My Furry Valentine Give-Away ~

Early in February, I entered a Facebook contest called My Furry Valentine Give-Away.  I was shocked to find I won the GRAND prize.  It was an original 11" x 14" oil painting of a pet of my choice.  Carol Lew, Old World Pet Portraits, is an amazing artist.  

I sent her this picture of Ernestine.

I agonized over what dress and color I would choose for her.  It took me a few weeks to decide.  Carol was so patient and sent me many suggestions that she thought would work well.  

Isn't the final portrait simply amazing?  This is an original painting of Ernestine, not one of the photoshopped pictures.

Here is Ernestine posing with her portrait.  Notice I even found some pearls for Ernestine to wear.

I gifted this to DSO as an early birthday present.  I just couldn't wait until July.  How ironic that a pug was the chosen winner.  Carol has three rescued pugs!

Thank you, Carol, from the bottom of my heart.  I truly am blessed to have won such a treasure.  Please check out her website.  She has lots of eye candy and you may be inspired to have your furbaby immortalized in oil.

Thanks so much for stopping by.
Pug hugs 😊
Lauren

So Very Bad ~

Yesterday I went and played for the day with good friend Lyn who also happens to be my brother's DSO.  Our friendship predates their relationship by many years (and they have been together going on 30 years!).  When I go to antique shops/shows, I am usually very conservative in my purchases.  I thought this wall box was a real deal for only $25. 

Square nail construction and a wonderful patina.

Or this little treen container to add to my collection for only $4.  A very common piece, it is the barrel shaped piece the second from the right.

The second show was another story.  A very upscale show with amazing antiques.  True antiques with prices to match.  We are talking high end.  WAY out of my league.  In one of the first booths, I came across some oil paintings.  I do not own an oil painting . . . or I should say did not own an oil painting.  An oil painting of mischievous pugs.  Circa 1870-1880 according to the dealer.  Well, I shopped the rest of the show, thought long and hard, and then asked the dealer his absolute best price.  His figure was what I had in mind, so . . . how could it not come home with me?  Now I just need to find the perfect spot for it.  (The painting is darker than it appears in the picture.)

If you notice, the pugs have snouts.  When you see Victorian pictures of pugs, they had pronounced snouts.  Over the years it has been bred out of them giving them the flat face that is now desired.  Sadly, along with the flat face (though cute as heck) comes many breathing issues.

Trick or treat eve, after opening the bag with 250 pieces of candy, I discovered it had been cancelled due to extremely high winds.  Now I really must get that candy out of my house.  I have no will power.  It was suggested I freeze it.  HA!  That won't stop me.

Thanks so much for stopping by.

Pug hugs :)

Lauren