a parent and a child. The classes will be taught by Art & Soul instructors and will be of that caliber. We will accept ages from 6-14 and will offer both all day and 3 hour classes. Adults can 
attend without a child with the understanding that there will be kids in the classes!
The Embassy Suites is going to prepare kid friendly meals for us and we will have a pool party plus some other fun things in the evenings. All the info will be on the website July 1. …… I’m excited about this new addition to Art & Soul!
Abby & Jan taking Tracie & Marylin Huskamp's class
attend without a child with the understanding that there will be kids in the classes!The Embassy Suites is going to prepare kid friendly meals for us and we will have a pool party plus some other fun things in the evenings. All the info will be on the website July 1. …… I’m excited about this new addition to Art & Soul!
Abby & Jan taking Tracie & Marylin Huskamp's class
Technology
I have been reading blogs and each time I review them I come away feeling very antiquated. Lesley Riley is talking about a new MAC – I haven’t mastered the PC. Technology frightens me. When I look at how far we have come in the last 10yrs I can’t help but wonder what is in store for us in the near future. On-line journals for communication and sales, on-line classes and SHOPPING! – will we become a nation of people who never leave home? Or worse, never leave their computer?
Don’t get me wrong, I love most aspects of my computerized life, but there are some areas that make me crazy. I needed to purchase some canned dog food, the expensive prescription blend, for my mini schnauzer, Ginny. We were out of town, so I located a vet clinic and asked for the food. Because I wasn’t a client, it took the receptionist about 15 minutes to make the sale. She had
to futz with the computer invoicing system to get it to allow a general purchase. I don’t call this simplifying life. I guess I should have purchased a case on-line before I left home.
Ginny and Sophie
Don’t get me wrong, I love most aspects of my computerized life, but there are some areas that make me crazy. I needed to purchase some canned dog food, the expensive prescription blend, for my mini schnauzer, Ginny. We were out of town, so I located a vet clinic and asked for the food. Because I wasn’t a client, it took the receptionist about 15 minutes to make the sale. She had
to futz with the computer invoicing system to get it to allow a general purchase. I don’t call this simplifying life. I guess I should have purchased a case on-line before I left home.Ginny and Sophie
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Boxes, Beavers & Birds -- oh MY!
Packets for Virginia attendees will be going into the mail this week – so watch for those! I don't know why we call them "packets" -- they are BOXES! I love dreaming these up – but getting them in the mail is a daunting task. The worker bee crew was here over the weekend – so laughter was rampant!
The boxes spilled over into the hallway and down the stairs.
And it will take 3 to 4 trips to the Post Office to get them all mailed. Its always a great relief to finally get the job DONE!
We are getting excited about heading to Asilomar. The event begins April 13. And where our brains were when we scheduled the events for 2008, I have no idea. But I get home from California on April 17 and then leave for Virginia on April 28! Back-to-Back events -- it will be an adventure!
Unfortunately, Cindy will not be joining us. She has moved on from her role with Art & Soul. Her numerous contributions to the events, her calming manner and her detail to organization helped things run smoothly. She was a tremendous asset and I know we all wish her the very best on her future endeavors!!
Do you have any idea what it costs to hire someone to use a live trap for a beaver? I was flabbergasted. They want $295 to set the trap and an additional $150 for each animal that they catch. I’d set the cage myself, but am not too keen on wading into the pond. I would be over my head before I could get to the dam. I have lots of trappers who want to kill the little family…..(I’m certain that Bea & Bobby are about to be parents)…..but that is definitely not an option. We disrupted their dam as best we could, and according to my wildlife manual, that should discourage them enough to move along. We shall see.
Last week, Marylin and Tracie Huskamp joined a group of us for a wonderful class. We learned how to paint birds!! Actually, I was so ill, that I could only join them for a few minutes at a time. A major disappointment -- but as I was in bed, it warmed my heart when the house vibrated with laughter coming from the studio! The gang had a marvelous time – including my Abby who produced some pretty great art. Check out Marylin & Tracie’s blogs to see more pics of the gals & their artwork.
This is one of Abby's paintings! She is 9yrs old -- and had a ball.
The boxes spilled over into the hallway and down the stairs.
And it will take 3 to 4 trips to the Post Office to get them all mailed. Its always a great relief to finally get the job DONE!
We are getting excited about heading to Asilomar. The event begins April 13. And where our brains were when we scheduled the events for 2008, I have no idea. But I get home from California on April 17 and then leave for Virginia on April 28! Back-to-Back events -- it will be an adventure!
Unfortunately, Cindy will not be joining us. She has moved on from her role with Art & Soul. Her numerous contributions to the events, her calming manner and her detail to organization helped things run smoothly. She was a tremendous asset and I know we all wish her the very best on her future endeavors!!
Do you have any idea what it costs to hire someone to use a live trap for a beaver? I was flabbergasted. They want $295 to set the trap and an additional $150 for each animal that they catch. I’d set the cage myself, but am not too keen on wading into the pond. I would be over my head before I could get to the dam. I have lots of trappers who want to kill the little family…..(I’m certain that Bea & Bobby are about to be parents)…..but that is definitely not an option. We disrupted their dam as best we could, and according to my wildlife manual, that should discourage them enough to move along. We shall see.
Last week, Marylin and Tracie Huskamp joined a group of us for a wonderful class. We learned how to paint birds!! Actually, I was so ill, that I could only join them for a few minutes at a time. A major disappointment -- but as I was in bed, it warmed my heart when the house vibrated with laughter coming from the studio! The gang had a marvelous time – including my Abby who produced some pretty great art. Check out Marylin & Tracie’s blogs to see more pics of the gals & their artwork.
This is one of Abby's paintings! She is 9yrs old -- and had a ball.
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