Hello bloggers  Sorry I haven't written for a while, still trying to squeeze a smile out at the moment, after the unexpected loss of our lovely dog Axle.  We had such adventures together on our doggie walks that I'll really miss.

Lovely Axle.

This was one of his last photographs. I took him to try and enjoy the amazing fall of snow we'd had that day. He's standing quite well there. But, his walking was very difficult. He couldn't walk without support anymore, and for a dog, I don't think that's much of a life - especially since it was getting worse by the day.

But you know I didn't realize dogs so loved the snow! New morning snowfall used to make his eyes sparkle with excitement! I guess it must feel lovely and soft and squishy on a dog's paw. And how he used to love catching snowballs in his mouth!  

I had him on the bed with me, when I knew his days were numbered. And I had the most incredible dream!! I dreamt Axle and I were running along a beautiful white-sand lake/beach. The water was so bright and sparkly. And there was a real feeling of joy. I awoke during the night, thinking he'd passed away, because he was so silent and still. But, when I stroked his coat and heard him sigh deeply, I realized he was in a wonderful state of rest. And when I awoke, I felt in an incredible state of peace...... It felt really magical.

So, you may remember that painting I said I was going to do, and put on youtube? To show it as a  fast-frame painting, from start to finish? Anyway, when I looked at it this morning, I was shocked to realize that THIS painting was my dream!! So, I will paint it in honour of Axle (let's hope it's a goody then) You may remember this was the first shot of the painting.......let's hope it's not its last.........

Anyway, on a slightly more upbeat note: we are THAWING!! At last!! We've been about a month with solid snow and ice now. I've felt like I've been living in the Snow Queen's Palace! And it has made day-to-day living quite challenging. Especially slipping and sliding down an icy road. Although, I have to say it's quite fun when there's no people or cars around  Kind of like being on a fairground ride! Anyway, it's a little difficult to sleep now with the thaw. Can you guess why???

Well, at intervals we have HUGE chunks of ice, sliding down the roof! They sound just like tiles, falling off the roof and crashing to the ground. Very grating and noisy! So now we are living in a world of wet slush instead.

Just must show you my finished painting. I've only ever showed you this as a 'work in progress'. And I'm pretty proud of this one. Especially, since its my first time painting horses. And there were quite a few of them, too! Nothing like running before you can walk, eh?

Horserace painting, by Laurel Moore.

I hope I got a feel for the action. 'Nayyyyyyyyyy'!

Hey and have a good first day at work Barack Obama!! Hope someone shows you where the coffee machine and toilets are..............

Forgot to add, here's a little version of me singing 'Sentimental Journey' with very greasy hair  If you want to have listen, you'll need the volume quite high, and its a terrible recording set-up.......excuses, excuses, excuses  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gz35n5a3ONo Fun though!

Hello bloggers. 

I just don't know how to tell you that we lost our dog Axle on Friday 9th January.  

I know he had so many fans on this blog. Who followed his exploits and life. We are devastated and I know you will be saddened too......

He had  a nerve problem in his back, which made it increasingly difficult to walk. And we wanted to end his life before he suffered. He was such a beautiful dog, with such a sweet and loving nature, and such a strong sense of humour.......

Only yesterday, my husband was telling me how Axle seemed to laugh, when he slipped on patched of ice in his big boots, back in Neuchatel. He'd come wagging his tail, with a smile on his face -licking him all over, then running off with glee.......

Do you remember when we found you at four months in Battersy Dog's Home? And daddy carried you in his coat, on the train and all the way home? You grew up to be such a polite and loving dog. And filled us with adventures. You always hated it when there were family rows, and made your disapproving noises!

We feel so lucky to have had you. Rest In Peace beloved Axle

Happy New Year bloggers.

So much sad loss in the Israel-Palestine conflict. Each person's life is so important. To lose fathers, mothers, daughters sons in such a way must be unimaginably terrible.  And bitterness from within must be one of the hardest battles.  I'm sure we all hope for a peaceful solution in 2009.........

Hope you will join me in a toast for a: Peaceful New Year 2009.

Here's one of my old paintings I did, quite a few years ago now. At the time I was very critical of it. I couldn't seem to get the wild flowers painted to my satisfaction. So I kept changing in, until I spoilt it. But, looking at it now, I'm not so critical. I think there's something charming about this oil on canvas, which I called 'Summer Champagne' at the time. What do you think?? It's a little on a tilt I know, maybe too much champagne??

Anyway, you probably don't know that we've been snowed in here!! And it's -6 at present here in Fribourg, Switzerland  Help! I haven't been able to get my car out for a week. And the snow has seemed to have frozen solid at about one foot high. It makes it rather difficult to move or walk in though, since ice makes quite a solid wall. Hubby managed to clear the snow from his car eventually, but it did take about an hour. And now, he was a sore back!

You don't want to know about frozen dog poos though (so I won't tell you, that they fly well) Not a deliberate discovery! It just happened that they kind of catapult like frozen bullets around the garden. (Welcome to my world!)

My week doesn't much change though, whether I'm snowed in or not. It's pretty much the same routine of paintings etc.........Just makes deliveries a little harder. I must just add that I saw the most beautiful sight yesterday: a deer bounded past the window in the snow. It was so beautiful. Right in the middle of the day, all lovely a brown and strong against the brilliance of the white snow. Right past our neighbour's house. Off towards the lake and woods.........

Here's one of our roads near our house. See what I mean? And yes, that is black ice.

Anyway, best thing to do is stay in with a warm fire. So, that's what we'll do...............

www.moorethanart and if you want to see more of my portfolio, please visit www.artwanted.com C U soon.