New Dates: 2011 Annual Pet Portrait Contest!

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2011 Annual Pet Portrait Contest!

Studio 36
170 Park Street
Suite 3
Bangor ME 04401
Phone (207) 299-2869

Press Release
Contact: Jodi Renshaw
Phone: (207) 299-2869

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 25, 2011

2011 Pet Portrait contest to benefit the Bangor Humane Society.

Bangor, ME, April 25, 2011: Studio 36, a photography studio in downtown Bangor, is pleased to announce their second annual Pet Portrait Contest to benefit the Bangor Humane Society. All pets are welcome to participate – from cats and dogs to iguanas and guinea pigs.

To enter the contest, pet owners should make an appointment to have their pet photographed by Studio 36. In lieu of a session fee, participants will be asked to give a donation to the Bangor Humane Society of any amount greater than $5. The pet owner may then choose which picture from their pet portrait session that they would like to enter in to the contest. All portrait sessions must take place before Monday, May 27th. Please call 299-2869 to make an appointment.

The winners will be chosen by public voting via an Internet link as well as a public viewing at the studio. All pet photos will be on display throughout Studio 36 - at 170 Park Street - for public viewing beginning Wednesday, June 22nd through Sunday, June 26th from 12pm – 5pm. Winner will be announced on Sunday, Sunday, June 26th on www.studio36bangor.com. Each vote will cost the voter a .50 cent donation to the Bangor Humane Society. The pet photo with the most votes wins.

First prize is a portrait package from Studio 36 (to be used for people or pets) valued at $150, as well as a front window display dedicated to your pet for the month of July.

Second prize is a $75 Gift Card to Pet Quarters, 744 Stillwater Avenue in Bangor, ME.

Third prize is an original watercolor portrait of your pet by Tricia Kenny of Bangor, ME.

Last year’s contest was a huge success for the Bangor Humane Society. Over $2,000 was raised for the shelter. Studio 36 is hoping to exceed that amount this year.

Pet owners are able to purchase copies of their session photos from Studio 36, with a portion of the sales also going to the Bangor Humane Society. Thanks to all who choose to participate.

http://www.studio36bangor.com/ / 207-299-2869

Picture attached:
Kimbo the Dog
Shaggy the Cat

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Star Wars, Legos, and Miss Lyra.

Isaac hates Star Wars. So he says. And only because Mama loves it. I have now learned that I should not tell my kid what Mama loves --- as he will only "hate" it in order to be different from me. He "hates" Harry Potter, Star Wars, Lord of the Rings --- and all the other things Mama enjoys --- except that he really doesn't hate them at all.

Anyway, he professed complete hatred for Star Wars UNTIL he got the Star Wars Lego game for the Wii (best game ever as far as I am concerned). Now he says that he still does not love Star Wars --- BUT he DOES love Star Wars Legos (the ones that Mama has been collecting for the moment he turned to my side of things :).

And so he has been making scenes with his Legos ... (notice the carnage in the background)...

... and because only The Hulk can destroy Darth Vader (that is Isaac's story and he is sticking to it) ... he creates scenes such as this ...

But what he did not expect is that our kitty, Miss Lyra (named after the Hulk's daughter I might add) --- can destroy them all --- and ENJOYS it!

Lyra --- Daughter of the Hulk, Queen of our Home, Destroyer of Evil, and the bestest, rottenest kitty I have ever known :)

Love,

Jodi

May the Force Be With You - Always.

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Winston to Lyra.

I am not a cat person. There, I said it. I have not mentioned that fact on this blog to date as I was afraid of the backlash from all of you cat lovers. But for several years now I have avoided cats at all costs. I have enjoyed cats in the past, but after a few bad experiences I swore I would never again allow one in my house unless our family was eating it (okay - I did say that but I didn't really mean it - mostly).

You may wonder how I have been able to successfully photograph so many cats and well --- I am not sure. Especially since I am also quite allergic to them. But I am not mean to cats. I just haven't wanted to befriend any.

And then ... there was "Winston". Sweet, sweet, adorable, manly, soulful Winston. And I fell in love. For real. He came in for a photo shoot and I was completely smitten. I rubbed him without faking interest ... I cuddled him without secretly wanting him to get away from me ... I played with him without having to act as though I was enjoying it. And I was floored by my feelings for him. They were so quick and so genuine. And he was available for "adoption" from the Bangor Humane Society --- sort of. The woman (Erica) who brought him in really wanted to "adopt" him but was having trouble convincing her roommate. I --- and the kids --- were quite surprised to hear me tell her that if she was unable to convince him that I would like to know so that I could apply for him.

Mr. Winston

That night I dreamed of him. The next day I longed for him. The following day he was all I could talk about. The day after that I found out that Erica's roommate said yes and that he was no longer available for adoption. I was heartbroken. But I did not want a cat --- I wanted that cat --- so I told my friends at the Humane Society not to go searching for any ole kitty for me --- as I knew they would likely do just that --- because they are wonderful and saw how eager I was to take "Winston" home.

They didn't really listen to me. So, I told them the kind of cat I would want IF I were to want a cat. The cat would have to be a bit feisty, the complete opposite of needy, long-haired (as I am most allergic to short-hairs), interested in people without being pushy or in our faces all the time but at the same time he/she would have to be friendly and would have to want to sleep with me (as I grew up with a cat that was totally independent except at night --- and I loved that relationship). And it had to be a kitten. How is that for a tall order? How on earth could my friends possibly know that much about a kitten? They couldn't. But they tried.

Ms. Erica even sent me this pic of an available kitty at the Bangor Humane Society:

Abandoned Maine Coon Kitty

How could I not go see this little guy? Talk about a pathetic picture! And an adorable face! The next day Isaac and I were at the Humane Society checking out all the kitties. And sadly, there are MANY. We were even allowed out back where there are kitties who are not yet available for adoption as they require testing, surgery, or some additional attention, etc. The kitty that is pictured above was sweet to be sure ... and so were so many other kitties ... but none of them spoke to me ... none of them tugged at me ... which is exactly what I expected ... as I was not searching for a cat ... I simply wanted "Winston".

But then ... my friend Dawn (BHS worker) and I looked up to see this little lady:

... and I felt something. I am not entirely sure what it was. But it was good. So, Dawn took Isaac and I - and the kitty - into a visiting room. And we played with this little one for a bit. Isaac fell instantly in love. But as much as I felt something for her, I couldn't just give into it so quickly and easily. I told Dawn we would be back within a couple days to visit with her again - with Halis and Meg as well.

Two days later we were all in the same visiting room again. And we were all falling in love. She was feisty, alert, independent, healthy, sweet, etc. I had no idea if she would become all the things I wanted from a cat - but I was willing to try. So, she came home with us the following day. And we named her Lyra - after the Incredible Hulk's only daughter (of course).

The afternoon of her arrival, Isaac and I played on the floor with her for quite a while. She was/is hilarious. And that night, I slept with her on the couch. She is only 1lb and I was afraid she would get lost or stuck in some part of our house --- so I snuggled with her on the couch --- just the two of us. And I sobbed. I literally sobbed from the pit of my soul. I loved her. I needed her. I didn't know how much I needed a cat. How much my anger and "hatred" of cats had nothing to do with cats --- but had to do with the pain of losing my childhood feline companion --- and of how much I missed her --- and how much this sweet little kitty reminded me of her --- and of how quickly and deeply I was falling in love with her --- and how she was/is the exact description of the cat I told my friends that I might consider. She is my cat. I found her. And she is perfect.

She hangs out with me as much as possible. Yet she never begs anything of me. She sleeps with me each night. And she sits with Isaac as though they have known one another forever:
She even eats right along side him whenever he eats on the couch. Because she will eat right out of his own plate --- I have to make her her own:

She especially loves waffles and rice pilaf.

She is awesome. And I miss her when I am away from home. And I am forever thankful to "Winston" (no longer his name) for showing me that I needed a cat in my life. And just as thankful to the two-legged creatures who helped me to bring Lyra home to us (Dawn, Erica, & Aunt Dandi).

Life is just a bit more complete now. And now I can photograph cats without pretending to like them. The facade has faded ... and I am now a cat lover (though still more of a dog person). Thank Lyra.

Love,

Jodi

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A Pet for Meg.

For those who do not know, our sweet Meaghan has moved in with us permanently. We are overjoyed by this, but sad at what Meaghan has had to go through to get to this point. With the exception of 1 day, she has now been with us for over a week ... and we are all adjusting to our new way of life.

As a young girl and teen, I always had a pet that I could turn to in times of need. A pet I could cuddle, cry on, go home to, take care of, etc. I - and other Moms I have spoke to - believe that this is such an important thing for teenage girls ... especially those who have experienced trauma. So, I have made it my mission to help Meg to find the perfect pet for her.

We have spent the last couple of afternoons checking out the Bangor Humane Society, local pet shops, and our Blue Seal ... as well as comb through the Uncle Henry's Guide. She was leaning toward a cat ... and then a Guinea Pig, but has now settled on a Holland Lop bunny.

Aren't they so darn cute !!?? And they actually STAY this cute. I think I am falling in love with this idea. Imagine the photo shoots I could get out of a sweet bunny :)

Halis told Meaghan that she has one month to prove to him that she can care for a bunny in her room ... by making sure that her room is clean and that she keeps up with all of her personal responsibilities. I am SO rooting for her ... as I would love to see her add a cuddly bunny to her life. I think it will be so good for her to have something ALL HERS that she can love and care for.

So --- come on Meg --- you can do it! I so want to see you and your new bunny snuggling together --- and to sneak my own cuddle time in now and again :)

Soon Meg and I may be as bunny crazed as these two:

I can even imagine seeing this sort of thing going on in our house:

Then Maybe Meg and I could make ridiculously stupid videos such as these:

GOOD TIMES!

I so look forward to this :)

Love,
Jodi

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Finding a Pet for Isaac.

For a long while, Isaac has been asking for a pet fish. Halis and I have always thought this was a great idea. A fish is something that Isaac could easily take care of without much help from Mommy and Daddy ... and he would certainly learn lessons in responsibility, compassion, etc.

So yesterday, while Daddy was out for the night, Isaac and I visited a couple of local pet shops ... with the idea that we would be picking out a fish. But, when Mommy began roaming the shops, she began to imagine that maybe Isaac (and Mommy) would be happier with a pet of the more cuter and cuddlier variety (something Daddy was worried about).

We first looked at fish ...

Then we checked out this guy ...

... but past experience has taught me that these guys are way too stinky ... no matter how cute they may be. Then Isaac got a kick out of these guys ...

... but Mommy didn't. I did however totally dig this little guy ...

... but Isaac didn't. And I in retrospect, I am glad for that, as this Chinchilla was a complete wild man! Then, I asked to hold some Guinea pigs. I have always loved their personalities ... and have wanted one since childhood. And I think I could have easily convinced Isaac (and maybe will in the future :)

But then I totally ooohhed and aaahhed over this sweet little parakeet. I could just imagine him sitting on Isaac's shoulders ... nibbling on his ears ... singing to us as the dawn rises. But Isaac just wasn't feeling it. He told me I could get a bird for my own pet ... but that he wanted either a fish or a turtle (a new thought for him).

I checked out the turtles ... but saw many signs around their cages warning about salmonella poisoning. So they were definitely out. And thankfully Isaac understood the reasoning. So, we were then left right back where we started ... picking out a fish.

And here he is (drum roll please...):

His name is Shark. He is a Beta fish (the easiest to care for)... and as soon as we brought him home, Isaac asked if it was time to take him out of the water and cuddle him. Oh boy .... I had to give Isaac the talk about how fish need to stay in water ... that they are the type of pet that you look at ... not that you play with. He began to understand, but is now rethinking his choice. So, Mama may get her Guinea pig or parakeet after all! Meanwhile. it has been only one day, and poor Shark seems to already be forgotten. BUT at least now I have a new little buddy to photograph :)

Enjoy your day & your pets ...

Love,

Jodi

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Fall Begins.

So, can you guess what we did this weekend? I'll give you a hint, it has everything to do with pumpkins.

Goodness we love pumpkins. And in Maine, you generally "pick your own". We went to this big 'ole farm in Corinth, called Thomas Vegetable Farm. At 15cents a pound, I am not sure I will be going back though. It is a reasonable price to be sure, but there is another great place - Rocky Ridge Farm - also in Corinth - that only charges $1 per pumpkin no matter the size! (For you Mainers, their # is 207-285-7764 and they are really great folks).

Fall has begun. The oranges, reds and yellows of the season are showing up everywhere. And I am excited to use my new camera to capture as much of it as I can. I treated the above photos in picnik with two of my favorite filters. I am quite partial to giving everything a 60's/70's feel (one of the filters that picnik offers). There is so much to learn about photography and about post treatment of digital photos. Sometimes I am so overwhelmed ... but I do love photography enough to give it my all.

Fall also seems to be a time for saying "goodbye". So many loved ones in my life have passed away in this season. And this fall is no exception. Today we are saying goodbye to our dog Jenny. Likely the most loyal doggy friend that I will ever meet. Back in 1997, I purchased her from the local humane society to join us in the move to our first home. We bought a house out in the country, and I wanted a country-type dog to join us. She was perfect. She loved walking with us through the fields and the country roads. She loved chasing some critters and protecting others. She never left our sides for anything and slept in our bed at night. We loved her and she loved us. And saying goodbye really sucks. But it is time. Though she can still wag her tail and go for walks ... she is clearly in pain ... and I do not want to prolong it just so that I can have a few more weeks with her. I rather see her pass from this world still able to "smile". But I will miss her greatly. Goodbye my loyal friend. I will surely see you again. Until then ... I hope you are playing fetch in heaven with Colby, Sarah, Heidi and the rest of our beloved crew.

Love,
Jodi

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Chase.

Have you ever shared your life with a dog that you both loved and loathed at the same time? It can be a dilemma.

We love our Chase. We do. We keep reminding ourselves that we do. But every morning, we are faced with a new disaster that he has created in the house. Every day someones clothes are torn from his enthusiastic greetings. And not a day goes by without a dog fight that he has initiated (we have 3 other dogs). No one can visit the house without our having to lock him up in a kennel. And he is far too excitable to sleep in our bed.

But we love him. We really do. He is an exuberant spirit. He wants to please. He is so darn cuddly. And he and Isaac are the best of buds. So, what do you do? Well, we just keep trying to train him ... and keep telling ourselves that he really is a good boy after all. AND we are taking him to the vet this week to be "clipped" ... because a little less testosterone is always a good idea :)

Love,

Jodi

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Day 25: Some Chicken Love.

I have been neglecting the beauty of my feathered friends ... so thought I would dedicate a post to a few chicken photos. Enjoy!

Love,

Jodi

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Missing Home Already (partly).

I am going to miss these country walks so very much when we finally make our move into Bangor. I am sure that I post WAY too many "outdoor walk" photos on this blog as well as on Flickr. But I can't help it ... these walks are often the highlights of our days... and they make for some great photographs.

These walks give Isaac and I time to be all alone ... to chat ... to discover ... to breathe deep.

And the freedom that our dogs enjoy when we walk our secluded country road is something I may never find at our new home ... so I am taking it all in now while I can. I will hope and pray that we can find a way to enjoy outdoor walks in the "city".

There are so many wonderful reasons for us to make this move ... and I am very excited for this new family adventure. However, I already know how deeply I will miss this silly old country road :) You will surely see more of it before we pack our last moving van.

Love,

Jodi

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Simple Videos During a Country Walk

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Dear Babysitter,

When you can't find Isaac, be sure to check under the porch. He often thinks he is a dog. Please don't tell him otherwise.

Thank you,

Isaac's Mommy

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3rd ANNUAL DOG DAY.

This past Saturday was a special treat for both Isaac and his new puppy, Chase. They attended their first "outing" together ... to the "Downtown Dog Day" in Bangor. There were SO many dogs there. It was somewhat overwhelming for the puppy and me, but Isaac thought it was wonderful. Every time that someone would stop to pat Chase, Isaac would beam with pride and share in the patting.

He also decided (very firmly I might add) that he was going to be the one to hold his puppy's leash. This was new for both of them. And all went fairly well.

Except for when Chase wouldn't do what Isaac wanted ...

And Isaac began to get frustrated ...

So, Mommy took over. And Isaac found an opportunity to dance & sing instead ...

It was a short but sweet outing with our Chase. I was quite surprised to see that there were many Australian Shepherds there. I have always thought of them as somewhat rare, but I am finding that they are becoming quite popular. Most folks I talked to about them stated that the breed is simply the best family dog. I agree. So does Isaac :)

Love,
Jodi

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Cheeky Puppy...

What is happening to me? I am SO slacking on this blog. My mental health requires that I maintain this blog ... so I am sure that my rut won't last for long :)

Anyway, it seems that Chase has replaced his Dad as my spot-saver in bed (see previous post photo) ...

Cheeky little puppy! Well, that's all I've got for today ... enjoy!

Love,

Jodi

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Remembering Our Blessings.

I am sorry that it has been so long since I have posted here. I am sure that I do not have legions of fans awaiting my every word and photo, but there are a few of you (thank you). And although I do blog in order to share my life with others, I mostly do it to chronicle and make sense of my own thoughts and deeds.

And after the emotional weekend that Halis and I just experienced, I certainly feel the need to sort through my "stuff". Though all is quite well in our world, we spent the better part of our weekend continuing to sort through his belated Mother's household things. He and siblings held a large Estate Sale this weekend ... and let me tell you, if you don't already know ... it is never easy to watch strangers paw through your loved ones former life.

Some extended family came by to wish us well with the sale ... and many of them stayed to share loving stories about Halis's parents. Though these stories are absolute treasures to us ... they do conjure up intense feelings of loss. Many tears were shed. But many smiles were shared as well ... and that is what I need to focus on.

Good Lord, Halis and I have been blessed with such incredible people and experiences in our lives. We have been left with some amazing legacies ... and some big shoes to fill! Halis's Mom, Halis's Dad, my Pepere, my Mimi, Mrs. T, Marilynn Catanzaro .... what amazing people we have been loved and taught by. What lessons in love, courage, strength, generosity, truth, morality, tenacity, and devotion we have been blessed with. I hope we are forever mindful of these gifts. We certainly were this weekend.

All these thoughts lead me to want to make GRATITUDE a common practice on this blog. I am feeling the need to sort through and remember my blessings... on a regular basis.

Please indulge me :) Perhaps these regular gratitude lists will serve to remind you of all the blessings in your lives as well.

I AM FOREVER THANKFUL THAT ...

... when I climb into bed at night, the scene in the above photo is what I am greeted with!

... Halis was raised by incredible parents who put him and his siblings above all else.

... Halis will do the same for his children.

... my parents are always there when I (or my family) needs them.

... Halis and I know the value of a job well done.

... my son asks to "go home" whenever we are away for too long. And when we get home, he acts as though it is the greatest place on earth.

... Wende shared this video with me.

... I am beautiful (see video).

More gratitude to follow. I'd LOVE to hear about your blessing as well!

Lots of Love,

Jodi

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Good Gracious, He's Adorable!

It is hard to believe that any creature could be THIS adorable. However, with Jack as his Daddy, he was bound to be a "looker".

So, all is well here. Father & Son are getting along just fine ... though Jack did try to kill (or at least maim) the puppy last night. It actually looked like we were going to have to find the pup another home ... Jack was so angry. But by some miracle, Jack figured out that Chase was not a threat - but rather, a puppy. And that it would be quite fun to play with him. So, Jack is now thoroughly enjoying Chase and has begun herding him and protecting him from the ornery cats and the often obnoxious chickens.

I think we will all get along just fine. We are all so excited to have Chase here ... and I can't wait for Meg to meet him :) I imagine I will be be posting endless pics of this litte guy onto Flickr.

Love,

Jodi

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