The report of my death was an exaggeration.

Periodically, I'll get a phone call or an e-mail from someone who heard a rumor that I've quit framing, or I've died, or if I'm in poor health, etc.  Recently, I've had more queries than usual, so I thought I should write and dispel the rumors.

I certainly deserve all the rumors that are flying about.  I've been horrible about keeping up with my voice mail,  e-mail, phone calls and updating the blog. The truth is: I've been so far behind on the framing that I just had to communicate less and frame more.   In times of stress, I have found that the only thing that makes me feel better is getting orders out the door. 

It's been a year of changes already.  Midge and Gidget have accepted their little brother into our pack.
My Courtney got married.  My Kari gave birth to little Henry - turning Oliver into a big brother.  My Kelly decided it was time to get serious about school and her other job and left us.  (I'm still hopeful she'll consider coming back part time when things calm down for her.  You all know her as the packaging goddess.)  Little Becca has moved to the next big adventure in her life and got married as well.  We've recently welcomed Amber Hansen to our little family.  She has singlehandedly brought hope back to the studio.  I really believe that I can get caught up with the backlog and maybe become more efficient getting the orders out.  I think Amber gets a little embarrassed when I gush about her, so I'll only do it just this one more time...

I have often wished I had a clone of myself to help around the studio.  You've all thought about it.   If you had a clone you could have them do half the work and they would do it the way you wanted it done and wouldn't question the way you wanted it done.   Someone who gets you.  Well, I feel like I've found that with Amber.  She just gets it.  She's my clone only she's prettier, smarter, more talented and just plain nicer than I am.  My father had been telling me for years that I needed to meet her, and yes, it seems that
my father is ALWAYS right.  I'm sorry I dragged my feet.  She's a very gifted artist.  She has worked for many years as a wildlife rehabilitation expert and her artwork reflects this love of nature.  Next week I'm going to figure out how to put a link up so you all can get to know her artwork.

We're in the process of having all the puppies spayed and neutered.  Gidget was last month, Eddie was last week.  Midge will be in a few more months.  I have to get myself ok with the idea that she'll never be a mother.  (She'd be a great one and, well, she's just plain gorgeous.)
My how they've changed!  They're fast friends now.  It's been so interesting to watch them develop their own relationships with each other.  Midge and Eddie like to play rough, but when it's time for sleep, Eddie
snuggles up with Gidget and Midge finds her own spot.  I suppose it's just like a human family.  Here they are sporting bows that our Australian friend Julia sent them.

Gidget is still Eddie's favorite pillow!

I have lots and lots to show you from the months that I've let pass.   I don't really know where to begin.  I thought I'd sort them by the date the photo was taken, but it seems my camera can't read a calendar!  I'll just show them willy nilly.   My apologies to anyone who was eagerly waiting for me to show their masterpiece.

I promise I won't let such a long time pass before I post again.
Until then,
Jill