I am sure many of you watched Oprah's final show today and I was so struck with what she said in the beginning of the show about having a calling. I never thought of myself as having a calling. I always knew that I liked to please people and I know that started about the time I entered high school. I would do little things, like bake cookies for my friends or plan a day of fun if I knew they were upset. I never really wanted anything, but I always wanted to give when I was able to. I even remember when I went away to college, I was like the "mom" to my roommates or closest friends that went to the same school as me. I would bring them chicken soup if they weren't feeling well, or plan dinner & movie nights at my house...probably because I knew that I missed that about home, that I figured they must of too. But there was always a sense of genuine happiness after I did any of those things because I like to make people happy. Making people happy, makes me happy. And when Oprah said, "What sparks the light in you, so that you in your own way can illuminate the world," I just froze in that statement. I am not looking to change the world, I just know that I am able to make a difference in someone else's world that in turn makes my world a little brighter. That's why I love doing pet portraits. I know it is a luxury that most people don't think about spending their money on, but there is just something so special that helps me feel connected to people when they allow me to be a part of something so intimate to them. If someone has lost a pet and I am painting a memorial piece, I know that what ever the end result of the painting or drawing will be, that they will be so grateful to have such a special piece that in turn I am honored to be a part of making that moment happen. I have not met most of my fans, I could probably count on my hand how many I have actually met in person. This astonishes me everyday that you all stay connected and watch as I grow my portfolio and I am almost confident enough to say that by this point, you all can see the amount of love and dedication that I give to each of my portraits. I cannot express to you the gratitude that I have for you guys allowing me to be a part of your lives and giving me the gift of being able to share my artistic talents with you. I never thought I would be painting for anyone other than my friends and family, but with your support from literally around the world, I have been able to make My Paw Portrait a part of your home. So I guess my final words for today would be that if I took anything from Oprah's speech, it would be that the light that is sparked within me when I paint, illuminates your world when I am able to share and give that light to you. Thank you.

In addition to the Wagathon Walkathon that I will be attending this Sunday, the Yay! May! Pet Portrait Giveaway! will also be starting this Sunday and running until the end of the month. I just loved how well the contest went last year and think that everyone had a great time especially with the video of Ruccus choosing the winner, that I am hoping this year it will be an even bigger event. I love to read new stories of pets that I have not seen yet as well as the my past fans with new stories and updated photo's. It keeps me in the loop with how everyone is doing and who is still interested in my work ;0) I have a feeling that there will be some fabulous entries come this Sunday and I am so excited that I would like to start it earlier, but I am trying to get all my work done before the craziness of the contest starts. I am also working on finishing all of the MARCH MADNESS winners paintings so that they can all be posted and shipped before the end of month. I try to work as quickly as I can in between my paid commissions, but not too quickly so that each piece has my full and undivided attention. I look forward to seeing some fans hopefully at the Wagathon and also seeing some entries in my inbox :)