All Dogs Go To Heaven

About eleven years ago a wonderful, fantastic and life-changing male was born into the world. At the time I was 12 years old and had only known one other dog. The first time I laid eyes on Zeus, I knew that he was something special. I know that everyone says that their dog is the best dog in the world, but when I say this about Zeus, it is really the truth. He didn't bite, didn't dig, didn't jump and didn't even bark (only when the cats were in his doghouse). He loved swimming, cuddling, Mexican food, all kinds of kitties and more then anything else, he loved his family and we loved him.

On July 31, 2011 Zeus went to doggy heaven. He didn't suffer and he went on his own terms. We were truly blessed to have him in our lives for as long as we did and his memory will live in my heart furrever. Here are some photos of my favorite man friend and me throughout our journey together

An old man and his dog were walking down this dirt road with fences on both sides, they came to a gate in the fence and looked in, it was nice grassy, woody areas, just what a 'huntin' dog and man would like, but, it had a sign saying 'no trespassing' so they walked on. They came to a beautiful gate with a person in white robes standing there. "Welcome to Heaven" he said. The old man was happy and started in with his dog following him. The gatekeeper stopped him. "Dogs aren't allowed, I'm sorry but he can't come with you."

"What kind of Heaven won't allow dogs? If he can't come in, then I will stay out with him. He's been my faithful companion all his life, I can't desert him now."

"Suit yourself, but I have to warn you, the Devil's on this road and he'll try to sweet talk you into his area, he'll promise you anything, but the dog can't go there either. If you won't leave the dog, you'll spend Eternity on this road." 

So the old man and dog went on. They came to a rundown fence with a gap in it, no gate, just a hole. Another old man was inside. "S'cuse me Sir, my dog and I are getting mighty tired, mind if we come in and sit in the shade for awhile?"

"Of course, there's some cold water under that tree over there. Make yourselves comfortable"

"You're sure my dog can come in? The man down the road said dogs weren't allowed anywhere."

"Would you come in if you had to leave the dog?"

"No sir, that's why I didn't go to Heaven, he said the dog couldn't come in.
We'll be spending Eternity on this road, and a glass of cold water and some shade would be mighty fine right about now. But, I won't come in if my buddy here can't come too, and that's final."

The man smiled a big smile and said "Welcome to Heaven."

"You mean this is Heaven? Dogs ARE allowed? How come that fellow down the road said they weren't?"

"That was the Devil and he gets all the people who are willing to give up a life long companion for a comfortable place to stay. They soon find out their mistake, but then it's too late. The dogs come here, the fickle people stay there. GOD wouldn't allow dogs to be banned from Heaven. After all, HE created them to be man's companions in life, why would he separate them in death?"

Pull up a chair and stay awhile

A few weeks ago I went on an adventure with my parents and Clint. We traveled to Bloomington to visit the third Sunday market. It was the first time that we had been and we were blown away by all the treasures that we found. It took HOURS to walk through all the barns and sheds, and I found sooo many things that I wanted.

Love the eat more chili sign

 But my goal for the day was to find some chairs to go along with the kitchen table that I had recently purchased which I could not be more in love with. It is a farmhouse style table with a wooden top and fold-down leaves with distressed off-white legs...luuurrrrvveee! However, enough about the table and onto the chairs!

The first barn we walked into I discovered some beauties and was hooked. But, Papa Randy was not impressed. I am not sure how you couldn't be impressed with their five dollar price tag! So, like a good daughter, I listened to dad and passed them up. But I just couldn't find anything else throughout the day that made me feel like those chairs. So Clint, being the perfect man that he is, went back to pick them up for me :) (What a keeper) And $20 dollars later I was the proud owner of a set of four matching chairs that look like this baby

How can you not melt at those curves

I knew right away how much potential these had so I went right to work! I got so excited to start working on them that I forgot to take pictures of the process so all I have right now are some after shots. My kitchen is transforming into an Americana country theme, so you can see the red, navy and tan in the fabric that I used to recover the seats. This was also my first experiment with glazing, and I will just say it probablyyyy could have gone better...I didn't realize how quickly the glaze would dry, but nothing a little paint didn't fix! :) I am OBSESSED with my new chairs and can't wait to see them all finished and sitting around my new table. I hope you enjoy my latest creation!