Tag Archives: memories

A Memoir of Loving & Losing a Dog

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I’m celebrating the release of my dear friend DS LEVY’S latest book.
DS offers up her heart to all of us who have experienced the loss of a beloved pet. This book is a gorgeously written love letter to Charlie and to us.

“a nonfiction collection of flash essays about my dog Charlie. A tender story of pet loss, grief and the unbreakable bond between human and dog, My Buddy Charlie is a collection of short reflections on the life of a beloved dog—and the quiet devastation of losing him. Told in gentle vignettes, this memoir traces the everyday moments that make a dog unforgettable: the routines, the quirks, the companionship that becomes so woven into daily life you hardly notice it… until it’s gone. Charlie was more than a pet. He was a presence. A rhythm. A kind of steady love. And when that love disappeared, the silence the writer feels is unbearable. Through memory, photographs, and small, deeply personal moments, this book explores what it means to grieve a dog—not just in the immediate aftermath, but in the days and weeks that follow, when the world continues on as if nothing has changed. This is not a guide to “getting over” loss. It is a companion for those moving through it. For anyone who has ever loved a dog and had to say goodbye, you will recognize yourself here.”

Paperback and Kindle available on Amazon

making art

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why must I take art

art is not something you take
it is something you give

I can only draw stick figures

fire begins
with simple sticks

none of my sculptures look right

you’re in good company
now-put all your wrongs together

and make art

The words are a riff from a piece I wrote back in 2014.
The unfinished sculpture images shown above – my latest work
His name is Abraham GS Bardo (name inspired after the prolific author George Saunders)
When finished, Abraham will inhabit a cemetery with his dearest friend the raven.

Casino Limbo – Character No.3

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Sculpt no. 11 – Casino Limbo
Lola Lupone (named after the tragic showgirl of Copacabana fame, & Patti LuPone, whom I adored from the very first time I saw her perform, Evita, in 1979) is the third of four characters living in my latest sculpt, Casino Limbo. Lola Lupone, though stuck in Casino Limbo, doesn’t seem to care where she is. Her mind remains in love with itself, and her heart remains infatuated with her head.

(I plan to post each character individually before posting the full tableau – as they’re not full-view once positioned ’round the table.)

Little Boy, Big Towel

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Way back – when I used to take photo pics of my kiddies. If Max struck this same pose today, He’d need a much larger towel❤️
(I deep-dove into my older WP posts this morning. I’m going to re-post some. I so enjoy the merging of image & words)

Hope you’re all managing
am:)

Sharing a Vito Memory

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My dad’s birthday is July 12th, and he’s been on my mind-truthfully-the man is never not on my mind❤️

am:)

A Friday Hug for You

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Sometimes, a hug can brace us for tomorrow

hope you’re all managing okay
am:)

A Poetic Soul – A Poetic Angel

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Robert – who only months ago shared his stellar poetry through a powerful voice – is no longer here. His generosity and kindness – needed so desperately in this world – will never be forgotten❤️

Find his work here

Grieving Woman in Clay

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II did this sculpture at 17 years of age. It was the only one, of four sculptures, to return home without crumbling. Sadly, she did eventually break apart. I never gave her the fighting chance she’d deserved.

I wasn’t interested in school. It was difficult for me to take direction from anyone. I was one of those perpetual daydreamers. Perhaps, if I’d listened to my art teacher, my sculptures would’ve survived.

The image shown here I call Grieving Woman in Clay. She was about two feet long. To this day, her image remains in my studio. The loss of her long ago, is what prompted my return to clay 44 years later…


I hope you’re all managing with this weather.
am:)

Pining for Another Age of Un-Instant Gratification

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The television tucked behind sliding woody doors – like a Christmas surprise. Counting down the days till Rudolph would soar above our shag-carpeted family room. My sisters, brother and I waited. And when that bulb-nosed deer finally arrived, we watched him save cinematic Christmas. All of us resting our laurels on orange shag. Each of us smiling.

Every Christmas, I retell my children how today’s young lot miss a wonderful life. The escalating thrill, that building joy of patience – of waiting – waiting – and finally – experiencing the ALL of Christmas. There were no multiple viewing times, streaming services, faces staring at ass-pocket phones – we traveled together in one pocket of time. Playing outdoors, watching holiday shows, building snow people…

And yes, though sometimes not by choice, we’d have chosen it anyway. The uncanny warmth, the holiday magic bursting forward when we celebrated together.

Then at New Year’s, how we gathered again. Our home open to all relatives and friends. We watched the ball descend while ringing Uncle Jimmy’s silly noisemakers. We stayed up late. Everyone woke to pancakes and a new year of unknowns shrouded in mystery and love.

My childhood was the last generation of un-instant gratification. ‘Twas a glorious time indeed.

This little cat is my daughter’s beloved Clam. I sculpted him as a special Christmas gift. Clam was adopted months ago. This was his first Christmas with us. I’m happy to report that both Clam the Cat, and Mojo the Dachshund, are peacefully hanging out.

I do so hope you all are doing well.
And a happy, happy New Year to all!
am:)

Our Big Little Red Bug

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Herbie The Lovebug is a Volkswagen with blue and red pinstripes and the number 53 on his chassis. In his movies, Herbie never fails to rescue his owners whenever they need saving. They need saving a lot. Herbie once traveled to Monte Carlo for a race. He goes many other places too. Racing is his passion and he is creative at winning.

A few months ago, Dad brought home a Volkswagen. The little bug sits next to our Grand Squire wagon. But it never appears diminished. Our little red car has no pinstripes or racing number, still I know it is kind and clever. Whenever Dad drives it, he always smiles.

(Each week en route to the gym, I pass by this poor little Volkswagen. I finally remembered to take a picture before driving by. Always, when I see this little car, I travel back to the little car in my childhood driveway — the red bug who had the power of getting my ornery dad to smile.)

Happy weekend:)