Hello fellow bloggers, finally found a quiet moment to post some thoughts and send you blessings and happy hearts. I’ve been really busy the last few days filling card orders,  and also putting a few finishing touches on a large piece I’m donating to the Parkinson’s Institute www.parkinsonsinstitute.org. In addition, I am finishing up on a sweet journal/scrapbook for an adorable 5-year-old girl.   

Today, Terry (my hubby) and I went to a symposium in Sacramento for young onset Parkinson’s patients. Young Onset refers to patients who are diagnosed with PD before the age of 50. My wonderful doctor, Dr. Melanie Brandabur, was one of the guest speakers.  I’m a little tentative when attending PD events, it’s inevitable that you will see people at more advanced stages. Your heart just breaks when you see this, and then there is that flash of  “Could that be me someday?” Needless to say when you walk into one of these events you pray for the best.   

This was actually an awesome day! It was amazing to meet other people who are my age, and going through the same exact thing! When it comes to PD, I usually connect with my support group, which mainly consists of a handful of sensational savvy seniors! I’m 50 years old, and considered the “baby” in the group! It was amazing and eye-opening to see how many people just like me are coping with this same challenge. It was a good day, and when we drove off I had hope in my heart.   

Here’s a shot of the painting with yours truly. Sorry for the lousy photo, the lighting is bad. We were running late, and took this on the run.   

The text says "The key to finding a cure starts in our hearts and our homes."

I’ve also been working on a fun piece called “Broadway Babe”. While  I was sketching her the other night, it dawned on me to take some before shots. I grabbed the camera and took this. I’ll post the finished piece when I’m done, which should be soon.   

"Broadway Babe" I like her sassy energy...might give her pinstriped slacks!

Thought you would like to hear how we are all doing after losing our Cody. Well, still a huge hole in our hearts…..I caught myself crying a little about him yesterday. Overall we are moving forward, and probably will get another dog at some point in the future. I think  Bozzy truly misses his doggie playmate. We have been spoiling him rotten, maybe because we need to love him just as much as he needs to receive. I have to kiss the top of his soft little head every time I walk past him. Losing Cody reminded me that life is very fragile and often short.    

 Luckily my two kitties have filled in as art room mascots. They now are my studio pals and keep me company. The handsome guy right below this, is Max. He’s an 8-year-old Tabby who likes to talk. He loves to have his hair combed, loves to gently butt heads with humans, he has tiny hairs on the top of his ears that look like baby horns, and he assumes he is the royal King, and the rest of us are his loyal subjects.   

King of Everything

The second kitty is named Little Girl. She is another soul connection for me. She is very petite, but incredibly brave. She is a true huntress, and can catch a mouse in 3 seconds flat. She can leap 10 feet through the air with grace and ease, and I hold my breathe as she flies off furniture, landing perfectly every time. She sleeps with me every night, and loves to lay under my desk lamp when I am at the computer. She begs for treats like a dog, and she can dance on her hind legs for a few seconds at a time. She is a warrior with a huge heart. She is my baby girl and I adore her.   

Little Girl likes to sleep with her head upsidedown...ouch.