Category: Me and My Studio

Me and where I paint, and sew, and create things

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Shoal Creek Chaste Tree

Yesterday was a very hard day. I had to say goodbye to my Laurence. We had seventeen happy years together, and I stayed with him as he passed away peacefully. It’s a very sad thing, hard to even express, but I am grateful that he had a happy and healthy life, with lots of kitty friends and people to love him. I planted a Shoal Creek Chaste Tree near him, as a remembrance marker.

Laurence came home with me from the SPCA when he was just five weeks old. He was the naughtiest kitten I ever saw, but also the smartest and funniest. He was as cute as cute could be. He had an angelic face, but there seemed to be no end to the trouble he could think up to get into. His creativity was boundless. He had plenty of adventures, flying into our Christmas tree, answering the telephone when it rang, gleefully playing with our cat and dog (who weren’t sure how they felt about kittens), wrestling stuffed toys, and climbing everything he saw. Nothing discouraged him and he always had fun. He always made us smile, regardless.

He grew up to be a handsome, elegant, kind-hearted, sweet gentleman. He welcomed every cat and kitten who moved in after him, sharing his toys, his food, and anything else they seemed to want. He played father and policeman to all of them, but always in a gentle and loving way. He was always up for a good conversation. At night, he’d sleep with a paw on my shoulder, or my hand, just to make sure we kept in touch. I don’t think there could be a better cat or a better friend. We will all miss him terribly, but I wouldn’t trade in the time we had with him for anything.

I would hope that anyone who is looking for a pet would consider adopting a shelter pet. I know I was afraid at first to go into a shelter. I remember asking my dad to go in ahead of me. But it was so worth it. There are sites like Petfinder, that can help you locate shelter animals in need of homes in your area. Even if you can’t adopt, I hope you will consider donating to a shelter or an animal charity. There are so many in need, especially in these times.

In other news, my mom is feeling a little better, but still unwell. It’s been an especially tough few days here. Here’s to better times ahead.

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Patients

We’ve been back and forth to the hospitals these past few days, the animal hospital and the people hospital. Mr. Laurence, our most senior kitty seems to have developed lymphosarcoma, a form of cancer. We are still waiting for another test result to come in, but all the other tests seem to be pointing to that.

He spent two days at the vets’ having IV fluids, and we visited him a couple of times a day. Everyone there was very nice, and Laurence is a very good patient. Visiting him seemed to cheer him up. I’ve learned that it is important to try to stay positive and calm around him. He seems to pick up on our emotions.

He’s at home now, resting, and we’re giving him subcutaneous fluids and medication here, to keep him as comfortable as possible. He is seventeen years old and he has always been, and is being such a good boy. We’ve been sitting outside with him, and keeping him company in the house.

He likes to sit in his little box next to the computer to keep an eye on me when he isn’t dozing off.

During this time, my mom has also been in and out of the hospital, first the ER, twice, and then overnight. We’re not quite sure what the cause is, a virus perhaps, but she is feeling unwell. She had lots of tests that all came back fine, and she came back home. We’ll be keeping an eye on both of our patients. I can’t post pictures of my mom’s past few days here, of course…she wouldn’t appreciate that! But, I hope Laurence doesn’t mind. He seems to feel better with her back home too.

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Butterfly bushes and baked goods

I took these photos of Painted Lady Butterflies on our butterfly bush a couple of years ago. The butterfly bushes aren’t in bloom quite yet, but…I finally planted the one I have had sitting in a pot by our chimney for as long as I’ve had these photos. I can’t believe it has survived this long in a pot, and I’m hopeful that it will continue to persevere.

We’ve had an overcast day, which is good for transplanting. Here’s hoping it takes off like the one in these photos. This one is enormous, and the butterflies, moths, and bees visit it all summer long.

I have some more gardening to tend to, that I have been putting off doing. I used to garden with a passion, but the hard clay in the North Carolina soil has put me off a bit. I’d love to get my iris beds divided too.

I’m trying to do the things I have been putting off, one at a time, including making progress on all things doll related.

I also made both banana oat muffins and soft pretzels today. Mm…salty pretzel goodness. I had a craving for soft pretzels while at the mall recently. I almost stopped for one, but I kept thinking, “I could just make those!” So, that became one more thing on my to-do list. It was well worth the effort.

While I was out, I also picked up a copy of Quilting Arts new special issue, Stitch, Creating with Fabric & Thread. The pretty pillow on the cover is “Tuesday Pillow” by Malka Dubrawsky. The instructions are included in the magazine.

What really made me purchase the issue though, were the cute stuffed toys, “Pretty Cat, Baby Bear and Mini-Mouse”, by Heidi Boyd. The patterns are in the foldout in the center of the magazine, and the instructions are in the back. They’d make adorable gifts.

I’ve got my own pile of toys to sew and doll dresses to make. So, I probably won’t be trying these out right away. I’m sure I’m more likely to get some new idea before then, to add to my list of things to do, but I thought perhaps some of you would enjoy making them! Enjoy your weekend!