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Just experimenting

Dolores Guffey. Literally Signs & Symbols is a photocopy of a piece of art paper given to me by Vivien Bruce. As I was reluctant to cut the paper, I had an 18” x 24” b/w photo copy made so that I could experiment with different structures. This maze book has the symbols on one side and the back side painted with acrylics which allows the colors to show through when cut-outs were made on the signs and symbols side.

Boy is gone and Joey is here

On July 8, I opened my Facebook page with the words, “I’m in tears” because my Boy (a beautiful black and silver tabby boy) had died. Today, I’m laughing and giggling with the rest of the animals I have including the little MinPin that I got on June 18. And I thank these furry little beasties for what they have taught me. They live in the here and now and have taught me the value and peace in that.  So I grieve and then I simply go back to living life one step at a time and enjoy every step.  And I don’t forget them either. Bootsie, Jodie, Terry Lee, Silva and Sandy, the dogs from my childhood. And the list of cats over the last 40 years is huge (I wrote them down and it is staggering since I’m a serial cat owner). But I remember them all. 

Boy, as a baby

Boy, in his maturity

I don’t go out and buy an animal to replace the one who died. That simply doesn’t happen. But I’m not afraid to have another pet because they might cause me pain when they die. I get another animal because I love them in the house. Right now, I have two dogs and five cats in the house (one of which hides and I only get glimpses of her). And a couple are getting older. I will probably stay with this crowd for quite a while. And having said that, I think I’ll take it one step at a time.

Reji and Joey. Yes, they have "boy" names but they are both girls

It’s the same way with people for me. Yes, there is always grieving but then the pain lessens and the memories remain. I never seem to remember the dates of their deaths but instead I always have the most memories on special days, birthdays, anniversaries, or going to a favorite restaurant, sitting in the back seat for a ride with friends. And that is very comforting.