Happy Homeless Hudson

Hudson's melting eyes

and his concerned foster mum...





I am sitting on the floor, Hudson is on the sofa behind me (of course) and his paw is on my shoulder, his eyes are soft. He looks completely content. So different to the situation only weeks ago.

The evening he arrived at my home. 

I am writing this as therapy. I have never fostered an animal I have rescued before. It feels lonely. It reminds me of childbirth. Ultimately it is up to you, though you might have people supporting you in the background. Others are not living your day to day life, they may not have the same commitment and concern. I never intended to do the fostering, but I had to take on that responsibility when I couldn't find anyone in a position to do so. Not everyone is prepared to bend over backwards for a black, male ex-racing greyhound with some scrapes and bumps.

Our relationship was sealed with the phone call from the ranger, at that country pound. Once I knew about him I couldn't leave him there. And in all honesty I am so grateful to have him. My gentle giant with the melting eyes. He has confirmed to me that the welfare of animals is indeed a calling for me, and that greyhounds are my first priority as far as that is concerned.

Just days after arrival. Happy Hudson. 

If I could wave a wand our house would have doors, the boys (my male greyhound and Hudson) would not challenge each other, and could be safely left alone. All three greyhounds could be easily walked together. My cat would curl up beside his beautiful velvet black coat. And our council would be thanking me for having three dogs at my place. He would join our family. But it can't happen.

 Every night that I sleep between the boys in our lounge room, instead of my bed with my husband, I feel a sadness. And without a possible adopter (the original potential adopter has cats!) the weeks ahead seem troublesome. I wonder  what to do when I have to be away for a day... even just an hour or so. What about the weekend away in September?

Loves being loved.

I am grateful for the power of social media. Without it I would not have been able to raise awareness of his plight, nor had the finances for his initial vet work, coats, bed, worming and flea treatment and food. A friend drove him up from the pound to me, and paid his fee (stopping frequently because he was unwell). And one humble woman has quietly supported me, and financed a lot of what he has needed, all while going through terrible personal trauma.

My daughter and Hudson.

Now I look him in his trusting eyes and know that my heart will break when he leaves me (as he must), all the while longing for him to find the right person to stare into his eyes and love him as I do... or as my daughter and son do.

You might not be able to take Hudson into your life, but if you are in a position to rescue a dog (especially a greyhound) please consider it. They out give us at every turn.

Hudson you are a special, mellow fellow. May you find that person who will recognise that. Be blessed my  big cuddly bug. So glad we rescued you!

Your God Mum,

Asta x

We are in Perth, Western Australia. If you know anyone who might love Hudson, please let them know about us.

Asta Lander's 365 Paintings Challenge

Painted as a fundraiser for Free the Bears Fund

How it all began...

Actually I have no idea how it began. For so many years I would not paint because I thought I couldn't, though I longed to, so very much. I was terrified of not being able to.

 I was nursing a wound from my childhood that told me that my painting was mediocre. For me mediocre meant 'failure', and why would you continue with something that you were a failure at? (Actually all of that was probably my very sensitive reaction to one incident.) Over the years I did every other kind of art form, and though some I am good at (and I do want to get back to them) it was painting that was whispering in my ear... luring me back. And then I discovered Luci Walker's Happy Accident Art. And fell into my own happy accident. I did something she suggests. I sat down with the colours I love, a piece of  paper ( or was it canvas?) and I painted with no agenda. Swirls and colours and joy spilled out and I was on my way to healing. It was a spiritual ah ha moment.

And then we moved house... and as we moved I painted my way to peace, through the grief of loss and change, and the excitement and yet uncertainty of returning to where I once lived,. And then this ridiculous idea popped into my head - paint one completed painting a day for a year! And so I did! And so I am.

And some days I get them done early. Some days I am up until after midnight. Some days they come easy... some days it is a slog. Some are probably good - some are certainly not. Sometimes I have to be satisfied with mediocre. But regardless, one painting is painted a day.

I never plan my paintings. They can be a reflection of what I am reading, a cause I am exploring, a song, a longing, a grief, a meditation, a prayer, a joy, colours, as a gift, as a means of standing in solidarity with a person or animal (usually in pain), to fund raise, to educate...  what I love to paint the most is feeling.. soul... usually I try to paint that into the eyes. Painting is an expression of my Christian Franciscan spirituality. Painting has taken over my world. I live in a happy little painterly world!!!

My art is selling, mostly prints. Early next year I will have an exhibition. Money is coming... trickling in. And though I am scathing of money, I should not be, for in our world a little is needed. There is no way of getting around it. It reminds me of that book I read long ago - now what is the title? Something like - 'Do what you love and the money will come.' With the money I can meet commitments that are important to me. I am so very grateful.

Is there something inside you that is dying to get out? Something that is pressing hard against your heart?  I have a journal for my art where I jot down ideas, poetry, quotes, contacts, sales and so on. On the cover there is a quote that says it all for me- 'And then the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was greater than the risk it took to bloom' by Anais Nin. Yes that was me. Is that you? Well go and do the seemingly impossible. I know you can, because I am living it.

Go in peace to love and serve the world in your own unique way,

Asta xxxx

35/ 365 paintings challenge

'Never let me go'

Asta

Christ is my comfort 34/365 paintings

I wasn't sleeping because something was making me sad, so I got up in the dark and found myself painting Christ who feels my pain. 'And Jesus wept'.

May you know that he weeps for you.

Asta x

33/365 paintings challenge

And another one...

32/365 Paintings Challenge

Painted after catching up with an old friend. As you can probably tell - I was feeling pretty joyful.
Paint supplies are low. I never seem to have enough and yet it stretches. A friend dropped in a couple of tubes she no longer needs. So glad of that. An addiction I have to keep feeding.

Asta x

31/365 paintings challenge

Flowers. I don't have any in my garden right now so I am painting my own.

Asta x