Thank you, Tami. She decided to cross and died peacefully in my arms after a day of slowly letting go. She taught me so much. She was the most beautiful Shepherd in the whole world. It was a deep privilege to have loved and cared for her. I just miss her with every fiber of my being.

Miz Mia. 7:58 PM. What a blessing she was. How so like my other four Shepherds. She was all of them wrapped in one: a silky coat, loved routine, watchful, loyal, protective, loving, alert, powerful, a fullness of joy. Fiercely independent, she left on her terms, in my arms, gazing into my eyes. 🐾🌈

Today is total HVAC removal and replacement day ($$$$). Miz Mia and I will be sequestered in my studio while the crew works. Oh, no! Whatever shall we do? Send snacks and good vibes... Wait, a new problem: The old ductwork must be replaced. Adding $ to the already scary cost! And, Miz Mia vomits.

#Goodmorning Miz Mia and I are wishing you a very easy, but productive, day.

Art is medicine. My #art with a quote by Elizabeth Gilbert (Big Magic) "Be brave. Be fearless. Stay curious." #artByAWoman #smArtist #ArtistOnBlueSky #ContemporaryArt #Color #OilPainting #Encaustic #SelfPortrait #Landscape

Took a walk with Miz Mia last Saturday morning. Always an adventure. #Hotrod

Warning! I have 2,300+ photos of the Miz! And, for that, here's another look back. She mostly lopes these days with the occasional jog with hackles up. I'd love to see more of your gorgeous Pharoah...🐾💕

#Goodnight #BlueSky from El Fuerte. Let go of all the bad energy and rest well.

And, some digital #art to share... This is, Kiss, Kiss©, MSE. #Artyear #smArtist #ColorADay #YellowThu

Let's reprise some Miz Mia images. We need more dogs on this platform, don't you think? (The last face I see every night.) Miz Mia is doing well this week. No signs of regrowth of the melanoma. Fingers crossed! 🐾💕 #dogs #GSD #Love #DogsAreFamily

#GoodMorning from the studio. I might just get in there today. I'm thinking about art and perseverance. Hope you have a productive day. #art #stawbale #studio #color #desert

Sunsets are often brilliant in the desert. Miz Mia wish you all a restful night.

Second bloom #sunflowers. Things are warming up all over. #Monday #BloomScrolling

#GoodMorning. Seriously. 🐾💕 Miz Mia and I are wishing you a very pleasant Monday.

Education, and humane discipline, is very important to a smart pup. Miz Mia has been an excellent student to the nth degree. 🎓🐾 #dogs #GSD #Love #Training

#Art share. From my studio, a little inspiration. Idk about you, but I'm trying to get back into my studio. It's hard with all the cruelty in the world. Maybe you can be inspired. #Studio #OilPainting #ContemporaryArt #art #Desert #ArtByAWoman #art #prints artistmelindaesparza.com

#Goodnight #BlueSky from the Old Pueblo. Masked Gate© MSE #Photography #shadows #NightViews

We've made it through to Friday! Have a safe day. My sunflowers in a vase. #FlowersonFriday #Sunflowers #BloomScrolling #NaturePhotography

Yes, I believe you have. Thank you so much. I never tire of looking at her. Bonus pic! 🐾🌵

It was a rough day for Miz Mia. So, she got the five star dinner treatment. She loves these feeders! 🐾🌵 #Dogs #GSD #Love #SlowPetFeeder

Oh, those better days. Miz Mia having a snooze in the garden in 2020. #dogs #GSD #Love #DogsAreFamily #Arizona

Well... #GoodMorning anyway. Find gratitude and beauty today. ✌️

This is my painting, Cactus Bloom© MSE, in a virtual room. My website still works! 🌵 #Artist #ArtByAWoman #art #prints #Cactus #OilPainting #SonoranDesert artistmelindaesparza.com

#Goodnight #BlueSky from the Old Pueblo. It won't always be dark. ✌️

😂 Funny story. I had a lifelong spider phobia. Couldn't look at photos of them. So, when my child was in fifth grade and won the class tarantula, he asked if I'd help him care for it. I decided that was a sign to overcome my phobia. I loved Molly Gomezina & she became an art subject. Art copywrited.

#Art share. This is what I do. I paint. I make an embellished #Giclee. Sabino Canyon Purple Mountain© MSE. #OilPainting #ContemporaryArt #art #Desert #ArtByAWoman #prints #Landscape artistmelindaesparza.com

Good morning. First zinnias. Look for the beauty all around you. #flowers #nature #beauty

#Art share. This is my oil painting, Mystery Landscape© MSE, with details. #oilPainting #ContemporaryArt #WomensArt #Southwest #Arizona #ArtByAWoman artistmelindaesparza.com

#GoodMorning from the Old Pueblo. Second bloom on the Palo Verde. Be mindful today. Love yourself. #nature

#Goodnight #BlueSky. Miz Mia and I have really enjoyed uncommon cool breezes and a cloudy sky at the end of day.✌