Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Me and Drito, A Love Story (Kind Of)


Each of us has an inescapable character in our lives -- the boss who makes your day insane, the mother who always rearranges your furniture when she visits, the ex whom you can't seem to  keep out of your life....  These are the characters who get under our skin, embed themselves in the invisible fabric of our lives, and never ever let go.  

Or perhaps we never let go.  

As many of you know, for me, this character is a three-sided orange demon known to most people as the Dorito.  When I found myself chirping, "drito," whenever I was near an open bag, I knew it was bad news.  Maybe chips shouldn't have pet names....

They say admitting you have a problem is half the battle, so to assist others who may be similarly afflicted, I've created this visual list of diagnostic warning signs.  If I can save even one belly....

FOUR SIGNS YOU NEED HELP

1.  You decorated your fireplace for the holidays like this:


2.  You woke up one morning from this weird dream:


3.  One thing led to another, and the next thing you knew, you were in Paris!  


4.  You often use the words, "hangover" and "Dorito" in the same sentence.


Really, if even one of these things has happened to you, please get some help.  Together, we can stand strong! 


Monday, March 18, 2013

Canine Portraiture by w.d.lee

By popular request, here it is -- a sample of canine portraits in honor of the best friends in our lives....

When I was a little kid, I really really wanted a dog named Fluffy.  My parents never got me a dog, but I got a little brother.  Then my little brother started asking for a dog.  Then we got a dog.  Then another dog.  You get the picture.  

Jeanie was a Shetland Sheepdog and by all means, a true bitch.  She had attitude and a fierce shepherding instinct.  As I kid I did not understand why she always attached her teeth to my pants.  But now in my old age, I am starting to understand her ways.   I have to fight that same urge everyday.  

Sharhei was a mutt, the model of hybrid vigor in both health and temperament.  She came home in a cardboard box one weekend and never left although by then we understood another dog to mean more poop to pick up.  Her portrait was the first drawing that led me to discover that (1) hey, I like drawing dogs, and (2) hey, I can draw them so they actually kind of look like themselves!

Many many years later, I don't have any dogs of my own anymore, but it's always a privilege for me to be able to draw someone else's beloved pet.  In the hours I spend with pencil and paper, I feel like I get to know the dog even when I've not met him or her in person (or in dog).  

If you're interested in having a unique piece hanging in your home, please contact me for a quote.  All I need is a good, high resolution photograph of your friend.  You will receive the original drawing, and as a tribute to all the love these animals have given us, 25% of all proceeds will be donated to a local SPCA of your choice.

Unfortunately, at this time I do not draw felines because my heart, through and through, belongs to the canine.  Woof, woof!  

Looking forward to hearing from you....

"Maddie"

"Copper"
"Bear"

"Babaloo"


"Bill"
"Loki"

"Seamus and Phina"