Good Bye.

Dear Readers of my blog,

I am sorry yet very happy to tell you I have been adopted by Lai. She is taking me to my new home. I will miss the Village life, but I am looking forward to having my own home and bed to sleep in..... so this is the last of my blogging....

Good Bye, my friends....and may you always keep the spirit.

Much Love,

Bella

A Wonder and A Reflection

I have been called a 'good dog', a 'cute dog'....but, never a pretty dog. I am looking at my reflection in Lai's glass door and am wondering if maybe I could be considered interesting or pretty. You might ask 'what's the big deal?'.....Well, the Balboa Park 2nd Annual Top Dog Photo Contest is coming up...entries (photos) of dogs posing or frolicking in Balboa Park are wanted for this contest....Spanish Village would be ideal with it's Spanish charm and colorful tiles throughout the village... I'm just wondering if someone like me would have a chance at winning the Loews Coronado Bay Resort overnighter that includes dog surf lessons and lots of doggy goodies...or perhaps, 2nd place, a dog portrait, and Balboa Park Passports...maybe I could get Alane to take some photos of me....do you think I could win? I don't know..maybe I could get Beverly to brush my fur....Cassandra to put on a fresh bow....

*Balboa Park Top Dog, submit Aug 29-Sep 16, www.balboapark.org/topdog, voting on line from Sept 21-Sept 30....winner chosen Oct 3.

Potluck and Board Meetings

My comfortable hole is freshly dug, and I am getting whiffs of the potluck food for the board meeting this evening....smells like fried chicken, chocolate cake, oil and vinegar, ummm, pizza, and I think Carol's pork roast.....the village is the next best thing to home....

Flea Baths and Dried Fish

The morning is comfortable...it is cooler now, and I feel somewhat better since Beverly gave me a flea bath. She tried to give Pricilla one, too, but Pricilla would have none of it.

Already, the patio artists are unloading their artwork for today's sales. All the studios will be open since it is a weekend...and the kid's weekday art classes are closed for the weekend.

I ate a piece of dried fish....not too sure how I feel about it. An artist from Finland gave it to me while she was sitting in Gallery 21 for the Finn Fest Show that ends on Aug. 22nd...lots of photos, mixed media, paintings and jewelry from and about Finland...

Well, time to do my morning stretch and say 'hi' to the patio artists! Hope you and your dogs come visit me! Woof!

An Evening of Enjoyment

The white lights were strung throughout the patio, up and down the patio, tables were covered with various, colorful cloths, each adorned with a pot of colorful flowers, individual food stations representing foods from Thailand, Mexico, United States, Italy, India, and more were set up along the perimeter of the patio, candle light, live music, and over 500 chattering, hungry, happy people enjoying themselves, had a party last night at the Village....most of the art studios were open to welcome the guests...I was a hit at the party, so much petting, compliments and treats! Afterwards, all the artists enjoyed the overabundance of food....including me! How I love corporate paties!

A Cool Hole

Ughh! Such a humid day...and I think I have fleas.

....just finished the rest of Carol's Open House stroganoff, am stretched out in a cool hole, recently dug out...just recalling Saturday's Open House....the festivities included a plein air competition of different floral arrangements, three silent auctions with almost one hundred items to bid on, live music from The Tin Man's Heart, lots of villagers with art booths set up in the main patio, lots of guests, and taste treats offered in each of the 37 working art studios. It was a success.

Pricilla has been meowing and roaming the Village grounds at night....both her kittens found homes, but she thinks she has misplaced them.

Flowers, Classes & Kids

I am stuffed with pizza...Steve, Barbara, and some others are busily working at the table in front of his studio, creating paper flowers out of paper plates...painting, gluing, and assembling works of art!....all for patio decorations for our open house on July 23rd 11-7 PM....I relished the pizza served for lunch.....ughh!

The atmosphere is calmer now....Elizabeth and Charlotte's summer morning class is over...and now, Ellie's afternoon summer class is in session out in the main patio....the children seem to enjoy the clay, painting and constructing of art....and, I enjoy the tidbits and pats on my head from the children.

It is a beautiful, sunny, day in the Villge...wish you were here!

Jose's 'The Book of Poems'

Sundays are one of my favorite days of the week, because all the art studios are open, and I can visit many of my friends.

This particular Sunday was Jose's reception....a small meeting of artists in Sylvia's studio, gathered to listen to Jose read passages of his writings, while supporting and celebrating his first published book of short stories, sold on Amazon. Sylvia offered chocolate chip & macadamia cookies, and ice cold lemonade....Jose, Margaret, Mary, Lai and Sylvia chatted about the ways to publish one's book, and enjoyed exchanges of information....I sprawled out on Sylvia's cool cement tiles, waiting for a piece of cookie. There is so much diversified talent at the Village. I am hoping someone will write a book about me....why not?!

*The Book of Poems, Francisco Jose Ruiz (Jose Ruiz), 2011....on Amazon.com

Another Hot Day

Everything is back to the way it should be....Pricilla's kittens have all been found. Apparently, she got frightened by the sounds of the fireworks, quickly hid each kitten, and afterwards, forgot where she put them...I, too, was scared by the loud percussions, but Jon's studio was open, so I spent the night with his companionship...actually, it was comforting and mesmerizing watching him sand the rough pods from the king palms into smooth, lustrous pieces of wood.

I am happy to see Scott has returned to sell his paintings in the main patio....he had been missing for so long, but now he is feeling much better. He's the painter, who, from time to time, paints little obscure unidentified flying objects in his country landscapes.

Today is another hot day! I am panting, already, dug into a cool hole that I have dug under a shady tree...hopefully, someone will change my warm water bowl with cool water.

God Bless America

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

I am watching Carol and Lucy unload the hot dogs, hamburgers, fish, potato salad, coleslaw, buns, condiments, cake and so much more!!! We (the villagers) are having an Independence Day BBQ for lunch today.

In the mean time, on this sunny, hot day, I will lay in the shade, watching the commotion, counting the moments til the celebration begins, so I can get some taste treats!

I appreciate my freedom... no one ties me up with a rope, I don't have a leash attached to me, I can move about as I please.....FREEDOM should never be underestimated or taken for granted.

A Lazy Saturday

The sun came out early this morning, just about the same time the birds started chattering and singing, and when Ramon rolled up in his van, ready to set up his display booth for jewelry followed by his regiment of yoga positions. I like to lay down and watch him move purposely and fluidly, practicing his yoga....plus, afterwards, he spends time rubbing my tummy.

It's a Saturday, so all of the 37 working studios are open...much of the patio is occupied by artists with their artwork displayed, waiting for some interest and perhaps a sale.

For me, as the hot day progressed, I positioned myself on the cool floor in Yanush's studio, watching him paint his peaceful landscape scenes and waiting for a piece of that roast pork sandwich that his wife Carol made for him....

Father's Day

Today is Father's Day.
I enjoyed watching the fathers with their families strolling in our village...one father was admiring a photo, by Susan, recalling a vacation in Positano, a colorful village in Italy...Margaret and Franklin took Margaret's father for breakfast....Rebecca's dad dropped by with fries and hamburgers.
...I have no memory of my father...I think fathers should stay with their families.

Wine, Cheese, Chocolate & Me.

Tonight, the Women's Museum is hosting a Wine, Cheese & Chocolate fundraiser...the music is pulsing through the air, the little, twinkling, white, lights are strung across the patio and around the jacaranda trees, happy people are swinging to the rhythm of the live band, as I am trying to avoid being stepped on by 4'' high heels, and patted a bit too heavily by men dressed in Hawaiian shirts. The main patio is covered with patrons, chatting, sipping wine, laughing, tasting different chocolates and pungent to mild cheeses. I think of myself as an ambassador for the Village, holding my head high, greeting the guests, wagging my tail, and smiling...today, Beverly brushed me and Cassandra put a colorful silk bow on my collar, so I look pretty...everyone loves me. Tonight, I think, I will sleep soundly.

Another Morning

It's been drizzling this early morning...the birds haven't started to do their morning songs and chatting...I'm okay, not too cold. Pricilla and the kittens are snug as a bug in their supply crate. Tom, the homeless man, is waking up from his sleep in the gazebo. I see Jon has gone home from his long night of creating art....here comes Ramon in his big van, getting ready to set up his jewelry display and practice his morning yoga...all is well in the Village.

No Sleeping In

Ughhh! Looks like I'll not be sleeping in this morning....the Potter's Guild's twice yearly big patio sale is beginning to take form...cars are on the patio, and clay artists are busily unloading, preparing to layout displays of their artwork and wares on all the tables stretched out from one end of the patio to the other end...ohhh yummm....hmmm....I smell coffee and and DONUTS! Oh, how I adore DONUTS!

Cake and Inclinations

It was drizzling this morning....Pricilla and the kittens were huddled in an old supply box in the back patio. Barbara is the only patio artist set up outside today....Jeffrey had a belated birthday cake...whipped cream frosting...it was delicious! After taking a small bite, Peter gave me his slice of cake (he's thin as can be, but is afraid of putting on weight)...thank goodness dogs don't have that inclination.

Warm Nights

It was a warm night. Priscilla and her kittens were active. In the back patio, she cares for her 5 little ones...I enjoy letting them climb on my head, spring from my body and nuzzle next to me to nap...Priscilla appreciates the respite...she takes the time to hunt for rats for dinner....and Jon usually drops by to check on the little ones and give me a pat on the head.

Lazy Day

It was a sunny and warm Sunday...the Rock N Roll Marathon closed off some of the streets this morning...but all the villagers opened their studios on time. Most of the day, I relaxed in the patio near studio 26, watching the squirrels grab peanuts, as they climbed up and down the make shift ladder in front of studio 25 .... blossoming sunflowers added to the beauty and charm of the patio. It's a lazy day and I am enjoying the aroma of hamburgers cooking from the Village Grill...

no thanks on the pizza

Today is Memorial Day. Our village is open on this day we remember those who served our country. The main patio is full of villagers displaying their art. I am lying under a jacaranda tree unable to eat another bite. We had a Memorial Day Potluck, and as usual, the villagers were very generous with all the taste treats....ugghhh....i wouldn't even eat a slice of pizza if it were offered to me.

Blue Teeth & Green Tongues

We had a birthday celebration for Alane yesterday afternoon. Jane, Franklin, Lai, Joyce, and Margaret sang Happy Birthday to Alane. A colorful,frosted, whipped cream cake decorated with 3 clown's heads popped from the frosting....it was funny....everyone's teeth and tongues were green or blue from the frosting! (and I got to lick the cake pan!) I love Happy Birthdays almost as much as I love the village. Woof!

Under the Table

It's drizzling this morning...I am huddled under Margaret's table, trying to stay dry and warm...I can't wait for someone to come and let me in their studio...

A New Entry for Margaret

It's another cool morning in the village...I am enjoying lying underneath the newly painted table in Margaret's area, studio 20....since she has moved her table out and surrounded her table with big potted plants, painted her entrance bright yellow, and hung a banner out front, I enjoy hanging around there... and the chicken jerky she shares with me is A-ok!

Orange Chicken & Chow Mein

It's Mother's Day today....yesterday, I got some orange chicken, chow mein, and chicken and grape salad from Lai's studio. Her daughter and grandchildren dropped by with pink roses, and all the delicious food for an early Mother's Day celebration...I layed underneath the table while the kids passed me lots of food....afterwards, Lai brought out oil pastels & canvas for the kids to draw....it seems as though Mother's Day is celebrated with food and flowers and children.
Afterwards, everyone walked through the Glass Guild's Twice Yearly Sale in the main patio....and got a fused glass pendant with a red heart...the granddaughter was elated with the delightful treasure. I think Mother's Day should be everyday.

Mother's Day

I overheard some visitors discussing what to get for 'Mother's Day' which happens to be tomorrow....and I tried to remember my mother. I remember the fragrance of roses, because I used to lie next to the rose bush with my mother when I was a puppy....but, I don't remember much of my mother.
Mothers are special people, and deserve to be appreciated, especially on Mother's Day. I hope the visitors find something special for their Mom from the original artwork at Spanish Village.

Look at that Pretty Glass

I'm trying to snooze in the patio this fine evening, but the sound of tables being set up keep me awake....the Glass Guild is getting ready for their twice yearly Glass Guild Sale in the main patio....tomorrow and Sunday, tables will be stretched from one end to the other end of our main patio covered with glass artwork of all kinds.

Villagers at Art Walk

There's much ado about Artwalk in Little Italy this weekend. More than 20 artists from Spanish Village are participating in one of the biggest art events in San Diego....I wish I could go, but I will wait patiently for their return, and hope some goodies will be left for me while they are gone.....

Easter Aftermath for Bella

Ohhh, my tummy feels bad....too many pieces of Easter candy. Yesterday, we had an Easter egg hunt throughout the village. Many children, carrying Easter baskets or toting plastic bags, scampered up and down the main patio, hunting for the colorful, plastic eggs stuffed with candies...I just want to lay under a tree and wait for lunch....ummmm, maybe some pizza!

Lyric, ceramics & goldfish crackers

My little dog - a heartbeat at my feet..............Edith Wharton

It was mid morning and I had found another safe spot to slumber...under a jacaranda tree. A rhythmic clacking sound approached me...it was my friend Lyric wearing a big smile, pushing her popcorn pusher towards me. ''Lyric, why don't you go say hi to Bella'' said Beverly, who is Lyric's grandmother. While Lyric was petting the top of my head, I was licking her lips...what's that taste? Yes, it's cheese goldfish crackers. As I walked towards Beverly's studio, alongside Lyric and the clacking popcorn pusher, I found my favorite spot to plunk down, in Lyric's play area... Bev's studio is well equipped as a clay artist...there is the slab roller, kiln, potter's wheel, canvassed tables, ecstruder, and bakers shelves. Most of her work revolves around fish sculptor. Her fish pole was juried and exhibited in the Urban Trees project along the embarcadero. They are colorful, whimsical fish made to adorn gardens, shelves and walls...sometimes, she throws pots on the potter's wheel, then she rakus or saggers them. Around the lips of the pots are inflorescence or torrey pine needles woven in a coiled style, creating a mixed media container.

My ears perk up...I hear the rattling of a cracker box...and the area where I am lying down is showered with goldfish crackers, tossed about me, with a big smile and generous hands from Lyric!

Accepting Change

A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself......Josh Billings

Last year has brought on some profound losses. My friends Philip, Mary and Sylvia have passed leaving missing stitches in the fiber of Spanish Village. Longtime members of our village whose footprints will be remembered. So much change. And now, the stately carob tree in front of studio 25 has fallen over, a result of a shallow root system and the barrage of rain experienced this week....my favorite shady spot, my favorite safe spot, gone...sigh. And yet, all change. They say change is dynamic, and change is good...but what if it leaves gaping holes and feelings of loss?? Well, I roll over on my back and get my belly rubbed....ahhhh!...and life becomes more acceptable.