Sunday, December 1, 2013
Winter Wonderland Wreath
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
Feminine, vintage and dreaming of Paris!
After hours of working on several new pieces of art I have a very feminine and vintage looking piece to share. I am working on an Etsy store front that I hope to have some art and jewelry items in there to sell by next month. The original size of this piece is 6 3/4" x 8 3/4" and can be printed for wall art or used for a number of creative projects.
http:www.Gayleforsterdesigns.com
Thursday, March 22, 2012
Spring obsession
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Southern Travel
As my husband and I left our home heading farther South I admit a bit of disappointment as the dark evening sky rolled in. The reason for my disappointment was the missed opportunity for some visual stimulation! My creative side always enjoys a road trip! And I especially have been looking forward to another road trip to Savannah, GA! Our daughter and two grandsons stopped by there only a month after the birth of our second grandson last spring. We vowed to get back there as soon as possible. Unfortunately, our daughter moved 10 hours away by vehicle and all of our other trips have been by plane in the last year. So, Savannah fell off my radar screen until now! Then a late meeting came up for my husband and that meant a late departure for us. And I knew that we were only going to stay the night in Savannah and had two hours to stroll the morning after we woke from our 12:30 AM arrival. I felt a bit bummed. But we hit the ground as soon as we consumed our breakfast. I was excited to show my husband some of the sights that we had seen last spring and hopefully take in some new spots too! We did see several more beautiful areas around Savannah and I believe I wore my husband out stopping to take pictures, looking at parks full of flowers galore, art in shops, candy stores and lots of southern architecture. I enjoyed it with such exuberance! I mentioned several times about how much I would love to come back as soon as possible. My husband said, "well if you would like to there is no reason why we cannot stop by Savannah on our way back home". So, it looks like we will be stopping by there on our way home! I'm pretty jazzed about it since I feel like I am very creatively charged by being there.
My husband says that he will jog while I "pee-dittle" as he calls it. I call it recharging and engaging my creativity! We shall see what I produce once I get back to my creative space at home!
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| A pretty pansy from Forsyth Park in Savannah, Ga was my inspiration. |
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| A camellia that I photographed in Savananah, GA |
Friday, February 24, 2012
Now Is The Time To Live Life Artfully!
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| Add capCarly could not resist a dip in the creek! |
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| Daffodils are a beautiful sight! |
Psalm 90:17King James Version (KJV)17And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.
New International Version (©1984)May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us--yes, establish the work of our hands.
New Living Translation (©2007)And may the Lord our God show us his approval and make our efforts successful. Yes, make our efforts successful!
English Standard Version (©2001)Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
New American Standard Bible (©1995)Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.
English Standard Version (©2001)Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and establish the work of our hands upon us; yes, establish the work of our hands!
New American Standard Bible (©1995)Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us; And confirm for us the work of our hands; Yes, confirm the work of our hands.
This morning during a wonderful walk through one of
our local gardens I received a text from one of my long time friends, “Louie”.
It read: I wasn’t thinking of you or anything… LOL…just thought I would say hi!
A few fun text messages back and forth then, he asked what I was up to today.
Boy, was that a loaded question! Enjoying the beauty that surrounds me I
thought! I asked if I could call him in a bit. I was finishing up my walk with
our dog Carly. She had been very patient with me this morning as I took lots of
photographs and meandered through the paths and snapped shots of emerging and
blooming daffodils at a very slow pace!
After a very long conversation with Louie, one of
my biggest art fans and supporters, I received an email from another close
friend that I had shared my last blog post with. Ironically a year or so ago I
had given my friend a devotional book and the devotion for today started with
Psalms 90:17 and it must have seem like something written for me. It referred
to a word that the English do not seem to have a similar word to define. The
German word is Lebenskunstler, which means ‘an artist of life’. It means that
being an artist is not, in the first place, about what you produce but it is
about how you contribute to the world and the environment as a result of how
you live. It is an image of someone that lives life with joy and an
appreciation of life itself as art. Artful living or the art of living means
that we should make the most out of life itself, turning it into or crafting it
into experiences and blessings for everyone to enjoy. As creative beings, we
can be creative and share creativity in many ways. We do this by the way we
savor or prepare a meal, how we dress, decorate our homes and spaces, how we entertain
our friends and family, how we teach our children, how we move, how we love and
how we talk about and describe our lives. The literal translation of
Lebenskunstler is someone that pieces together his living from several
activities, tasks or various jobs that collectively, bring in enough money to
live on. I call this a survivor! This is a person that makes the best of his or
her situation recognizes opportunities and one that takes advantage of
those opportunities. For me it is also a form of my worship with
God.
So, approach your life as a canvas where you can create a meaningful,
enjoyable and blessed life. God is the ultimate artist and we are all created
in His image. Enjoy life artfully and live it fully!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
A Day With A Master Jeweler
Today began for me and thousands of others in the South, with an abundance of warm sunshine on this February day in Nashville,TN. It was in the mid-70's! And what a blessing it was! I was very thankful for a sunroof in my car and time with both of our grown sons too!
Blooms are starting to pop out and I'm an eye candy kind of girl. I look for beauty and inspiration everywhere! When plants and trees start to blossom it ramps things up for me! Looking back on the years most of my most productive months have been in January, February and March but I'm hoping that I can get more productive throughout the year!
After a good visit with our sons, a sunny day and a visit to a craft store my day felt pretty complete. But I had another errand to run. I needed
to drop off my sister's engagement ring at my in-law's jewelry store, she lost a stone last week and mailed it to me to take it to our "family jeweler". And what a treat that was for me! It offered me in opportunity to visit with more family while I was in town and discuss some ideas and new designs with their master jeweler, Chuck. After moving back to Tennessee, Chuck has offered to assist me several times during the years but distance and timing have not worked in my favor in order to learn from him (and I cannot wait to do so!) Learning more about actually creating some of the designs that have been difficult for me to achieve without the proper tools is very exciting and another way of expressing creativity for me. Chuck is truly a master with metal. He is just the type of person that I need to learn from. He is patient beyond imagining and very calm to work with. He has offered to teach me some basics while he works. With hopes of learning some things and a chance to work on some new jewelry designs here in the near furture I am inspired! Encouraged by our visit I am bringing in some designs, drawings, some of my molds and intricate pieces to work on. I want to redesign and remake them with his much needed help and expertise. I am completely jazzed and creatively inspired by Chuck's willingness to help me achieve this goal! Most of the designs are for necklaces and I am particularly interested in skeleton keys with detail and vintage designs. Eventually I am hoping that these pieces can be offered in precious metals, silver and as costume pieces too. Hopefully that way the pieces can appeal to different markets! I am so excited about this endeavor and this new learning experience. I hope to update the blog with pictures of some of our actual work someday soon!
Blooms are starting to pop out and I'm an eye candy kind of girl. I look for beauty and inspiration everywhere! When plants and trees start to blossom it ramps things up for me! Looking back on the years most of my most productive months have been in January, February and March but I'm hoping that I can get more productive throughout the year!
After a good visit with our sons, a sunny day and a visit to a craft store my day felt pretty complete. But I had another errand to run. I needed
to drop off my sister's engagement ring at my in-law's jewelry store, she lost a stone last week and mailed it to me to take it to our "family jeweler". And what a treat that was for me! It offered me in opportunity to visit with more family while I was in town and discuss some ideas and new designs with their master jeweler, Chuck. After moving back to Tennessee, Chuck has offered to assist me several times during the years but distance and timing have not worked in my favor in order to learn from him (and I cannot wait to do so!) Learning more about actually creating some of the designs that have been difficult for me to achieve without the proper tools is very exciting and another way of expressing creativity for me. Chuck is truly a master with metal. He is just the type of person that I need to learn from. He is patient beyond imagining and very calm to work with. He has offered to teach me some basics while he works. With hopes of learning some things and a chance to work on some new jewelry designs here in the near furture I am inspired! Encouraged by our visit I am bringing in some designs, drawings, some of my molds and intricate pieces to work on. I want to redesign and remake them with his much needed help and expertise. I am completely jazzed and creatively inspired by Chuck's willingness to help me achieve this goal! Most of the designs are for necklaces and I am particularly interested in skeleton keys with detail and vintage designs. Eventually I am hoping that these pieces can be offered in precious metals, silver and as costume pieces too. Hopefully that way the pieces can appeal to different markets! I am so excited about this endeavor and this new learning experience. I hope to update the blog with pictures of some of our actual work someday soon!
This is a picture of a sheleton key pendant from a wholesale costume jewelry company that I order from. I am hoping that we can re-create something similiar to this piece in the near future. And then other pieces that have a vintage feel and are artistically detailed too!
http:www.Gayleforsterdesigns.com
http:www.Gayleforsterdesigns.com
Monday, February 13, 2012
Heaven Sent
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| Our son Daniel and Sam in December 1997, when this story began. |
In late 1997 our youngest son was eight years old. We were gearing up for Christmas in our jewelry store, the busiest time of the year for us. The make or break season. Our son, Daniel, had been talking about and asking for a Golden Retriever puppy. And as it got nearer to Christmas I asked him to put his list together. He only had one request; it was what he had talked about most, a Golden Retriever puppy, for goodness sakes! I tried to explain to him that mommy was busy at the store and we might think about a puppy in the spring but now was not a good time for us to try and get a puppy. I explained to him that I would be the one to have to take care of the puppy and it was not feasible for me to take a puppy to the jewelry store nor would it be fair to the puppy or me. He was relentless but not in a whiney way. One day I said,” now son you better put something on your list besides a Golden Retriever puppy or you will get presents that I decide to put on your list and you will not have anything that you really want”. He looked at me puzzled and said, “I only want a Golden Retriever and I prayed to GOD for one…”Mommy; doesn’t GOD answer your prayers?” I quipped, “HE sure does…(with one eyebrow cocked WAY up) but on HIS own good time and I’m telling YOU that it just isn’t happening this Christmas so YOU had better put something else on that list!” Well…..he didn’t! Christmas came and went and we were busy as ever. Daniel seemed disappointed but not miserable. He didn’t say much about a puppy but you could tell that he was sad and a bit disappointed even though we had explained our situation as best as we could. As usual the house Christmas tree was the last to come down since I had all of the stores Christmas decorations to pack away first. An arduous task in deed! It was about two weeks after Christmas, I was one lucky mom, I usually was able to pick up our three children from school and spend the rest of the day and evening with our family. One sunny day as we pulled into our drive way after school (we lived out in the country a bit) and there were several dogs romping and playing in our yard. I didn’t pay much attention. I stopped at the end of the driveway to check our mailbox and I left the van door ajar. When I returned to the van this over grown puppy, a Golden Retriever was in my seat trying to reach our son Daniel. Well, Daniel was so excited all he could shout was,” can we keep him mom, can we keep him?!?” He was beautiful! And there was instant attraction…Of course! And they played together until dark. Our other son and our daughter arrived home after sports practice and my husband after work. They all took to this gorgeous creature. I knew I was in deep trouble. Everyday for a couple of weeks this playtime went on and we had no idea who this puppy belonged to. He would show up promptly after school each day and so I had to start asking around about him. No one seemed to know anything until one day I went to make a deposit for our store and this lady had mentioned one time that she lived close to us, about a half mile away. I remembered that one day she had come by to deliver a deposit receipt that I had failed to get. So, I thought… I will ask her if she knows this dog, she must live fairly close. She said that it sounded like her son Troy’s dog. He and his wife had a Golden Retriever puppy that they had gotten from the State of West Virginia. The story I was told is that there was a breeding kennel that was in deplorable conditions and they had been breeding high dollar service dogs. The mother of this puppy had been bred out and the State had to put her down. There were eight puppies and they were given to several people in this family, extended family and friends. The lady behind the glass at the banks drive-in window told me that they were actually looking for someone to take this puppy. They felt like he needed more attention and they both worked shift work, he was an engineer and she was a nurse. The dog was opening up his cage by lifting the U bar and running a half mile to see us everyday. She asked me, “Do you want a dog?” I replied,” no thanks” and I put my fingers up in a BIG X! A few days passed and I shared with my husband what the lady said. He had fallen in love with Sam (his given name). We all had! We sat the children down and we all decided he was a keeper. We went to bed that night and as the lights went out I said, in a chocked up voice…”I guess GOD answered Daniel’s prayer after all!” and my husband chuckled…”or the Devil did!” Some days I did think the Devil answered that prayer…when I had something better to do than clean those muddy paws and fur tumble weeds throughout our house. But more often than not Sam was by far the most wonderful pet we have ever had. An angel of a dog that heaven sent! And a couple years later Daniel saved up his money for a female companion for Sam, Carly. Carly was not as trainable as Sam, he was easily trainable from the start. She was stubborn from the start! Sam came to us with open ears and a willingness to please, Carly had other agendas.
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| Sam was so sweet to stay right with our grand babies. |
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| Mr. Debonair.... |
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| Our granddaughter giving Sam some lovin'. |
I guess my husband and I had taken to Sam and Carly even more than ever. They kept us busy twice a day out on the trails in West Virginia. We were lucky to have access to thousands of acres to walk and hike in. When we closed our business to make a transfer to Tennessee, Sam and I were becoming even bigger buddies. Now with our three children going off to college and busy in school the week days were ours. We spent every waking hour together. He was my constant companion, my “shadow”. He sat beside me (usually at my feet) as I painted, made jewelry, worked on my daily chores or gardened outside. Finally grandchildren came along and Sam and Carly seemed to initially welcome and at least tolerate their company. And they were patient with their growing and learning. I believe the dogs taught them a few lessons. Our grand babies learned to listen for their barks at the door to come in and watch for their desire for another treat from the pantry, for which they enjoyed accommodating them with great pride.
It was hard for all of us to accept but Sam started to show some age. It was hard to believe that the dog that had climbed the hills of West Virginia and Tennessee like a mountain goat had finally begun to slow down. As Sam continued to weaken my husband had to carry him up and down the stairs. He slept by our bed every night and nearly communicated with me as though he were talking right to me in his expressions and body language. He was never comfortable with being carried and he weighed nearly 80 pounds during his peak but had trimmed down some. Nevertheless, I was concerned about my husband carrying Sam up and down the stairs for fear of them falling. My husband had, had a terrible motorcycle accident and a compound fracture to his right femur, along with several other injures a few years ago, so the last thing that we needed was a fall! Sam had been a super companion to my husband during his recover and so had our cats! Separating Sam from us at night was very difficult, especially on Sam! But we had to put up a child gate so he would not attempt to climb the stairs and I had to put a stop to this dangerous task. It broke my heart as he looked so pitifully at me each night. We made him a super comfortable palette in our family room and many nights I would sleep downstairs on the couch with him to comfort him. He also had an awesome bed in our garage that in the end proved to be his most coveted resting place.
Sam learned many words and he and Carly had a few that we had to be careful not to utter at the wrong time or crazy excitement might erupt! These two Golden Retrievers kept and Carly still keeps us outdoors twice a day rain or shine and on our hikes or walks. They have been great motivator of exercise!
Sam’s health finally began to deteriorate at about fourteen and a half. We have a super vet that makes house calls and when Sam and Carly began to have a few problems she offered suggestions and awesome care. They both had surgery to remove some growths and Sam’s was cancer. He healed well but continued to slow down. By late summer 2011 he was weaker and our hikes had come to a halt. Very quickly our walks became shorter and at last we resorted to strolls and wagon rides. He loved being outside and riding in the truck was one of his very favorite things to do! We had not done that in a long time and in late September 2011 Sam went on his last truck ride. He was so happy and you could tell it! He never lost the puppy in his spirit.
We have had a little intruder problem for about a year. We have two cats that our son Daniel found at the lake behind our house and another large cat has been coming in our pet door to find food and shelter. It gets our cats all worked up causing some “CrAzY hissy fits” and Sam being the “Great Interceptor and Ruckus Controller ” that he was, possibly tried to intercede and coax our friend on his way as Carly, our female, attempted to abruptly escort him back out the door I assume. I heard some noise but this had become a nightly routine and I was exhausted that night and did not get up. That was very unusual for me. Apparently Sam being too weak plummeted straight down our deck stairs in the dark, early morning hours during this altercation. He had not attempted to travel down them for many months. It broke our hearts as we noticed him missing from our family room when we woke up the next morning. Rushing and in a panic we found him at the bottom of the deck stairs unable to move. We immediately carried him to his bed in our garage. As I scurried to straighten his covers my husband tried to sit him down for a moment, unable to stand he just held him sort of close to the ground and Sam looked at me as if to say he was sorry with his eyes. Oh I cried, Sam no baby we are so sorry. I had scolded him just weeks before as he for the umpteenth time lately had gotten into the lake behind our home unable to get back out. I fussed at him a little and shot him one of those looks, like Sam what in the world were you thinking looks! He had gotten in a boggy nasty part of the lake. I was on the phone with my sister and had momentarily lost him long enough for him to slip in for a dip. At first I chuckled then I realized oh my goodness, he cannot get out. We were covered in muck and tears and we smelt atrocious. I lost one of my shoes somewhere down in the goo. I had to physically drag him across a bridge and up a hill, call my husband at work and ask him to bring the truck to pick us up. It was the second of such call in a short time span. I was a mess both physically and mentally and so was Sam. My husband proceeded to remove some of his dress clothes in order to get us in the truck bed. This look that Sam gave me now was the very same look after such an ordeal. It was as though he were saying he was sorry with his eyes. And I felt horrible that I had heard something during the night of his fall but didn’t get up as things seemed to get quiet again. We quickly accessed Sam’s injury as very serious, and more than likely life threatening, I phoned the vet. She arrived in what seemed like forever as we waited with great sadness knowing that Sam would probably never recover. Our fears were confirmed on October 31, 2011. Sam died in my arms and I had to drive his still warm body about an hour away to meet the ever so kind folks that would ultimately cremate Sam for us. I stopped as I pulled out of our driveway to let Carly, our female Golden, who had gone to the end of our driveway to lie in the garden, say good bye to her best buddy and brother by adoption, Sam. She nudged him with her nose, seemingly unaware that he was gone, she wanted to ride too. I told her that she must stay and she began to back up very confused, one had never gone anywhere without the other accept when she had been bitten on the nose by a copperhead snake. I gave her a pat on the head for assurance as I hated to leave her behind. After I had gone she must have walk a short distance down the street to our neighbor’s home to lie down in their garage. After all most of our neighbors seem to love and cherish our animals too. These particular neighbors’s informed us of this after they heard about Sam’s passing. They said that she had never in the ten years that we have live here come to do that. In fact, they often try to get her to walk with them and she will visit briefly in front of our home but never venture off with anyone but us.
About two days after Sam’s passing Carly perked up with some excitement she stood at the tailgate of my husband’s truck, wagging her tail and looking as if to say, okay let’s go get Sam! This was the truck that she and Sam had ridden in, in September and before that it had surely been close to a year since we were able to take them for a ride. I did take her on a ride that day and the day after she did the same thing. After no return of Sam possible she knew something was up. On the fourth day she didn’t ask for a truck ride. Carly began to seem quieter and obviously sad in the days to follow. She barely got up to take her walks and often refused to go. I felt like I had lost a child and I wondered what she thought. I was so terribly sad. But I/we are so thankful to have been so blessed to enjoy such a wonderful pet for so many years. And we still have sweet Carly! And our two cats Reesie and Sug’-a-Bee!
About two weeks ago our son Daniel was going through a few rough days and I had, had him in my prayers very intensely. During a long hike that I had not taken since last year because it had become too long and dangerous for Sam, I was praying and hiking with a vigorous pace and God stopped me in my tracks as I reached the bluff. He reminded me about when Daniel was young. And how I had missed an opportunity to teach Daniel about how God answers prayers. It was as clear as though I could hear Daniel’s little voice, Mommy; doesn’t GOD answer your prayers?” (Remember as I mentioned earlier?)I quipped, “HE sure does…but on HIS own good time and I’m telling you that it just isn’t happening this Christmas so you had better put something else on that list!” as I nodded my head with such confidence! Who was I to say when God would answer Daniel’s prayer? After all I had said that he would answer the prayer on His (God’s) own good time! It was a teaching moment and I failed, it had been about my time, on my schedule! Surely little Daniel must have been confused. So, now was a teaching moment and a learning moment for me, (Daniel now 22 years old) so later that evening, I began a series of text messages. They began like this…Me-“I’ve got a question for you…It’s not a hard one I don’t think…but I was curious about something. Daniel- “OK” Me-“When you were little and you told me that you had prayed for a Golden Retriever puppy for Christmas…did you really or did you just tell me that?” Daniel-“I really did. I always wanted one” Me- “And do you think that God answered your prayer or do you think that Sam just showed up?” “I was thinking about that on my morning hike.” ;0) “I really feel his (Sam’s) spirit around still when I walk. I know that sounds crazy but dad said the same thing on our walk this evening.” Daniel- “I can’t say for sure but it would be quite a coincidence if he wasn’t a godsend! Plus he was such a special dog!” Me- “Yea that’s what I feel.” “And then you really wanted a puppy so we got Carly! Do you think that she was an answer too? Haha” (you have to know the two dogs to understand this part) Daniel- “I’m not sure about her haha. She is sweet though.” “Ok love you” Me- “Yes she is…and she has been very SPECIAL lately too!” “One more question…If you remember back then when you prayed for Sam…did you really believe that God would answer your prayer or did you just hope?” “I was just thinking about how little faith I had when I told you not now, not for Christmas but maybe we can revisit the idea of a dog in the spring or summer so that you could help more with a puppy. And that if you didn’t put something else on your list that you would simply just get what I decided to get you” “Your response back to me is as clear to me today as if I could hear your sweet little voice say…’well I prayed for a Golden Retriever puppy! Mommy; doesn’t GOD answer your prayers?’ And you looked at me.” Daniel- “Well I’m not really sure. I just know that I prayed for one but never thought that one would just show up like Sam did. I thought the only way I’d get one is if you got it for me.” Me-“I remember firmly looking at you and saying, YES son, but it happens on His own good time and I’m telling you that you better put something else on your list….!” Daniel- “Haha, Yes I do remember that” Me- “It just got me thinking this morning…” Ok love you. No more questions! Have fun!” Daniel- “Haha ok love you. Thank you!”
God gives us teaching moments. And God answers prayer. His answers are yes, not right now and no I have something better in store for you later.
Sam was an inspiration for me in several different mediums and media of art. I made paintings, digital art, photographs, fabric print and even painted him on a wooden chest for our grand daughter's fifth birthday. He truly was an angel sent from heaven.
Thank you for reading,
It was hard for all of us to accept but Sam started to show some age. It was hard to believe that the dog that had climbed the hills of West Virginia and Tennessee like a mountain goat had finally begun to slow down. As Sam continued to weaken my husband had to carry him up and down the stairs. He slept by our bed every night and nearly communicated with me as though he were talking right to me in his expressions and body language. He was never comfortable with being carried and he weighed nearly 80 pounds during his peak but had trimmed down some. Nevertheless, I was concerned about my husband carrying Sam up and down the stairs for fear of them falling. My husband had, had a terrible motorcycle accident and a compound fracture to his right femur, along with several other injures a few years ago, so the last thing that we needed was a fall! Sam had been a super companion to my husband during his recover and so had our cats! Separating Sam from us at night was very difficult, especially on Sam! But we had to put up a child gate so he would not attempt to climb the stairs and I had to put a stop to this dangerous task. It broke my heart as he looked so pitifully at me each night. We made him a super comfortable palette in our family room and many nights I would sleep downstairs on the couch with him to comfort him. He also had an awesome bed in our garage that in the end proved to be his most coveted resting place.
Sam learned many words and he and Carly had a few that we had to be careful not to utter at the wrong time or crazy excitement might erupt! These two Golden Retrievers kept and Carly still keeps us outdoors twice a day rain or shine and on our hikes or walks. They have been great motivator of exercise!
Sam’s health finally began to deteriorate at about fourteen and a half. We have a super vet that makes house calls and when Sam and Carly began to have a few problems she offered suggestions and awesome care. They both had surgery to remove some growths and Sam’s was cancer. He healed well but continued to slow down. By late summer 2011 he was weaker and our hikes had come to a halt. Very quickly our walks became shorter and at last we resorted to strolls and wagon rides. He loved being outside and riding in the truck was one of his very favorite things to do! We had not done that in a long time and in late September 2011 Sam went on his last truck ride. He was so happy and you could tell it! He never lost the puppy in his spirit.
We have had a little intruder problem for about a year. We have two cats that our son Daniel found at the lake behind our house and another large cat has been coming in our pet door to find food and shelter. It gets our cats all worked up causing some “CrAzY hissy fits” and Sam being the “Great Interceptor and Ruckus Controller ” that he was, possibly tried to intercede and coax our friend on his way as Carly, our female, attempted to abruptly escort him back out the door I assume. I heard some noise but this had become a nightly routine and I was exhausted that night and did not get up. That was very unusual for me. Apparently Sam being too weak plummeted straight down our deck stairs in the dark, early morning hours during this altercation. He had not attempted to travel down them for many months. It broke our hearts as we noticed him missing from our family room when we woke up the next morning. Rushing and in a panic we found him at the bottom of the deck stairs unable to move. We immediately carried him to his bed in our garage. As I scurried to straighten his covers my husband tried to sit him down for a moment, unable to stand he just held him sort of close to the ground and Sam looked at me as if to say he was sorry with his eyes. Oh I cried, Sam no baby we are so sorry. I had scolded him just weeks before as he for the umpteenth time lately had gotten into the lake behind our home unable to get back out. I fussed at him a little and shot him one of those looks, like Sam what in the world were you thinking looks! He had gotten in a boggy nasty part of the lake. I was on the phone with my sister and had momentarily lost him long enough for him to slip in for a dip. At first I chuckled then I realized oh my goodness, he cannot get out. We were covered in muck and tears and we smelt atrocious. I lost one of my shoes somewhere down in the goo. I had to physically drag him across a bridge and up a hill, call my husband at work and ask him to bring the truck to pick us up. It was the second of such call in a short time span. I was a mess both physically and mentally and so was Sam. My husband proceeded to remove some of his dress clothes in order to get us in the truck bed. This look that Sam gave me now was the very same look after such an ordeal. It was as though he were saying he was sorry with his eyes. And I felt horrible that I had heard something during the night of his fall but didn’t get up as things seemed to get quiet again. We quickly accessed Sam’s injury as very serious, and more than likely life threatening, I phoned the vet. She arrived in what seemed like forever as we waited with great sadness knowing that Sam would probably never recover. Our fears were confirmed on October 31, 2011. Sam died in my arms and I had to drive his still warm body about an hour away to meet the ever so kind folks that would ultimately cremate Sam for us. I stopped as I pulled out of our driveway to let Carly, our female Golden, who had gone to the end of our driveway to lie in the garden, say good bye to her best buddy and brother by adoption, Sam. She nudged him with her nose, seemingly unaware that he was gone, she wanted to ride too. I told her that she must stay and she began to back up very confused, one had never gone anywhere without the other accept when she had been bitten on the nose by a copperhead snake. I gave her a pat on the head for assurance as I hated to leave her behind. After I had gone she must have walk a short distance down the street to our neighbor’s home to lie down in their garage. After all most of our neighbors seem to love and cherish our animals too. These particular neighbors’s informed us of this after they heard about Sam’s passing. They said that she had never in the ten years that we have live here come to do that. In fact, they often try to get her to walk with them and she will visit briefly in front of our home but never venture off with anyone but us.
About two days after Sam’s passing Carly perked up with some excitement she stood at the tailgate of my husband’s truck, wagging her tail and looking as if to say, okay let’s go get Sam! This was the truck that she and Sam had ridden in, in September and before that it had surely been close to a year since we were able to take them for a ride. I did take her on a ride that day and the day after she did the same thing. After no return of Sam possible she knew something was up. On the fourth day she didn’t ask for a truck ride. Carly began to seem quieter and obviously sad in the days to follow. She barely got up to take her walks and often refused to go. I felt like I had lost a child and I wondered what she thought. I was so terribly sad. But I/we are so thankful to have been so blessed to enjoy such a wonderful pet for so many years. And we still have sweet Carly! And our two cats Reesie and Sug’-a-Bee!
About two weeks ago our son Daniel was going through a few rough days and I had, had him in my prayers very intensely. During a long hike that I had not taken since last year because it had become too long and dangerous for Sam, I was praying and hiking with a vigorous pace and God stopped me in my tracks as I reached the bluff. He reminded me about when Daniel was young. And how I had missed an opportunity to teach Daniel about how God answers prayers. It was as clear as though I could hear Daniel’s little voice, Mommy; doesn’t GOD answer your prayers?” (Remember as I mentioned earlier?)I quipped, “HE sure does…but on HIS own good time and I’m telling you that it just isn’t happening this Christmas so you had better put something else on that list!” as I nodded my head with such confidence! Who was I to say when God would answer Daniel’s prayer? After all I had said that he would answer the prayer on His (God’s) own good time! It was a teaching moment and I failed, it had been about my time, on my schedule! Surely little Daniel must have been confused. So, now was a teaching moment and a learning moment for me, (Daniel now 22 years old) so later that evening, I began a series of text messages. They began like this…Me-“I’ve got a question for you…It’s not a hard one I don’t think…but I was curious about something. Daniel- “OK” Me-“When you were little and you told me that you had prayed for a Golden Retriever puppy for Christmas…did you really or did you just tell me that?” Daniel-“I really did. I always wanted one” Me- “And do you think that God answered your prayer or do you think that Sam just showed up?” “I was thinking about that on my morning hike.” ;0) “I really feel his (Sam’s) spirit around still when I walk. I know that sounds crazy but dad said the same thing on our walk this evening.” Daniel- “I can’t say for sure but it would be quite a coincidence if he wasn’t a godsend! Plus he was such a special dog!” Me- “Yea that’s what I feel.” “And then you really wanted a puppy so we got Carly! Do you think that she was an answer too? Haha” (you have to know the two dogs to understand this part) Daniel- “I’m not sure about her haha. She is sweet though.” “Ok love you” Me- “Yes she is…and she has been very SPECIAL lately too!” “One more question…If you remember back then when you prayed for Sam…did you really believe that God would answer your prayer or did you just hope?” “I was just thinking about how little faith I had when I told you not now, not for Christmas but maybe we can revisit the idea of a dog in the spring or summer so that you could help more with a puppy. And that if you didn’t put something else on your list that you would simply just get what I decided to get you” “Your response back to me is as clear to me today as if I could hear your sweet little voice say…’well I prayed for a Golden Retriever puppy! Mommy; doesn’t GOD answer your prayers?’ And you looked at me.” Daniel- “Well I’m not really sure. I just know that I prayed for one but never thought that one would just show up like Sam did. I thought the only way I’d get one is if you got it for me.” Me-“I remember firmly looking at you and saying, YES son, but it happens on His own good time and I’m telling you that you better put something else on your list….!” Daniel- “Haha, Yes I do remember that” Me- “It just got me thinking this morning…” Ok love you. No more questions! Have fun!” Daniel- “Haha ok love you. Thank you!”
God gives us teaching moments. And God answers prayer. His answers are yes, not right now and no I have something better in store for you later.
Sam was an inspiration for me in several different mediums and media of art. I made paintings, digital art, photographs, fabric print and even painted him on a wooden chest for our grand daughter's fifth birthday. He truly was an angel sent from heaven.
Thank you for reading,
Gayle Forster
The fountain of beauty is in our heart, and many of those beautiful, fascinating thoughts and images are illustrated in it’s chamber s and must be purged...
G.Forster
G.Forster
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| This piece is a digital art that I did of Sam several years ago. It has been reproduced in prints for sell and displayed in my art shows. |
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| This is a piece of fabric that I designed and printed from a photograph that I took of Sam in the Fall of 1999. |
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Some New Jewelry Creations
I had fun making several new pieces of jewelry since late Spring. I thought that I would post a few of my favorite pieces. I'm working on a website: http://www.gayleforsterdesigns.com/ and focusing on special events with extras, like custom jewelry design and etc. Hopefully I will get it up and running before too long.
Friday, May 29, 2009
New May Releases
I have designed a few new belt buckles, these are a little taste of what I have worked on but for more additions to our line please go to http://www.gayleforsterdesigns.com/category_28/Belt-Buckles.htm . As always I enjoy designing new pieces. May was a busy month with my art show at Jackson’s in Nashville ( http://www.facebook.com/editevent.php?info&eid=67464022157#/event.php?eid=67464022157 ) and the birth of our second grand child! I look forward to some creative days ahead. I want to introduce a line of sterling silver rings with some eye popping art on the tops in the next couple of months. I will keep you posted!
Monday, May 25, 2009
Our Logo
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Our logo is embroidered and/or printed on our clothing and accessories. I designed the logo with a cross in the center, I’m from the gulf coast so I added the fleur-de-lis, it has a full medallion and there are shapes that represent stepping stones. Those represent the steps or stages we take on our road through life and the outer circle is the circle of life. There is a large crown tilted to the left and it represents the “crown of glory”. Our business name is derived from Christina (co-owner and daughter-in-law) hence, “Chrissy”. And “Coco” is what Christina called me because I make chocolate cakes with an angel item inside the box. That is another story…...you would have to look up the Sewanee angel story on the University Of The South’s site to understand.
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Crystal Belt Buckles (Nash-Vegas)
I would like to introduce some of my latest creations. They are crystal embellished belt buckles in an array of designs and colors. We think they look a bit Nash-Vegas! My daughter, Laura, suggested I try making some belt buckles when she lived in Nashville, TN. It turned out to be a good idea. The belt buckles are a one of a kind artful accessory that can make an exceptional statement in your wardrobe. Since I (Gayle Forster) am the only designer I am limited to the number of pieces that I can produce. I have chosen at this time to only produce one of each design. For purchase price or more information please visit our website: http://www.gayleforsterdesigns.com/ and I am currently setting up an Etsy store.
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