It’s Father’s Day weekend here in the States, and I have daddy issues. You see, I do not have children of my own, so fatherhood and this holiday are like an exclusive country club from which I have been barred. This doesn’t go to say that I don’t know what it’s like to care for and nurture something, because I do. It’s just that my children aren’t – well, they’re not human.
For starters, I have my plants, many of which I gave birth to when I planted their seeds and provided them with food and shelter. And then there are the pets, Murphy and Muffola – two beasts that can push my buttons and provide unconditional love all at the same time. And now, there is this blog, which is rapidly becoming the child that never grows up, the one that demands my constant attention.
So, for the sake of this Father’s Day, please allow me to be one of those dads who spend their weekends at the baseball field, watching dance recitals, and/or coaching soccer leagues – and let me brag about my little ones.
A few weeks ago, for Mother’s Day, I posted a series of instructional photos on how to root Hydrangea cuttings. Since that posting, the cuttings have remained in a sheltered location where I have watered them. There, they have remained green and some have even grown – a clear indication that something good is happening under the soil and that they are ready to be potted up. Of the original eight cuttings, six survived.
Here is a close up of the root development of one of the cuttings. Apparently, the powdered rooting hormone did its job.
I’m really not concerned if the larger leaves on the cutting are little wilted. What’s more exciting is the new growth.
At last, six new Hydrangeas are one step closer to joining the garden.
While we’re on the subject of babies and their photos, here is a shot of one of this year’s seed experiments: Hardy Cyclamen. Five of the ten seeds sprouted!
And now for Murphy – and the story of the wondrous connections found in Blogtown and a face that not just a father could love.
A few weeks ago, Murphy and I went on a coffee date courtesy of Coffee with a Canine, a very original and creative blog for dog lovers who love coffee. Marshal Zeringue, the man behind the blog, asked me to send him some photos to go along with his post, which appeared at the end of May.
Enter Cathyann Burgess, a talented artist living in Virginia. She found that post and then contacted me, asking if I would allow her to paint Murphy’s portrait for an upcoming fundraiser to benefit the Humane Society. As if I could say no and deprive my Murphy of her moment in the spotlight – and on canvas. (And since Murphy is being treated for two torn ACLs and lymphoma, the honor was infinitely special.)
As Cathyann wrote in her post: “I fell in love with Murphy immediately. . . I needed to paint that face . . . I painted her alla prima, in front of people wandering through the shop at which I buy my frames. Many oohs and aahs were heard as the fluffy creature came to life on my panel.”
Murphy’s portrait will be on display at the Dorchester Fine Arts Gallery in Dorchester, MD, for the month of July – and a portion of the proceeds will benefit the center and the local Humane Society.
So, Happy Father’s Day to one and all – no matter if you are a dad with children, a mom who is a father figure, or anyone who is father-like to anyone or anything.
As for me on this Father’s Day, I am one proud poppa.
Nitty Gritty Dirt Man 
I think you caught the spirit of Father’s Day perfectly, Kevin! I worked as a preschool teacher and director for many years and one of the events that caused me the most angst was father’s day…it isn’t a happy day for many little children either, who don’t know their dads. But we get by…and thank you for sharing Murphy! I can see why Cathyann just had to paint that face! I’m awfully sorry to hear he’s being treated for lymphoma and hope that he is responding well to treatment! I really enjoyed this post! Debra
Hi Debra. I also work in a school — and that feeling for kids never goes away as they get older. I think it’s great that we honor fathers and mothers and grandparents — but maybe we shouldn’t focus so much on the gender but on the roles that we all play. Just a thought. And as for Murphy, she’s doing well — hopping along but definitely not lethargic. Be well!
I agree with you about the roles…much like expanding the definitions of family! 🙂 D
As well you should be!! (A proud poppa!) My husband has been going around his office all week saying “who’s yo’ Daddy???” two a pair of 8 week old kittens! And two of our four Cavaliers are definitely Daddy’s Girl’s. Some of the best children never ask for an advance on their allowance, the keys to the car, never leave laundry piled up or dirty dishes hanging around…. they mew, bark, or simply bloom. You nailed it!
Cathy, thanks for the smiles. And from my home to yours, Happy Father’s Day.
Happy Father Day NGDM!
Many thanks, and to you as well. 🙂
Happy Daddy Day! You have a lot to be proud of! Great hydrangeas and cyclamen. And Murphy? Such a big shaggy Cutie!! (But if he looks like his Daddy, you should consider cutting your hair! Well, at least your bangs…..and maybe that handle-bar mustache 🙂 Have a great day.
🙂 We groomed her shortly after the photo was taken. Now her hair is as short as mine. Enjoy your day!
Very sweet blog. I truly enjoy reading it.
Hi Stacy. Glad you found me and enjoyed the content. Hope to see you in the future!
Happy Belated Father’s Day!
Thanks! Hope you had an enjoyable day as well.
Love the painting of your very handsome dog. It must be ace to be so talented in artistry.
The painting credit goes to Cathyann Burgess. She did an amazing job of capturing Murphy’s expressive face. 🙂
Happy belated Father’s Day Kevin, daddy of Murphy.
It was only after I did the painting that I found out about Murphy’s issues. I am sorry to hear. So I was thinking “how providential that the connections were made when they were, huh?”
Anyway, a big hearty thanks for posting and linking my site and painting.I am thrilled that you like the image. I am pleased to help the people who help animals with my paintings.
And, a big thanks, probably even more, for all these great tips for many of the plants I have come to love but who suffer my neglect!
best…
Cathyann:
Hope you had an enjoyable day as well. “Liking” the image is hardly the emotion. Joe and I both love the painting — and we are so impressed with how quickly you did it and also how beautifully you captured Murphy’s essence. Like you, I am impressed at how the Internet made all of this possible. It was a magical experience for Murphy and Joe and me. Thanks again!
Murphy certainly does have a compelling face, little wonder she was determined to do her portrait. happy fathers day to you.
And to you as well. I agree — the painting certainly captures Murphy’s spirit.
How sweet! You should be proud of your pup and of your blog, that child that never grows up. I know exactly what you mean.
Hello, and welcome. I see that you have a child — I mean, a blog — that also never grows up. I’m thinking in my next life I may want to come back as a blog. 🙂
Happy father’s day Kevin! The canvas is very nice and your cuttings rooted so quickly and well… Ops I need to go now, my children have got fleas…
Hi Alberto. Hope you had a Happy Father’s Day, as well, and that you get a handle on your kids’ flea issue. The cuttings are still surviving — and I really cannot wait until their plantable. I know exactly where they’re going, but until then, I’m looking at dirt and weeds. Be well!
Not a big fan of pet portraits as I’ve seen so many bad ones…but that one is really beautiful. Love it! Bet it raises lots of money.
Glad it’s one that you liked. The artist did an amazing job, and I love that it’s going for a good cause.
Kevin, do you ever read the comic strip, Mutts? In my FB News Feed today there was an “invitation” to post your dog’s photo on their FB Page in honor of Take Your Dog to Work Day (which is tomorrow June 22), and I instantly thought of the image you posted here of your sweet pup! DETAILS @ http://www.facebook.com/muttscomics
Hi there. I’m not familiar with the comic, but I’m on my way to the site. Thanks for sharing!