Sometimes I wish I could gild everything around me and make all aspects of life shiny and wonderful.
My life is good, REALLY GOOD, but there have been hard things in the past and there are hard things now that I can do nothing about . . . other than trust. Trust in a God who cares about my feelings of sadness, even when that sadness is caused by a sweet little dog named Snoopy Girl. More later . . .
Do you like artichokes? I do. I like to eat them but I also like to have them on display in my kitchen. I think they are delightful to look at!
I’ve seen some lovely faux artichokes in stores like Pottery Barn but, OH MY GOODNESS they are expensive! Too expensive for me to justify buying them for myself. Now before you go saying that I don’t value myself enough (I’ve heard that) I will tell you that I do believe in treating myself from time-to-time with key home decor pieces that I truly love. Especially if it something that I know will always have special meaning to me. My (early) birthday present this year is like that but since it isn’t my birthday yet I can’t share.
These plastic artichokes aren’t in the category of family heirloom, and they weren’t very inexpensive. They weren’t up to PB standards but they looked okay and I used them last year . . . buried toward the bottom of a Fall arrangement. This year I decided to brighten them up a bit with gold paint.
I used this paint from Michael’s (purchased with my 40% off coupon) but any gold paint would do.
A few swipes of the paint brush and here you have it!
I think they add a nice touch to my wooden bowl of Fall veggies and nuts.
Here I’ve tucked one into another Fall display.
I love how they catch the light!
Draws your eye right in doesn’t it?
I’m glad that gold is back “in” as I never really stopped decorating with it. I’m glad too that gold and silver can be used together in home decor. I’m definitely doing a lot of that in my new home.
So back to our little Snoopy Girl. She has been failing for a long time. We thought we would lose her on the 4th of July but she rallied. We didn’t know how she would handle the cross country trip but she did great.
In the past few weeks Snoopy hasn’t wanted to leave Mr. OTN’s side when he is at home. We bought her a bed of her own that we put on his side of the bed. When he is gone she often goes upstairs to sleep on her bed rather than stay with me. We think the thought of him makes her feel safe.
Snoopy has been off her feed for a few days so I’ve been hand feeding her . . . but she is eating very little. She is very unstable on her legs and she’s lost a lot of muscle due to a medical condition that she’s being treated for. This morning we had to carry her downstairs and outside. She just stood on the grass looking confused. Since Mr. OTN had to go to work I brought her bed downstairs and laid it near me. She isn’t doing very well today.
The Vet said that with this condition, a tumor on her pituitary, there could be “sudden death”. Or she may rally once again and surprise us all. She is almost seventeen years old so either way, we know we won’t have her around much longer. So today . . . we are going to spoil her with special treats and lots of good “scritches” behind the ears.
Blessings,
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
Vicky says
Very pretty idea for the artichoke. Our dog, LuLu, a corgi is battling some issues too, a bad hip. I so wish dogs could be a part of our lives for many a year instead of one so short. Have a blessed weekend.
Sharon H says
Awww, things like this are so difficult for us. But how blessed are the two of you to have been loved and worshipped by such a good and faithful friend as Miss Snoopy Girl! You are indeed a vey lucky Mom and Dad. And I dare say Snoopy knows how lucky and blessed she has been to have the two of you in her life.
We had a “Scooter Girl”, that we adopted from an animal shelter. She picked me out, refusing to allow me to even consider choosing one of her fellow inmates. And we were blessed beyond measure by her love and devotion. There’ll never be another like her. Just like none could ever take the place in your hearts that Snoopy holds.
I’m sorry for the heartbreak you’re facing,, but your memories will be there forever. Bless you, Patti.
Gigi Harlan says
I am so sorry to hear that your Snoopy girl is doing so poorly. I recently lost my 17 1/2 yr. old poodle that was my baby so I know how hard it can be when our babies get sick. I hope she rallies once again! The gilded artichokes look fabulous! They are definitely a scene stealer and look perfect with the other colors. Great idea!
shelly says
The artichoke is beautiful. You have a wonderful gift of decorating and crafting.
In so very sorry for this difficult time with Snoopy. I am so very grateful for this moment you have to be loving on her and the opportunity to say Goodbye. If she bounces back again, praise God! But if not, then you will be blessed with the memories of these precious moments with her. Praying for God’s peace in you and Kelly.
shelly says
The artichoke is beautiful. You have a wonderful gift of decorating and crafting.
I’m so very sorry for this difficult time with Snoopy. I am so very grateful for this moment you have to be loving on her and the opportunity to say Goodbye. If she bounces back again, praise God! But if not, then you will be blessed with the memories of these precious moments with her. Praying for God’s peace in you and Kelly.
Joanne T Ferguson says
G’day Great post! Thanks for coming and sharing at our #SayGdayParty Please make sure to revisit if you haven’t already and say G’day to the hosts and another person at the party Pinned all! Cheers! Joanne What’s On The List? Sharing is Caring!
Christopher says
So sorry to read about Snoopy Girl. My Emma battled the same condition before she passed. Enjoy your time together and know that she can feel the love!
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
Oh Patti….my heart hurts with yours. Such a sweet pup you have.
A few months ago, we moved and the best choice was our dear old girls to….and their brother too. My eyes are wet as I type this. I’ll pray for you and Snoopy Girl and give you a big bloggy hug.
Laura Irion // Avery Street Design says
I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet dog. I have always wanted a puppy and finally got one- he’s just over one year old now and I already know it’ll be so hard to say goodbye someday. It’s a blessing to have them while we do. Your project is beautiful. I’d love to have you join me Saturdays at the Found & Foraged link party. It’ll be at 8 pm at http://www.averystreetdesign.com. Hope to see you! Take care.
Megin says
Beautiful project, Patti.
I’m so sorry to hear about your Snoopy Girl. We just lost our Georgia to old age two short weeks ago. She was going through some of the same things. I think she was hanging out just to stay her with us. Hug her, and kiss her while you can!
Thank you for sharing your post this week at Brag About It Link Party on VMG206. I’m featuring you at Next Weeks Brag About It Link Party, Monday at midnight!
~ Megin of VMG206
Christine says
Love the terrarium with everything in it….Christine
Jann Olson says
Patti, I love the gilded artichokes! And yes, I love eating them as well. They really are show stoppers in your terrarium. Poor Snoopy! Hope she enjoys herself for as long as she’s able! Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
Sherry says
That looks great. Thanks for sharing at HSH!
Sherry