Corgis by candlelight...

Oh my goodness did we ever have a storm here over the weekend! John and I decided to take a ride into town to pick up a few things at the grocery store. When we were done, we stopped to get a little Chinese and Japanese take out (yes, both!) Suddenly on our way home it was like the scene from the Wizard of Oz. I was expecting Miss Gulch to fly by on her bicycle with one of my Corgis in her basket. Tree branches and things were flying everywhere. We were almost home, half way down our street when we saw a police car and a bunch of flares on the ground. A huge tree had fallen, completely blocking the street and taking the power lines with it. We had to take a back way home. Luckily, we had a flashlight and some candles near the front door (it was pitch black inside and out!) Mary Elizabeth had given me a couple of these really awesome stay-cool plastic battery powered light bulbs one year with a Christmas gift. They surely came in handy! -CS ^..^

The nose knows....

Two things are inevitable when one goes to a dog show: Shopping, and coming home to wash dog towels. Sue King turned us on to these made-in-the-USA rawhide retriever sticks from http://www.whitedogbone.com/ We usually order them online but whenever they are at a dog show we pick them up while we are there. The Corgis love them. We take them away when they get too small or gummy to avoid any problems. Amy (a.k.a. The Lord High Investigator) has discovered them on the table and has informed the others of her find. The crazed look on their faces says it all...

Happy Monday, everyone! -CS ^..^

Uh....what?

One has to be prepared when Mary Elizabeth utters words like, "come over, I want to show you something," or "want to take a ride with me?" For example, who knew you could fit a miniature horse in the back of a mini van? I always tell Mary Elizabeth she is like Snow White...all of the animals just love her. I believe they can sense how much she truly loves them and what a gentle spirit she has. ANYWAY, as her friend I should probably try harder to prevent her from adding another beastie to the menagerie. But really, who could resist this little face? Her first mistake was walking into the animal shelter just 'to see.' Anyway, this little rat terrier puppy or whatever she is now lives at Mary Elizabeth's. She has a purple sweater; a new soft fleecy bed and toys and her name is Brazen. I have a feeling you will see this little one in agility before long! -CS ^..^

The Birthday Girls and New Original Corgi Art!

New mixed media miniature Original painting in a lovely silvery frame. Click here to see art auction, but do check out the birthday girls below before you go! -CS ^..^

Sold! (painting away.....)

Sunday

Today is Stella and Amy's 1st birthday! We plan on having a little celebration after dinner and before watching the Oscars :) Right now I have a pan of chicken parmesan in the oven and a pot of water boiling on the stove for some angel hair to go with it. The Corgis have all had their dinner, but their little noses are still working overtime as they pass in front of the stove. Such little chow-hounds, aren't they? -CS ^..^

Madame Fifi's...

New Original Corgi Art, now on Ebay! Click here dahling...
(sold! sorry, more in the works!)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Have a lovely day, everyone!-CS ^..^

Annie & Tina

We are so excited for Annie Baker whose lovely black headed tri Corgi, "Tina" won Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show this morning under breeder judge Andy Carter. Tina is Ch. Merthyr I Thought So Too. Congratulations to Annie and to Tina's breeder Lesley Chalmers. We are so happy for you, Annie! Whoo hooo! Congratulations also to Nancy Boyd, who won a Maxwell award last evening at the Dog Writers Association banquet for her Corgi Cryer article "Pembrokes In Other Lands." We are so happy for you, Nancy! Whoo hooo again!-CS ^..^

Puppy Pics

It has been a while since we took a few stacking poses of the girls. Mary Elizabeth and I took a few Corgis to a local OFA hip/Cerf Eye clinic early this morning (yawn!) that was sponsored by a Golden Retriever Club. We were the only Corgis there. By the time we got back to my house, the morning snow had melted and the sun was mostly out so what do 2 Corgi maniacs do? Go inside and get warm? Of course not, we take pictures! Out came the table, the camera and some chicken. Well, the girls were somewhat cooperative but they really wanted to play instead. The clouds made some shadows, but we were too cold to move to another spot! Have a lovely Sunday!
-CS ^..^

Let's Have Tea!

I have friends who are coffee drinkers, and friends who are tea drinkers. We enjoy both here in the Santarsiero household. For some reason every day around mid-afternoon we always reach for the tea. Sure, there are some great teabags out there; but for some reason it justs tastes better when we brew the loose-leaf tea. Now before you go ahead and think that we are sitting here with our pinkies up; I will tell you that tea time around here every day is pretty informal. Most of the time I have to make sure I am dipping my juicy paintbrush into my water glass rather than into my tea/coffee cup (come on, I know you other artists out there have dunked into your drink a time or two!) I picked up this little box of 'scone mix' from Williams-Sonoma at Christmas time. They were pretty good, actually. Of course the strawberry preserves and clotted cream didn't hurt either. My daughter and I are very fond of these personal sized 'bee house' teapots. They have a mesh insert where you put your tea and then you simply pour in boiling water from the kettle, brew for 3 minutes or so and voila! Aren't those little tea cozies darling? They are made by Susan at one of my very favorite haunts in Connecticut. http://www.tpartyantiques.com/ She uses vintage fabrics and antique buttons and they are just the perfect size for these little pots. Actually, it was Susan who gave me the idea for my 100th post blog giveaway...I was the winner on her blog! Oh, you'll find me on their blog somewhere, they wouldn't let me leave without a photo! (We bloggers are obsessive about photos!) I am becoming addicted to 'Susan's Blend' tea. Completely delicious. Well, better head off before a Corgi eats the scones! -CS ^..^

NEW YORK GIANTS!

Giants vs. Packers, Eddie Murphy knew it........

Whooo hoooo!

ALL HAIL THE NEW YORK GIANTS!!!

Corgi Kisses...

New Original Art now on Ebay! Click the eBay icon here! Have a happy day. -CS ^..^

Let's get physical...

What does physical therapy for a Corgi look like? Here is Miss Betony, owned and loved by our friends Cindy Read and Nancy Boyd. Betony's physical therapist is Linda McMahon. Cindy says, "Betony loves swim therapy and it’s helping to build her muscles and strength without stressing her joints. Almost better than the swimming, though, is getting to “bite water” with the spray hose afterwards, when Linda rinses the pool water off her. Photo #1 shows her on a kind of inflatable flying saucer—balancing on it and being moved around also helps build coordination and strength. Pretty amazing!" It is amazing! Go Betony Go! -CS ^..^

Snow Above, Corgis Below....

We woke up to a bit of snow this morning...

hmmm...the snow smells good...let's taste it!

Happy Monday! -CS ^..^

The good, the bad, and the ugly...

About 3 days ago I noticed one of our Corgis, Amy was having a little trouble walking. Her rear seemed a bit weak to me. As the day progressed, I noticed that she was coming up lame on her left front paw. In true Corgi style, however, she did not lose her appetite. Amy is a regular jumping bean, so I wondered if she had perhaps hurt herself flying (not a misprint, she believes she can fly) over something outside. Actually, I was hoping it was something like that rather than a tick-borne disease. In spite of using tick prevention, we still have wicked ticks here and we do obsessive tick checks. I brought her to the vet. Her blood test came back positive for Lyme Disease. Sigh. Sigh again. I really despise ticks. Just one day on the medication and I see an improvement and I am thankful that we caught it early. We are researching getting some guinea fowl. I understand they really eat up the ticks and mosquitoes. Anyone out there have any luck with these birds? They look like miniature buzzards to me. Cute in a weird sort of way...


Be right back, I'm brewing a pot of tea....

OK, I'm back.

My daughter just turned on the shower. After a minute or two in the steamy room, she called me in, "uh...Mom...?" "Yes?" "did you write this?" "Write what?" My husband left me a 'secret' message on the bathroom mirror this morning. J.S. + C.S. in a heart. Believe me, after almost 25 years of marriage, we've been through it all. The good, the bad and the ugly. I guess what keeps it going is more good than bad and ugly :) I love you, Johnny.



Wishing you all a weekend filled with happy surprises and all good things! -CS ^..^

More Sunshine!

Here are a few more items that I did for the Sunshine Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club Specialty. The small beach painting was for the Best of Breed winner, the painted dog brushes were for other special winners. The large painting in the back was for their raffle. Their theme was 'The Fruit of Friendship is a Warm Welcome," hence the pineapple motif. The pineapple is a lovely symbol of hospitality. -CS ^..^

One Cool Cupid Corgi...

New Original mini painting! Now on eBay!

Happy 10th Birthday!

Where does the time go? Happy 10th Birthday to our Indy (CH. Windcrest Zip'N Indiana Jones) and Hannah Banana (Windcrest Zip'N Rave Review, CD, AX, AXJ, NAC, NJC, CGC, RN) Mary Elizabeth and I love you with all our hearts. -CS ^..^

Corgis in the snow...

Amy and Stella (de-squeaker-fying the toy) before the rain washed most of the snow away. Why do I have a feeling that the next blog entry title may be "Corgis in the mud?"...
CS ^..^

Merry Christmas!

"And there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were sore afraid. Then the angel said to them, "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign unto you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!" Luke 2:8-14

...While Visions Of Sugarplums Danced In Their Heads...

Santa and Corgi Eggs...

This little group was among the last of my Santa and Corgi egg orders to go for this year. I love to line them all up and see how they look together. Even after painting them all these years, they still make me smile. Have a happy day! -CS ^..^

Merry Hiss-mas??

OK now, before I get flames from anyone about this hissing kitty, please know that this is my son's best friend, Nick (appropriately named, is he not?) and Nick's much loved cat. I assure you, no animal was harmed in the making of this photo. Notice kitty's 'naughty' stocking in the background. Enough said. Maybe this is not the cute and cuddly outcome they expected when taking this photo, but I think there is some Christmas inspiration to be found behind the cat having a 'hissy-fit.' Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that Someone up there cares enough about us to love us even when we get a little 'hissy' and even when we are not at our best. Are you enjoying this Christmas season? I hope so. If you are stressed (you're not? all of your shopping must be done!) may I suggest taking a few moments throughout the day and try to remember the real meaning of Christmas. Have a cup of tea and give thanks that you live in the greatest country in the world; that you have a roof over your head and food on the table. Give thanks for the people and joys in your life (Corgis included!) Let's all remember to pray for all of our troops who are away from their own families right now in order to protect our precious freedoms and allow us to do silly things like write blogs, go to the mall, spend sunny days (and sometimes rainy ones!) at dog shows, take Santa photos with our pets, and sleep peacefully each night. God bless them. In the midst of the lights and the shopping and the baking and the decorating and the caroling, don't forget the Birthday Boy. Remember who this joyful celebration is for and I'll bet the things left to do on your 'list' just may transform from stress-filled chores into cheerful preparations. It all started with one very special Baby. Speaking of special babies, here is John with our Grandson, Liam. He is probably wondering if he will inherit Grandpa's whiskers. God bless us, everyone! -CS ^..^

Sunshine!

"Why is this little Corgi holding a pineapple" you ask? He told me that he would like you to follow in his little pawprints down to Florida! On January 3rd, 2008, the Sunshine Pembroke Welsh Corgi Club is having their Annual Specialty Show. The Show Chair is Lesley Hammar. Lesley has been working harder than Santa's elves on lots of wonderful details all year in order to welcome everyone to a fantastic show. I am thrilled to be a small part of it. Lesley asked me to do a painting for their raffle reflecting her theme of friendship and hospitality. Here it is! (below) The green border is not on the actual painting, but on the wonderful tee shirts that are ready to go home with Corgi lovers at the show. The actual painting is on an 8" x 10" gallery wrapped canvas. There are Corgis painted on the sides in my signature style. There are really fun dog brushes and other items for trophies which I have painted as well as a 5" x 5" original for Best Of Breed. I don't want to spoil the surprise for the winners so I will wait to post pictures of them until after the show. There is also a wonderful quilt made by Judy West, in the raffle. If you would like a chance (or two or three!) to own this Original painting or the lovely quilt while supporting the Sunshine Pembroke Welsh Corgis and their wonderful club, information is posted below! Winning an Original painting would be a Corgi-riffic way to start the New Year! -CS ^..^

http://www.sunshinepwcc.com/(click on 'events' on the Sunshine site for their premium list and to see the raffle flyer!)
Raffle Items:

~Original 8 x 10 painting by Cathy Santarsiero "The Fruit Of Friendship Begins With a Warm Welcome"

~Breed motif Handmade quilt by Sunshine member Judy West
Tickets:
3 for $10.00 or 7 for $20.00
Make check payable to SPWCC and mail to:
Maggi Payne
13340 Queen Palm Run
North Ft. Myers, FL 33903
Or contact at (239) 995-0312
separatestar1@comcast.net

Joy Joy Joy!

When Annie Baker sent me this wonderful photo of her adorable 4 month old Corgi "Cooper"she took this morning, I simply had to share it with you! Cooper is "Heartwood Matinee Idol" (CH. Sandfox Orion of Redbrook x Mar-wil Rosher Five Star Chili.) Isn't he just darling?

Here's Amy (Reinwood Show And Tell) outside last evening investigating the snow. "Surely" she thought, "this white cold sparkly stuff was put here just for me!" She was a tiny pup in the whelping box last February when we had snow, so this is really the first snow she can play in!


Here's a peek into another of my Christmas shelves. Don't you just love those old bottle brush trees? This one has more of a woodsy theme. An old flocked deer, some trees my uncle cut from pine wood for me and I painted with crackly green paint years ago, a treasured dove from a dear friend, the cut wool owl and felted Corgi I made with my friend LaVonne's wonderful Montana wool after our visit to see Tasha Tudor's garden this summer. More wonderful memories. Click on photos to enlarge them if you like. Can you spot the hidden Corgis? -CS ^..^

Little Christmas Treasures

I love Christmas decorations. We don't have the room to actually display all of our decorations at the same time. I rotate the ones I will display every year and I rarely decorate the same way twice. Many of the decorations themselves, however, are cherished vintage decorations that belonged to my grandmother. Some are scratched up or missing tops. It doesn't matter to me. I think it adds to their charm. I love to mix the new and the old. I took this photo of one of the decorated shelves ( I will share more decorations with you as the days go by) in black and white, just to see how it looked in that vintage light. Pretty cool, right? You can click on the photos to enlarge them if you like. Some of my favorite things are on this shelf. The little blue elf was given to me by my Brownie Girl Scout leader. That little Santa pin with the holly leaves I've had since then as well. Pulling its bell would make the nose light up. I wonder if it still works? The whiskers on the elf and the Santa have both since rubbed off, but they are still beautiful in my eyes. They hold cherished memories for me. Here's a photo of the same kitschy little shelf in color. What else can I tell you about it? Well, those little stockings in the corner belonged to cherished pets. The angel with the styrofoam ball head was made by my daughter when she was 4 (where does the time go?) that little box of ornament hangers is not a mistake. I've kept it all of these years because it was in the box of my grandma's stuff. It is from Woolworth's and this particular box cost .23cents :) ! I miss Woolworths. ( Sigh.)The photo in the center is of Jimmy Stewart and Karolyn Grimes as George and Zuzu Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life. It is my favorite movie. It is my husband's as well. This is the scene where George takes Zuzu's petals and puts them in his pocket. Karolyn Grimes signed this photo for us a couple of years ago. She is a wonderful lady. It is snowing here today. A lot. There is a fire in the wood stove. The Corgis are all fast asleep. My laundry is done. We have a bowl full of Hershey kisses. Life is good. Life is good. CS ^..^

We have been elfed!

One thing I know for sure, is that Mary Elizabeth and I can very easily get very silly together. I just opened an email from her that made me laugh so hard that I spit coffee all over my keyboard. Soooo....here we are. Mary Elizabeth, Bridget, Me and Darby. Brace yourselves! (click link)
http://www.elfyourself.com/?id=1237949233

Happy Weekend, everyone! -CS ^..^

Happy St. Nicholas Day!

Greetings fellow Corgi lovers, and a Happy St. Nicholas' Day to you all! You've met Fr. Mack and his precious Corgi, Fiona in a previous post (see my blog archives, Sept. 17, 2007.) Here he is as St. Nicholas on horseback. While I seriously question whether St. Nick really wears those cool shades while delivering his gifts and cheer, I have no doubt that the two share a kind heart and generous spirit. My dear friend and Reinwood Corgis partner Mary Elizabeth is having a brand new barn with a riding ring built at her house. It seems to be taking forever, but we are looking forward to having a little party and barn blessing when it is done. Fr. Mack will come to do the honors!

Happy St. Nicholas Day! If you are a true Tasha Tudor fan, you will no doubt be having a piece of Dundee Cake with your tea today. Enjoy! -CS ^..^

Christmas in New York

What a wonderful day we had yesterday! We started out at our 'Wicked workshop' where the dance captain of Wicked and a few other actors taught the girls some singing and choreography from the show. It was such a pleasure to have these wonderful actors (who were very glad to be back to work after the 19 days of the strike) sharing their craft with us with great professionalism and enthusiasm. After our workshop they had 4 shows (including ours!) to do for this weekend. Wicked was wonderful; simply wonderful. Of course, as a Corgi person, when I think of Wicked on Broadway, my thoughts always turn to Deb Shindle's lovely "Deidre," CH. Americas, CH. Caribe, MBISS, MBIS, CH. Riverside Wicked Wonderful, CGC. After lunch and the show, we were determined to see the tree and wanted to run into the American Girl store. Yeah, right. The first Saturday after the tree lighting, and we think we are going to 'run' anywhere around Manhattan. Forget it. It was wall to wall people and shopping bags. Here's a quick shot of the outside of Radio City, all decked out for their 75th Anniversary. Above you can see my blurry shot of the tree, taken from the back of the plaza. While the view from the front with the rink and angels is fantastic, there was no way to make it to the front and still make our train. We hurried to the American Girl Doll store but there was a long line just to get in! Amazing. So we opted to make a dash for the next train home. We made it home in time to attend the 7:30 mass and then we headed to our dear friends' house for "The Lighting." You can read about the lighting in my last year's December post by clicking on this blog's archives. It was as spectacular as ever. What could be better than good friends and family, good food and a magnificent Christmas display? I will tell you that I fell asleep last night as soon as my head hit the pillow. This morning we awoke to snow! Here's Bridget among the first dusting...

I know the Corgis and everone here will have a grand time enjoying the snow. Well, maybe all except my husband who is wiring some roping and lights to the house right now! Have a lovely day everyone! -CS ^..^