Dearest Leerburg friends -

It has been WAY too long! Oscar and I think of you all often, but life has been a trip the last few years, and other distractions called more incessantly… I may not find myself on the forum often anymore, but I wanted to quickly pop up a link to a new project I've been working on, so anyone interested can see what WE'VE been up to - I think you'll enjoy it.

After years of inspiring companionship, Oscar was FINALLY awarded his own dog blog this spring, for his 7th birthday. I'm using it as a "sandbox" of sorts to test out new illustration styles (and practice the great art of maintaining a brand). So far so good - Oscar's great lazy life is now regularly documented in text, photos, and handsome (if I do say so myself) illustration. Good times. I invite you all to take a peek - and please follow along if you like, I'm planning the release of illustrated product (cards, art prints, etc) very soon… so stay tuned!

http://www.oscaratemymuffin.com

Oscar is ALSO currently in the running to become a spokes dog for a new online canine products boutique! - the company chose to run a bona fide popularity contest to select their final "five" talents (which is completely understandable, from a marketing perspective - and 100% annoying for anyone in the position of soliciting votes, and of course, all their friends) - but if you feel like helpin a big dog out, he'd really appreciate your vote! I have nothing against little dogs, but the big boys are WAY under-represented here!!

Vote here (Oscar is 8th down… in a paper crown):
http://www.inubar.com/pages/inubar5

Hoping I can check in more often, but regardless,
Lots of love and wags to all,
xo
Natalya & Oscar

Hi Natalya!!!!

I have thought about you over the years; wondered how you and Oscar have been doing!

Your boy is just as beautiful and photogenic as ever. Love him and your work.

Great to see you back again Natalya! Your blog is wonderful, I enjoyed reading it very much.

Also you got my vote! He is the most handsome Ridgeback I have ever seen!!

Best Wishes with all your endeavors and hugs to you both!!

Been following you & Oscar on FB & reading his blog all along. I love it.

Pop in now & again when you have a minute. Miss you here.

Looks like Oscar's votes are adding up!

http://www.inubar.com/pages/inubar5

Today is the last day?

Miss you guys!!!
Hope things are great w everyone... Seems quiet around here?!

Thanks for all the voting support too! Connie, today is indeed the last day, and it seems like all the candidates are scrambling for last minute votes... At present, it looks like Oscar is in the top 5, though the margin is low enough, the more votes the better!

xo
N & O

BUMP!

There's that handsome boy.

Good to see you Natalya. Great blog.

Wonderful to see that handsome dog again.

So great to "see" you too Betty and CJ!!

And I can now announce - the support and efforts paid off! Oscar is officially one of the Inubar 5!! Woo hoo! THANK YOU to everyone who voted, or was simply with us in spirit. To be honest, I'm not even sure I know what happens next regarding this hard-earned honor, but we're about to find out!

Looking forward to conversing with you all much more frequently...

xoxoxo
-N & O