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

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Casper and Nikki are blood donors.  I learned about canine blood donation when I took the houndies to be microchipped before we went to Dewey Beach.  Here’s a little more information:

Blood Type

Dogs have more than a dozen different blood types.  Just like people, dogs can experience incompatibility reactions if transfused with the wrong blood type.  One particular blood type, Dog Erythrocyte Antigen 1.1 (DEA 1.1), causes the most significant adverse reactions in dogs that are not matched appropriately.  So, all potential donors are blood typed and only those lacking the DEA 1.1 type are accepted into the program.  Freedom’s blood type is DEA 1.1 positive, so she is not qualified.

Temperament

The collection process takes approximately five minutes, during which the dog is lying on their side–a very submissive postion and one that many dogs will not tolerate.  If Freedom was qualified by blood type, this “temperament” qualification might have ruled her out.  She doesn’t get into “submissive.”

Body Weight

A dog must weigh between 50-150 pounds to safely donate a pint of blood.  They must also be in good body condition–not underweight or obese.

Age

Dogs must be at least one year old and no older than seven years old to be eligible for blood donation.  In general, dogs will be “retired” from the blood donor program when they turn eight years old.

General Health

Dogs must be in good health, current on their vaccinations and not taking any medications.  They must be regularly receiving flea and tick prevention as well as monthly heartworm preventative.

Want to read more?  Here’s a link to an information paper from our vet, Morris Animal Hospital.

Art Every Day Month – Day 2

Sequined Flower

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Back in July, Bunny, from Tales and Tails, suggested that Freedom and Casper share their 4 Faves (Nikki wasn’t in the picture yet).  Miura and Zonda (Freedom, Casper & Nikki’s friends), loved it so much, they wanted to share their faves too.  I couldn’t resist…so, every week in November PETS RULE!, and they’ll be sharing 4 of their favorite things along with their moms.  Since they were the inspiration…Miura and Zonda (and their mom, Amy) are up first.

My girls, unlike Casper and Freedom, could NOT agree on favorites, so I let them each pick two. Of course, they both picked things the other one hates. 🙂

From Miura – WATER!!!
Water is the best. It is awesome in a kiddie pool because I can snorkel and try to catch the pictures, and I can cool down and keep playing when it is hot since I overheat. My sissy sister is afraid of getting any water on her. I also love being in the water at the edge of Lake Michigan and she won’t even get her feet wet. Fine with me ‘cuz the splashing fun is all mine!

From Zonda – POOSICLES
For those who don’t know, a poosicle is available only when that white stuff is on the ground and I have to wear a coat… it is a magical thing that happens that makes my poo solid and yummy! I love eating poosicles. Mom yells at me to drop them, but she won’t try them so she doesn’t know what she is missing.  Who is she to judge since I see her eat something that looks just like it? She calls this “chocolate” and she says it is not good for dogs and won’t share. That’s cool ‘cuz I am not sharing poosicles! (She won’t post a picture of me with a poosicle, only in my winter coat). 🙁

From Miura – JEEP RIDES
On the days the parents try to sleep longer and feed us later that they call “weekend,” Dad gets up and puts on his baseball cap first thing – this is how I know I get to ride in the Jeep!!!! I jump around with joy, joy, joy. Zonda
tries to hide and stay with mom – I have no idea what they do but it certainly is not a Jeep ride. We go to McDonald’s and bring back food. I like these days because they lay around with us and don’t go away. I know the next day they take us on a long special walk, but I’m not sharing what gives that away. 🙂

From Zonda – EATING MOMMY’S CLOTHES
I love, love, love mom! Sometimes I miss her so much I get on her side of the bed while she is at work (and I am not supposed to get on the bed!) She only knows I do this when I forget a toy up there. Some days I miss her super extra and if I can find any clothes laying around that smell like her, I chew on them to make myself feel better. She had a favorite sweater that I “loved on” one day and she was so sad it had holes she couldn’t fix. Mom just needs to be with me all the time and her clothes would be safe.

Mom’s notes…Both girls are really good but I let Zonda share her adorable quirks. What are her favorites things make me shake my head, but she is 99% a good girl. Miura and Zonda are absolutely my favorite things!

Amy’s Favorites – To Make Everyday Feel More Special

Malden Mills Polarfleece Sheets

Polarfleece sheets are soooo amazing. They are very lightweight and soft.  When you get in bed on a cold night there is no chill like percale. I like Malden Mills brand from QVC. They come in great colors and wash perfectly, just avoid fabric softener. Try them with the QVC 30-day guarantee. 🙂 I can’t express how nice these make sleeping!

Caribbean Gem Jewelry Cleaner

I use Caribbean Gem Jewelry Cleaner every day. I drop in my wedding ring before getting in the shower and then just rinse it off and put it on when I am done getting ready. I still get regular compliments on my ring 7 years later because it stays sparkly. Caribbean Gem is made from banana & coconut oil and is safe for all jewelry, plus it smells yummy.
$9.95 on Amazon

Ceramic Knife & Peeler

Okay, so this is a “who knew!” type of revelation…I just found out that it is metal knives that make lettuce and fruit discolor after you cut or peel them. If you use a ceramic knife, your food stays nice looking longer. I got this nice knife and peeler set to “up” my game. You do need to be careful storing them because they chip easily.
$44.95 on Amazon

KitchenAid ProLine Waffle Maker

The KitchenAid ProLine Waffle Maker is a splurge, but if you use it on the weekends for special breakfasts, it is well worth it. It does two waffles at once and because you invert after putting in the batter, the waffles are soooo fluffy. It is such a beautiful appliance. It is easy to adjust darkness and crispiness and comes with a recipe book to make other variations. I love everything KitchenAid. 🙂
$168 on Amazon

Thank you, Amy, Miura and Zonda.  You have some great faves…except for poosicles (sorry, Zonda).

Art Every Day Month – Day 1

 

Yo-Yo Flower

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This week’s reading from Creative Time and Space by Ricë Freeman-Zachary was “Corralling Time: Sometimes You Need a Whip and Spurs.”  Ricë looks at how artists schedule their time (or don’t) and how they set goals (or don’t).  It was interesting to read about the different styles and methodologies used by the featured artists.  Some chafe under a schedule and some flourish.  It was clear…you have to discover what works for you.  You also have to realize that what works at one point in your life, may not work at another.

I’m feeling that tension now.  For years, the best way for me to keep track of things was with a monthly calendar.  It was simple, it kept me on track, and it gave me a good overview of how well I was balancing things.  Things are changing in my life.  I have new goals and projects that need to be broken down into smaller steps to keep me focused, to make the projects do-able, and to keep them in front of me and moving along the track.  I’m currently playing around with some new ideas and systems.

Monthly Calendar

I still love a monthly calendar to schedule events and activities.  It allows me to see if I have “breathing” room or if I’m getting too many things on my plate.

Goal/Project Sheets

I haven’t utilized these in years, but now I’m finding that they are needed.

Daily & Weekly Calendar

This has become necessary to keep me on track with the step-by-step actions of my new goals and projects.  I just bought a new calendar that has all three…daily, weekly and monthly.

Separate Calendars

Currently, I have only one calendar I keep separate…the one I use to plot out my blog posts.

Visuals

This is something I’m playing around with…things like dream boards, lists of goals, projects I need inspiration for.

To Do List

I like to keep one of these around to make notes on for errands, calls, household tasks, shopping lists, etc.

In the past, I thought that if I could find the “right” system, all would be well in my world.  The truth is, as life changes, so do my systems for keeping track of things.  I keep my eyes and ears open and give things a try.  I would love to hear how you keep track of things.  What is the best way you’ve found to keep things moving and balanced in your life?

New Things I’m Doing In November

I had a wonderful time in October participating in Blogtoberfest and the Creative Collective’s Spooktacular October challenge.  I’m adding three new challenges to my “What I’m Doing” list for November.

First up is Art Every Day Month sponsored by Leah Piken Kolidas of Creative Everyday.  The challenge is to create art every day for 30 days.  I’ll share a picture and a brief comment at the end of every post during the month of November.

I’m also participating in the Creative {Collective}’s Handmade Decoration Swap.

Next, is a challenge issued by Mayzie of Mayzie’s Dog Blog called Rescue Me Week.  In honor of Mayzie’s Grampa J (who loved animals very much), Mayzie is offering the opportunity to do two things.  First, talk about an animal that needs a forever home of their very own.  Second, get the opportunity to win $100 for the rescue group of your choice.  For every pet that is featured, November 7-11, Mayzie will give the blog one entry (up to five) for a chance to win!  I’m playing for Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan, the rescue group where Freedom, Casper and Nikki came from!  Starting on Monday, November 7, through Friday, November 11, I’ll feature a Greyhound that is available for adoption at the end of each post.

 

The final activity is Blogville’s 2011 Christmas/Holiday Card Exchange.  My blog straddles a couple different categories and one of those is “pet blogs.”  Of all the blogs I read, the pet blogs are my favorite.  That’s where I began reading blogs, and the writers of pet blogs are the friendliest, kindest people I know.  I am blessed that they let me and my quirky little blog join in on the fun.  Head over to HoundDogMom and the HoundDogs for all the details.  The deadline for sign-up is November 19.

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Last Saturday, I spent a wonderful day with my friend, Amy, taking a watercolor class a Terry Armstrong’s Studio & Gallery.  This was the first time I ever did anything like that, and it was fantastic!

Terry’s studio/gallery is located in his historic 1870’s brick home in Warsaw, Indiana, were he lives with his wife, Mary.  When we arrived at 9 am, Mary had a lovely breakfast buffet out.  Then, midway through the day, she served us a delicious lunch.  Terry is the artist in the classroom, but there is no doubt who the artist in the kitchen is.  Yummy!

 

Amy and I took the “Abstract Wild Flowers” class.  Before class, I received a list of supplies to bring and instructions on what to have prepared before class.  Amy totally babied me and did most of my prep work, like stretching my paper and sketching the design.  Terry offers an option to beginners to use his paints and supplies for a small additional charge…totally worth it if you’re just checking things out.  Terry paints right along with the class, showing you each step and discussing the technique behind it.  Here are a few pictures of my painting in progress:

Terry is very encouraging and so were the other students.  The day flew by, and around 4 pm we were wrapping things up.  It was fun to look at everyone’s painting.  Each different and all beautiful.  I had a blast and would love to take more classes in the future.   

My picture wasn’t completely finished at the end of the day, but very close.  My plan is to make a smaller version of this picture, incorporating the techniques I learned and using my new and improved eye for color and light.  Here is a picture of my painting at the end of the day:

If you have the opportunity to take one of Terry’s classes, you’ll be thrilled with your project and the entire experience.  Thank you Terry, Mary, Amy and all my fellow watercolorists…it was a pleasure painting with you.

To view Terry’s work, visit his website and click on the Gallery links on the left-hand side.

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Ghost Story is a hauntingly beautiful tale whose elegance, pacing and imagery make it (in my mind) the perfect ghost story.  The novel centers around four elderly men who gather on a regular basis to swap ghost stories; but, we soon learn that the real ghost story was written fifty years earlier and now has set in motion deadly events.  This story wraps itself around you.  The tension builds slowly and gives you that spine-tingling feeling that a great ghost story should.  It’s wonderful!

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Rosemary’s Baby is a supernatural, psychological thriller about a young couple who move into an apartment building in New York and are embraced by their neighbors.  Then, things start to get strange.  Unbeknownst to Rosemary, her husband has made a deal with the devil that leads to the horrifying ending.  There’s no blood, guts or gore, just a great scary movie.  Made in 1968, this movie has that great 1960’s look and feel.  An interesting fact:  Much of the movie was shot in and around The Dakota, the Upper West Side co-op apartment building where John Lennon lived and was killed.

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Inspiration:

I can’t remember where I first saw these…but they’re everywhere.

 

Supplies:

Sweater

Scissors

Needle

Thread

Fiberfill

Stick

1.  Cut off a piece of the sleeve.

2.  Turn the piece inside out and sew a running stitch around one end.  Gather and knot-off.

3.  Turn the piece right-side out.  Stuff with fiberfill.

4.  Sew a running stitch around the top.  I liked the rolled hem of the sleeve, so I left it sticking out.  Gather and knot-off.

5.  Cut off a piece of the stick, and insert it in the top.  If it’s a little loose, apply some glue.

6.  Isn’t this cute!  And, there’s a lot of sweater left, so you can have pumpkins galore, in every size imaginable.

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You may have heard me mention our lovely vacation to Greyhounds Reach the Beach in Dewey Beach, Delaware, once, twice or even three times.  Greyhound owners can be a little intense with their love of the breed, and I’m finding that intensity extends to Greyhound accoutrement…namely collars.  So, a big part of my vacation shopping time was consumed with collar-mania.

I knew that all the hounds at Dewey Beach would be dressed in their best, so I made sure Freedom, Casper and Nikki had fabulous “Beach” collars.  I fell in love with these batik fabric collars from Around the Hounds.

Pinwheels, Tutti Frutti and Turquoise Dot

Before Dewey Beach, Freedom and Casper had two fancy collars each – Dress and Patriotic.  I wanted to catch Nikki up, so my first purchase was this lovely pink silk collar from Around the Hounds.  I couldn’t decide on a “patriotic” collar for Nikki, so that will come later.

Next, I found these “Just For Fun” collars at 2 Hounds Design.  Alisha Navarro is the creative genius and hound fashionista behind 2 Hounds Design.  It was fun to meet her.

Tetras, Pink Pixel and Disco Dots

Then, we went to The Tree Parlor where my friend, Amy, put together this combination of “Winter” collars.  I loved how they went together but weren’t “matching.”

Finally, I picked up these “Everyday” collars at the G.E.M. Store.

Bones & Dots, Daisy Block and Illusion Bone

And the fun isn’t over.  I met several other collar designers that are sure to be featured in the future.  Let the collar-mania continue!

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Perfect Meatloaf Pan Set

I wanted to try this for a long time, but didn’t want to order it.  Finally, I found it in the “As Seen On TV” section at my local CVS.  I love it!  The pan is very sturdy, and it does exactly what it says it does.  Your meatloaf bakes beautifully, and it’s a breeze to remove from the pan.  A bonus…it’s good for cooking more than meatloaf.

Martha Stewart Crafts

Martha is just too cool.  I love her crafting products and tools.  They work well and the off-white color of her crafting tools just does something for me.

Stevie Nicks

I fell in love with Stevie Nicks, her songs and her voice when I bought Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours album (yes, I said album) when I was a teenager.  I continue to love her music, to this day.  Stevie released her first CD in 10 years in May of 2011, In Your Dreams.

Bookmarks

I’m a sucker for a new bookmark.  They’re fun, cute, pretty and practical.  They’re also a great way to capture a memory.  I often pick up one when I’m on a trip.  What better way to keep track of your “place” in a book than with a beautiful bookmark.

Photo source

Lilac (WW Line)

September 20, 1995-October 24, 2011

Many of you know that my favorite blog is Tales and Tails.  Yesterday, Lilac went across The Bridge.  This beautiful grande dame of Greyhounds was 16 years old.  Lilac will always have a special place in my heart.  Tales and Tails inspired me to start blogging, and Lilac inspired me to look at my “older” years with spunk and liveliness.  I’ve laughed a lot over Lilac’s spirit and antics, and I’ve shed tears now that she has passed on.  Carrie’s tribute to Lilac is so beautiful and speaks to why we share such a special bond with our pets.  Here is one of my favorite posts about how Lilac came to join the Houndstooth gang.  You will be missed, Miss Lilac, but never forgotten, and you’ll always be a favorite of mine.

The End of the Race

Quick as lightning we sped ’round the track
paws thundering heavily to stay with the pack.
To the finish we flew, exhausted and spent
straining for the mark, our heads downward bent.

We ran for the love and the thrill of the chase;
for the pride and the joy we felt when we raced.
Surrounded by friends all rooing and playing,
we knew at some point that we wouldn’t be staying.

Still fleet and quite nimble, those days long are past.
We now enjoy romps and runs through the grass,
to the arms of our loved ones waiting there crouched,
or to our favorite spot on the end of the couch.

And when our time comes, we’ll face it with pride
by the side of our loved ones, their tears trying to hide.
They gave us their love and we gave it right back.
Now we await their arrival at the end of the track.

For the race now is over.  The hard work is done.
We’ll walk ‘cross the bridge when we again see the one
whose arms we remember down low in a crouch
calling our names as we wiggle about.

Happily we’ll run and leap into those arms.
We’ll cuddle and roo as they keep us from harm.
Then we’ll both leave together and head on our way,
to spend the rest of forever enjoying a new day.

 Author Unknown (from Allies for Greyhounds of West Michigan – Memorial Page)

 

Photo source

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My final book study in 2011 is Creative Time and Space by Ricë Freeman-Zachary.  2011 has been an incredible year for me.  I’ve taken the time to explore what I want my life to be, now that my daughter is grown and I’m on my own again.  I’ve had to re-examine who I am and what I want to accomplish in this new phase of my life.  I have some definite ideas, but now what?  Just squeeze that into the life I already have?  That’s where the tension is for me right now.

This week’s reading was, “Making Time.  Let’s Face It:  You Can’t Do Everything.”  Prioritizing and re-ordering my life is on the menu for 2012.  My problem is not identifying tasks that don’t support and enhance the things that I value and then getting rid of them.  Everything I do supports and enhances the things I value.  It’s identifying what’s most important and making sure those things get time, that’s my challenge.  The double-edged sword of modern living is that we have so much available to us that we can find ourselves “majoring in the minors.”

This week, I’ve been writing down what’s important to me.  Here are three things that I’ve identified as being the most important things in my life, and where I stand in relation to those things:

1.  My relationship with God

I love to read and study the Bible and all things “spiritual.”  I also belong to a local church (Granger Community Church) and particpate in it’s work; but in my opinion, my relationship with God sucks.  Why?  Because I’m missing the most important part of that relationship…the spending time part.  I need to spend time with God in quiet, meditating, waiting, listening.  I don’t do this and the most important relationship in my life suffers for it.

2.  My relationships with people.

I think I’ve done better with this.  My husband has helped me a lot in this area…he’s Mr. Hospitality.  I want to keep doing better with this and keep it in balance.

3.  Time for creating.

I want more of this!  2011 has been a creatively explosive year for me, and I love it!  My challenge in 2012 is to focus myself and make sure I identify and make time for what matters most to me.

This is the short list; three things that I want to make sure get the time and attention they deserve.  These are the things I’m thinking of as I prepare to end 2011 and begin 2012.