Checking in on Leonidas
I haven’t seen my Spartan trailer since the day I bought it last summer. It was in storage over the winter, and is just now being spiffed up for probable use this summer. I visited Leonidas (yes, it has a name) a week ago to check in on the progress and I’ll be honest: he looks rough. You know how when you’re cleaning out a closet you kind of throw everything out into the room and start sorting and then you look around and there’s a colossal mess and you think, “if I’m cleaning, how can there be a bigger mess than when I started?” Well, that’s kind of what we’re dealing with here.
The work that’s been done already includes the stuff you can’t see like plumbing and electrical. The toilet and sink need to be replaced, so there are a couple obvious holes in the bathroom. All of the molding was removed and will be replaced with new trim. There was a wasp nest on one of the porch lights. There was a table saw in the main living space. All of the light fixtures were removed.
The cracked window was with the glazier the day I was there, so Leonidas was kind of winking at me.
But, I did see some obvious progress, like the new cabinetry that replaces the missing refrigerator.
And the shiny new wine cooler. I mean, priorities.
So I guess it will take a month or more before Leonidas is seaworthy, with a new floor, new tires and a new home on my aunt’s farm in Turner. I can’t wait.
For Sparta!
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I commissioned Rachael to paint my favorite dog after he'd been gone for a couple years. The likeness of Mosely is stunning. The miniature portrait is beautiful and was completed very quickly. Everyone who knew my dog immediately recognizes him in the mini painting, over all the various pictures I have of other Boston Terriers. Rachael has a unique talent to capture animals' true character and I'm proud to own her artwork.
I was first introduced to Rachael's work on Jenny "The Bloggess" Lawson's blog. I was so mesmerized at how beautiful Rachael's Dia de Los Muertos painting was, I commissioned Rachael to paint one of my bridal wedding pictures Dia de Los Muertos style. Rachael went far beyond what I imagined the portrait being and I could hardly contain my excitement when I saw it for the first time. Her attention to detail and her ability to turn an emailed idea into a beautiful, one-of-a-kind bridal portrait are just a few of the things that make her the amazing, talented artist that she is. I would absolutely recommend Rachael to anyone looking for beautiful, custom art work.
I wanted a special gift for my best friend’s birthday. Rachael provided just that. I gave her an idea and she created exactly what I was looking for. She was finished quickly and in plenty of time to deliver my gift. In the end, my friend LOVED IT and so did I! Thank you!
I discovered Rachael's portraits on the Pioneer Woman's website a few years ago. Never thought I would be able to commission one, but a few months ago, my sister-in-law had to put her beloved cat Moesley to sleep because of his medical conditions. She felt immensely sad, so did I. A couple of months prior to that, I had lost my cat when we moved and she had been the one to comfort me when I was so sad. Luckily, we found my cat. When I heard that she had to put her's down, I wanted to do something special for her and for Moe. So our family, (parents, two brothers, and us) pulled together to commission the portrait. It turned out so beautiful and my sister-in-law loves it. It is a very special gift. Thank you Rachael... for sharing your talent for everyone to enjoy.
I couldn't be happier with the painting Rachel did of my 10 year old son, Quinten. It was a surprise for him and he was thrilled and in awe of seeing his image transformed! Thank you, Rachel!
Rachael is working her way through all the furkids and the real one as well!. Our first painting, of the "favorite child", Sir Knuckles the Cardigan Corgi, blows me away every time I see it. She captured him perfectly, big Corgi ears and tongue. Our most recent addition to the collection, Bernie is just as great. Some of the kitties will be here soon in all their orange, fluffy glory. We also love the picture of our daughter Sarah--her grandparents loved it as a gift last Christmas!
After seeing Rachael's work on The Pioneer Woman's blog, I knew I had to have her capture the sparkle in my dogs' eyes. She perfectly reflected the awesome mutt characteristics (floppy ears, crazy fur and all!) of my dogs, Quigley and Kia.This year, I surprised my sister and brother-in-law with a portrait that captured the unbelievable cuteness of their dog, Lewis. Everytime I've opened the package with my new portraits, my eyes fill with tears and I smile ear to ear. Now my portraits hang prominently in our living room where everyone always comments on how beautiful they are. Thanks, Rachael, for creating wonderful artwork of my cute fuzzy ones!