Creativity, Crafts, Books, Movies, Greyhounds & Favorite Things

.

Recently, we took a wonderful vacation…the TCM Classic Cruise. We were honored to have two special guests join us, Pip & Puddles. Pip, who writes the blog Pip Gets Back In The Game, is getting a little older and has experienced heart problems, but he’s not one to sit back in a rocking chair and watch the world go by. Pip, with the help of his friends, is on a world tour. Puddles, who write the blog We Three Doxies, agreed to go along and play nurse.

I found this letter that Pip & Puddles wrote home:

Dear Assistant (aka Pip’s mom) and Kerazy Lady (aka Puddles’ mom),

Just wanted to let you know how well-behaved we were while cruising with Miss Lori & her husband.

We started out by flying from Chicago to Miami. Once we got to Miami, we were hungry, so we had dinner at City Hall. We were the perfect guests and ordered a modest meal.

Monday morning, we boarded the ship. We were happy to find that it was deluxe. Obviously, they heard we were coming. The furniture was nice but a little weird.

Tuesday, we were at sea all day. Fortunately, they had fun, wholesome activities…plenty to eat & drink… and games to play. There was also a great big movie theatre.

Wednesday, we stopped at Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands. We went shopping and met some nice local folks. When we got hungry, we stopped at a family-friendly restaurant…where we had fruit juice. They have a fun custom at this family-friendly restaurant. You write your name on a dollar bill…and they hang it up in a family-friendly place, so you and your friends can find it when you come back.

Thursday, we stopped at Cozumel. We went to the Maya ruins of San Gervasio. We won’t go into details, but we started to think that Miss Lori’s judgment wasn’t the best. But, don’t worry. We are safe, we just needed a little fruit juice. Miss Lori got back in our good graces by making a contribution to the Cozumel Humane Society. Then, we had another little incident, but again, nothing a little fruit juice wouldn’t cure.

Friday, was a day at sea. We were up bright and early every morning and the last day of the cruise was no exception. Wouldn’t you know, on the last day we met new friends, Olivia & Taylor. They where just like us. Well…they are grandchildren and we are blog stars, but you get the idea.

It was an awesome cruise and we acted like a little gentleman and a little lady throughout.

We only had one hiccup during the whole experience. When we got back to Indiana, we couldn’t find the car. Oh well, Miss Lori said she would send it on to us as soon as she finds it.

Hugs and Kisses,

Pip & Puddles

They didn’t include pictures, so I thought I’d add a few pictures and quotes to give a more complete picture of the trip.

Dear Assistant (aka Pip’s mom) and Kerazy Lady (aka Puddles’ mom),

Just wanted to let you know how well-behaved we were while cruising with Miss Lori & her husband.

We started out by flying from Chicago to Miami.

Pip & Puddles – “Are we there yet? Are we there yet? Are we there yet?”

Once we got to Miami, we were hungry, so we had dinner at City Hall. We were the perfect guests and ordered a modest meal.

Pip – “I’ll have the filet mignon and a cheeseburger.”

Puddles – “Do you have squirrel? No? Okay, I’ll have the lobster with a side of Cheetos.”

Monday morning, we boarded the ship. We were happy to find that it was deluxe. Obviously, they heard we were coming.

Pip & Puddles – “Where are our posters! Don’t they know we are blog stars!”

The furniture was nice but a little weird.

Pip – “I feel a little lost on this couch.”

Puddles – “Wonder if we could shove this outside. I like a couch outside on the porch. Check the cracks for Cheetos.”

Tuesday, we were at sea all day. Fortunately, they had fun, wholesome activities…

Pip & Puddles – “Woohoo! Now this is what we’re talking about.”

plenty to eat & drink…

Pip & Puddles – “Bartender…More Bahama Mamas!”

Puddles – “Can I have one of those little paper umbrellas in mine?”

and games to play.

Pip – “Hit me.”

Puddles – “I’ll bet $200. Charge it to Miss Lori’s room.”

There was also a great big movie theatre.

Pip – “I see two chairs down there. Do they want to interview me & Puddles? Who’s Debbie Reynolds?”

Puddles – “I’ll bet they’re going to show a movie of me deading things.”

Wednesday, we stopped at Grand Cayman in the Cayman Islands.

Puddles – “Miss Lori! Help me, I’m slipping behind this turtle!”

We went shopping and met some nice local folks.

Pip & Puddles – “Miss Lori! What do you mean you’re going to duck into this store and this nice gentleman will watch us!?! Pirates!”

When we got hungry, we stopped at a family-friendly restaurant…

Pip & Puddles – “It’s 5 o’clock somewhere!”

where we had fruit juice.

Pip – “Pina Colada for me.”

Puddles – “Mojito for me. Can you put a little paper umbrella in mine?”

They have a fun custom at this family-friendly restaurant. You write your name on a dollar bill…

Pip & Puddles – “Where should we ask them to put it?”

and they hang it up in a family-friendly place, so you and your friends can find it when you come back.

Pip & Puddles – “Hang it up in the Tiki Bar…over the beer!”

Thursday, we stopped at Cozumel. We went to the Maya ruins of San Gervasio.

Pip – “Hey, Puddles. Do you hear something moving at the top of this wall?”

Puddles – “Hold on, let me turn around and look.”

We won’t go into details, but we started to think that Miss Lori’s judgment wasn’t the best. But, don’t worry. We are safe, we just needed a little fruit juice.

Pip & Puddles – “Aaaaarrrrrgh!! Get us to the closest bar.”

Miss Lori got back in our good graces by making a contribution to the Cozumel Humane Society.

Pip – “Miss Lori, this is a good cause. Please write them a check for $1000.”

Puddles – “Write them a check for $1000 from me too.”

Then, we had another little incident, but again, nothing a little fruit juice wouldn’t cure.

Pip – “Hey, little buddy.”

Puddles – “Hey little buddy is trying to eat me! Help!”

Friday, was a day at sea. We were up bright and early every morning and the last day of the cruise was no exception.

Pip – “What time is it?”

Puddles – “Where are we?”

Wouldn’t you know, on the last day we met new friends, Olivia & Taylor. They where just like us. Well…they are grandchildren and we are blog stars, but you get the idea.

Pip – “Nice to meet you, Olivia & Taylor. Olivia, watch that little foot please.”

Puddles – “Taylor, you’re sitting on my ear.”

It was an awesome cruise and we acted like a little gentleman and a little lady throughout.

We only had one hiccup during the whole experience. When we got back to Indiana, we couldn’t find the car.

This picture was done by Ann of Pawsitively Pets. Thank you, Ann!

Pip – “Hey, where’s the car?”

Puddles – “Hey, where are Freedom, Casper & Nikki?”

Oh well, Miss Lori said she would send it on to us as soon as she finds it.

Hugs and Kisses,

Pip & Puddles

.

My friend, Amy, inspired this post and this challenge. It started when she realized that she would buy herself something nice, like a piece of jewelry that she would wear occasionally, while every day she was drinking her coffee from a thermal travel mug with a Christmas graphic clouded by condensation…during the summer. This inspired her to look at the things she uses most and upgrade them to something special, functional and beautiful.

I thought this was a great idea and made a lot of sense. So, I’m on a mission to “notice” what I use the most and make sure those things are my best things. I would love to have you join me. If you have some horrible thing that you make beautiful, send me a picture or pictures and tell me about it at whatremainsnow@gmail.com. The second Wednesday of every month, I’ll tell you about something I’ve improved upon and post any pictures I receive from you.

My first upgrade was a long time in the making. My dishes were horrible. They were an inexpensive ceramic and started to chip almost the moment I took them out of the box. We’ve used these chipped dishes for seven years. A while ago, I did a post about Friends’ Favorite Things, and Bunny’s mom, author of Tales and Tails, was my guest. She mentioned her love of Fiestaware. I loved the idea of an American-made product and all the beautiful colors.

I finally made the plunge and purchased Fiestaware. I love that you can buy individual items, the wide variety of pieces and the wonderful range of colors. It’s so nice to be eating off these lovely dishes every day.

How to be HAPPY!

Every Thursday, I participate in the How to be HAPPY! challenge hosted by Jay of The Depp Effect. This week, I mixed up my schedule because tomorrow I’m posting about Pip & Puddles’ cruising adventure, part of the Bucket World Tour. So, this week I’m posting my How to be HAPPY! response on Wednesday.

Let me tell you a little about this challenge…This is great fun because it really makes you consider the things that make life good, and often those things are small but powerful. You can participate too…Take a picture and write about one thing that makes you happy in some small way. Then, head on over to The Depp Effect and link your post.

Here’s something that makes me happy…LIP BALM.

I’m a lip balm girl. I have it everywhere, in a variety of forms and flavors. It’s so tempting when I see something new. As you can see, I give into temptation regularly.

.

This week, I’m flip-flopping Tuesday’s and Thursday’s posts. Why? Because Thursday I’ll be reporting on Pip & Puddles’ adventures on the high seas…part of the Bucket World Tour. I hope you’ll join in on the fun.

Every Monday, I’m posting a painting “inspiration.” Every Thursday (Tuesday this week), I’m posting how I interpreted that inspiration. I decided to do this to keep myself painting, to strengthen how I go from an idea to a painting, and to give myself permission to play and try new things.

This week’s inspiration was a BOOK COVER. I wanted to add a “random” element, so I decided to use the 5th book on the 2nd shelf of the bookcase in our bedroom. Here it is:

…and here is my result.

I started out to paint a little girl that looked like one of the girls in the book, but as I painted I change things and before I knew it a totally different girl appeared.

.

Here’s what’s going on in my studio…

I finished!

Last year, I started an art journal project using prompts from Art Journal All Year E-Course from Red Velvet Shop. The course offers an art challenge and a journal challenge for 52 weeks. My plan was to do one prompt a week in 2012, but I stalled.

Even though I don’t consider Art Journaling a passion, I did enjoy this and I think it helped me loosen up, so I want to finish it up…

…and I did! Finally!

This Week’s Inspiration

In 2013, I’m doing Inspiration Mondays and Results Thursdays. Every Monday, I’ll post a painting “inspiration” and then on Thursdays, I’ll post how I’m interpreting that inspiration.

Last week’s inspiration was LIGHT, and here is my interpretation.

This week’s inspiration is a BOOK COVER. To keep it “random,” I decided to use the 5th book on the 2nd shelf of the bookcase in our bedroom. Here it is:

There is a little change though. This week, instead of posting my inspiration results on Thursday, I’ll be posting my results tomorrow. Why?

On Thursday, I’ll be reporting on Pip & Puddles’ adventures on the high seas…part of the Bucket List World Tour. I hope you’ll join in on the fun.

.

I’m reading Creating A Life Worth Living by Carol Lloyd. I picked this book because I’m trying to figure out the place I want painting to play in my life.

This week…Chapter 5, “Neglected Needs: Time, Money, and Desire,” will help you rethink your relationship to time, money, and desire.

I feel I’m in a stable place with regards to time, money and desire. For now, I want to paint as a part-time pursuit. I want to do this because…

1. Time – I’ve made creative pursuits a priority in my life, so I set aside time to work on my projects. I’m new at this, so I know I need time to learn and grow. Painting part-time and working a day job part-time gives me a nice balance.

2. Money – I like my day job and want to keep it. I’m very grateful that both my husband and I are employed, so we don’t need my paintings to pay the bills. I work best creatively when I’m motivated but not under intense pressure, so for now my situation supports that.

3. Desire – I want painting to become more and more an important part of my life, but I want to take my time and grow into it. I know if I put unnecessary and complicated demands on myself, it will make painting unpleasant and I certainly don’t want to do that.

Carol, the author, asks this very intriguing (and important) question: “What does creativity and success actually mean for you?” I think the trickiest part of that question is the word “success.” In my opinion, that is the word we have the hardest time defining for ourselves because most of us are susceptible (consciously and unconsciously) to letting other people and society define it for us. Carol offers a lot of interesting questions that get you thinking and redefining what these things mean to you.

I particularly enjoyed doing two of the exercises. The first was, “Narrate your perfect day from the moment you wake up to the moment you close your eyes. This is a working day–not a holiday…” The second was, “Based on your new understanding of your daily needs, think about what kinds of help you might like from other people.”

My perfect work day would be painting, painting, painting, but when I thought about it from a business point-of-view, I found myself thinking about interacting with customers and people that enjoy my work. That leads me to think about doing art fairs and gallery shows where I can meet people and talk with them.

The second exercise made me realize that I do need to ask for and/or hire help for tasks that I don’t like doing, because without planning for that, I’ll procrastinate myself into inaction. It’s good to know your weaknesses.

Now, for something a little different…

Last year, I participated in the South Asian Challenge hosted by S. Krishna’s Books. I committed to reading four books, but only read two of them. So, I’m joining in again and will finish the two books I didn’t get read last year.

There are two ways for a book to qualify for the South Asian Challenge:

1.  A book must be by a South Asian author.  For these purposes, South Asia includes the following countries: India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and the Maldives.  There are no limitations on what the book can be about.

2.  A book must be about South Asia or South Asians.  In this case, it can be set in a South Asian country or be about South Asians living abroad.  It can also be a biography or memoir of a South Asian, or of a non-South Asian traveling or working in South Asia.  In this case, the author does not need to be South Asian, as long as the subject matter focuses on the region, peoples, or cultures in some way.

Here are the two books I’m reading for the challenge:

.

This week, I had my Artist Date at the main branch of the my local library system…the Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library.

A library is a great place for an Artist Date.

Finally, the sun made an appearance, so everything looked bright and beautiful.

The Mishawaka-Penn-Harris Public Library is a great space.

Lots of windows and open spaces. In the middle, a Perkins Windmill, that you can see from all levels.

Last year, I wrote a post about “my” library (Harris Branch)…the one closest to my house and the one I go to most often. A representative from the library contacted me and asked if they could mention my post on their Facebook page. I was honored. Then, I was put in contact with another representative who asked if I’d like to exhibit my art the Main Branch in the Spencer Gallery in 2013. I said, “YES!”

 

I am honored and delighted to exhibit my art for the first time in my local library…a place I value and have loved my whole life. So, for my Artist Date, I went to take a look at the Spencer Gallery.

 

The Spencer Gallery is a multi-purpose room and artwork is displayed on the side walls. A meeting was taking place in the room, so I didn’t take any pictures.

Another cool thing…I can hold a reception. I’m really looking forward to planning that and everyone’s invited!  I’ll keep my pieces hush-hush until they go on display, but I’ll be sure to share the agony and ecstasy of the whole process.

.

Every Friday, I share a poem. Friday is also the day I post a prompt of something you can do to make the world a kinder place. I call this the Kind is Kool challenge.

I offer both the poem and the kindness challenge without any obligation, so “Comments” are turned off every Friday. Enjoy.

.

The Dream-Follower

A dream of mine flew over the mead
To the halls where my old Love reigns;
And it drew me on to follow its lead:
And I stood at her window-panes;

And I saw but a thing of flesh and bone
Speeding on to its cleft in the clay;
And my dream was scared, and expired on a moan,
And I whitely hastened away.

Thomas Hardy

.

Kind is Kool Challenge

Week 5 Challenge – This week, be conscious when anyone talks to you and focus your FULL attention on them. No glancing at your phone, computer screen, television, etc.

.

Every Monday, I’m posting a painting “inspiration.” Every Thursday, I’m posting how I interpreted that inspiration. I decided to do this to keep myself painting, to strengthen how I go from an idea to a painting, and to give myself permission to play and try new things.

This week’s inspiration comes from the Creative Every Day Challenge. Every month, Leah posts an optional monthly theme for inspirational purposes and to give some focus to anyone who needs it. I’m going to use it every month. February’s theme is…LIGHT…so that’s what I used for my inspiration this week.

I decided to use the LIGHT inspiration mainly in the coloring.

I really enjoy doing these simple, innocent faces.

I wanted her to look summer-y and sweet.

How to be HAPPY!

Every Thursday, I’m also participating in How to be HAPPY! a challenge hosted by Jay of The Depp Effect.

This is a great challenge because it really makes you consider the lthings that make life good, and often those things are small but powerful. So easy to participate…Take a picture and write about one thing that makes you happy in some small way. Then, head on over to The Depp Effect and link your post.

Here’s something that makes me happy…VACATION.

I’m still basking in the glow of a fabulous vacation, but I love and appreciate “vacations” large and small. The process of planning a vacation and the anticipation leading up to a vacation are two of my favorite parts. I can think of many wonderful vacations where a big part of the fun was all the thinking and talking about the vacation BEFORE I actually went on it. It’s exciting to go somewhere new, and I always learn something. I may not want to live in a cabin with only bare necessities…but I can do that on vacation. I may not have the income to support a glamorous lifestyle…but I can sample it on vacation. The idea of future vacations lends a lot of fun to life. Where will I go next? How will I make it happen? Who will I meet? What will I learn? Vacations make the whole world possible. Now, that makes me happy.

.

No trip would be complete for me without a few souvenirs. Here’s what I picked up while on our cruise:

Guatemalan Bead Necklace

I should never visit Guatemala because I would come home with a lot of beadwork.

Talavera Bud Vase & Frame

I love colorful pottery, and I knew I would actually use both of these items. Beautiful and functional…totally easy to justify this purchase.

Postcards

I have bought postcards all my life. I think I feel a future blog post coming on.

Fish Bone Madonna

This is made of crushed fish bone and resin. She is so beautiful to me.

Ix Chel Leather Painting

During our stop in Cozumel, we toured the Maya ruins of San Gervasio. The Maya are believed to be the first settlers of Cozumel, whose Maya name Kùutsmil, translates to Island of the Swallows. The island was sacred to Ix Chel, the Maya Moon Goddess, deity of the moon, childbirth, fertility, medicine, and weaving. The San Gervasio ruins were once a hub of worship of the goddess Ix Chel and the temples were a place of pilgrimage. Maya women would try to travel to San Gervasio and make offerings at least once in their lives. I thought this colorful leather painting of Ix Chel was a lovely reminder of our trip. I’d like to have it framed.

Professional Pictures

During the cruise, professional photographers circulate around and take your picture. Then, the pictures are posted in the Photography Studio. These are the ones we decided to purchase. I’m wearing a cloche in two of the pictures because those were taken during our Jazz Age Theme Night.

Painted Gourd

I assume (hope) this was painted in Mexico, but this pretty little painted gourd isn’t signed. I love gourds and when I find one I like, it’s hard to resist.

I sure do love vacations and these little treasures will have me remembering this one fondly for a long time to come.

.

“A first aid kit is a good thing,” says Freedom.

Way back in April 2010, I wrote a post about a first aid kit I was putting together for the hounds. Time to check it over. Here is a list of the items I wanted to put in the kit.  I highlighted in red the items that have “gone missing” or that I never got around to including.

First aid kit is “ready to go” in the linen closet

Gauze Roll and Pads

Vet Wrap

Instant Cold Pack

Styptic Powder

Saline Solution

Hydrogen Peroxide

Scissors

Hand Sanitizer and/or disposable gloves

Bulb Syringe

Measured Dropper

Soft Muzzle

Small blanket for moving an injured dog (especially important with a large breed)

Flashlight

Photos (in case a houndie gets lost)

Extra Leash

I’m going to take Saline Solution off the list because I can’t think what I would need it for as long as I have Hydrogen Peroxide.

A nice container keeps everything handy

Things I’ve added to my kit:

Thera-Paws – I have two for Nikki, who suffers from corns, and one for Freedom and Casper, “just in case.”

Pawz (waterproof rubber dog boots)

TRIX Tick Remover

Ready for a variety of ouchies

Things I want to add:

EMT Gel

What do you have in your kit?

On Saturday, I mentioned that Ann from Pawsitively Pets is hosting a fundraiser. I joined in and ordered badges for Freedom, Casper, Nikki & Twinkie. I told Ann that I would like four individual badges or one badge with everyone included. I was going to wait and reveal the badge(s) on Valentine’s Day, but IT IS SO COOL I CAN’T WAIT! Ann…you are pawsome!

Want one of Ann’s creations made just for you? Here are the details of the fundraiser:

From now until February 11th, 2013, you can donate $1 (US Dollar) towards the Share the Love fundraiser. In return, she will make you a Valentine’s Day graphic/card with your pet on it. So not only will you be donating for a good cause, you also get something in return!

Wondering which charity will receive the funds when it’s all done? That’s the even better part! After the fundraiser is over, Ann will add the names of everyone who purchased a Valentine’s Day graphic into random.org and choose a random name. That person will select their favorite pet rescue or charity and all of the proceeds will be sent off to them!

If you would like a Valentine’s Day graphic and a chance to win a donation for your favorite pet rescue, you can donate your dollar at the Chip-In HERE. Please leave a comment on Ann’s Share the Love post HERE, telling her that you’ve donated and which pet you want to be included on your graphic. Also, leave the name of the charity you want the funds to go to should you win.

If you want a certain picture to be included on the graphic, you can email Ann at annstaub at yahoo dot com. Any super special instructions can be emailed as well. Otherwise, she’ll find an image on your blog or facebook page. But, you don’t have to have a blog or facebook page to participate, just email Ann a photo.

If we win, the funds will go to Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan.