Yoda at Christmas.

Yoda, a very special companion.

"Yoda at Christmas" is especially dapper as he wears his bow tie while sitting under the Christmas tree. Those glass balls have lots of glitter on them which does not show up in this photo. But he looks mesmerised by all the glitter! Or maybe he is remembering his favourite ball and playing fetch with his family.

First published December 21, 2017. Sadly, Yoda developed a brain tumour and was put to sleep in 2021. He is remembered for the love he gave his family and his desire to keep rabbits and squirrels off the property. Yoda, a loving dog, was given away by his first family. At first, he was a nervous boy, but he relaxed once he realised he was, once and for all, with his forever family.

"Yoda at Christmas", acrylics on 11x 14" canvas.

Yoda at Christmas, will be the last pet portrait I paint this year. He is a gift for my grandchildren. It will be something they will remember in years to come as I am sure no one else will give them anything similar to this.

I find it personally satisfying to spend time preparing something special for them.

Special, unique gifts will be remembered

I really believe that it is not the store bought gifts that they will remember in ten, or fifteen years from now. Don't get me wrong. I do buy them the toys they ask for, just less than I would have many years ago.

I much prefer other ways of having them remember me.

Advent calendar hand painted by me in 2015.

They will think back to time spent with me crafting for Christmas or other special occasions. And maybe they will remember tickle trunks with play dresses, "princess" mirrors made by hubby, or a balance beam he also made for the gymnast in the family.

Last year, hubby made a special desk for building with Lego for my grandson. The desk has space for storage and a few containers for some of the more special pieces of building blocks.

Yoda and his family

Yoda was adopted when he was a few months old and his previous owners no longer wanted to keep him. He is good company for my grandchildren falling asleep with them on the sofa when they are sick, or visiting them in their beds at night to find another warm spot for his little body.

Recently, we "babysat" Yoda when his family could not access their home. He stayed with us for a week and we discovered what a sweet, gentle personality he has.

Family time in Mexico at Christmas.

In 2010, 2019 and again in 2020, before COVID came into our lives, we brought the whole family with us to Mexico for together time at Christmas. For me anyway, those are the best memories of all. I loved seeing the children's reaction when the plane took off (their first flight ever), arriving in the warmth of the Caribbean, playing in the sand, family meals together each day, watching the children dance in the evening with the mariachi musicians, etc. Those are the most wonderful memories of all!

More photos and a wood slice painting of Yoda.