Talk about living your dream, Tym Mazert is doing just that. Her gallery located at 35 East 8th, here in Eugene. Some of Lane County’s finest artists sell their work there. And you can also purchase a great little dog book there as well. A true treat for the eyes is a visit to the Imagine Gallery. Something for everyone, cards, jewelry, art, sculptures, photos and yes, books. Check the gallery out!

Karen Carson

Karen is my great friend from the Central California Coast. She has always loved photography and over the past eight years has really created a name for herself, showing in galleries from San Francisco to New York City! She was awarded first prize in the 12th Annual International Krappy Kamera competition at the Soho Photo Gallery in New York City. You can view the award winner photo along with many other great works.

I know you will love her work! Check it out here

How fortunate we are in Eugene to have this lovely well thought out quarterly magazine. Inside you will find great stories about all there is to love about Eugene and the surrounding area. From food, wine, human-interest stories, entertainment, history and even dog parks (thanks Lindsey!). That’s right, something for everyone. Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a subscription!

Spot Magazine

It’s a great magazine about dogs and the people who love them. That’s right and it is published right in Portland. If you love dogs, you’ll love Spot Magazine!

And really, couldn’t everyone use more smiles in their lives?  I think so and I know all dogs would agree.  It is really easy to get down when you listen to the news of the day.  So much doom and gloom.  Yet, we all have so much to be thankful for.

My recommendation is to not watch the news for one day.  Get up, go outside and do some smiling!  Pass it on.  Perhaps then the warmth of all the smiles out there will make things sunnier in our world.
Here are two great smiling, sunny side of the street verses that are sure to make you smile!

Season of Smiles by the Itchyworms…
One smile will take away your frown
One smile will turn your day around
This season, there’s no time to be blue
Don’t forget to wear a smile
You’ll never know who’s smiling back at you

The Sunny Side of the Street-Louis Armstrong…
Grab your coat and get your hat
Leave your worries on the doorstep
Life can be so sweet…On the sunny side of the street
Can’t you hear the pitter-pat
And that happy tune is your step
Life can be complete…On the sunny side of the street
I used to walk in the shade with my blues on parade
But I’m not afraid…this rovers crossed over
If I never had a cent
Id be rich as Rockefeller
Gold dust at my feet…On the sunny side of the street

People smiles and dog smiles…a winning combination!

Enjoy every minute…

It is so true that in life sometimes we find ourselves on a journey that is uncomfortable and painful. “But, we stay strong and continue on that path.” And as we all know sooner or later we are magically on the sunny side of the street again. “Thank goodness for the sunny side of the street. - I love the sunny side much better.” I know many of you can relate to this as well.

And a sunny thing happened in Oregon on a gray Saturday in January. - I had my book release party. - Oh my goodness, all of the preparation! - I had no idea. - Now, never being married and not personally going through the whole wedding experience (except as a bridesmaid many times over), I suddenly realized that my book party was my “wedding.”

Anytime I have a party I always want to give the guests something so of course I had to figure out just what that item would be. Now, during the holidays one of my plans was to make cakes and cookies for everyone at Harvest House Publishers. I went out and bought all of the ingredients and prepared myself to do some heavy duty baking for 150+ people. Well, I ran out of time and didn’t get to do the baking. So, I thought to myself; what can I take to these wonderful people? And then it dawned on me -Kisses of course! So, I went out and bought a lot of Hershey’s Kisses. So, when I was thinking about gifts for my guests I though - Kisses! And, what about the four-legged friends that would not be able to be there (because the party was at a restaurant)?
So, I journeyed to a few pet stores and picked up various types of cookies. I wrapped each one - they were perfect! Kisses for my two legged friends and cookies for the dogs!

I am a total fan of the Terrace Cafe located in Valley River Center. Chef Bev is my idol.
So, when I was thinking about a place to have the party, hands down I knew it had to be at - The Terrace! - They did a wonderful job. The food was great. Everyone was impressed. I invite you to consider them for your next event. They do off-site parties as well (a little sales pitch never hurts).

Now, as you know journeys are fun when they are traveled with friends. My girlfriends became my “attendants.” And they each get an A+ for all they did. Cindy and Karen came from Santa Maria, Calif. Karen, with camera(s) in tow truly captured the essence of the party. Cindy and Virginia helped manage the book sales. With love and warmth Kelly and Donna greeted the guests. My angel, Dana seemed to be in many places at one time. My dear sister, Liz, sent the most beautiful flowers of spring, and her strength helped me stay focused and strong. It was such a happy time.

To my many dear family and friends (70 total) who were able to be there, thank you so much. And thank you to those who sent e-mails, cards and left messages. You are all true gifts and you enrich my life so much!

I invite you now to take a photo journey of “Tales from the Dog Park” book release party 08.

Life - It’s a great journey - Isn’t it!

Enjoy!

Writing a book is kind of like having a child. At first it’s so exciting…then reality sets in, and the author is tired and carrying a heavy load. Just before delivery the author is so tired of being an author and just wants to hold a book…but that last bit still needs to be done. Then there is a huge push and flurry…and voila! A book is born and you get to hold it in your hands and it is absolutely beautiful.

Well, I am now able to hold my book in my hands and I have to say I am humbly grateful for the opportunity and the experience. Becoming a published author has been my dream since I was a young girl attending El Camino Jr. High. I remember that I was a bit of a loner and not so much of a joiner. There was a stairway near my homeroom that allowed me a place to write when the others were off socializing.

I recently read some of my poems from those early days. My goodness I was too deep for my young age! I had a bazillion and one questions of what will happen to me, to my loved ones, to my world. It was the time of the Vietnam war, the Hell’s Angels came to Santa Maria, and Clemente Ochoa kept giving me the eye and I did not understand why!

After a long day of trying to figure out the world and trying to keep up with my studies, I would go home and one of the first things I would do was go see the dogs. They always made me smile and happy. They helped me take life a little less seriously. How fitting it is that my first published piece of work should be about the dogs and how we can learn so much from them. How fitting that they were there for me along with my family and friends to help me see the sunnier side of the street now and again.
Today in Oregon it is gray and raining but I have to say this is one of the sunniest times of my life. Getting published and seeing such a great little book be born makes me so happy. Early reviews say that people love the book. Check it out. I’m sure there is a story or two that you will be able to relate to.

I thank God for my many blessings, including those angels that have helped me through this wonderful journey. It has been and continues to be a path that our Lord has designed for my loved ones and me. We have made a vow to open our hearts, arms and minds to the places this little book will take us. I invite you to join in the journey!