Sunday, December 12, 2021
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Animal Protectors Angels or not
Many humans believe that there are good and evil spirits to contend with. Most believe that the majority of animals are good and even that most animals are better than most humans. Thousands of stories are available to tell us how dogs, cats, horses, and other animals came to a human's rescue. The bible itself tells us how God sent ravens to feed Elijah in his time of need.
Many also believe that each animal has characteristics that we can learn from and it wouldn't be a stretch of the imagination to think that God would send us examples so we could see and feel what love feels like and then hopefully imitate it since He teaches us that love is the most important thing we can do. For instance, the wolf is known to have incredible loyalty to its family or pack, ants and beavers are hardworking. These things can teach us what is good. The animal totem or spirit animal idea is based on that. If you see lots of Magpies maybe it's time to try and socialize like they do. This doesn't go against any religion it should show you a loving God that is trying to help you by sending you examples of things you may want to consider.
Sometimes animals are simply a comfort to those who need love and companionship and what greater privilege than to love and comfort someone who needs it.
I have found in my lifetime (and I've been around a while) that God has used animals to help me many times.
When I was a young girl living in the country I had a Border Collie named Shep that was my best friend. We did almost everything together. Then one day when he was outside and I was in the house alone I decided it was a beautiful summer day to go for a walk. I pushed and pushed on the door but Shep wouldn't budge. He sat so firmly against it until I got frustrated and went around to a window to see if something else was stopping the door from opening. In the berry bushes, just a few feet away was a big black bear. Shep never barked or made a noise he just sat firmly against the door so I couldn't go out. When the bear moved on so did the dog and the door opened freely.
That was my first encounter with an animal protector. I was thankful for the dog but also thankful for the one who made the dog and gave him the ability to do that just like He sent the ravens to feed Elijah.
Monday, December 6, 2021
Interesting Magpie Behaviour
Magpies
Since moving to our present property we've been neighbors with several generations of Magpies. Each year a couple would successfully raise about 5 young ones. As soon as they were old enough to fly they come to our yard where I keep running water and dry cat food to help them out. Once they are old enough the whole family disappears for days only stopping by occasionally.
This photo is a young one and I'm not sure if it's guarding the food against others or catching the sun to dry off after playing in the sprinkler. Interesting behavior I'd never seen before.
Saturday, October 1, 2016
Ravens The Problem with Image
I grew up in the north about 600 miles south of the treeline. It was inhabited by many ravens. We didn't see them too often in the summer but as the cold weather arrived, they were more willing to come near people.
The colder the weather, the more of them you saw. Usually they sat on wires above your head all fluffed up and chilly looking.
Occasionally, the cold would break and for a week or so warm weather would come. Just like children let out at recess, these huge birds would react by flying loops, diving and generally acting silly and calling to each other. Research says they are one of the most intelligent and the most playful of birds and to see them in action put a smile on your face. They have been observed playing tag with dogs and wolves and even making toys from sticks etc. I've seen videos of them undoing zippers on backpacks, garbage bags and opening containers.
In the spring, they perform the most beautiful aerial courtship dances. I spent many hours watching in fascination. It was even possible to see them fly upside down in their efforts to impress. I don't know if it got them a mate but it sure impressed me.
Unfortunately, they have a bad image but maybe that's been their salvation because with their intelligence if they were beautiful seed eaters they would have been captured then sold as pets.
So I draw them because I love them and have fond memories
The colder the weather, the more of them you saw. Usually they sat on wires above your head all fluffed up and chilly looking.
Occasionally, the cold would break and for a week or so warm weather would come. Just like children let out at recess, these huge birds would react by flying loops, diving and generally acting silly and calling to each other. Research says they are one of the most intelligent and the most playful of birds and to see them in action put a smile on your face. They have been observed playing tag with dogs and wolves and even making toys from sticks etc. I've seen videos of them undoing zippers on backpacks, garbage bags and opening containers.
In the spring, they perform the most beautiful aerial courtship dances. I spent many hours watching in fascination. It was even possible to see them fly upside down in their efforts to impress. I don't know if it got them a mate but it sure impressed me.
Unfortunately, they have a bad image but maybe that's been their salvation because with their intelligence if they were beautiful seed eaters they would have been captured then sold as pets.
So I draw them because I love them and have fond memories
and then of course Halloween is coming and there's always Edgar Allen Poe
Sunday, November 29, 2015
December - A Month of Raccoons
December is Raccoon month at Country Mouse Studio
I recently received an email from a US Marine who had a request.
He wanted to know if I'd paint a special Raccoon for him.
Him and his wife had an encounter with one while dating
and now after many years of marriage he wanted
to get her a special gift that would mean
a lot to both of them.
Being a raccoon fan myself how could I resist?
Their little fellow needed to have a top hat, a cane and a pocket watch
so here he is!
Their little fellow needed to have a top hat, a cane and a pocket watch
so here he is!
I know they can cause a lot of grief by getting into your house and garbage but I also know there are many people who love them so this is their month.
I found this sweet story about a Raccoon rescue named Pumpkin on Instagram
Pumpkin the Raccoon
I have always been fond of Raccoons and they were the first wild animal I drew. I was so pleased one day to meet a kid who had one as a pet. I was surprised to find that his fur looked soft but was rough and bristly but all the better to shed water, I guess.
Later, we moved to an area that had Raccoons. I only heard about it because they'd get into everyone's garbage at night. No one had a good thing to say about them but I hoped I'd see one.
A few more years passed and we moved into a community by a creek. Then one night on our deck one peered into the patio door. Before long we had quite a few of them who would come by and visit.
I found this sweet story about a Raccoon rescue named Pumpkin on Instagram
Pumpkin the Raccoon
I have always been fond of Raccoons and they were the first wild animal I drew. I was so pleased one day to meet a kid who had one as a pet. I was surprised to find that his fur looked soft but was rough and bristly but all the better to shed water, I guess.
Later, we moved to an area that had Raccoons. I only heard about it because they'd get into everyone's garbage at night. No one had a good thing to say about them but I hoped I'd see one.
A few more years passed and we moved into a community by a creek. Then one night on our deck one peered into the patio door. Before long we had quite a few of them who would come by and visit.
Saturday, November 7, 2015
Great Gifts for Teachers
Do you need a gift for a teacher. Christmas is coming soon so now's the time to think about it.
If you have several teachers to buy gifts for these little keychains are only $3.85
An ornament is a great gift that everyone can use.
If you have several teachers to buy gifts for these little keychains are only $3.85
An ornament is a great gift that everyone can use.
Cute Kids Cartoon Spelling Teach for Teachers Snowflake Pewter Christmas Ornament by countrymousestudio
or how about a pen? It has the same cute kids holding the word TEACH and saying "Thanks for what you TEACH us!"
A mug is another perfect gift. Everyone can use one of those.
Now add a matching card ...
or a Mouse Pad
Maybe it's a Guitar Teacher. Well, here's a guitar pick
Browse other Cute Guitar Pick
How about a cute tin of gum?
There's even Wrapping Paper
How about a poster to hang in the classroom?
And if you have a lady teacher
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