Amazing Graze

Bonnie, my new BFF (Burro Friend Forever!)

On Saturday, November 19th I volunteered with Farm Sanctuary in Orland, CA as part of their Celebration FOR the Turkeys, an annual event that features guest presentations, musical performances, a delicious vegan Thanksgiving feast, and abundant time with rescued farm animal friends.

Bonnie and Waylon: Two sweet donkeys!

My assignment was with the main cattle herd and domestic donkeys. Before the guests arrived, volunteers spent time with the animals, including Bonnie and Waylon, two of Farm Sanctuary's several donkeys. Have you ever patted and hugged a donkey? Their coats are soft and fuzzy. Despite their past lives being riddled with neglect, Bonnie and Waylon are sweet and friendly, probably from the love and care now given to them at Farm Sanctuary.

Cow's it goin'? Super love for Phoenix the cow.

The main cattle herd was a treat to experience close up: next to people, cows are huge! And just like people, they can be very friendly or shy. Farm Sanctuary has some older cows like Boris, Bernie and Hugo, as well as some youngsters like Elliott and Oliver, who were brought in as calves. As a volunteer, I was fortunate to meet Elliott and Oliver when they were very little - it's amazing how fast cows grow. Must be all that cow's milk! ;-)

Hay, it's Elliott! With Oliver in the background.

Before leaving for the day, I checked on my artwork submitted as part of the auction, which included beautiful animal-themed artwork, jewelry, gift baskets and more. I also talked with a few guests who were curious about the cows on my paintings, from photos taken on earlier visits to Farm Sanctuary. When I created the pieces, I had no idea my assignment would be with the bovines. Sweet!

Beso Hasta 8x8 inches mixed media on canvas © 2011 Kate Dana

This holiday season I am thankful for Farm Sanctuary and the creative opportunities available to me. I love my volunteer friends, the coordinator Sophia, the Farm Sanctuary staff, co-founder Gene Baur, and especially all of the animals. If you always wanted to volunteer with a charitable organization, there's no better time than cow. I mean now. Just do it!

Artwork and Heartwork

Moo Representa 11x14 inches mixed media on canvas ©2011 Kate Dana

After weeks of preparing, painting and collaging new pieces for the upcoming Celebration FOR The Turkeys at Farm Sanctuary in Orland, CA, I delivered my artwork and "heartwork" to the Volunteer Work Party day, Saturday November 12. Work Party days are a great way for potential supporters of Farm Sanctuary to get involved and discover firsthand what the sanctuary is about. The work is not glamorous - raking fields, de-cobwebbing the barns, cleaning the facilities - but the rewards - hugging goats, kissing pigs and brushing cows - are well worth the sweat equity.

Smiles and hugs for this super sweet and so soft Angora goat

If you aren't busy the weekend before Thanksgiving, please join me at Farm Sanctuary to honor the turkeys of the shelter. Tickets are going fast for this special event featuring guests like Biz Stone of Twitter and Gene Baur, co-founder of Farm Sanctuary (as well as many others). Enjoy a delicious Vegan feast, listen to guest speakers, discover new information, and be a part of the beautiful ceremony honoring our feathered friends.

A Cada Puerco 8x8 inches mixed media on canvas ©2011 Kate Dana

While you are at the event, you can bid on my artwork as well as other great items in the auction, with proceeds going to support Farm Sanctuary. It's a weekend of fun, food and fine feathered friends (as well as furry ones).

Fin de Semana Muy Buena... Otra Vez

Another weekend of sheer happiness. Friday night celebrated the birthday of my wonderful friend Evie at Kupro's Bistro, a swanky gastropub on 21st Street in Sacramento. Savory food, fantastic cocktails, Evie's awesome family and friends, and a charming General Manager added to the love for the evening!

mmm fried pickles and a tequila Clockwork Orange at Kupro's Bistro

Saturday night I attended a fantastic tequila tasting benefit for my favorite local gallery, La Raza Galeria Posada. Presented by Agave52 held at Social nightclub, I sampled delicious reposados, anejos and blancos from different distilleries based in Mexico. I also tried Mezcal for the first time, que sabroso! Featured at the event were Sacacuento premium mezcal, Alquimia organic tequila and Tequila Manaña (Drink it today. Love it Manaña. So great!)

Charring the peppers - the flame is as tall as the bartender!

After the event a group headed over to Mayahuel, el museo de tequila at 1200 K Street to enjoy delicious cocktails and appetizers, served to the sounds of a Mariachi band. ¡Arriba! The amazing bartenders at Mayahuel made their special "charred pepper" margarita, what a show. Caliente!

The weekend wrapped up with a wonderful message from Jennifer Lynn, a talented, beautiful performer based in Chicago. Jennifer is the sister of my beloved friend, Catherine, for whom I created my Dia de los Muertos altar, part of the Panteon de Sacramento show with La Raza Galeria Posada. I haven't heard from Jennifer in ages, and I don't believe in coincidences, so this is very special. (*smiling and crying at the same time*)

Gorgeous + talented = Jennifer Lynn!

Jennifer needs support on her YouTube page. Please visit the page, listen to her incredible music and subscribe to Jennifer's channel or "like" her videos - every vote helps! You may also purchase music from her website, www.jenniferlynn.com. Thanks for contacting me, Jennifer. Sweet memories of Cath just go on and on...