The Black Dog’s PhotoBlog

After being razzed by his owner for not having at least one of the many pictures I’ve taken of this dog on my blog, I figured I better get busy and get his picture up.

Everyone, meet Jake.

He’s sporting a bit of gray around his nose these days. Maybe that’s because Jake will be 9 years old the end of January and he’s already led somewhat of an adventurous life. He started out with intentions of being a bird hunting dog but due to poor hips was retired very early. He was the internet mascot for a pet food warehouse near a town he lived. You may have seen a picture of him before in his younger years. He will eat anything and everything so if he comes for a visit keep those counters cleaned off. Although he has a bit of trouble getting up on the counters these days, he’s still a surfer. Some of his past samplings have included (but are not limited to) a box of chocolate covered cherries, blue paint balls, 2 dozen Krispy Kreme Donuts, bar soap and onions. He loves to sleep in the sunshine and get on the furniture even though he knows there will be consequences if he’s caught. He loves seeing his boy, massages and having his butt scratched.

He has many nick-names. Velvet Nose, Teddy Bear, Lug, Jakester, Jakey, Buddy, Big Boy, Block Head and Big Softy to name a few.

He is loved.

A Puppy’s Christmas
(Unknown Author)

It’s the day before Christmas
And all through the house
The puppies are squeaking
An old rubber mouse.

Could they bring the message
That’s written above,
And tell us that, most of all
Christmas is love.

Just wanted to wish everybody a Happy Christmas. Enjoy!

Ice Covered Black-Eyed Susan

Part 4 - Funding & Budgeting
Everyone has to eat sometime. I know, they say artists are starving but we still have bills to pay.

With that in mind you need to consider financing when thinking about undertaking a long-term project. You first need to look at what resources you have readily available that will help cover costs. Sometimes you’ll even need to look for funding in outside sources such as investors or grants.

Before talking to investors or applying for grants, actually before you begin your project, you’ll want to set a budget for the project. Consider your needs. Equipment, printing, supplies and travel needs. What will it cost to implement this project?

Be flexible and prepared.

No Motor Vehicles Sign in Nessel Township

Part 3 – Your Goals and Message
Going hand in hand with a theme is the goals and message you wish to convey with your project.

What do you wish to accomplish with your long-term project? Is your intention to have a book published or exhibit your project? Are you attempting to educate or raise awareness to the public about something? Do you want to show people beauty you don’t think they’ve realized before? Do you just want to make someone smile or laugh? This is a question you should ask yourself and answer before you begin. You will want to keep this in mind throughout the process of making pictures for your project.

Also, kind of similar to your goals is what message do you wish to send viewers of your project?