Things I Love Thursday

I'm Lovin': sweet kitty purrs, doggy cuddles and belly rubs, evenings spent dancing with the Wii, a new phone (a droid!), making lists and planning birthday parties, good music: The Black Keys, early Metallica, Ryan Adams, Pink Floyd, adding more books to my GoodReads "Read" List, The Walking Dead Season 2 preview, getting closer and closer to the fall season, thinking about going to the beach again soon, a weekend with my dear friend and cousin Johnny, school supply shopping, new shoes shopping, sleepy-eyed kisses in the morning, living in a small town and knowing everyone you need to know, "Hey Ms. Fawne!", this link: 10 Ways to Love the People in Your Life, thinking about the year 2012 and Boygirlparty's 2012 Agenda, this movie: Life in a Day, looking through pages and pages of Tumblr and coming across this post: 10 Rules for Moderately Successful, Relatively Intelligent Women, asking without fear and getting the answer I want, goofy and excited laughs, and tickle fests.

What are you lovin' on today?

Wednesday Wishing

I love 'window shopping' on Etsy. Lately I've been looking up cat and dog toys. Here are my recent additions to my favorites.

One RadCat Organic Catnip Cattoy with Nerdy Glasses by Radcat

(I've been a big fan of Soma for years!) :)

Asian Intrigue Organic Catnip Toy by veryvintage

Natural Hemp Cat Balls by BrumbysYarns

I'm worried that Dexter will steal away any cat toy I might get. He has a history of tearing up his dogtoys within minutes, so I think these hemp balls might be my best bet!

Tail Waggin Treats by veryvintage

And speaking of Dexter, these treats look yummy! I don't want Dex to feel left out, so maybe I'll get these treats for him. 

Visions of Old Glory, Summer 2011

I'm very fortunate to be able to participate in local art exhibits. This summer marks the second time I've been asked to participate in "Visions of Old Glory", a photography exhibit featuring the American Flag. Photographers are asked to submit one photo of an American flag to display and the photo above is my submission (last year's photo is here). 

The story of the making of this photo is interesting...if not stressful. Of course, being the procrastinator that I am I waited until the Monday before the drop-off date to actually take the photo. I had the idea weeks ago, and really, I wanted Daniel's hands in there too, but with his work schedule and my procrastination, it didn't work out. So I just used Maz as my muse and went from there. 

With my BBF's camera, I took this photo (as well as many, many others), uploaded it to MPIX.com and ordered a large print and 2-day shipping. When the print arrived, I called my framing guy in a panic and asked if he could frame it almost overnight. When he agreed I said, "Man, you are just enabling me to procrastinate!" Thankfully, everything worked out so I could drop off the photo in time. 

This photo is now on display at A Novel Experience in Zebulon, Georgia. It's in the back, above the fireplace.  

What have I learned? a. Well, I should not procrastinate so much, because not everything's going to work out like they did this time. b. Also, I totally need to get my own DSLR for Christmas! c. And my babygirl is a wonderful muse!

Meet Flapjack

My husband found this wee kitten on the side of the road on his way to work one afternoon. He brought him home and I named him "Pancake" because that's what he would've become if no one saved him from traffic. Later that evening Maz said he should be named "Flapjack" and that name won. Flapjack is an unexpected addition to our little family. I've always wanted a cat but since Daniel's allergic, I've just given up on that dream. But here comes along Flapjack, and since we cannot find another home for him, it looks like we're keeping him. He's extremely curious and loud and smelly but I think we're going to enjoy his company. Daniel's allergies haven't really kicked in, so everything's looking good.

On My Desk Wednesday

Oh man, where does the time go? Summer vacation is officially over for me and I've been trying my best to get back into the mood to work for at least a week. I spent two days on the Georgia coast, then headed to Michigan to spend a week with family. I returned to work the day after getting home so I've barely had any time to rest and relax my mind. This travel stuff is rough! But I won't complain too much, I'm so fortunate to be able to visit my family as often as I can. Even more fortunate to fly, which takes about 14 hours off one-way travel time.

Last night I made myself paint something, just anything, to get my hands dirty. So here you go, a wee little sock monkey. I had fun playing with textures and staying up late making sure everything looked good. It feels great to get back to work, and I'm hoping to knock a few more paintings out over the next few days. 

I just listed this painting on my Etsy Shop:  http://www.etsy.com/listing/77714496/sock-monkey-painting-on-artists-panel