BLUEBONNET ARTIST FEATURED IN GARDEN TOUR

Patricia Martin, Dallas artist, will be one of the variety of featured artisans in this year's White Rock East Garden Tour

ABOUT THE EVENT

White Rock East Garden Tour 

Sunday, May 16, 2021 - 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.  

Dallas - neighborhoods just East of White Rock Lake

Martin's booth --featuring paintings, bluebonnet scarves, note cards and other items -- will be located at 8325 Forest Hill Boulevard. (Please see photos) This amazing and diverse organic landscape has been designated a “Certified Wildlife Habitat” by the national Wildlife Federation. Charming stone paths lead you through a shade garden across the front of the house, and continue into the backyard, revealing a fire pit area, waterfalled Koi pond, vegetable garden, a new Rose focused planting bed by the pool, beehives by the greenhouse, and a secret garden.

ABOUT THE ARTIST

Martin is a Native Texan and has lived much of her life in Richardson, Texas. She attended Southern Methodist University receiving a Bachelor of Fine Art. She worked as the Director of Development for the Museum of Biblical Art which sparked an intense passion for painting that led her to completing almost 100 paintings in less than seven years. She contributes work for fundraising auctions to support a variety of causes including MBA.

"I am delighted to be part of this great event," Martin said. "My most recent work has been focused on painting Texas landscapes and seascapes. Last year, I decided to have one of my favorite bluebonnet paintings printed on high-quality "new silk" for a 40" x 40" scarf. This limited edition Bluebonnet scarf will be available along with my hand-painted Texas Bluebonnet ornaments, a variety of note cards with Texas scenes, paintings, and other items."

"Actually, painting has been a life-saver for me this year. I've literally spent hours on the front porch painting scenes on canvas. Having that creative outlet has certainly uplifted my spirits."

 For additional information about Martin's work, or to contact her, please visit her website at www.martinmediaartstudios.com

 GARDEN TOURS

The Garden Tour will highlight three beautifully landscaped homes from three different neighborhoods in Forest Hills, Little Forest Hills, and Casa Linda Estates. A total of nine estates will be showcased – featuring peaceful retreats, large organic gardens, water features, outdoor entertainment venues, and incredible landscaping, trees and flowers. A variety of artisans will be set up with tables at each of the homes offering crafts and artwork. Watch for signs throughout the neighborhood. Due to Covid, masks and social distancing practices will be encouraged and appreciated.

In addition to the Garden Tour, the annual Casa Linda Park Plant Sale will also be held on Alta Mira Drive. A wide variety will be offered. 

TICKETS must be purchased ONLINE this year.

For more information and TICKETS for the Garden Tour event, please visit their website at www.whiterockgardentour.org

ADULTS are $15 and CHILDREN are FREE for the event.

Numerous sources have cautioned us regarding the potential for depression and anxiety resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic and long periods of “lock down.” In fact, one Kaiser Foundation Tracking Poll from mid-July showed that “53% of adults in the United States reported that their mental health has been negatively impacted due to worry and stress over the Coronavirus.”

But how many of us have considered the possible affects on our dogs and their mental health?

Kathy Collins, owner of Kinder Kritter, Inc. in Dallas, “We’ve talked with many dog owners who are now dropping off their pets for a “spa day,” or specific grooming needs. We really see the positive affects first-hand for both dogs and parents.”

“If you’ve had your dog for a while, you notice changes in attitude in their eating and sleeping habits. These can certainly be signs of depression. A good grooming appointment – bath, nails, and all – can really change their attitude. Sometimes, dogs come in looking like real rag-a-muffins and leave with their tails wagging and smiles all around, Collins said.”    

Cristina Raslan, manager, said. “Dogs need a mental lift like everyone else. Having a day of grooming -- and even a little socialization with other dogs -- gives them a change of scene and they tend to go back to their owners full of new energy. The parents love to see them all spiffed up with a bandana or maybe a new collar bow. Everyone gets their spirits lifted!”

When asked how Kennels are dealing with COVID and the various safety issues involved, Collins said, “We are taking tremendous precautions during these months to ensure the safety of our staff – but also our clients and their pups. The staff uses all the required protocols and we only do curbside drop-off and pick-up at this time.”

We asked her what sets Kinder Kritter apart from other possible grooming or boarding facilities, “I would say the staff and how we treat dogs like real family members. I also trust our staff to be very aware of any health issues and to relay those concerns to the owner right away. Really, the best kennels are those that request proof of shots, an in-person evaluation, have a clean facility, and a really joyful staff. If the staff is kind to animals, you can pick up on that quickly – even at the first drop-off.”

Parents may contact Kinder Kritter to set up an appointment for the holidays at 214-321-3939 or visit their website to make an appointment online: www.kinderkritter.net   

VIRTUAL LEARNING DISTRACTIONS: OUR PETS

This school year poses a variety of challenges. Interruptions from family members, gaming, social media, and even our pets -- may cause unnecessary distractions from virtual classroom study and require more creative solutions. 

Robyn Harris, Dallas Independent School District, News and Information Director, said that “all students (approximately 145,000) are virtual at this time, as we have not begun in-person learning. Student online participation is over 90% and growing daily.” In addition, they provided a series of 3-hour informational sessions for parents including, “Motivating My Child to Learn at Home.”

Other parents have opted for a combination of hybrid learning involving tutors, home school, and some online experiences for their children. Many parents are also working from home with little time left for animal care or dog walking. 

Kathy Collins, owner of Kinder Kritter, Inc. in Dallas, “We’ve talked with many parents who are now dropping their dogs off for day care, boarding or grooming during the day, as a way to lower those pet distractions. It’s nice to have a dog around to pet and love, but many require our full attention. Some say their dogs are even depressed for lack of stimulation during COVID-19. Our dogs are really like family members with their own set of needs.”

When asked how Kennels are dealing with COVID and the various safety issues involved, Collins said, “When the lock down first came, we stayed open only for first responders or health care workers who needed to use our day care. After a couple weeks, we closed as most businesses did. Since June, though, we’ve had over 135 new clients, increased staff and given them all safety training. At first, our biggest challenge was curbside drop off and pick up, but we’ve learned the best and safest ways to accommodate.”

“We’ve seen an increase of those bringing in their dogs not just to keep them out of the virtual learning space, but because they are pouting! Many are also needing to work from home and aren’t able to walk their dogs or spend quality time with them,” Cristina Raslan, manager, said. “Dogs need socialization too! A place like ours provides both indoor and outdoor activities, playtime with bubbles, a kiddie pool, holiday costume contests and photos. We even have a webcam in the indoor play area so parents or kids can check in on them during a break from studies!”   

Raslan was quick to point out that the dogs seem ready to get out of the house as well, “Dogs seem so happy when they arrive -- like they remember other dog friends and are happy to be with our staff. Dogs even form their own little social groups during play and nap time.”

We asked Collins for tips on how to pick the best Kennel or boarding facility for pets. “I would say those that request proof of shots, and in-person evaluation, cleanliness of the facility, and a really joyful staff would be tops. Also, is the location readily available? If the staff is kind to animals, you can pick up on that quickly – even at the first drop-off.”

To learn more about the Parent Portal or to take the session titled, “Motivating My child to Learn at Home,” which addresses additional distractions and how to address them, please visit their website at https://thehub.dallasisd.org and look for the specific topics on distance learning or safety protocols for health and wellness.  

Parents may also contact Cristina at Kinder Kritter for additional suggestions on how to work with their dogs to limit distractions at home, 214-321-3939 or visit their website www.kinderkritter.net   

(NOTE: Our thanks to Delani Simmons, for sharing the photo of her and Rocky "studying.")

CANAL CLOTHING - New Shipment of Summer Styles Arrive!

Canal Clothing, a ladies boutique in business for almost 40 years, has recently re-opened for business with new hours 11:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m Monday to Saturday at 6365 E. Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas 75214. Their summer shipment of new styles has just arrived.

Mary Anne Wallace, shop owner, talked about re-opening, "We are thrilled to be able to offer in-store shopping once again -- we've missed all their smiling faces!  We have a new shipment of our customer's favorite line, FRIDAZE-- an easy-care, easy-wear, 100% lightweight linen that is washable with no ironing required. Our customers have loved how comfortable they are for all summer activities with friends and family. Of course, we are wearing protective masks and we also encourage shoppers to wear masks in the store, as well."

One customer, Julie Dunn, is an avid gardener whose East Dallas home was featured in the White Rock East Garden Tour. She was looking for some lightweight summer pants. 

"I dashed in to purchase a pair of new black cropped pants and walked out with blue jeans by Lior Paris and a beautiful Johnny Was blouse as well," she said. "I had bought a pair of comfy white pants by Lior last year and loved them. I just couldn't resist the all-cotton, breathable whimsy of this type of blouse. It's perfect for hot weather."

"I've shopped at Canal Clothing for years, and they always have a first-rate selection. Mary Anne will even design matching jewelry for your outfit if she hasn't already! That is great customer service," Julie said.

Mary Anne reflected on the changes they've made to make shopping more accessible for their customers, "We deeply appreciate the loyalty our customers have shown. We've done everything we possibly can to make shopping easier. For example, we now offer easy curbside pickup, if you prefer not to come into the store. Ladies can also order online at www.canalclothing.net or use Facetime."

"If our regular hours don't work for a customer, we can arrange a time that does! They may even call my cell phone to set up a visit at 214-912-9102," she said. 

To schedule an appointment or request additional information, call the shop at 214-343-6177 or email canalclothing@gmail.com.