The view from my chair

"Crossroads"  8x8" Acrylic on Canvas

I had a little mishap this week.

I have a dog. A large dog... she's probably close to 90 lbs, and she's not fat, just big. Every day I when I get home we go for a long walk in the neighbourhood. I get to clear my head from all the crap that happened at work, and she gets a bit of much needed exercise. For some unknown reason, every small dog in the neighbourhood feels the need to make a whole lot of noise every time we walk by. It's safe to say that EVERYONE within earshot knows when we're coming down the street.

The thing about small dogs is that their owners often don't pay attention to them when they are out walking. Of course this isn't always the case, but I've found many of them use those long, retractable leashes so their pet can run around while they stand there and play with their phone. I'm usually well aware of other dogs, but this particular day I had a lot on my mind, and I just didn't see it. When it came running, teeth bared and hackles up, my girl lunged forward to get herself between me and my attacker... and sent me sprawling in the process. I've spent the rest of the week with dealing with ice packs and acupuncture needles, not being able to do a whole lot. It is really not fun.

I'm healing, but it might be a week or two before I'm able to stand at an easel to paint. Not working isn't really an option, so I do what I can do while sitting. I've finished up a few small pieces I had on the go, the above being one of them. I've been drawing a bit in my sketchbook, and doing a bit of journaling. I've got a week-long art retreat planned for the week after next... I'm a bit nervous that I won't be better by then, but there's not much I can do about it. I'll just have to manage somehow. I've been waiting ages for this, and there is no way in hell I'm not going.

Oh and by the way, my Ella Fitzgerald portrait  is almost complete... don't forget to go leave a comment for a chance to win a limited edition print. I'm working with the team at Global Vernissage to get my prints available for purchase... I'll let you know when they're available.