Learned Helplessness

Did you know that dogs can develop a behavior called learned helplessness? Its true. Visit Dogstardaily.com and check it out for more info if you want. But Basically it is when a dog will develop a helpless behavior and exhibit it for attention.

Recently Dakota started limping and had a really bad infection in her leg. I took her to the vet and $200 Later she is doing much better. She has started doing something that is quite intriguing however. If I am not paying attention to her when she wants to be let out, or when she wants something, she will start limping. My first reaction is to immediately stop what I am doing, check her leg out and then give her some medicine. But when she starts jumping around with a wagging tail and running all pawed after me down the hallway, I wonder if I am being dooped. :)

Christmas is coming!

Christmas is coming and it is complete with cherry-wink cookies and holiday decor. Happy Christmas!

Happy Late Halloween!

Working at a pediatric office is fun for Mom and we had to get her done up for Halloween. We made the shirt and after some reference finding we did her face. I am amazed that it held up all day. We had some very fun trick or treaters too. :)

"Sleep" by Eric Whitacre

In my Renaissance Art History and Theory class we were discussing "Splendor" as discussed by St. Bonaventure and the Gothic architect Suger. In the discussion we had a considerable amount of interesting ideas exchanged and splendor was brought up as it pertained to all the arts, not just visual arts.

I was then introduced to the contemporary composer Eric Whitacre, who's music I now considerably enjoy. I would love to hear your thoughts too. He started a series with a virtual choir which linked performers via youtube. This piece "Sleep" was performed by over 2,000 people using technology to link souls through music. Enjoy

Also interesting is his first virtual choir piece "Lux Aurumque".

Making bread

Almost every Saturday mom makes bread, and so Ava now thinks it is a Grandma tradition. When she came over this weekend she asked to make something with flour, so we made monkey bread.

Grow Grow Grow

It is rapidly becoming fall and our sunflowers are still growing. Ava planted them with Grandma and when they put in the seeds she patted the earth and said, "Grow, Grow, Grow." And they did.

Ansel Scott Neilsen

Brandi had a beautiful baby boy and Mom and I went up to tend Elsa while they were in the hospital. It was a whirlwind trip, since I had to finish my final landscape for my class IN THE CAR. As a matter of fact, I painted almost the entire thing, except for a few finishing touches in a six hour drive on the bumpy freeway. UDOT needs to make a smoother ride for we crazy artists.

Master Chef Mom

Mom made this cake, from the ground up and decorated it. We wanted to share how good it looked.

Bye Bye Max

Just an update. Mom and I had a small party tonight because after two more episodes, Max got booted. He didn't cook the steak properly.

Master Chef Is Back

Mom and I are Master Chef junkies, sadly or proudly or both, we have not missed an episode so far this season. It is on Monday and Tuesday on Fox at seven. So far, We are rooting for fun loving Ben Starr, and Italian Guisseppe Morisco. Conversely we are hoping that arrogant Max Kramer adds too much salt and get's voted off tomorrow. Last week Jennifer Behm put nutmeg in her pasta and almost ruined it for herself but she got a tender mercy from the intimidating Gordon Ramsey and is still in the running. I'm guessing she'll come back swinging and be a real contender.

Watch it if you haven't already. It's a really good show.