The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze...

Normally at Van Cortlandt Manor, in the historic Hudson Valley of New York, you can experience the domestic life of a patriot family living in the years just after the American Revolution. In October, thoughts around here shift from blacksmithing, open-hearth cooking, spinning and weaving, to Jack O'Lanterns. Over 3000 hand carved Jack O'Lanterns transform the historic grounds at Van Cortlandt Manor into a lantern-lit, awe-inspiring night walk, rain or shine. Fear not the weather, as they offer lots of warm and delicious Autumn inspired goodies to warm your insides, like hot cocoa and cider, carmel apples and of course, pumpkin bread. Lots of pumpkin bread. Last week, I went to the Blaze with dear friends. Yesterday, we took my daughter and her fellow Girl Scouts early in the day as volunteer lighters. The photo above is the manor house before the magic of nightfall transforms the place into a Jack O'Lantern wonderland. Some of the pumpkins are simply cut into traditional faces, but the majority are intricate designs ranging from tropical fish to Celtic knots to flowers that seem to be growing right out of the historic garden beds. Go here for more information about this or their many other wonderful programs, including the upcoming "Legend Weekend" in Sleepy Hollow, where the Headless Horseman still rides. I have seen him with my own eyes :) -CS ^..^

Snow Corgis and The Blacksmith...

Happy Birthday Bailey!

Our sweet Bailey Braveheart By The Sea, CGC, Herding Instinct Certified. It is hard to believe she is 10 years old today! When I look in her eyes, I still see the same little puppy she once was. In her heart, she is, as well!

Corgi friends....

Question: What is better than friends stopping by to visit? Answer: Friends stopping by to visit with their Corgi! Here is Betony, owned and loved by Cindy Read and Nancy Boyd. Betony was so sweet to bring us the lovely mums, treats for her Corgi friends here, and the cutest little pumpkin. Bridget showed Betony her favorite little trail up toward the woods and a good time was had by all, human and Corgyn alike!

One Singular Corgi Sensation!

They never forget...

We attended our Corgi Club's (Mayflower) Fall Match yesterday in Connecticut. The skies opened at the crack of dawn and poured buckets of rain on human and Corgyn alike. Thank goodness for the huge gazebo that provided shelter for us all. In spite of being soaked to the skin and muddy Corgis, we all had a nice day. An added bonus to the puppy match was the 'Best Fluffy' contest and the Parade of Champions, Veterans and Titleholders. I entered my best friend, Indy, into the Champion Veterans. He hasn't been shown in years, but it is amazing how putting on his little show collar transformed him back into a little show dog...muddy paws and all. Of course, once the collar came off, he immediately had both paws on the picnic table and tried to steal someone's dessert. He wanted me to take this picture of him wearing his commemorative rosette. He is handsome, is he not? ^..^ CS

Corgis running with the pack....

Goodbye, Crocodile Hunter...

We all watched the beautiful memorial service for Steve Irwin last night. Our hearts are broken. The animals have truly lost a friend. Our sincerest condolences to Terri, Bindi, Robert and his entire family and friends.

2007 Corgi Calendars are here!

A year of joyful Corginess! Click on the CafePress icon to the left or go to www.cafepress.com/christmascorgi
Have a happy day! -CS ^..^

Calvin the Super Corgi....

Greetings, Corgi friends! I just had to share this photo, taken this weekend, of my friend Diane Polito's Corgi, Janry's Calvin Klein, MX, MXJ, MJP, AJP, CGC, PHC, NAC-V, NJC-V; better known as "Calvin." Just look at those awards!
As Diane's "Novice A" dog, Calvin was halfway to his Agility Championship (MACH) before he became deathly ill in 2003 from Ehlrichia equi, a disease carried by ticks. He survived, and has been battling it for almost three years now. He can no longer use his hind end to walk but gets around very well in his special doggy cart. Check him out in his doggy cart on his home page http://www.njcorgis.com/Calvin.html Having dealt with this horrific disease with one of my own Corgis, I encourage you to learn all you can about it, diagnosing it, preventing it and treating it. Diane has links to some good info through Calvin's page.

Bridget and her new baby...

"What ring are we in?"

Now on Ebay...

Puppy Breath....

Is there anything as wonderful as baby Corgi puppy breath? Check out that 'milk mustache'!! We've been busy busy busy here. I don't recommend moving and expecting a Corgi litter at the same time. Sometimes things just work out that way though, do they not? We recently moved during the hottest and most humid days of the year. Ugh! In the midst of the moving mayhem, I am feeling a bit overwhelmed, but in a good way. I am so blessed with the best friends in the world. I didn't ask for help, but there they all were, with boxes and wrapping paper and tape and empty vehicles and cleaning supplies and goodies and lots of love. Everyone worked so hard. Packing, cleaning, moving, thinking for me when I couldn't think straight any more. I am so very truly blessed and thankful. It is hard to find the words to say what is in my heart. -CS ^..^

Long Downs...

Now on Ebay...

Happy 4th of July!

Corgi Folk Art Sculpture...

I am always drawn to those vintage Halloween papier mache candy buckets with the funny eyes and mouths. I've seen Jack O'Lanterns (or as Tasha Tudor might say, 'pumpkin moonshines') or black cats made from papier mache. I wanted to see if I could translate my signature Corgis into sculptured figurines using some of those techniques and materials. This piece is a one of a kind Original sculpture. The Corgi has been hand sculpted; from his little wire and wood armature to his dashing blue tie. I call this piece "The Commuter." Every component you see on the stained solid wood base has been completely formed using recycled paper, fine ground papier clay, and, as always, the very best archival quality acrylic paints and varnishes.
I am pleased with how it turned out, and I hope you will like it, too!

Midway Corgis!

This piece was created especially for the Mayflower Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club's Annual Specialty to be raffled at the Friday evening banquet. Uh oh...do you see what I see? Tibby Chase's Corgi Luke decided to have a seat at one of the tables before the banquet was set up. Isn't he adorable?

Rally O-No!!!!!

Now on Ebay...

"All Cooped Up"

Now on Ebay....

Greetings to all of my Corgi art loving friends! Do you realize that we are a month away from the first day of Summer? I must confess that Summer is not my favorite season. I don't care too much for the humidity. I prefer Spring, Fall and Winter. Be that as it may, the cool thing about June 21st, the Summer Solstice, is that it has the longest amount of daylight hours of any day in the year, something appreciated by artists everywhere. Remember to tie your Corgis down on Midsummer's Eve, as it is a well known fact that the magical wee beasties can fly on this night. Be especially watchful of performance Corgis. They can be so fast that you may not even realize they have had a little adventure. Some of the younger ones may not be aware of their special powers yet, but if you find your older ones particularly tired the next morning and not wanting to leave the foot of your bed, you can bet they were out flying amidst their Corgi and faerie friends. Don't be too concerned about these night flights for your older Corgis. Beneath the greying fur on that face you know so well resides wisdom for the ages. You can see it in their eyes. They know what they are doing. They must fly in order to pass on the Corgi wisdom to the younger Corgis.

My latest painting is inspired by Ancient Egypt. My daughter is fascinated by everything from that time period. The things they were able to accomplish without technology as we know it today, amazes me. On the subject of 'daylight hours'....I know they used a sundial to tell time during the day. Did you know that they also used a water clock to tell time during the evening hours? Pretty cool. I have a feeling that Corgis would have used it for a drinking fountain, however, and everyone would be late for work the next morning!

Now on Ebay....Click the Ebay icon to the left to see! -CS ^..^

Happy Mother's Day!

My dear friend, Stephanie sent this to me. I don't know who the author is, but I thought I'd share it. Happy Mother's Day, everyone! -CS ^..^ WHEN YOU THOUGHT I WASN'T LOOKING (Written by a former child) "When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you feed a stray cat, and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals. When you thought I wasn't looking , I saw you make my favorite cake for me and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life. When you thought I wasn't looking, I heard you say a prayer, and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick, and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it and I learned we have to take care of what we are given. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities, even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry. When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared and I wanted to be everything that I could be. When you thought I wasn't looking, I learned most of life's lessons that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up. When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking." (photo of Tasha and pups by Mary Elizabeth Simpson)

London calling.....

Greetings, Corgi friends! Here is a photo of one of the decorations that I made for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of the Garden State's Specialty Show. It was held last week and a good time was had by all. Could that be the Queen on the phone guarded by her Corgi security team? This phone booth is about 7 ft. x 4 ft. in dimension. Mary Elizabeth Simpson and my husband John helped with the painting and construction. Look at the handsome Corgi waiting to use the phone. He is Calista's Paint It Black, "Alfie," bred by Gaye Georges. He is such a sweetheart. I overheard Alfie and Bridget chatting....they thought doing Corgi security at the Palace might indeed be a sweet gig..... ^..^-CS

Something Fishy....

Now on Ebay....

Just Peachy!

This piece was created for the Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club of Greater Atlanta in Georgia to be raffled at their Specialty Show on April 16th. It is 9" x 12" acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas. -CS ^..^

Bridget and Joan

Just got this photo of our pretty pretty princess, "Bridget"(B.I.S.S. CH. Heronsway Two For The Show) and the amazing Joan Scott, who once again handled her to perfection to a special Best of Breed win at the AKC/Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show in January. I remember having to find a new pediatrician for my daughter when she was a baby. She had a very bad flu and I was worried. I was especially worried because I didn't know this new young doctor (who didn't look old enough to BE at doctor!) from a hole in the wall. He examined her, and afterward was holding her as I went around the corner of the office to get her coat. When he didn't think I was looking, I saw him holding her close to comfort her weak little body and kiss her on the forehead. I knew he cared and I had made the right decision. Sometimes I wonder if people who see the 'glamorous' part of showing dogs, whether a perfect picture in a newsletter or in a special show on TV realize not only the amount of hard work and conditioning that goes on behind the scenes, but the love that makes that happen. I wonder if they know how much the owners and breeders worry about and love their dogs. I remember once going to a very large and crowded show and looking for Joan and Bridget. No one was around the grooming area. Joan didn't know I was there. As I approached I noticed that Joan was chatting with Bridget and had kissed her on her head before she put her in the crate in order to show another dog. I knew Bridget was in very good hands. ^..^

Start Your Engines!

His need for speed began to consume every fiber of his being. Soon, even flying around the agility course was not good enough. One Sunday afternoon, he found the remote and switched the channel from Animal Planet to NASCAR. Now, he's a racing fool. He also discovered an added bonus....the car's a chick magnet. Now, he's working on his ROMX.

Keeping up appearances?

While I believe that all moms are working moms, I often wonder how so many working moms always manage to look so 'put together.' I really tried to start the day off well. I woke up, fed the wee beasties, threw a really good chicken and artichoke recipe into the crockpot. After a day of homeschooling my brilliant daughter and painting; I decided to bathe a Corgi. The combination of my frizzy hair and the humidity from the tub equals bigger, frizzier, wicked hair. I headed to the post office to mail a painting and while standing in line, I notice that people are staring and slightly backing away. This is not the first time this has happened. My fears were realized upon returning home and finally having a chance to actually look in a mirror. The combination of the blue paint on my face, big hair and tartan scarf made me look like Mel Gibson could have cast me in Braveheart. I think I need to stop freaking out the good people of Harrison. -Cathy ^..^

Click the Ebay icon to the left when you are done browsing my blog to see my lastest Pembroke Welsh Corgi Original paintings on Ebay!

Corgis in the Snow and Sun!

The wacky weather here has inspired both of these recent paintings. Although we don't have palm trees here in New York, couldn't you just picture a bunch of Corgis just taking over the beach? Have fun scrolling through all the pics and blog archives! When you are done, click the Ebay icon in the sidebar to the left to see what Corgi paintings I have on Ebay right now!

On the boardwalk......

........I can't believe it is snowing again. One warm day last week, when the last storm's snow melted, we took a walk on the boardwalk. Playland in Rye, NY is one of my favorite places. It is an historic amusement park here on Long Island Sound, with original Art Deco architecture from the 1930's. These pics were taken on the boardwalk, but there is an entire really pretty amusement park with rides there as well. 3 of my favorite rides are the Dragon Coaster, which is one of the last original wooden roller coasters in the United States, the Derby Racers and the Carousel. The last two have beautiful original wooden carved and handpainted horses. Does the boardwalk look familiar to you? Movies are occasionally filmed here. If you are a Tom Hanks fan, you may recognize the boardwalk from the movie "Big" where 'Zoltar' the fortune teller made his wish come true.





What is Bridget looking at? I wonder if she is making a wish?....






Happiness is.....

Bridget is stunned!

She can't believe she went from showing at Westminster to doing Peep Shows :)

Westminster!

There is nothing like being at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Here are some photos from the show on Valentine's Day, 2/14/06 during the Corgi judging and in the benching area. Westminster is a benched dog show. Benching means that all the dogs that are entered must stay in their little benching area until a specific time. This gives everyone who visits the dog show an opportunity to get up close and personal with all of the Champion dogs. It is an exhausting day for the exhibitors but so worth the effort. Bridget loved getting her picture taken all day long and meeting all of the children especially. She flirted with anyone who had popcorn and succeeded quite often in getting some.

The 'green carpet' is a wee bit more crowded during the day at breed judging than you see on TV in the evening during Groups!


Bridget having her photo taken after receiving her Award of Merit!



Sleeping Beauty in Cathy's arms...
Bridget going around the ring with Joan Scott


Bridget will do anything for a cookie...

Blizzard....

Greetings to all of my Corgi loving friends! It is Saturday evening. They say there is a blizzard on the way. We went to church tonight and the priest asked the people in the back to start waving at him when the snow starts to come down so he could make sure everyone got home safely. The local radio station said that Valentine dances and high school plays are being postponed.

Every one around here has pretty much cleared the grocery stores of all the milk and bread, shovels and ice-melt. My husband said it is more fun to be snowed in with beer and chips and wonders why they aren't the first things to disappear! :) My daughter won't mind being snowed in as long as she has internet access. My son...hmmm...probably would like to be snowed in with his girlfriend. I always feel like I want to bake something when it snows. I wonder why that is? I think the Corgis can smell when it is going to snow. They have a look of anticipation in their eyes. I put towels near the front door to catch the snow from our boots. The Corgis are sleeping on them. I'm sure they can't wait.

Well, time to hunker down and watch the Olympics!

-Cathy ^..^