Monday, July 2, 2012

IF: Refresh

“Rest when you're weary. Refresh and renew yourself, your body, your mind, your spirit. Then get back to work.” Ralph Marston

re·fresh[ri-fresh]
verb
(used with object)

1. to provide new vigor and energy by rest, food, etc. (often used reflexively).
2. to stimulate (the memory).
3. to make fresh again; reinvigorate or cheer (a person, the mind, spirits, etc.).
4. to freshen in appearance, color, etc., as by a restorative.
I miss my dog; and my grandmother who handmade her own braided rugs.

29 comments:

  1. This is so cute and what a nice way to honor those memories!

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    1. Thank you, Christie. I am so compelled to draw my Ru-boy so that I never forget his face. I've been so taken aback by how difficult the loss has been.

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  2. So sorry for you...when we lost our golden retriever, Annie several months ago, I found that painting and drawing her helped. I love your illo and like how you included the definition of refresh.

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    1. Hi, Rita! Thanks so much for the visit and the lovely comment. So sorry to hear about your recent loss as well. It is great that we can find solace in creating our own memories of them.

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  3. Guess I'm different. When I lost my other African Grey parrot I couldn't stand looking at his picture for a very long time. Put it away till I could.

    On a more cheerful note, your Grandmother hand-made those braided rugs?? I've always liked those rugs but ours were all store bought. I'm impressed.

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    1. My Grandma was so thrifty she'd iron aluminum foil and use it again. She was the best. Taught me how to knit. Really wish she'd taught me how to make those rugs.
      We all grieve differently, I suppose. I don't think there is a right or wrong, just whatever allows us the move on.

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  4. Jen, you have honored Ru-boy so nicely. He was one lucky pooch to have such a great family to call his! This illustration is great! I love your texture! Lovely illo!

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    1. Hey, Michelle! So great to see your comment on my post this morning. Thank you! We were truly the lucky ones to have just a great dog in our family. I only wish I'd honored him more when he was living.

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  5. Aww... so sweet. You know I understand. I really do. Being in the midst of it now, I just can not believe how incredibly difficult it has been. ((HUGS))

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    1. Jennifer, my thoughts and prayers are with you in your hours of need. I do know how incredibly difficult it is to walk those steps, with our beloved pets, through their final days. I hope you find comfort in knowing it is part of God's plan for all of us. Let me know how I can help you.

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  6. This is so nice and soft. Brava...

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    1. Thank you so much, Travis. I always appreciate your kind words on my blog.

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  7. Such a sweet sleeping pup, and a wonderful tribute. So sorry about your dog. People without dogs do not understand, I think.

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    1. I agree, Cindy. They really don't. Thank you for your kind words.

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    1. Thank you, Alexiev. I've really enjoyed seeing all of your fantastic pen/ink work in my Reader. Phenomenal.

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  9. He's obviously having a most refreshing dream. What a wonderful illo. It's hard to lose animals and people we love :(

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    1. Thank you, Elizabeth. It is so hard and sadly such a part of life.

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  10. Oh so sorry to hear about your gorgeous boy..such a lovely illustration in memory. Sweet and light. Love the texture and colouring.
    Huge CONGRATULATIONS for coming 3rd in that comp too...you believing you rock yet? :)x

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    1. Hehehehehe! You always make me laugh. Thank you! I am not rock'n yet but definitely of the mindset that I can make this happen. Love and hugs!

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  11. oh this is adorable!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    yes it is hard to lose a pet and also a beloved family member.
    I am ok, just losing a friend to amove and i lost my grandfather last week...life is crazy right now! hugs! thanks for the note

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    1. Oh, I am so sorry. That much be so hard. Here is hoping you weather the change.

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  12. What a sweet illustration! And a wonderful tribute to both family members! I love the different textures, and the warm, comfortable scene you've created!

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    1. Thanks so much, Mit! Lovely comment and thanks for letting me know what works. It helps to hear that sort of feedback as I develop my style.

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  13. oh you!!!.....got me with tears in my eyes with your touching share. Thank you so much..Sending the HUGEST of hugs to you sweet Jenxxx

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    1. No, YOU got me teary, dear. You are a constant source of joy and inspiration.

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    1. Thank you, Eric, for the blog visit and the comment. Our wonderful, mutual friend, Vanessa, keeps pushing me to get better and better, and find my own voice.

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Thanks for the comments! Good feedback is always appreciated, but please keep it polite and classy.