a funny pooch, inspiration, motivation, sketches & a self portrait

I just had to share.

I couldn't stop laughing out loud while watching this pooch.
Too funny!

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 And here is an inspirational story on TED by a young woman who, at the age of four, escaped to Australia by boat with her family.  I hope her story makes people who are against the 'boat people' really stop and think.  These refugees are real people who have suffered greatly and are only looking for a safe and better life.  In case the video doesn't work, here is the link - Tan Le - My Immigration Story.

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I was quite devastated yesterday after attempting to watch a movie called Earthlings narrated by Joaquin Phoenix. It shows atrocities committed against animals around the world by human hands. I guess it is hoped that people will take a stand and make a difference.  It shows the truth of it all. The movie is over an hour and a half long but I could only make it to 17 minutes before I was crying my eyes out and feeling physically ill. I just couldn't watch any more and don't know if I will be able to. It truly hurt my heart and soul and, if you're the type of person who empathises deeply with animals like I do, I would advise you NOT to watch it. Some of the images are still haunting me and, no doubt, will continue to haunt me for some time to come. Seeing things like that can truly make me hate the human race for what they do, or choose to ignore, when it comes to the animal inhabitants of this planet...and even their own kind, let's not forget the Holocaust.  We are all God's creatures and animals deserve our respect, compassion and love too.  I just can't comprehend how some of us can be so indifferent and desensitised to another creature's agony and suffering?  It's those people who really need to watch this film from beginning to end as hopefully it might restore some of their humanity. I can only pray that things change for the better.

I now feel motivated to get back to focusing my art on animals.
I also want to consider other ways I can make a bigger difference apart from my donations and bringing awareness via my Animal Love links.

 My actions are my only true belongings.
— Thich Nhat Hanh

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Speaking of art,
here are a few recent sketches in my journal.


The birds in our family - Maelik (pronounced 'mail-ick'), Surya (pronounced 'sue-ree-ah') and Jacob.

Budgies are native to Australia and, over the years, have fast become a popular pet around the world.  In America, they are known as parakeets because they are a member of the parrot family.  As far as talking goes, the male budgies are much easier to train whereas it's not very common for the females to talk.  One tip - If you want to train a budgie to talk, it is best being on its own in a cage as another budgie companion will just distract it.  That's why they say not to put a mirror in their cage either.  These little birds are full of personality.


The finished page I started the other day.

Here, my main focus was sketching directly with ink pens - no pencils - so I only added a hint of colour to the background.

And a collection of Asian influences around my home.
The leafy plant is called Lucky Bamboo and lives in a large vase of water.

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Week 8 in the 52 weeks of me 2012 project.

Contemplating what to sketch next perhaps?

We're having a very rainy weekend here with humidity and temps alternating between muggy and cool.
I'll just have the coolness please.


OH, I received a date for my hysterectomy surgery!
March 22nd - the day before my birthday which means I'll be in hospital on my birthday.  Ah well, at least I won't have to cook. lol

Btw, I think Blogger heard the outcry about people being frustrated with the NEW Word Verification.  I've noticed that, while it is still the two words, they have done away with the indecipherable B&W wonky word...YAY!! While I still hate Word Verification on blogs and refuse to use it on my own, at least Blogger has opted to make the words easier to decipher.

I hope you're all enjoying a beautiful weekend!

~ Love, light and peace ~