Textures..and please vote for Smudge.

Here I am again....

Looking younger and cuter than ever.  

Ha!

My mom...Jill has entered me in a cutest pet contest at

Sunrise Appliance and T.V.

If you are on Face Book would like to vote on me, just click the link

find my picture and "like" me.  The contest runs until Feb. 29th. 

I personally hope that my photo wins, so that my mom can buy a new stove.  

I am not sure if it will help her cooking, but hey.....it might.

At the very least it may help me get more treats.  

Thanks for your support. 

Took a hike the other day and saw this beautiful sky!  

A cold front was blowing through and any time that happens we usually have 

lots of beautiful dramatic clouds. 

I think this is my favorite photo.  

Or maybe this one.  

Hard to pick a favorite.

So, so beautiful.

I am always searching for ideas when I am out in the woods.

Just look at the beautiful textures on this log.  

I am always amazed at how much texture and pattern you can find if you just look.

Very interesting ice crystals. 

Zippy is feeling pretty good this past week.

I took him to the vet about a week ago to have his teeth cleaned and 

some of his blood work was questionable. 

It seems he may be developing some kidney issues.  

I take him back on the 7th for further testing.   He is on a round

 of antibiotics until then.  My vet thought it could possibly be an infection in a 

tooth that is causing the problem.  Keep your fingers crossed for us. 

Not really sure what the yellow stuff is.  

Whatever it is....it was growing on a rock.

Great color and great texture.

Zippy pointing.

He has done this on his own since he was very small.

He flushed out three grouse last week and two the week before.

He has also pointed quail.  

I bet he is the first Bull Terrier to ever enjoy pointing.  Ha ha..

Another very interesting texture/shape.

Loved this tree. 

So many beautifully and....oddly shaped trees around here.

More ice crystals. 

This root really has intrigued me.  

I love the way it is growing over the rock and wraps around it.

This is a picture of my neighbor's barn that I am sure that everyone viewing 

this blog has seen a million times.

really like the curvy drive and the trees framing the barn.

I have passed this old manure spreader for years and never gave it a second look.

Until the other day.  

So many interesting textures and colors on here. 

Even the old worn out tires are interesting. 

The rust and the contrast of sharp pointed objects next to soft curves.

Make sure and look around....you never know what you will find that might inspire you.

At least you will have fun.  Take a quiet moment to explore your surroundings.  You may be surprised at what you see. 

Hope everyone has a great week and....

don't forget...

Vote for Smudge!  

The Book.

Hi!

This is going to be a long post...

First we will get the Concrete Faux Bois..or Faux Bois Concrete out of the way

and...

Then.....

we will go on to better things.

Meaning Me. 

This is a large concrete Faux Bois log planter.

Can you see the face?  

I usually hide a face or word on my work.  

Colse up of the "wood" texture.

The acid staining takes me almost as long as carving the texture.  

Pretty much like creating a watercolor painting, but on concrete.  

On this one, I had about 6 hours of carving time and about 4 more hours of staining.  

This has been one of the strangest winters.  

Very little snow and very warm.

We have been in the mid 40s all week and the snow that Smudge enjoyed last week is long gone.

Hey!!!

Hurry up..and get to the book!

Okay Smudge!!!

Here it is.

This is the book that I got for Christmas.

My sister made this book at Shutterfly.  

It tells the story of Smudge's first six months of life.

Hard to believe that she was small enough to fit into her food bowl.

Look at those cute feet.  

You should be able to click on the photos to read the captions.

My my...

how things have changed. 

Notice the chew marks on the chair under the book.

This is such a great gift idea!

I love this book.

The picture of Smudge sleeping with her tongue out 

is one of my all time favorites. 

She had a long day delivering giant pumpkins. 

Oh Smudge....

You were so cute!!!

What do you mean.....

You WERE so cute.

I am still cute!!!

Yes....

even though we have no furniture left to sit on..I guess that you are still cute. 

Zippy on the way to work on concrete.

He found a mouse in the field and searched for it until I made him stop.

I just can't bear the squeaking as they go down the hatch.  

Looking for a deer.  

Were is My book???

You are not as cute as I am Oracle...

Besides..you are too muddy to be in a book.

Nothing funnier than a bulldog running with ears flapping.  

Smudge in the golden light.

Looking for varmints.

Gus. 

Smudge enjoying her favorite outdoor activity.

Leaf watching.

Also a little stick chewing.

Until next time folks!