Art Clokey’s Gumby and Pokey on tour at The Legend of Lizard Peak Sierra Tahoe Series Opener. © 2015, TheresaMaeFunk. All rights reserved.
Gumby and Pokey™ model for the first postcard ever created for the town of Sun Valley, Nevada. Sweeping views of the township located north of Reno as seen from the parking lot of a newly installed 27 hole disc golf course.
A Circus Circus Carrot sprouts from seed in the shade of a Russian Mammoth Sunflower.
Between obligations, I make time to nurture myself in our backyard sanctuary by spending time in the garden. Yesterday’s hours were spent extracting grass from the strawberry patch, transplanting tomatoes, decommissioning sweet peas, and pausing to appreciate the bright green hope of new growth in old dirt.
© 2015, Theresa Mae Funk. All rights reserved.
Stella will be four years old on Valentines Day, according to the date of birth that is listed on her Circle of Hope K-9 Rescue adoption papers. Bianca, (her former name) was one of five puppies that were left in a box near the Rescue’s kennels. At least whomever abandoned the baby dogs had the sense to leave them in a location where they knew they would be cared for.
How could I not give this dog a home?
Also noted on Stella’s adoption papers was her breed. Rat Terrier/Pomeranian mix. Pomeranian? Highly unlikely. She is an American Ninja Terrier through and through I thought, as I looked at the photos of the litter that had been sent to me. Adorable? Absolutely. Garden guard dog potential? Possible. Knick knack, paddy-whack, give the dog a home? Definitely. And so her journey from Milan, Tennessee to Middlebury, Vermont began.
Yoda?
I adopted Stella in March, but had to wait until June to receive her. The adoption fee includes spaying and neutering, first round immunizations, complete health assessments, and transportation fees. Once given a clean bill of health, the adopted begin their journey to their new home.
Stella and her litter mates share a crate for the journey.
1,200 miles later, Stella and her fellow travelers arrive safely to their destination in New Hampshire where they are released to their adoptive families, or foster home volunteers. It is an amazing network of compassionate people that willingly give of themselves to make these types of programs work.
A shy Stella and her human are united.
I’ll be making Stella a special batch of her favorite dog treats for her birthday next week, and will be making a donation to the Circle of Hope to express our gratitude and support. The little dog, I think, approves.
© 2015 Theresa Mae Funk. All rights reserved.
© Theresa Mae Funk, all rights reserved.
The morning sky reflected on the surface of Lake Jankyville was one of the first images that gave me a spark of inspiration today. (Lake Jankyville isn’t really a lake; it is the name we’ve given to the puddle that forms on the backyard patio after a heavy rainstorm.) As thankful as we are to be receiving days of consistent rainfall, it was nice to catch a glimpse of blue sky and clouds with silver lining.
Today’s second spark of creative inspiration is captured in this passing shot taken just outside my studio door.
Brilliant red and rain soaked petals of a Shasta Daisy glistening in mid-morning sunlight makes me realize how often I have missed the opportunity to appreciate its unique beauty. We would be wise to remind ourselves to make time to acknowledge our own unique gifts and the beauty that we are capable of sharing with the world if we will only allow ourselves to do so.
© 2014 Theresa Mae Funk. All rights reserved.
This morning’s garden berry harvest provided me the sweetest taste of summer’s joy.
I am grateful to be so easily cheered.
.
“Better than any argument is to rise at dawn and pick dew-wet red berries in a cup.” ~Wendell Berry
© 2014 Theresa Mae Funk. All rights reserved.
Stella works hard to keep the neighborhood vermin and feral cats away from our home and garden. She remains vigilant, even while sleeping.
©2014, Theresa Mae Funk. All rights reserved.
I paused between harvesting berries and thinning carrots this morning to admire the progress of this volunteer Sunflower’s growth. We plant the beauties along the fence line as a decorative heat deflecting measure and partial shade for our lettuce.
The errant seeds that germinate in random places in our yard are welcomed surprises.
© 2014 Theresa Funk, all rights reserved.
The American River is the subject for my ten piece Something To Write Home About art card series. Each card is its own certificate of authenticity, and has been painted with California rain water that I’ve collected this year.
Six of the ten cards already have designated addresses, and the other four will be sent to unsuspecting recipients as a Thank You note for their inspiration and continued support of my artistic endeavors.
© Theresa Funk, all rights reserved.
THERESA MAE FUNK 