YUKI…..

Friday, November 25, 2011

YUKI…..

…..well actually Yuki Ko was the name given to our rescued Akita by Tomiko. Yuki meaning ‘snow’ and Ko denoting a ‘female’. These past few months Yuki decided she no longer could jump into the car to go to B-Elegant for her grooming and hosing her down on the driveway as I previously showed you wasn’t that much fun. So, I got a doggie ramp and a lifting halter but you can figure out how that worked for us.

Cathy’s Critter Cleaners came to the rescue and Alfredo was WONDERFUL….Yuki had never looked so good. I suspect he used the furminator on her.

Everything seemed to be going along splendidly until Monday morning when Yuki decided she was done. Time to say goodbye. She was 13 1/2 which for a doggie her size is pretty awesome.

Saying goodbye……………..

I thought it appropriate to remember Yuki by what she said for Christmas 2000.

“Dreams do come true…as I lay on the cold concrete at the Animal Shelter, I would dream of a warm bed and food beyond imagining. Somewhere there had to be love and play and happy doggie times. I found it with my new family and asked them to send you this message.

May you always have lots of frisbee time and squirrels to chase. Long romps to lighten the heart and bring joy to all.

May your kibble bowl runneth over and may there be extra treats and surprises.

May you always have adventures and friends to share them with and when you sleep at night may you be blessed with a soft pillow and lovely, sweet dreams.”

Goodnight dear Yuki……………

4 comments:

Okami said...: Aw, Nan, I am so sorry for your loss. It is so wonderful that you were able to provide her with so many loving years in her forever home. I know that she will provide you with many more wonderful years of remembering your time together; November 25, 2011 at 7:46 PM
Anonymous said...: Dear Nan
I am so sorry for your loss. I have said goodbye to 8 dogs in my life and I know that the whole pack will be waiting for me someday when I cross the rainbow bridge.
Sending you love and hugs
Christene; November 25, 2011 at 11:36 PM
olga+family said...: Oh, dear Yuki!...Nan, she looks awesome in this last picture! We'll miss her at the doorbell and her cookie ritual:)
She was a very lucky dog with lots of personality.
Goodnight dear Yuki Ko.
we love you.; November 26, 2011 at 3:24 AM
Anonymous said...: Sweet Yuki, you have been and always will be loved by a woman who truly knows how to love deeply, your human mother. Your dad, Charles, will carry you in his heart always. How lucky you were and how happy you all made each other! Such a precious gift of sharing that never ends. Keep on playing Yuki, and when it's time, bound across the Rainbow Bridge for a joyous reunion with your people, your Forever Friends. You made everyone who met you love you, including me. I wish you lots and lots of cookies! Love, Lisa; November 26, 2011 at 8:16 AM

Introduction

There is no avoiding the pull of the internet, the blogs, the YouTube imaginings. It's as if we're all 'On the Road' with Jack Kerouac each in our own world of meanderings. When we tell someone to 'get a life' it might be a bit difficult when you're dragged into other people's 24/7.

I've come to realize two foundational principals, there are no accidents and everyone has a purpose. More and more I'm desiring everyone to come into a full realization of their purpose as we all find our way on this little jewel of a planet.

For me, as a professional 'Western style artist', I stumbled into Chinese Brush Painting after a trip in 1980 to Monet's home/garden. Seeing all of his collection of Japanese woodblock prints was an ahh haa moment for me and when I returned to the States I started painting in the Chinese manner and never looked back. The first year was extremely painful for me as I felt that I should be able to master the technique since I was a 'trained' artist. Not a chance ... that just gets in your way.

Now, after teaching close to 3,000 students and having my book 'The Ch'i of the Brush' published by Watson Guptill, I can say that every one of my students does better their first day than I did my first year! Why? Because I insist that they leave their critical parent outside and just enjoy the journey, respecting the work that they do. I never let anyone throw anything away because that just ingrains frustration and defeat.

We really only begin to learn when we stop and figure out how to 'save' a painting. It works every time.I am so proud of my students, their receptivity and eagerness to express themselves is a continuing blessing for me.So, back to finding your purpose. Perhaps it starts with realizing 'it's not about me'. It so easy to want our needs met and to filter everything thru this attitude. When we realize that we're here to be of benefit to every life that we touch the universe really provides the ways and means.

The best part is that it's really exciting to not have yourself on your mind all the time!I'm re-reading a wonderful book about authenticity and in my next meandering I'll tell you about it. In the meantime I'd love to hear about your journey and am here to answer any and all questions about Chinese Brush Painting.