[Lindy]

Hi everyone,

#5 is done and I'm getting close. I'm completed the griffin tonight which will be #6, but I have some touch-up painting to do on it before it's ready. That leaves only 4 more to go.

She is not doing well - the chemo is now just to maintain life not to cure the cancer. So I'm working as quickly as I can while still trying to do a good job. I want these out to her within the next 10 days so she'll at least be around to distribute them as her children and grandchildren make the rounds of coming though to say good-bye.

Nedra, thank you for your advice on the Otter, I've tried to incorporation your suggestions in this one.

Regards,

Linda

[Pyrographer]

Hi Linda, its looking really good. I'm not sure where you find the time to get so many burns done. I'm still chugging away on a small eagle I've been working on that seems like forever.

I'm not sure if you are working from a photograph but perhaps it might help to take a peak at my burning of El Lobo in my animal and wildlife album and also look at some wolf photos on the Wolf Haven International website...there is a link on my links page. Take a close look at their faces, eyes, nose, etc. I know you frequently use color. You might also add a touch of gold and bronze paint to the eyes to make them come alive and look more lifelike.

Nedra

[Lindy]

Thanks Nedra,

This project is very time sensitive as I'm not sure how much time my friend has, it may only be weeks so I need to finish this group of project as quickly as possible and as well as I can in the time allotted. Once I have the last one done, (4 more to go), then I can ship them out to her as I want her children and grandchildren to receive them from her while she is still alive.

Thanks for the links and suggestions, I plan on doing a wolf for myself once this project is done and I'll be able to take a little more time on it so I can do more playing.

Linda

[Pyrographer]

Ah yes, I remember you said that. I don't think I could stand that pressure. I am so anal about my work I just have to work at my own pace and that is usually very slow!!!! I understand the reasons for doing this and I give you a lot of credit for taking on that commission. It's quite a challenge and I know it will greatly appreciated. I know I couldn't handle that much pressure to get them done so quickly.... Surely I'd have another nervous breakdown from the pressure!

Nedra

[Lindy]

Originally I was going to get them done for her to give out at Christmas, that was before we found out the Cancer was back. If I could have stuck with that I would have been fine, but since the chemo treatments are simply to keep her alive this time, I want to make sure she gets to give them.

This lady was like a second mother to me growing up and has become my best friend, so this is the very, very least I can do for her and her family.

Linda

[Pyrographer]

Linda, having worked as an Oncology Social Worker for many years and several years as a Hospice volunteer I think (I've learned that unless you've been there you can never truely understand what it's like to go through what your friend is dealing with) I can understand how you feel. It is truely an act of love and I think under those circumstances I can see why you feel so compelled to complete these pieces as quickly as possible.

Just remember, take a break from time to time, roll those shoulders, take a deep breath and keep plugging away!!!!

God Bless

Nedra

[squbrigg]

Great job on the wolf! You have captured it's personality well.

Bob

[Micky]

The wolf is beautiful Lindy. Your friend's family members will treasure them always.

micky

[Lindy]

Bob & Micky - thank you for your words of encouragement. I've contacted the children of this lady and asked them to send me pictures of the family as well as project ideas to commemerate this lady's importance to her family and friends. Of course now they're helping on a project that will be special to her and her husband. So..... hmmmm.....that means I signed up for one more project so I have 5 more to do instead of 4 which is totally okay as well as wonderful. Now they all get to contribute in one way or another.

Linda

[Eddy Smiles]

Very nice work.... It's obvious that all your pieces are coming from the heart!