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Lou Laurinen

Lou Laurinen

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  • Lou Laurinen
    I don’t think I’ve ever shared these, but I have these huge portraits of Enzo and Hex on the wall in my dining room.
    And some of Enzo’s dog show moments taken by a professional photographer (in my trophy gallery)
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    Lou Laurinen
    Lou Laurinen
    This guy looks almost exactly like Enzo but this is his cousin/doppelgänger. This is my own portrait/editing.
    He has won awards at Westminster and the National Championships, and for a while he was the number 3 Pointer in the country. He is a couple of years older than Enzo.
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    Lou Laurinen
    Lou Laurinen
    Another Enzo cousin, in a different coat color. This is also my photography, for Canine Chronicle magazine.
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    Lou Laurinen
    Today’s shopping haul. Yes, I do need these things lol especially because I have two vacations coming up this summer. I earned it. And I had my eye on those rainbow boots for months.
    Plus watercolors!
    (I spent less than $150 in total!)
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    Lou Laurinen
    Sometimes I feel guilty for being alive because I feel like everyone’s life would be easier without me.
    View previous comments…
    Lou Laurinen
    Lou Laurinen
    I talk to my therapist about this every two weeks when I see her btw.
    I just feel like I have no irl support because everyone is either emotionally unavailable or just abusive. I keep trying to find support groups but they’re never the right fit.
    My depression is mostly situational, I don’t normally feel like this.
    Rodafina
    Rodafina
    Maybe there is a larger situation right now that you haven’t quite figured out yet. I really think it’s worth it to counter these thoughts, and not give into them. Think of what you would tell someone on this forum that you cared about if they were having these types of thoughts. You deserve your own kind support that you offer so readily to others.
    Kisa the tea
    Kisa the tea
    You may not realize it but you've helped a lot of people. I can speak from experience. I'd be sad if I hadn't gotten to talk with you. You're such a great person. I wish you didn't have others around you or the hate of society to bring you down. You deserve so much better than that.
    Lou Laurinen
    I’m glad it’s almost May because that means our six months of winter are finally over lol. I love these flowering trees. Especially with the blue sky and green grass (and my handsome dog, of course)
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    Forest Cat
    Forest Cat
    I think spring is cancelled here. Still snow on the ground and it's cold and grey. Just 38 degrees today. The winter is refusing to let go. So disappointing, it will be a short summer and I'll bet it will be cold too, the last thing I need.
    Kisa the tea
    Kisa the tea
    Another lovely dog! :)
    Patrick Bushdiecker
    Patrick Bushdiecker
    That's my favorite kind of tree. It's called an eastern redbud.
    Lou Laurinen
    Australian Shepherds today :) They are siblings.

    Fun fact: This breed is not actually Australian. They do have some Australian lineage but were actually developed in America!

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    Outdated
    Outdated
    You're right Luca, definitely not Australian. With that much hair they'd be baked by midday here. :) Border collies are also only owned by hobbiests here, it's too hot to use them as working dogs.
    Lou Laurinen
    Lmao
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    Rodafina
    Rodafina
    We have a coincidence, because Rocky had to go to the vet and get vaccines, too yesterday. He came in at 82 pounds and thankfully he doesn’t get too nervous and I don’t have to try to lift him up!

    I am almost a foot taller than you, but you are definitely stronger than me.
    maycontainthunder
    maycontainthunder
    Dog V4 isn't bothered by injections. However, having ear drops put in... last time it took three people to hold him down!
    Kisa the tea
    Kisa the tea
    Awww
    Lou Laurinen
    Kind of unplanned, but I’m getting a Boykin Spaniel!! One of my friends referred a breeder to me who is looking for a new home for a 3 year old female, who was given back to her by the owner unexpectedly. I am always open to taking in dogs who need a home and I’m definitely not turning this down because I have always wanted a Boykin!!!
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    Hazel_1914
    Hazel_1914
    Madison is a very nice name for a spaniel-dog. And at least she has some tail left because around here they just have these stumpy ridiculous nubs. I'm not a big fan of changing tails & ears of course, but I am a big fan of whatever you're doing with the pack of dogs. You are definitely going to have fun; Boykin spaniels are an absolute trip & they are 110% personalities.
    Forest Cat
    Forest Cat
    So, 8 dogs? :) I think I know what you are doing, you are collecting, aren't you. Trying to get a complete set with one of each type of dog. ;)
    Lou Laurinen
    Lou Laurinen
    I wish lol
    Lou Laurinen
    Another thing someone suggested to me was getting a sewing machine and making my own clothes. Before I went to school for art, I had been considering fashion design but didn’t know how to sew very well at the time. I think this is also something I could definitely do. I am an extremely versatile artist lol
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    Hazel_1914
    Hazel_1914
    Sewing machines are fun; go for it--My only regret when I bought a sewing machine was that I don't have a lot of time or money to spend on supplies; those things are genuinely fun to use and it's neat to be able to make and mend things.
    Forest Cat
    Forest Cat
    That's something I have always wanted to do, try to make clothes. I sometimes see clothes I think I could improve in one way or another and something about it seems interesting and fun.
    Hazel_1914
    Hazel_1914
    only way to learn is to start. You can also overhaul old clothes into new clothes easily enough too, which is another great excuse to play around with sewing.
    Lou Laurinen
    I think I mentioned a while ago that I have a new therapist. She is much better than the previous one and all of our sessions are super productive.
    Yesterday she suggested that another new thing I can do as an art hobby (and as a way to potentially earn some cash) is making pottery/ceramics. I’m definitely going to give this a try!
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    Lou Laurinen
    Lou Laurinen
    Yet another crafting idea: making flower crowns/flower headbands! I can get a huge lot of artificial flowers for under $2 so I’m going to get all different types, and faux leather ropes to use for the headbands. I’m so happy my therapist suggested this stuff because now I will never be bored and can also have a side business :)
    Hazel_1914
    Hazel_1914
    OH WOW, a therapist who helps you out instead of taking your money! That's a rare find indeed. Good luck on the breakthroughs Luca!
    V
    VictorR
    To add to @Rodafina's suggestion, there's also metal clay and I'm sure you could make some really neat stuff with that as well. :-)
    Lou Laurinen
    I have a new idea for a hobby and a way to make some extra money: making jewelry.
    People were pretty amazed by my ability to fix some broken necklaces I had, so I figured this might be a good thing to keep me busy and creative, and help me earn some money.
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    Lou Laurinen
    Lou Laurinen
    I will definitely share pictures and/or videos! I’m going to maybe try to get some supplies tomorrow.
    I get my jewelry from Etsy too! That’s where I got the necklace with my name on it that I wear every day!
    Lou Laurinen
    Lou Laurinen
    As a side note, a bunch of people I know asked to buy prints of the painting I shared earlier!
    Rodafina
    Rodafina
    Cool idea, Luca. Wishing you luck on this new venture.
    Lou Laurinen
    For the past few days, I've felt overwhelmed and also felt like I have nothing to say. So I'm just being mute. I don't even know how to describe how I'm feeling in words or even in writing.
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    maycontainthunder
    maycontainthunder
    You are not alone Luca. Most days my brain fails to brain in the correct way. I prescribe lots of dog hugs complete with cold nose side effects.
    Gerald Wilgus
    Gerald Wilgus
    Sometimes I feel such disengagement. I think the term is Anomie. Definitely feeling that as I deal with a lot of conflicting thoughts about my relationships.
    M
    Mr. Stevens
    Me too, for some reason. Like multiple burnouts with little bright spots in between.
    Lou Laurinen
    My therapist told me that perfectionism is often a trauma response caused by being humiliated for making mistakes. Explains a lot about me :/
    View previous comments…
    Rodafina
    Rodafina
    It’s probably not quite as dangerous to be imperfect as we think it is.
    Kisa the tea
    Kisa the tea
    I had quit some things I used to love in the past because of perfectionism. After that it is hard to pick them up again for fear of messing up. When it comes to perfectionism with people and conversations it's twice as bad.
    Judge
    Judge
    Closely related to OCD...which is often a result of some kind of trauma.

    "Be perfect, or else." A very uncomfortable predicament to be in. :(
    Lou Laurinen
    I really liked my outfit today but some teenage girls in Target made fun of me. I didn’t care too much though. The cashier (older woman) said I was pretty and she liked my hair and makeup, so it kind of balanced it out.
    Hard to see in the picture but my hoodie has an English Pointer on it, of course.
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