ALL THINGS CORGI AND BEYOND!

Autumn Days

2009-11-01T12:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Autumn! :)

Pumpkins in the cornfields
Gold among the brown
Leaves of rust and scarlet
Trembling slowly down
Birds that travel southward
Lovely time to play
Nothing is as pleasant
As an autumn day!

Magic Monster Spray and Things That Go Boo!

2009-10-25T11:14:00.000-07:00

"Bump In The Night" ~ c. 2009
So my youngest son Espen is scared of the dark. More often than not, lately, he refuses to sleep in his own room which usually lands him on his sleeping bag at my bedside. Friday night I was exhausted and ready for a break, when Espen started whining right from the start of his normal bedtime routine. Desperate for a little peace and quiet and some much needed shut eye...preferably before midnight...I invented "MONSTER SPRAY!" (Now available by the way...to those who have ghosties in their closets...at the local Walley World) I grabbed the can of Lysol Disinfectant Spray and took it to his room and announced "LOOK! I have magic monster spray! One spray and it keeps the monsters away!" I even showed him the picture of a house on the can...saying 'look it's our house!' (Desperate minds will try anything...LOL) So we sprayed it under the bed, around the window, in the closet and all the corners. And just like magic...it worked...he went to bed and slept ALL night! :) I was shocked...nothing like using a little psychology to get a good nights rest. I highly recommend "MONSTER SPRAY" to all those parents out there who are desperate for a little sanity at bedtime. Who knew Lysol was so powerful..hmmm....wonder if I could get a kick back from this if I wrote the company! LOL;)

Mother Culture...Blooming Where We Are Planted

2009-10-24T06:23:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I feel that I was born in the wrong era, my brother-in-law said as much to me several years ago. He said I was born in the wrong 'time.' Even though, I know that God's timing is perfect, it is difficult to keep mother culture alive and thriving in a society that places such worth on outward accomplishments. I truly love being at home with my children, teaching, cooking, baking, cleaning house, being a help-mate to my husband, reading, painting and just living a simple and contented life. Unfortunately the time that we are living in now, demands so much more than what was expected just fifty years ago. My dream when I was a little girl was to have a home and family of my own, most especially to become a mother in every sense of the word. It was not to go out and have a career as a 'superwoman.' In these days of feminists and equality for women, keepers of the home, tend to get a bad rap...it is not easy to be a keeper of the home. The first question I am often asked is..."and what do You do?" It seems it is frowned upon in today's society to not have lofty dreams of worldly success. It is a very difficult task to live simply in such a complex world. Keeping life uncomplicated and free from so many distractions that the world throws at our feet is very trying indeed. God did not create man and woman equal, we were each created for separate purposes that fulfill a common need. One a provider the other a nurturer, companions to each other. Each valuable, but very different indeed.

I long to be the keeper of the home that it speaks of in Proverbs 31:27-28 :

"She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also and he praiseth her."

I had such lovely examples of this virtuous woman in my dear little grandmothers, both just as humble and content with the simple things in life as they could be. By God's grace and His strength I hope to cultivate that love of simple things, and dispel the need that the world tries to plant in our hearts for complexity.

Proverbs 15:16

"Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith."

Children Learn By Example....

2009-10-18T12:49:00.001-07:00

Ephesians 5: 1-2

"Be imitators of God...And Walk in love,

as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us."

Children learn by example....

Today my youngest son, Espen (who is 4 years old), proved this! During meeting this morning when Bryan asked if anyone had a hymn. Espen blurts out loud and clear without thinking twice about it..."number 6!" My first response was to reach across the row of chairs where he sat beside his big brother Tristan and cover his mouth and say "Shhhhhhhhh!" But then I thought better of if, and pulled my hand away and let the chips fall at they may...so to speak. Bryan said "We can sing that one." Just as calm as a cucumber! Needless to say I was not calm at ALL! My face turned the darkest shade of a red apple, and I started to sweat, I thought to myself...what will happen during testimony...LOL Then the thought came to me, that this could be a positive experience for Espen , and create a deeper love for meeting, by just accepting his humble little request to sing "number 6." I wouldn't want to squelch the still small voice that must be dealing with his little heart.

My thoughts turned to just HOW often Espen has stated he wants to be JUST like his brothers...and I thought of the awesome burden that they alone bear. They have a little one who is traveling in the footprints that they leave behind. And it made me want to be a better example myself...before ALL of my children. Sometimes when we least expect it, God sends us gentle reminders to keep us on track. This morning it was something as simple as a hymn..."When I survey the wondrous cross on which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss And pour contempt on all my pride...." Espen did not realize the actual hymn he was calling out...it is just a number to him right now...but I am hopeful and prayerful that one day, he too will want the dying life. I so want to be a pillar in God's family...by His grace may it be so.

Coffee Break...

2009-10-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

Strange how a teapot can represent at the same time the comforts of solitude and the pleasures of company. ~

Enjoying not a cup of tea...but a nice hot pot of coffee....with some Belgian Chocolate Toffee cream...what a pleasant way to spend a chilly, rainy afternoon. ;)

Camping...Cards...Bubble Gum...Sandy Feet & Sisters!

2009-10-14T11:44:00.000-07:00

Gracie/ Barnes ~ Braves the cold while Mary, Mary plays cards from her sleeping bag cocoon...LOL

Mary, Mary....we had to get some coffee and QUICK the next morning...this is how we slept with toboggans on our heads and scarves around our necks! LOL
Lucy & Mikee ~ November 2004 Did I mention we chewed LOTS of bubblegum! Brad looks like the cold GOT to him! LOL

This is what you look like when you spend the night in a tent in freezing temps...with 3 Crazy people!

The temperatures were approaching the 30's...the wind was whipping....and the next night it decided to RAIN!

Camping in a tent what could be more FUN! (Said strictly with tongue in cheek.)

Ever wonder at the wisdom behind why we choose do to some things....what the enrichment value is of certain experiences that causes us to trek through them???

When looking at this awful pic...that is what came to mind! And I immediately thought about what would make a

lady who was four months preggos at the time camp in a tent!?

The answer?? Maybe the cold air killed off a few more brain cells. (snickering loudly) ;)

My dear sister (a.k.a. Mary, Mary ) is what saved me from this whole scenario...it was her that walked with me through the dark and FREEZING night to go to the potty house, hundreds of times in the night.

Whoo hooo!

So LET the wind blow...the rains fall....the icicles glitter...and the tent cave in...as long as I have Mary, Mary as a sister and friend! :) LOL

Sisters...without mine I would be clueless. She makes me laugh even when I don't feel like it! We have so much fun when we are together it is as if we have NEVER been apart.

For the first time in over a year, I got the chance to spend a day with my sister yesterday!

It was truly a gift....

Love you Mary, Mary....:) Quanie

On being a pansy...a patsy...and a cry baby....

2009-10-11T14:46:00.001-07:00

So my dear sweet hubby is going away tomorrow to a fishing tournament at the Outer Banks...and I am ALREADY missing him. It amazes me just how much I miss him when we are apart. We spend so much time together that he can finish my sentences before I do. Sometimes we have the exact same thoughts...this happened this morning he said what I was thinking. :) He is what I always dreamed my husband would be. My best friend in all the world. We share a common faith and a love for God...and he is such a wonderful daddy to our children. I would not know HOW to live without him.

I married very young at the age of 17, so he IS my life! I thank God for him every day, and hope to grow old and gray with him by my side. When we were dating I wrote him a letter...that said..."I love you more with every beat of my heart." Who knew how true this little line would become. I am grateful to have found a forever love.

So on the verge of crying tears at having to part with him for a few days, I thought I would write this little post.

I love you my dear sweet Bradley....stay safe and hurry home soon! LOL

Okay NOW I am officially a pansy! ;) And the funny thing is I don't even care!

The Scooter

2009-10-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I was busy cleaning out the garage...and my youngest son was caught up in his own little make believe world...

I enjoyed hearing him sing softly to himself as he rode his little scooter around the drive wearing his daddy's tattered old straw hat.

Little boys can do the sweetest little things sometimes...it can totally catch you off guard! ;) I know one day I will miss his soft little songs and his muddy shoes and the dirty knees of his little boy blue jeans. So for now, I purpose to enjoy ALL the seasons of my life!

Trust

2009-09-26T18:35:00.000-07:00

Today I was thinking about some of the small trials I have faced in the past year...and how a few small trials, over a period of time seemed to become one big trial. The resounding thought in my prayer and meditation this morning was: trust . God seemed to be saying do you trust me in all things?

So I began to think about what do we gain from trusting in God?

My thoughts took me to the Psalms where much is mentioned about trust.

In Psalm 2:12 It mentions "...blessed are all they that put their trust in him." So Blessings are something that come when we trust God.

Psalm 23:4 Mentions the Lord as our Shepherd and that He is with us even unto death. So Comfort comes to those who trust the Lord fully.

Psalms 31:1 and Psalm 55:23 Mentions Gods deliverance to those who trust Him.

Psalm 56:3-4 & 11 Mentions being given a freedom from fears...thus peace is a by product of trusting in the Lord.

Psalm 143:8 Mentions He will help us to know wherein to walk...Guidance comes from the Lord to those who trust in Him.

In Just 30 minutes of study...and there are so many not mentioned here....what wonderful reasons to trust more fully in the Lord.

This was so encouraging to me....Even in the valleys of life...God is with us.

Happy weekend!

Valerie

2009-01-10T17:13:00.000-08:00

Hello Corgi Fans,

It has been over a year since my last post, I have been super busy, painting and teaching homeschool to my four beautiful children. Valentines Day is approaching, I was inspired to paint this sweet little victorian Corgi Clown. Isn't that what our Corgi's are? Our Funny Little Valentines! Happy New Year to you all and Happy Valentines Day!

Check back often for more Corgi Art!

Valerie

MERRY CORGI CHRISTMAS!

2007-11-28T05:16:00.001-08:00

Wow, time sure flies when you stay busy. Life with four kids and a fur kid too...is just that to say the least! Hope you are enjoying the holiday season. My Tia enjoyed Thanksgiving and a special turkey leg feast, just for her!

I am enjoying painting Christmas scenes...the one at the left is one very familiar to my childhood. My sister and I always woke up my parents at the crack of dawn on Christmas day, of course, Dad was always snorning and Mom would say...go back to bed, it is the middle of the night. Adults can be so annoying! LOL :)

Merry Christmas to you and your very special corgis!

TMNT

2007-05-15T12:13:00.000-07:00

THIS IS MY LATEST MURAL....TAKEN FROM THE TMNT MOVIE....THIS IS LEO!

THIS WAS A LOT OF FUN TO PAINT!

SUMMER TIME

2007-05-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

Seems like summer has come early to our neck of the woods, the temps yesterday were in the 90's. Tia is enjoying the summery weather and it has inspired a new round of spring paintings. The kids are just itching to get out of school for summer vacation.

*The Wheelbarrow Ride* my newest addition, was lovingly created with Tia in mind. She is a reverse gardener, and delights in undoing any yard work, we might attempt to complete! :) LOL

Happy spring!

Tia and Spring!

2007-03-21T06:28:00.000-07:00

Tia is enjoying the warm spring days of late.....she just runs and jumps after the bunnies that frequent our yard.

Rainforest Mural

2007-03-21T06:24:00.000-07:00

I have been hard at work for weeks on this rainforest mural for a client. I especially love the waterfall! Can't wait to see the finished wall.

Spring Fever!

2007-03-21T06:19:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! My hubby begins to grumble about mowing the lawn the warmer it gets. We have a regular ponderosa for a back yard. The corgis are busy getting their yard ready for spring. Corgi Mom enjoys working in her flower garden. But Corgi Dad...ummm...well let's just say that's a whole other story. :) Happy spring to you and your corgis!

Little Miss Popularity

2007-01-20T11:27:00.000-08:00

Wow! It has been forever since I've posted!

Tia is enjoying our new neighborhood. She has a friend at just about every house. She could be the poster kid for popularity. She loves to play with all of the neighborhood kids...the "fur kids" and the children! ATTENTION...ATTENTION... that is what she loves! So life here in the Linwood palace is perfect for "Little Miss Popularity." It is nice to finally be settled in and getting back to my art. I have been hard at work, creating a brand new online corgi store on Cafe Press, "CORGI CREATIONS!" It is pure corgi! Be sure to check it out for some really cool corgi valentines gifts and other corgi ric-rac. Hope everyone is enjoying a happy start to the new year! Cheers! Valerie

There is No Place Like Home

2006-10-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

Things have been extremely busy around here! We have finally moved to our beautiful new house in Linwood, NC. Tia is enjoying the new 'palace'. LOL No new pictures yet...but here is a recent one of our new home. Hope to post again soon with new pics. Can't wait to get back to painting. I have taken some time away from my art...in order to accomplish a move with four kids and a fur kid too!

Our Little Race Dog?

2006-08-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

Our little 'race horse'....'race dog'???? Tia just loves to RUN,RUN, RUN. We tried to take a photograph of her funny little antics. You can see she is just too fast for our old camera. Boy, do I wish I had this much energy when I get up in the morning. LOL :)

"Christmas in July"

2006-07-19T17:47:00.000-07:00

"A Very Corgi Christmas"

The temperatures around here in North Carolina, have been sweltering to say the least here of late! Just today the thermometer stated 101 degrees! We are melting even in the shade. I thought it was time for a little taste of Christmas and some cool refreshing weather, at least in my imagination. The Corgis are Christmas shopping in New York City...Or is it just window shopping?? LOL :) Freshly fallen snow blankets the ground. I hope you enjoy this breath of fresh air as much as I enjoyed painting it! Happy Christmas in July!

Going for Walkies!

2006-07-16T18:50:00.000-07:00

Going for walkies!

Tia just loves going for walks. She loves to sniff out the bunnies that frequent our yard. Her new pet peeve is not being allowed to chase them when they run off through the woods. She would LOVE to be hot on their trail. I think she was a blood hound in another life! LOL

Life Is Like a Box of Chocolate

2006-07-13T18:41:00.000-07:00

I created this enchanting little painting, taking inspiration from one of my all time favorite movies, 'FORREST GUMP' and that famous quote...

"Momma always said, 'life is like a box of chocolate you never know what you are gonna get.'"

Meanwhile, my little corgi Tia is adjusting to country life. She just loves to chase ants across our paved driveway...seems as if she has never seen them before. Isn't it funny how puppies notice the tiniest things!

ADOPTING TIA OUR RESCUE CORGI

2006-07-08T17:37:00.000-07:00

ADOPT A DOG....SAVE A LIFE!
My husband and I have been searching for a corgi to adopt. We specifically wanted a rescue dog, one that really needed a loving home. We have done a lot of searching on the internet and were so shocked at the number of dogs and puppies needing loving homes. We found Tia on 1-800-saveapet.com and fell in love with her smile. She was being fostered by the "Crossroads Animal Rescue" in Charlotte, North Carolina. This was wonderful for us, since it is just a little over an hour from where we live. I knew that the minute I saw her this was the dog for our family. We went for our interview yesterday and finally got to meet Tia. It went so well, that we are fostering her for a week until the adoption is complete.
We could not have found a lovelier dog. She has a gentle spirit and a constant smile. She is always wagging her tail. She just fell in love with our children and the children have fallen in love with her. We have four kids and so Tia will have loads of love coming her way! She just sits and soaks up all of the love we give to her. I love the way her front paws point outwards like a ballerina's pose. We are so excited to add her to our family. She is a "pawfect fit."
I think if anyone is considering buying a dog, I would hands down recommend adoption. It helps a dog in need and these little dogs are just dying for some affection and love. Tia is a Corgi/daschund mix. But you can see by her pictures that she has lots of corgi in her! She is a beautiful color. I will keep you updated on Tia's life with her new forever family! Aren't we lucky?!