Dearest MissMouseCrafts, it was an absolute pleasure to create this wee painting for you. Thank you for inspiring it, and for being such an inspiring person in general, not to mention a lovely friend. I hope this painting of your sweet boy and Booba bring you and your family years of warmth and smiles.

And there is a little story behind the painting, which you may read below!

The Tale of Ollie and Booba

Ollie was born the same year that his dog Booba died. This meant that they knew each other better than anyone else in the world. It was their little secret. One day, Ollie was thinking about how much he would like to lasso the moon. He wanted to climb Mt. Everest to get close enough, but he had no way of getting to Nepal. And he wanted to stand on top of the Burj Kalifa, but he had no way of getting to Dubai. One night, Booba visited Ollie in his dreams and told him that he had been granted one wish by the Gods of Dog Heaven. He had a proposition for Ollie that he knew Ollie could not refuse. In Dog Heaven, the stinky socks are few and far between. You wouldn’t think so, but that is sadly the case. Booba was presented his very own wings in a very special celebration a few days ago and, by turning in his one wish, he could fly Ollie close enough to the moon that he could lasso it in exchange for a bag full of stinky socks. It also meant that they would get to hang out for a little while. Of course, Ollie jumped at the chance and immediately started collecting his family’s stinky socks into a drawstring satchel. He grabbed his crown and cape for the special excursion and sat in his window with the satchel in his lap all ready to place around Booba’s neck. There, he waited for his dear old friend Booba to arrive. That very night, Ollie got to lasso the moon and Booba was in stinky sock heaven. But the best part was that they got to see each other again, if only for a moment.

The End.

…Coming soon to my Etsy Shop, Piper in a Pear Tree! I am going to be making available affordable original works on a regular basis. I have a little wall in my house dedicated to a collection of small works, which I love. And I know of others who enjoy collecting small original works, so I thought, why not? Plus, they are really, really fun to create, and keep the creative juices flowing. Here is one little work in progress. I think these little Rascals could be up to no good. We shall soon find out!

The Moon, La Lune, La Luna
Is every child, who
In the stillness of night
Silently, peacefully
Explores and contemplates
The world.

Acrylics, Archival Ink and Japanese Papers on 3.5 x 3.5 inch Gallery Wrapped Canvas

It’s been a while since I have participated in Illustration Friday and, since I’m sometimes on the verge of being less busy, I thought I’d give it a go. IF is so much fun, and freeing! From my Lulu and Rue series, with distinguished tag along, Bunny Guy, please, put on your best stripes, pull up a chair and join us for high tea. Today’s tea of choice is none other than Red Stripe Licorice. Mmmm…..