Friday, July 15, 2011

CREATIVITY ABOUNDS!

GREETINGS FROM SOUTH AFRICA!
MAXMOM here...

At a certain point during the long winter months, my creativity is invigorated.  Perhaps it's the hint of seasons changing, perhaps it's merely coincidental, but something prompts me to test out a new hobby or start a new project.   This time, I'm trying creative card making.  Look what I've made:

When I have a lot on my mind or I need to think about various scenarios or decisions, doing something with my hands usually helps.  I'm also busy croqueting - simple squares to make up a small knee blanket.  I just love the colours:

What's on my mind?

Well, MAXDOG's book, of course.  You can read about it on his BLOG, but I also encourage you to visit his facebook fanpage.  (The latter will really help me BTW!)  MAXDOG already has over 100 fans, so I am thrilled.  The more supporters I can get, the easier the road to find publishing support will become.  Please visit me there, if you haven't done so yet.  I would really appreciate it.

Our recent cold snap prompted me to change Toby's participation in Agility classes.  Unfortunately these classes are at 7pm in the evening and I've discovered that I no longer can tolerate being out at that time of night - especially in freezing weather.  Instead, Toby will be continuing his obedience training on a Saturday morning.  We start tomorrow.

While I am busy with creative activity, Toby either occupies his crate, or finds a warm sunny spot outside.  Sometimes I let him cuddle up with me on a comfortable chair when I watch TV. 

 Both him and Tammy continue to enjoy their afternoon romp in the dog park.  They are making so many nice canine friends during these excursions.  The park is spacious and all the dogs are well socialised.  I've never seen so many happy dogs together.  It has become my daily uplifter.

Well, the Namaqualand daisies are blooming and the seasons may well be changing. 
It's time to reap every moment for what it is worth.

Sending lotsaluv to all my friends around the world. 
You guys are really special!


17 comments:

Gail Wilson said...

Your talent is showing in the beautiful cards you are creating.
And a lap robe too? Wonderful!!
I love the photo of your 'lap' dog. Neither of our dogs care to be a lap dog but they want to lay as close as possible most of the time.
Have a wonderful weekend
Hugs and wags, Gail, Mistaya and Maggie

bbes tribe said...

Beautiful pictures and the cards you make. thanks for telling us about your new blog.
Wags
ernie,sasha,chica,lucas

Two French Bulldogs said...

Holy macaroni Toby you and your mom are quite talented
Benny & Lily

Becky Andrews said...

You are busy doing some many wonderful, beautiful things. Much love from Becky & Cricket.

Jake of Florida said...

Caryl,

Those cards look beautiful and very creative.

As for your "lap dog" -- I often have a 25-pound "blanket" lying across my lap as I read or watch TV -- and I'm just wondering what a Toby-size blanket feels like!

xxx Joan

Molly the Airedale said...

Your cards are just beautiful and so is the granny square blankie! We love the colors too!

Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch

sprinkles said...

I'm almost envious for your cooler weather. Almost! It's been really hot here and I wouldn't mind a day or two of cooler weather.

Those cards are beautiful.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Maxmom
We can feel you thinking. We feel you pondering. We feel you patiently waiting for your miracle.
And now we can also feel the need in you to create.
Isn't it strange how moods, or as you say, the changing of the season.....
can spark a feeling in us?
Your creativity in the cards is just amazing. And the lap quilt...
how beautiful.
You really are in the creativity mode,,,and we do understand why.

Maxmom,, we are not on face book.. but maybe I need to get it going,,, and give it another try.
We would help you anyway that we can.
MaxDogs Story- must be told.
love
tweedles

Beth said...

That's a big boy to be a lap dog! lol It has been so much fun watching Toby grow from a darling little baby to a beautiful adolescent.
Love your crafts too. Good luck with the book!
blessings, Beth

Anonymous said...

Gee MaxMom you sure are very talented. Your cards are very pretty and so is your knitting skills. Mom would love to knitt but she cannot hold the needles.

Toby you look like you have the talent of relaxin with your Mom on her chair and fit very well too!

woos, Tessa

♥I am Holly♥ said...

What beautiful cards and granny squares!! Love the picture of you with Toby in your lap....Holly also thinks she is a lap dog too and doesn't realize her size!! Lots of love, Debbie & Holly

Valerie Cummings said...

Oh we liked you on facebook!!! But mommy still still cries when she sees Max so she wants us to write this comment to you!!! She loves your cards and loves your knee blanket and loves you!!!! We love you too!!! Hugs, Joey and Kealani

STELLA and RORY from Down Under said...

Hi Toby, I love the photo of you snuggling with your mum on the couch. I have a blankie with squares too, which my great nana made for my eldest human sibling when she was born. Since then it has been passed down to four more children and four doggies, with me being the latest. I love it and it reminds my mum of her nana. No worries, and love, Stella

Curt Rogers said...

Duncan is absolutely a winter dog. We couldn't be less alike in this way. The colder, the better, except when the snow and ice get under the pads on his paws. But, man, he loves to roll in the snow and get as wet and white as possible. And if it's midnight on a cold January night, even better.

KB said...

You are such a talented woman! Wow!

It sounds like the dog park has become an important and happy part of your life. What fun!

Mrs. JP said...

I like your projects. I should really learn how to make cards since I send so many.
I'm glad that Toby still loves his kennel and I see that, like ours, they still think they are little puppies to lay in our laps.
You've gotta appreciate flowers that bloom in the cold. God knows we need color in our lives.

Scout and Freyja said...

You are oozing creativity and here I sit going out into the backyard and sitting on a swing day-dreaming and listening to the birds! I can't wait to get over there and see all you have made and the projects you have in mind. Of course, there is a strong possibility that when I arrive you and I will be taking off for a book signing. Wouldn't that be fun☺.