Prescott AZ Kennel Club, Sept. 18-19, 2010

Had a phenomenal weekend at the Prescott Arizona Kennel Club in September.    On Saturday, I finished Impi's championship from the Bred-by-Exhibitor class, going Winners Bitch, Best of Winners and Best of Opposite Sex over a Specials bitch for a 3 point major.  Impi is out of Ch. Mickywin's Mainio Skandia and Ch. Skandia Pikku Sirkka.  She was just a few days shy of 18 months old at these shows.  The judge was David Krogh.

Impi

Because there was some confusion about whether or not a bitch entered the previous day would be disqualified due to being entered in the wrong class, I did not move Impi up to Best of Breed competition.  She went Winners Bitch and Best of Winners again on Sunday.

Impi

After that, the weekend went from great to fantastic.  My boy, Ch. Mickywin's Mainio Skandia, won Best of Breed under judge Lewis Bayne.  He faced some very serious competition, but was up to the challenge.

Mainio

 And then, the incredibly magical moment happened.  Mainio won a Group 3 under esteemed judge Fred Bassett, handled by yours truly.  I am so proud of my boy!  And eternally grateful for the fortuitious set of  circumstances that led him to me.  He is a Special boy, indeed!

Mainio

Finn in the Sun meets BIG water.

This summer I traveled to Michigan with my Finnish Spitz, Ch. Mickywin's Mainio Skandia, better known as "Mano".  We spent a wonderful week at a charming cabin on the shore of Lake Superior in Marquette, MI.  And Mano discovered water.  BIG water.  We went down to the shore on our first day there, and he cautiously padded into the shallows, stuck his nose down for a drink, and was promptly slapped in the face by a very rude wave.  Much offended, he refused to go near the water again that day.  I took him back for what became our daily morning walks along the beach the next morning.  The lake was much calmer, and after considerable coaxing, I finally convinced him to try the water again.  He tentatively walked in, got a delicious freshwater drink, and started padding through the water's edge.  Suddenly, his keen senses picked up something -- I never did find out if it was gnats or fish, but he started hunting.  Deeper and deeper he splashed, leaping gleefully through the gentle waves and periodically sticking his muzzle into the water for a quick look or a drink.  The sun glinted off his golden coat, and diamond drops of water sparkled in the light as he dashed through the deep blue waters of the lake.  It was a magical time for both of us.  After that, he eagerly anticipated our morning strolls, and so did I.  There is nothing more glorious than a Finn in the Sun!

 



In Memory of Mary

Mary and her beloved "Tunes"

 Angels exist, but sometimes, since they don't all have wings, we call them FRIENDS.

This page is in honor of my beloved friend, Mary Santos.  I am forever grateful for her encouragement, inspiration and generosity.  Mary helped me through some of the hardest times of my life, and I hope I was able to return even a fraction of the support and kindness she gave to me.  



Mary helping me stack my Finnish Spitz, "Mikey"


Mary's love of all animals, most especially her beloved Dals, Ridgebacks and Poodles, was well known.  This quote by Cheryl Zuccaro says it all:  "It came to me that every time I lose a dog they take a piece of my heart with them. And every new dog who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be dog, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."

Mary's heart was all dog.




Mary's painting "Castle Under Siege"



Mary's painting "San Pedro Gold"


Mary was the consummate teacher.  Both students and colleagues were recipients of her essential kindness, attention to detail, and intuitive knowledge of what was needed in any given situation.  She fought for what was right, not just what might be expedient.  She cared, and everyone whose life she touched felt the warmth of her caring.


Mary's explosion into the world of art was actually the well-thought-out and well-planned execution of a talent and love for art that had woven itself throughout her life.  I am honored to have two of her paintings, as well as several sketches she did of my dogs.  She had the eye to see to the heart of the matter -- not only its essence, but the humor and comedic implications inherent in every situation.  More than her own art, though, was her desire and ability to share her joy with others while teaching them the skills needed to create their own visions.


She said it best herself:

"Drawing is my Heart's Rhythm, the Tune: Design,the Pattern of my Soul's Dance, Steeped in evocative Color yet Painted with Joy and Peace."..................................santos

You can check out some of her other paintings at http://www.santosartist.com/

Fresh Virgin (or, Olive You!)

      

Had a very nice day today.  Drove out to Chandler to visit with friends Candy and Jim.  Candy gave me the grand tour of their lovely new home,  and then we went to Queen Creek Olive Mill at the base of the San Tan Mountains.  We ate lunch at their bistro cafe, which features fresh foods and home-grown produce.  I had a half turkey sandwich accompanied by a great spinach salad and a tasty little glass of almond champagne.  Then I bought some great olive oils, olives, and a delicious little peach camponatina as gifts to take to family in Michigan this year.  After a quick stop at My Sister's Closet, we returned to meet with Jim, who was eager to show me his new little Border Terrier pup, Martha.  She is a very nice little bitch -- well proportioned with lovely dark eyes and a lovely coat.  He's going to have fun with her in the ring!

A belated Mother's Day to cherish!

My beloved son and daughter-in-law took me and her father out to dinner at Claim Jumper today, and then to see the new Karate Kid movie.  I loved the movie -- I think it's even better than the original.  Jaden Smith shows every promise of meeting and perhaps even exceeding his dad's talent, and the scenery of China was breathtaking.

This was a belated Mother's Day outing, topped off by a gorgeous red and white lighthouse to add to my collection, and a lovely "A Mom is a forever friend" silver necklace that totally tugged at my heartstrings.

What a wonderful day!

Update on aerobics

The pool at LA Fitness was open for business this week, and I decided that, while the deep water work on Mondays was not my favorite, I would try the other days and see how it went.  Tuesday went well -- I got a pretty good workout, and saw some familiar faces.  I really liked Nina, the instructor on Wednesday.  She kept me smiling, and got my heart rate going.  Thursday was the same instructor who does the deep water on Monday, and I had a hard time following her.  For some reason, I get confused as she adds and subtracts arm or leg movements, and end up wallowing around like a stunned octopus.  Friday was another great workout with a good instructor.  I think that next week I'll do the water aerobics on Tues., Wed. & Fri., and I'll try some new stuff the other days.  I've got my eye on the Mat Pilates or Step Plus Abs -- they look pretty interesting.

My art lessons continue . . .

Yesterday I trekked back to Sun City for another lesson from my artist friend, Mary Santos -- this time in drawing.  She's an amazing teacher, but I had serious doubts concerning my aptitude as an aspiring art student.  I was happily surprised to discover that, with Mary's excellent coaching, I actually produced . . . well, you can be the judge of the quality of my efforts, but I will say that I was sufficiently satisfied to have signed up for another lesson next Saturday.  It is so much fun to have the time to try new and different things, and explore areas that I have, in the past, only been able to appreciate from the sidelines.  Who knew retirement would be not an end, but a new beginning! 

The sphere above was my first attempt, and I played with it later on trying to turn it into an orange.  The drawings below are my apples -- the first a pencil sketch, and the second a water color.