After a lifetime of academic and non-profit  leadership, Judith Fox-Goldstein made the surprise discovery that she was an artist.  What she likes to refer to as her “art Awakening” began this past September and she says it's one of most exciting personal journey's she's encountered.  "You're Never Too Old to be Brand New!" said Judith.


Each colorful and soulful design shows a striking, somewhat abstract image of a woman accompanied by “story” and an inspirational quote.  The designs are all about women and empowerment and take the form of cards, or prints,  on plain craft paper with interesting embellishments, as well as framed pieces. She has integrated poets like Maya Angelou, Rumi, Gandhi, and many other inspirational writers.


The designs are called Makana Mixed Media, Designs by Jude.  It is art derived from a deep place within and is inspired by strong, fascinating women Judith has known throughout her life.


Ms. Attitude: Ode to Irene is based on Judith’s Mother-in-law.  As Judith explains, “FIERCE” is the word that comes to mind when I think of my beloved Mother-in-law, Irene. She loved her family with unparalleled devotion and I was so very lucky that my husband Michael came as a ‘package deal’ with 3 fantastic siblings and “Mama Loo”. She was a FORCE! She entered the room – hair first! When she passed away, I was honored to give her eulogy. I began with, “For as long as I have known Irene… her HAIR HAS NEVER MOVED!” She would have loved that”.


Judith is a transplant from the Big Island of Hawai'i, and spent most of her professional and personal life on the beautiful Island where she raised her two children. The art she creates is frequently informed by strong, powerful women she knew in Hawai’i.


One design called Kamali’i Kehau: “You Dance Inside My Heart” is based on a Hawaiian, Samoan, Chinese & Hau’oli (Caucasian) woman and teacher of dance.  Kamali’i story: She is a Master Hula Dancer and teaches young children from the age of 2 years old.  Her life is Hawaiian music, dance and the mo’olelo stories and traditions of Hawaiian. She hopes to bring her Hula Halau (dance troupe) to perform at the Smithsonian.


Judith said this was her first Hawaiian design. “I agonized over this because I wanted to get her features right and pay homage to what has been my adopted culture for most of my life.”

Her awakening as an artist was a surprise. When she moved to northern Florida with her husband she says she was terribly sad leaving all of her roots and thought she would never be happy again.   “I finally learned that I could carry all of that beauty inside my heart and grow and expand from bountiful memories and experiences in Hawaii. My husband, Michael would be extremely surprised to hear me say, "Mahalo Nui Loa (thank you very much), for bringing me here because I have discovered an entire new ME!... it's a place of unlimited growth and love and all the people I have met here are now part of my Ohana... My family”.

This art reflects Judith’s journey as a human.  Of the triumphs and challenges that we all face as women. She says, “creating, giving them a voice, is powerfully healing”.
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The art is now on display at CC Gallery/Framing Shop on San Jose near Barnes and Noble. All of this is so unexpected for Judith, she is still making sense of it all. “It took my breath away  to see it displayed. When CC Framing and Gallery owner, Chris, told me that my first piece sold,  well, I think my spirits literally lifted off the ground I believe I can now really call myself an artist!”

When looking for the perfect place to care for your fur babies, it’s not just about the convenience and cost but even more, it is the kind staff who greets you at the door and the knowledge, experience & compassion of the veterinarians that make all the difference. Animal Medical Clinic at St. Johns offers all of this and more with a philosophy centered on pet health with heart!

​For veterinarians Dawn Stewart and Lisa Hill, pets are all in the family.  Dr. Stewart and her husband, who is also a veterinarian, have a house full of eight adorable dogs (2 on the cover of SJM) and one “very patient” cat.  Dr. Hill and her family have two dogs, three cats (one of whom is a sphynx) and a hamster that needed a home.

​They both view their patients as family pets, too.  “We’re passionate about treating our patients as if they’re our own pets,” says Dr. Stewart.
“We give personalized attention to each and every animal,” adds Dr. Hill, “and we strive to provide the utmost compassion and highest quality, most advanced medical care.  Communication with pet parents is the most important aspect of my job.  I always try to make sure they understand the diagnosis and treatment of their pets in partnership with myself and our team.”

     ​Animal Medical Clinic offers a wide range of services, including pet wellness and nutrition, diagnostic internal medicine, dental care, urgent care, health certification, microchipping and even therapeutic pain management using multiwave locked system (MLS) laser therapy.

    “MLS laser therapy helps treat and control acute and chronic pain in animals,” explains Dr. Stewart.  “It quickly relieves pain and reduces inflammation, and it can be beneficial for post-surgical healing, chronic arthritis, and inflamed or infected ears.  Laser therapy is a fast, pain-free and non-invasive treatment to help pets return to their favorite activities.”

Because they care so much about providing the best care for their patients, the veterinarians also use a laser instead of a scalpel to minimize bleeding and pain for all surgical procedures.
    
Dr. Hill has long been a proponent of this type of approach.  From a very early age, she looked out for animals and had their best interests at heart.  “We used to go fishing as a family growing up,” she recalls.  “I was always the one to remove the fish from the hook to release it.  I wanted to make sure the fish were not harmed.  I would also search for turtles along the lakes and remove any hooks that were stuck in their mouths.  It’s surprising how many turtles would have hooks stuck in them, but I felt I could make a difference in the lives of the turtles I found.”
    


Both doctors truly have a heart for animals and the families they’re part of, which is why they also offer boarding services.  “We like giving our pet parents peace of mind while they’re away,” says Dr. Stewart.  “We already have a personal relationship with the pets and know all their medical history and individual needs.  Hopefully not, but if any medical problems arise during their stay, we’ll be the ones who take care of them.”
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    Regardless of the scenario, Dr. Stewart loves educating pet parents on the best care for their pets.  Originally from West Virginia, she graduated from the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.  She opened Animal Medical Clinic at St. Johns in 2002 and has been practicing in the area for 17 years.   
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    Dr. Hill received her education from the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine and has been living and serving pet parents in St. Johns County for 14 years.  “I love the St. Johns area and feel it’s a wonderful place to raise our two children. I really enjoy bumping into clients at the supermarket and am very tied to this community.”