Howie's Home

Howie (a.k.a. Howdy Pardner) came home yesterday after finishing a strong third at Calder on Sunday. He looked like he was going to win it at the top of the stretch but got caught at the wire giving up 1/2 length for everything. All you can ever ask for is an honest effort. Just try, and he did, running his best that day. He's such a character and personality, it's great to have him back and he seemed relieved to come home to the farm. Maggie (a.k.a. Seeking First) is his stablemate and she was even happy to see him. They didn't use her race again, the latest being for Wednesday, but it's just as well with the impending tropical storm.

I just had to comment on Alyson Stanfield's blog yesterday. The subject is artist's not knowing their own craft. My comments restate the issue of some of my peers being clueless about what's happening in the artworld. I consider my creation of art a business and can't imagine not being aware of news and events on both a local and international scale. And another related point, these same peers are not engaged in some type of ongoing study. It seems to me that any business is a perpetual learning experience of refining skills and networking, marketing, etc.

Sunday at Calder

"Howie" (a.k.a. Howdy Pardner) is in the 9th race Sunday at Calder. He's been down there all week with Milo and we miss him. I don't get to go this time - must finish cover painting for THE book.

Maggie (a.k.a. Seeking First) was supposed to breeze tomorrow but the track is soaked and she'll probably just do a two-minute clip. We really need the rain in Ocala!!

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Sneak Peek

I'm finally getting our little children's book wrapped up. (Aren't we all writing children's books?) It's been a couple of years in the making. This past year has been blessed with non-stop commissions and I'm finally caught up. Not that I'm complaining, just no time for my own creations. WELL! I've now got a block of time set aside to complete this project, in partnership with my dear friend, the most gifted and talented writer, Dale Jarusek. She knocked-knocked out (pardon the pun) 106 horsey related riddles aimed for the 8 to 10 year old crowd. She's so prolific and the ideas flow to her effortlessly. I got to do the silly illustrations in pen and ink. What a relief and break from all the formal painting. Now I have an excuse to think like an eight-year-old...Q. What do you call a cowboy who falls off his horse every time he goes over a hill?
A. Humpty Dumpty!