I am still adjusting to being dog-less after losing Lola last summer. Yet I’m very grateful for all the drawings that remain. In the same way that a song or a smell will evoke a time and place, sketches also seem to have the magical ability to transport you back to a particular moment — a consequence of the Zen-like mindfulness that comes with concentrating so intently.
©2015 Elizabeth Fram
Lola was a wonderful teacher because, even though most of the time I tried to catch her while she was sleeping, she could never hold a pose for long. She had a very active dream life and pushed me in my on-going aspiration to develop an ability to catch an image quickly.
©2015 Elizabeth Fram
When our daughter was visiting in August, I handed my sketchbooks over to her so she could mark the drawings that she might like copies of, thinking I would probably scan and email them to both our kids in a zip-file. As often happens, things got busy and I was slow to follow through. But then I had an idea…
©2015 Elizabeth Fram
I know I’m late to the party in discovering this, but I had read somewhere about making books with Blurb — and also, I know someone who had mentioned in passing that she has had good luck self-publishing with them. Rather than just emailing a slew of images and leaving it for the kids to figure out what to do with them, I decided it would be fun to try to put together a little hardcover book as a Christmas gift.
©2015 Elizabeth Fram
It was a breeze to do; the software is easily downloaded and very intuitive. If you want to create a polished presentation of images of your work, this approach is well-worth considering. Blurb is not the only place that offers this service, so shop around to see what’s most cost-effective and has the options that are right for you.
©2015 Elizabeth Fram
The end results were worth the effort. This little memory book will mean a lot to me as I look back — not only in remembering a loyal pal, but also as a symbol of the quiet sense of teamwork we shared each time she took on the role of patient model.
©2015 Elizabeth Fram
The beautiful much missed Lola…best friend…kind companion. What a wonderful tribute to her! What a fabulous gift for your kids! I lost my much loved Moose in September and although he was “just a cat” he was with me for 20 years…on my lap whenever he could be…a cherished friend.
I love this idea…
Pam
So sorry to hear about Moose. Never “just a” anything, these creatures share our lives and are family. 20 years is a huge chunk of time…my heartfelt condolences. Did you ever include him in one of your beautiful pieces? If not yet, it could be a very cathartic exercise.
Actually he is in one of my older pieces and I have thought numerous times about doing a new one of him. A good friend sent me her interpretation of him looking out HIS window as a condolence. It occupies a spot in my kitchen and has brought me great comfort and joy…all at once.
I’d love to see both some time!
Love, love the book you created. What a clever way to make your drawings accessible and remind you of Lola’ s sweet nature.
Years ago, I too, made a photo book for a friend. I did it through Apple. I have no idea if Apple still provides the service but as you just said, it was easy and fun to do.
Yes, Apple — and I believe Shutterfly is another option. Did your book include your paintings Csilla?
Again wonderful moments spent being engaged with your blog and connecting with Lola through your book. Your kids will treasure this. Your drawings of her are so lovely and capture her devotion to you. D
Thanks Dianne.
What a lovely gift for your kids and yourself. I have a number of those types of books with photos of Moby. I love to get them out and remember.
Sometime I’d love to look at yours. Your drawings of Lola are beautiful and really capture the Swissy essence.
Oh – I would love to see your Moby books! I still get such a kick out of the photos from they day when we had both of them together. Lola was Moby’s Mini-Me.