King Copper – by Lauren Scott

On By ResaIn Book Reviews, Tributes293 Comments

I fell in dog love with Copper when I read, Copper Boy (Ever So Gently, also in King Copper)

"His white choppers shine as if
they've never caused any commotion..
never mind when he attempted
to eat the barbecue!"

Somehow, to me, animal love is proven with those words. I was always asking about him, and one day drew him. It is my first and only animal portrait.

When Copper crossed the “rainbow bridge”, Lauren was heart broken. Concerned with how the healing was going, I asked a few questions.

 Resa – In the book you say it was 4 months after Lucky Girl was gone, when you adopted Copper into your family. It’s been a bit longer than that since Copper passed. Are you thinking of adopting another puppy/dog? 

Lauren – We will most likely adopt another dog in the future, probably an older dog that needs a loving home. But we’re not ready yet. As I mentioned in my book, every one of our family dogs has been special. Yet, it was in Copper’s amber, soulful eyes where I felt a deep connection. I’m doing better with occasional teary moments, but still grieving his passing. I wish I could hug him again, you know…

Resa – Yes, I know. I feel the same about my cats who are gone, especially my baby Jeep. (& Johnny & Pupkin & Cabbage & Mom & Potato)

Lauren – My mom passed shortly after Lucky Girl, and my kids were home and then leaving for college. Life was busy; dynamics were different, so after a few months, I was ready for another furry family member. And we’re so glad Copper trotted into our lives. Copper was also the first dog where we had to make that heart wrenching decision, and even though it was the right thing to do, it was the hardest decision I’ve had to make.

Lauren – I wanted my son and daughter’s support from out of state via phone, and of course, my husband, Matt, was with me, but ultimately, it was up to me. The emergency vet was very compassionate. She told us that she would support any decision we made, and she had told many pet owners “no” before. But she knew Copper would suffer tremendously if we prolonged his life, and the thought of him suffering shattered my heart as well. 

Lauren – Though it still wasn’t easy, so before I decided, I looked at her, crying my heart out, saying, “I don’t want to be an adult right now. I want you to tell me what to do.” I knew it wasn’t her decision to make, so I nodded my head. Matt was silently emotional sitting in a chair, and I sat on the floor with Copper’s head on my leg while he peacefully left our world. I buried my face in his fur and sobbed like I’ve never sobbed before. 
After that fateful day, my husband and I needed some time to let our emotions settle. As our daughter says, “We need to give ourselves grace.” 
Recently, I heard in a movie, “Love is worth the grief.” It truly is…
So, I don’t know the timeline, but we’ll know when the right time comes. ♥️

Resa – When Copper passed, you fell on your pen, and wrote King Copper.  Can you put into words how writing was a catharsis? Did you go through stages, a journey,  as you wrote? 

Lauren – I had written several fun poems when Copper was with us, so when he passed, it felt natural to write through the grief. Instead of moping around the house and crying all the time, my grief found a destination in poetry form. Writing kept me busy, kept me focused to the end of a poem, and then another was inspired. Sure, I had down time to fall in a chair and simply cry for a few minutes before I ‘got up again.’ But those times didn’t consume me because of the writing.

One More Moment

A dog barks in the
distance causing me to pause,
it sounds like Copper’s
a wild imagination
longing for one more moment

Lauren – I can’t say if there were stages, but it was an emotional journey that felt like I had been sucker punched. I’m grateful to be a writer so that my grief had a place to go. I can’t imagine what those days, weeks, and months would have looked like without being able to put my emotions down on paper. Before I knew it, a poetry collection had evolved, and that’s when I decided to pay tribute to Copper in book form. I’m so glad I did, not only for me, but for my family too.

Resa – Where do you find yourself today, your missing of Copper, now that the book is out there and people have been reacting?

Lauren – My book has received beautiful and touching reviews, so it’s heartwarming to know how Copper has touched the hearts of those who have loved and lost a pet. Many friends have fallen in love with Copper, and that warms my heart. He didn’t know how lovable he was. He didn’t know how handsome or regal he was, but all 80 lbs. of him was pure unconditional love.

In some poems, Copper writes to Lauren

ALWAYS BY YOUR SIDE

I see you dry your tears; how sad you seem to be.
Please know that I am here, but I'm also feeling free. 


- Copper Boy

Lauren – I’m emotional as I type. Sigh…I’m just grateful for the reception my collection has received. And I hope my poems provide comfort for those who are also grieving the loss of their dog or cat. Life is part joy and part loss then comes acceptance. This is what King Copper is all about. We know he’s frolicking in lush, green meadows with our dogs who had previously passed and he’s not in pain anymore. Knowing this allows acceptance in our minds because he lives in our hearts forever. 🤎🧡🤎

I only have1 drawing of Copper, so I did my best with it for this post

About Lauren Scott

Bio

This is a wonderful book!

King Copper is available on Amazon worldwide. Click on the book cover, and go to King Copper on Amazon USA

OR – Buy King Copper on KOBO

My heartfelt thanks to Lauren, for sharing her heart here today!

Have You Ever Seen the Rain,

On By ResaIn Murals, Poetry311 Comments

Coming Down on a Sunny Day?

I spotted this being painted while passing in a street car. I waited 3 days and returned.

The painting was not quite finished, and there was a cherry picker blocking the bottom. It was a sunny day, but I was in a mighty blue mood. Some rain had fallen in my life.

I waited 3 more days, and returned to the yellow and blue painting, like sun and rain, to me. I could heard this song. I had been hearing it for 3 days.

I mailed Holly and told her I found a painted poem. I sent a couple of pics and asked did she have any sun and rain poems? Any yellow and blue poems? She sent 3 poems, and a song.

September Rain

The rains come late; vanilla yogurt clouds deepen to ripe blueberry.
Twirling harlequins of wind sweep upward through the lush crowns of Lindens where birds weave wicker, dried stems, and waxy feathers, dripping pearly dew onto overgrown gardens.
Higher, squirrels shelter in rattan dreys, inky shadows among mottled rays that dance on puddles and glistening blades, the potpourri of life.

~~~ Holly Rene Hunter

One was not a rain on a sunny day poem. Rather, she sent flowers on a sun’s shore.

FLOWER GIRL

Where are you my love?
Chasing shadows along sun swept shores?

Turbulence has exfoliated the rosy blush from my cheeks. When we speak our words drift away on the wind.

If you should change your mind I’ll be waiting by the garden gate flowers in my hair.


– Holly Rene Hunter


It Feels Like Rain

The earthy scent of petrichor clings to our skin,  overflows my eyes,  slips down our cheeks to mingle with  salty lips.
We know how it feels to swim in sun drenched rivers,  to touch the moon and feel the sear of the  sun. 
Your song  fills the sky with falling stars.
But mine bring the rain…  
I bring the rain.
It feels like rain…
You know it feels like rain. 

– Holly Rene Hunter

Pics taken by Resa – September 1 & 4, 2025

Toronto, Canada

I GOT TO MEET THE ARTISTS!

Paul Jackson – https://pauljacksonlives.com/

@mony.zak on Instagram

CHEERS TO EVERY DAY!

EMMYS 2025 – Costume Time with Ruth Maramis & Resa @ FLIXCHATTER

On By ResaIn Reblogs

For the second year in a row, Ruth has had me a as guest on FLIXCHATTER to chat about costumes & costume design. Last year we focused on the stunning gowns on “The Gilded Age”. This year’s focus is on the brilliant costume design in”The Penguin”.

EMMYS 2025: Chatting about THE PENGUIN’s Costume Design with Costume Designer & TV Academy Voter Resa McConaghy

WHO KNEW? & BATMAN NEVER SHOWS UP

Honestly, I would have never watched The Penguin if it had not been nominated. However, an honest vote requires honest watching.

It blew me away. The script, the acting, the sets, the costumes, the photography, the casting and extras are all brilliant. 24 Emmy Noms!

Find my picks for Best Costumes in the 4 Costume Categories over at Ruth’s!

Photos from The Penguin are courtesy of DC Studios + Warner Bros. Television

Fado

On By ResaIn Garage Doors, Music Stars134 Comments

Portuguese Blues

That was how Fado was described to me by a musician. Yet, looking into it, it is that and so much more. It is a proud history of folk song.

The stencil art on this garage door features 2 of the greatest Fado singers, Amalia Rodriguez and Mariza.

Amalia Rodriguez

1920- – 1999

She is the Queen of Fado – Rainha do Fado. To this day she remains the best-selling Portuguese artist in the history of recorded music.

Link to more info about Amalia

In 2021 I found a stunning mural of Amalia.

The Queen of Fado

Mariza

1973 – Present

Internationally beloved icon, Mozambique-born Portuguese singer Mariza has become the currently reigning Rainha do Fado.

Visit Mariza’s official website.

I adore both of the songs, by these Rainhas!!

Pics taken by Resa – April 30, 2025

Toronto, Canada

Stencil Art by:

Stone Cold Toad…or Frog?

On By ResaIn Sculptures162 Comments

“Round about the caldron go; In the poison’d entrails throw.“

“TOAD, that under cold stone

Days and nights has thirty-one

Swelter’d venom sleeping got,

Boil thou first i’ the charmed pot.”

“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and Cauldron bubble.”

“Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the cauldron boil and bake:

Eye of newt, and toe of FROG,

Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,

Adder’s fork, and blind worm’s sting,

Lizard’s leg, and owlet’s wing,

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.”

“Double, double toil and trouble; Fire burn and cauldron bubble.“

Pics taken by Resa – August25, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artist: Not sure. Searches came up with several names, none checked out.

END NOTES

For those who may not know, the words in this post are from Act IV – Scene I – in William Shakespeare’s tragedy- MacBeth (written 1606-07); a tale of achieving ultimate power through treachery and murder, and the personal madness that ensues.

I did research toads and frogs. Frogs have bigger back legs for jumping. Toads have bumpy skin and frogs have smooth skin. There are green toads. I believe this is a Froad or a Trog.

The Unicorn & the Sprite

On By ResaIn Fantasy Alley131 Comments

Fantasy Alley

Here comes one with a camera!

I see her. Okay, look into the lens this time!

Gotcha!

But remember, you stay on the fence, and I’ll stay on the door until just the right moment!

Where should we take her? Avalon or Arcadia?

I say Arcadia! Dryads, nymphs and other spirits are there.

Good idea, but we’ll have to watch out for Pan and Hermes. They’re roaming around Peloponnesus.

True, but Atalanta will be there, and she’s the King’s daughter. She’ll protect us!

Good point! Here she comes. NAB HER!

AAAAAaaaRRRRRRRGGGGGgggggggGGGGGHHHHHhhhh

Pics taken by Resa – June 27, 2025

Toronto, Canada

The Artists:

Imagine – Discussing John Lennon

On By ResaIn Famous People, Tributes276 Comments

With Trent P. McDonald

John Lennon rocks my socks. When I found this street art, Trent raced to mind.

We did 2 joint Lennon posts just over a year ago. We both have an abundance of respect and love for him. Trent wrote a song for John and everything.

Resa – I knew you were taking some voice lessons, but I had no idea you were studying a song, let alone Imagine. Did you pick Imagine right away, or did that come later? Why did you pick Imagine?

Trent – My instructor picks the songs for me, mostly late 60s, early 70s songs.  He plays them on his guitar and I sing along.  He chooses the key that he feels is best for me.  Imagine was a relatively early pick, so it has been at least 8 months and maybe close to a year.  I think I had played my song about John for him which is why he chose it. 

Trent’s Cover of Imagine

Not only do I love Trent’s cover of Imagine, I adore his drawing of John.

Resa – There are many John Lennon quotes. Some are profound, Some are hilarious.
Two of my faves (of many) are – “Time wounds all heels” & “One thing you can’t hide is when you’re crippled inside”

What are a few of yours?

Trent – John was pretty witty, but I can’t think of quotes right off the top. 

Trent – I just looked up “John Lennon Quotes”, and there are so many to choose from!  

Perhaps – We all have Hitler in us, but we also have love and peace. So why not give peace a chance for once?”  Of course, for me his song lyrics are worthy of quoting.

Resa – I completely agree!

“I’m Shot”

Were Lennon’s last words.

Resa – I was shattered when I heard the news that John had been shot and died. I honestly believed in his message of love and peace being a way forward for the world and its people. I felt that die with him.
Do you have any memory of hearing the news? Do you understand why I felt the way I did?

Trent – I had pretty much just rediscovered the Beatles just a short time before he was murdered.  When rediscovering the Beatles, I gravitated towards John and his message more than towards the others.  Peace and Love, the brotherhood of Man.  These were huge themes for me.  I was pretty much devastated when I heard the news.  I sat and listened to Beatles’ songs nonstop for two days. 

Trent – Did I feel John’s message was killed with the messenger?  Yes and no.  I understood that we had entered a new era, but I tried to believe that his violent death would wake people up and that his message would grow.  Well, Ronald Reagan and all that he stood for took over the culture so that even kids my age went total right wing.  But the spark did remain.

Trent– Like many geniuses, John was a contradiction,

… and had a lot of bad qualities.  He said he was violent when he was young, fighting with boys and hitting girls and that a lot of his peace and love was to keep those tendencies at bay, to conquer the violence within himself.  He could be super petty and paranoid. 

Resa – I love the insight!

Trent – One of the saddest things is that I think after dropping out of public life for all of those years he had finally made peace with himself and was just breaking out again, ready to take on the 80s.  But all of that was nipped in the bud.

Favourite Songs

Resa – I think John Lennon is a brilliant songwriter.

My Fave John song from The Beatles’ days is Don’t Let Me Down.

John songs (excluding Imagine) are: Jealous Guy, Whatever Gets You Through the Night and Instant Karma.

So Trent, what are your favorite John Lennon songs? 

Trent – With the Beatles I loved: Strawberry Fields, I am the Walrus and Across the Universe. 

Solo? 

Hmm, maybe: Imagine, Mind Games and Watching the Wheels“- had to put that last one in because I wanted something from Double Fantasy and that was by far the most popular song from that album – it sounds so much like his earlier works.

Resa – I absolutely love the album cover for Double Fantasy. Yoko Ono is an interesting person. I’ve only seen her art in photos. However, as a performance artist she is brilliant in the video for Instant Karma, knitting with a blindfold on, while the band plays. John’s love for her is wonderfully obvious. Do you see it?

Trent – I think there is a huge love story between John and Yoko and is often very apparent.  So yes, I see it in the video you mentioned and also at the end of the one for Imagine where they are trying to keep straight faces but end up cracking each other up.  I think it is awful how much hate she has received from the world, though I think it has mellowed a lot in the last couple of decades.

Resa – I agree!

About –Let’s All Join In & Trent’s cover of Imagine

Trent wrote on YouTube

Resa thought she saw Lennon’s face from a trolley but didn’t’ find it again until recently. When talking about it, some said we need Lennon’s vision today more than ever and others said there should be a song about seeing Lennon’s face from a trolley…So here it is, both ideas in one. Yes, I drew my own picture instead of using the real street art – how could I without asking the artist? And, of course, I manipulated the drawing in a thousand and one ways.

Click pic to see post with “Let’s All Join In”lyrics

IMAGINE

Here is Trent’s blurb from YouTube, slightly edited for this post.

Yep, a quick take on John Lennon’s classic “Imagine”. Though very close, this is not an exactly note-for-note transcription of John’s original arrangement. Besides a few different notes and different drum fills, I recorded in Bb instead of C. I didn’t even listen to the original string arrangement, I just played. I had a few reasons for recording this song. One is that I sing this in my voice lessons.

Another was that Resa had told me she had found some street art featuring  Lennon’s “Imagine”.  Since I had been singing the song, why not do a recording?

Many thanks to Trent for joining me here today!

Pics of John Lennon art taken by Resa – July 2, 2025

Toronto, Canada

Painting by AOTR