Dianna Cates Dunn » Blog

Tula!   Have you met Tula yet? She appeared magically (remember: art is magic!) in an abstract painting I was working on last month and has now made herself at home in my studio. As it turns out, she is a marvelous model and is full of ideas about what she wants 'said' in each painting. So far, I have learned that she is a woman of independent ideas and does not put up with whinging! (Well, shut my mouth!) And makes her desires known. Which means, I may be busy for quite a while painting portraits of her......or, at least, until she stops having (and being) so much fun!

    AND THIS CUTE GIRL is named Dory!  

She is part Sharpei and part Border Terrier. Her heart is made of pure gold and she put a smile on the face of everyone she meets. She is just a year old and had been found stray and held at our local shelter. Her owners never came to claim her and she stayed at the shelter for a good long time. Or should that be a 'bad' long time. Anyway, just before going on the 'put-down' list, All Breed Rescue and Training - a local no-kill  group who rescues, rehabilitates and finds forever homes for dogs- (www.haveanicedog.org)  saw Dory's true potential and laid claim to her. THIS is where I come in. I had just registered with ABRT as a "foster parent" and was  quickly paired with Dory to give her the TLC she deserved until a forever home is found. Gosh, if I can get my two old cats to adapt to her being here----they are both sulking under beds and have no inclination to deal with this new, energetic youngster who just wants to play----I just may be Dory's forever 'mom'.  HOWEVER, I will not rush anything and know that all things will work out the way they should. BUT, I did have to share this with you, as this is turning into such a rewarding experience!

I would love to hear about what is motivating your life and maybe even your art. Share with me, ok?

Out there, in the dark, our worries are made small....

Out there, in the dark, dreams take hold.....

Out there, in the dark, the faintest of light holds hope....

Out there, in the dark, dreams are made whole.

The short days and long nights of winter this northern latitude, have always been a time of reflection and reverence to who we are as a people and why we are here on earth.  Suddenly, we become aware of the importance of light simply because we, for a few months, are denied unlimited access to it. Hence, we are called by it's scarcity and its warmth. Most cultures, and almost all religions use symbols of light to exemplify their beliefs. Chanukah's candles light the darkness of the night....the ninth candle, the shamash or helper candle,  sits a bit lower than the other candles.The eight candles of the Jewish menorah traditionally should be placed in a straight, even line, but I have taken license with the candle arrangement. 

May this winter be one where your dreams make a light in the darkness!