Studio Susie Says...

Almost a year later . . .

2011-03-08T23:42:00.000-08:00

OMG! It's almost been a whole year since I last posted a blog entry here! That's because I got a REAL job back in April 2010. I've been very busy - that's why you didn't get a holiday card, New Year's Card, Valentine's card, and probably wont' get a St. Patrick's Day card. MAYBE I'll get out a "Spring" card . . .

Looking back in comparison - look at the photo in the post below. The difference this year is the baby gate (right side of photo) is down. That means the room is just as messy, if not messier since my toddler now has access to more stuff!

Not much else is new . . .

Keira is a year older (12.13.10) - the big 3

Hubby is a year older (2.15.11) - 50-something'ish

I'll be a year older in April (4.3.11) - the Big Five 0

As always, you can get a 2010 year in review at

(or any other year for that matter)

http://photosensei.com/family/2010

My Life As A Toddler's Mom

2010-03-15T08:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my world.

Can you see why I haven't been keeping up with my blog?!

Holidays WIll Be Here Soon!

2009-12-05T20:02:00.000-08:00

Since I'm especially slow in getting my blog posts up this year (as you can tell by the last post 6 months ago), so I've decided to post for the holidays early. This shot was taken in our yard in front a huge (50 ft?) blue spruce tree.

From our home to yours . . .

Have a wonderful holiday season

filled with peace, joy, and prosperity!

Paul, Kiera, & Susie

Happy Father's Day!

2009-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

I hope all the dads out there have a wonderful day!

Father's Day Photos

>>HERE<<

Happy Mother's Day!

2009-05-10T07:18:00.000-07:00

I hope all the moms, and moms-to-be, and hope-to-be-moms, have a wonderful day!

Planning My 30th Reunion . . .

2009-05-05T23:26:00.000-07:00

My Senior Portrait - circa 1979

Wow - time flies! Fortunately, due to the connectivity of the internet (FaceBook, blogs, etc), it's been easier than ever to connect with old (no offense) friends and classmates. I can't wait to see everyone - we finally grew up!

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Spring Break

2009-03-30T11:46:00.001-07:00

Taking a Spring Break - back in about a week.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T08:33:00.001-08:00

Sometimes all you really want for Valentine's Day is a box of chocolates, right?

(click on image to enlarge)

* Makeover compliments of iMac Photo Booth

Watercolor Gift

2009-01-05T10:00:00.000-08:00

This was a watercolor gift I gave my mother-in-law about 10 yrs ago. I had been told a story of her former grey cat. To my surprise, when I first saw a photo of her cat, it was sitting on a tree limb just like this - I had not seen the photo before I had done the painting!

5 x 7 watercolor sketch - click on image to enlarge

Does this look familiar?

2008-12-20T21:25:00.001-08:00

Yep - that would be me & Kiera at the office!

Kiera is # 1

2008-12-17T10:23:00.001-08:00

And, YES - that is creme brulee. Kiera's got high standards . . . cake is so yesterday!

My Little Pumpkin

2008-10-16T22:56:00.000-07:00

To view more photos of

Kiera's first pumpkin patch visit

>> CLICK HERE <<

Changes!

2008-09-29T00:47:00.001-07:00

I'm changing the look of this blog - trying to find something that reflects my art style . . .

Please bear with me as I make revisions (probably on a daily basis!)

I found my new blog template at:

The Cutest Blog on the Block

It's Official!

2008-09-13T14:56:00.001-07:00

Kiera goes to court 9/10/08

More photos

>> HERE <<

Summer Siggy

2008-08-31T22:36:00.001-07:00

Kids Fly Free

2008-07-10T17:27:00.000-07:00

*DING* - you are now free to move about the country.

Blogblast for Peace

2008-06-03T08:30:00.000-07:00

This is Kiera's first Blogblast for Peace!

To find out more about this cause,

and to get started on your Peace Globe

>> CLICK HERE <<

Don't forget to drop by Kimo & Sabi's blog to see their Peace Globe!

Mimi Writes.......: BlogBlast For Peace: A Revolution of Words ~ June 4, 2008

2008-06-02T23:33:00.000-07:00

Mimi Writes.......: BlogBlast For Peace: A Revolution of Words ~ June 4, 2008

Etsy Shop

2008-05-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Um, . . . yes, I have an Etsy shop.

Um, . . . no, I have nothing in it!

StudioSusie.etsy.com

I have a baby for goodness sake! I'll get around to it . . . someday . . .

Ya got somethin' to say about it?

Knitting Project for Charity

2008-04-20T17:55:00.000-07:00

Remember your favorite teddy bear?

What if every child could have that comfort?

I took these photos at the Stitches knitting conference back in February 2008. At first I was just interested in getting the pattern (which is SUPER simple), but the more I learned about the project, the more I felt compelled to get involved.

"The Mother Bear Project is dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.

The simple gift of a hand-knit bear with a tag signed by the knitter has touched children with the message that they are unconditionally loved."

When you visit the website, you can see some of the examples. I plan on also taking the pattern and converting it to a cat (of course) for Kiera.

Get involved . . . AND have fun!

Spa Day

2008-03-13T08:14:00.000-07:00

Um, excuse me . . . do you mind? You're interrupting my spa day!

Play Time

2008-02-24T12:35:00.000-08:00

Kiera having some fun on her play mat - giggles and coos!
(disregard other video that appears after our on YouTube - there are plenty of Kiera's & play mats out there, but no more of ours)

Photo Hunt

2008-02-23T08:37:00.000-08:00

Today's theme is WOOD.

Here is a Madonna bust, carved from Philippine Mahogany, from . . . you guessed it - the Philippines. My parents bought it during their travels in the early 60's. It has always been a favorite of mine since I was a child - I love the curves and feel of the wood.

When I got married, my parents gave it to us as a house warming gift for our new home.

Please visit my cat's blog, Cat Banter, to see other examples of WOOD. Thanks for visiting!

For more Photo Hunters
>> Click Here <<

Happy Valentine's Day!

2008-02-14T23:07:00.000-08:00

Kiera - 2 months old 2/13/08

Miracles Do Happen

2007-12-31T18:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays & Happy New Year

Holiday Shopping

2007-12-02T21:45:00.000-08:00

Shopping in San Francisco is wonderfully colorful during the holidays!

Here's my fantasy about the Embarcadero.

Check out these cute little knitted ornaments . . .

. . . great detail!

For more photos of my fun day in SF
>> CLICK HERE <<

Babylegs!

2007-10-17T19:12:00.000-07:00

Ok - I sew . . . I knit . . . so how come I didn't invent this?!

Babylegs are basically leg warmers for babies and children! A great idea, especially making it easier to change a diaper without having to fiddle with tights. But, REALLY! I'm and artist, designer, creative, smart - WHY DIDN"T I INVENT THIS!!!

2007-09-06T23:16:00.000-07:00

Fabulous Friday

Lookie . . . FREE stuff for expecting parents!

Link: www.verybestbaby.com/SpecialOffers/Backpack/aspx

Blog Blast For Peace

2007-06-06T08:13:00.000-07:00

It isn't enough to talk about peace.
One must believe in it.
And it isn't enough to believe in it.
One must work at it.
Eleanor Roosevelt

>>Visit Cat Banter's Peace Globe<<

I Love Color

2007-04-25T23:14:00.000-07:00

Thursday Thirteen #2

I can't imagine what it would be like to not see in color! I certainly have my favorite color, purple, but I get excited about all colors...and finding interesting colors in all things...

Here are 13 examples of color I see...
(click on images to enlarge)

1) Italian Street Painting Festival, San Rafael, CA

2) Tour De California, Santa Rosa, CA

3) Haight Ashbury Music Center, San Francisco, CA

4) Annual Outdoor Quilt Festival, Petaluma, CA

5) My knitting bag & Kimo

6) All Nations Aztec Dancers, Petaluma, CA

7) My pear tree, Petaluma, CA

8) Sonoma-Marin Fair, CA

9) Sabi's tounge & eyes

10) Flowers in my yard, Petaluma, CA

11) Baskin Robbins ice cream, Petaluma, CA

12) Hippie, Sausalito, CA

13) Sonoma Kinship Center, Santa Rosa, CA

Grand Opening 4/27 & 4/28 2007
Visit www.SonomaKinship.org for more info!

Please visit Kimo & Sabi's blog for their TT list!

I found I could say things with color and shapes
that I couldn't say any other way -
things I had no words for.
Georgia O'Keeffe

Check out other Thursday Thirteeners!

Happy Easter

2007-04-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

Spring Is Here!

2007-03-15T08:16:00.000-07:00

The California poppies are beautiful and springing up everywhere! Check out our Flickr Site to see more photos of Spring in our town, Petaluma, CA.

Spring is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!"
Robin Williams

Cat Stuff

2007-02-28T08:01:00.000-08:00

A collection of catstuff...

My mousepad

Mr. Squishy - stress reliever

Stitches is Coming!

2007-02-18T20:25:00.000-08:00

"Stitches West" is almost here (Calif)! It will be at the following venues in 2007:

Stitches West - February 22-25
Santa Clara Convention Center, CA

Stitches Midwest - August 9-12
Rosemont Convention Center, IL

Stitches East - October 11-14
Baltimore Convention Center, MD

My favorite knitting store in Petaluma, CA

If you've never been - GO! Whether you are a knitting / crocheting junkie, or a beginner . . . GO! It's fun just to look at all the beautiful yarns. You can buy books, patterns, sign up for workshops, see fashion shows & demonstrations . . . oh, and did I mention the YARN?! . . . including any & all supplies you could possibly NEED and WANT!

The "Knit Doctor" is on hand at each convention (11-4 daily) - you can bring your knitting emergencies to get help!

BTW: I finished my "One Red Scarf" project - but I mailed it before I could take a photo. It wasn't anything extraordinary - basic knit stich using some Lion Brand "Homespun" - I love this yarn. It's soft and fluffy, beautiful colors, and easy to knit up something quick.

I knitted my scarf in this Candy Apple Red.

2007-01-26T19:49:00.000-08:00

NEW BLOGGER UPDATE. . .
* I was finally FORCED to switch to the New Blogger - watch out - they're comin' for you next! But the "anonymous" bug finally worked it's way out and now your names are showing up correctly. Only thing now is New Blogger linked all our family blogs together so when we leave a comment, it shows only my photo and profile! Now I'm have to separate out all our blogs - until then, you won't see our photos on our comments. @^$*@^$ Blogger!

Thursday Thirteen #1

2007-01-25T08:38:00.000-08:00

Thirteen Interesting Personal Connections

Friends and family are always commenting on how many interesting people I've met, worked with, or are somehow connected to. It would be a LONG story to describe the who, what, when's, why's - so I'll be brief:

1) Mother's family is related to John Adams (2nd Pres of US)
2) An aunt is related to John Wayne (western actor)
3) My husband is related to Darrin McGavin (actor)

4) President Nixon attended my great grandfather's 102 birthday.
5) I have an autograph from Burt Lancaster - when he was in SF doing Camelot (my dad got him to come to his job and talk to inmates at San Quentin).

(Famous scene: "From Here to Eternity")

6) Gave snow ski lessons to Clint Eastwood's nephew
7) Worked with Clint Eastwood on movie set (The Rookie)
8) Turned down a blind date with young, single Steve Jobs (early 80's)

(Obviously, the younger Steve Jobs!)

9) Ate breakfast with Jimmy (US Pres) & Rosland Carter (later skiied w/ them)
10) Did a 50 ft. firewalk with Martin Sheen
11) Hired Rob Schneider ("Deuce Bigelo") to seat guests at a comedy club I managed

12) Attend church with Julia Child's sister (and some other more famous celebs, but they'd hunt me down if I mentioned their names!)
13) I'm "Mommakitty" to Kimo & Sabi, of "Cat Banter" blog fame (they're the one's who encouraged me to get started on Thursday Thirteen)

Please go visit Kimo & Sabi's blog for more TT!

Visit the Thursday Thirteen site for a list of TT participants - have fun!

Weekend Cat Blogging

2007-01-20T07:31:00.000-08:00

I realize I am not a cat, but Kimo & Sabi (my cats) wanted me to join in this weekend. So, here is some cat stuff:

This is "Purl" the mascot at my favorite knitting store, Knitterly, in Petaluma. What could be better than a cat mascot!

These are knitted cats which you can purchase from The Land of Nod store (kids furniture, gifts, etc). I fully intend on copying the pattern to knit some for myself - aren't they adorable? Of course they are - they're CATS!

Time spent with cats is never wasted.
Sigmund Freud

Weekend Cat Blogging graciously hosted by:

The Cat Blogosphere

Creating Adoption Banners

2006-12-22T20:19:00.000-08:00

Trying my hand at creating banners ads for our adoption . . . Feel free to give me your feedback!

Golden Gate Bridge Banner:

Red, Buff, & Blue Banner:

California Poppies Banner:

Angel Baby Banner:

This is the one I use on Kimo & Sabi's Blog. "Little Blurpy Thing" is Catonese (cat language) for baby!

* There's no link on this site (re: click here), but if you go to Cat Banter With Kimo & Sabi you'll see the banner ad in the right-hand side bar.

Like I said before . . . they get more traffic than I do!

Quote for the day:

It takes courage to be creative. Just as soon as you have a new idea, you are a minority of one. E. Paul Torrance

What Crappy Christmas Gift Are You?

2006-12-08T11:27:00.000-08:00

Here's what the survey said about me:

http://www.blogthings.com/whatcrappychristmasgiftareyouquiz/

Happy Holidays!

One Red Scarf Project

2006-11-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

Love to knit, crochet or know someone who does?

Orphan Foundation of America’s
Red Scarf Project

Send warmth and encouragement to America’s college-bound foster youth. OFA needs thousands of handmade scarves to put in our Valentine Care Packages to these parentless youth attending college on their own. Your handiwork will truly be the personal touch in these packages and bring students the encouragement they need to move forward and graduate to a brighter future. For over 25 years, OFA has provided funding and family-like support to foster youth in transition. www.orphan.org

2007 Scarf Guidelines:

Size: approximately 60” long and 5” to 8” wide. Scarves should be long enough to be wrapped around the neck with tails long enough to be tied in the front.
Style: Think unisex collegiate. Fringe optional. Should drape, tie easily and be soft.
Color: Red! This could mean burgundy, cherry, russet, red stripes with other colors, multicolor hues including red. Other unisex colors, including black, navy, gray, teal, olive or gold, are also welcome.
Finished & tagged: Yarn ends securely sewn in. For the personal touch, attach a tag saying “Handmade for You” with your first name, city, and group affiliation, if any. Donors have also included washing instructions, messages of encouragement, and gift cards/burger bucks/book of stamps.

Thank you! Your scarf may be the first handmade gift a young man or woman has ever received. Your efforts will truly be appreciated!

Mail to (January Only):

Orphan Foundation of America
Red Scarf Project
21351 Gentry Drive, Unit 130
Sterling, VA 20166

Scarves are accepted throughout the month of January ONLY
due to limited/temporary storage capacity.

LINK:

Go to Orphan Foundation of America-Red Scarf Project
to see more information, as well as a scarf pattern by Lily Chin.

Here is the book where I found the project - full of great ideas!

(click on image to be directed to Amazon.com)

I'll keep bumping this post until the holiday season is over.
Peace be with you and yours!
Don't forget to check out Kimo & Sabi's blog.
They also support knitting for peace (blog link in sidebar).

Dona Nobis Pacem!

2006-11-07T16:24:00.000-08:00

Translation: Give Us Peace!

Spread the word . . .

(click on image for more info)

Kitty Shots

2006-10-05T21:31:00.000-07:00

Here's Kimo . . .

Here's Sabi . . .

Are You More Cat or Dog?

2006-09-27T22:49:00.000-07:00

My kitties gave my the link to this test - take it for yourselfand find out whre you stand! Here are my results;

You Are: 40% Dog, 60% Cat

You and cats have a lot in common.
You're both smart and in charge - with a good amount of attitude.
However, you do have a very playful side that occasionally comes out!

Are You More Cat or Dog?

Repeat - but requested!

2006-08-22T21:11:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the repeat, but this photo & quote was requested! (Plus I'm behind due to spending a lot of my time on our adoption stuff)! Enjoy...

Quote for the day:

Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes! W.C. Fields

Yes...these are my shoes!

"Snakes on a Plane" Contest

2006-08-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

Here's fun contest that Kristi of Knitters Anonymous came up with. It takes after the movie title "Snakes on a Place." The contest requires photos of "(something) on a (something)" - anything goes, but must be inanimate objects.

Kristi will be awarding the contest winner a copy of a Sarcelle pattern, plus a skein of yarn. Contest closes 8/20/06 midnight . . . so hurry up if you're going to enter!

Here's my entry:

Jungle Animals on a Piano

Well, that's the best I could do on such short notice . . . I only discovered her website yesterday! If you go to her site you'll find links to the other contestant's photos - very fun!

Thanks for the great idea Kristi!

My Cats Are More Popular!

2006-08-10T23:02:00.000-07:00

My cats, Kimo & Sabi have their own blog which is more popular than this one! What's a Mommakitty to do? I guess be proud of their accomplishment! Please visit their blog called Cat Banter With Kimo & Sabi.

They talk about cat toys, cat nip, birdwatching - all sorts of things. They have developed quite a following of cat friends from all over the world! They also post a quote each time like I do - I'm so proud!

Awwww, look at my little snuggle buddies - What's not to love!

Quote for the day:

When my cats aren't happy, I'm not happy. Not because I care about their mood, but because I know they're just sitting there thinking up ways to get even. Percy Bysshe Shelley

Fruits of the Season

2006-08-06T22:43:00.000-07:00

The fruit trees are staring to burst!

Soon we'll have more fruit that we know what ot do with! We have 2 pear trees, 3 apple trees, 1 asian pear-apple tree, 1 fig tree, and lots of blackberry bushes too. Can you say "homemade pies?" Pie is good food!

I know most of you think of wine country when you first hear of Sonoma County, but summertime also brings Gravenstein apples - miles and miles of them to Sebastopol. Usually in April, the town goes all out to celebrate this pink-white cloud of bloom with an Apple Blossom Festival.

Touring the orchards in bloom is a must (spring), but to see the apples growing is also nice. Write to the Chamber of Commerce, 265 S. Main St., Sebastopol 95472, for a map, or use the more complete one in last August's Sunset Magazine (page 34). Sebastopol is 60 miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge. Exit west from U.S. 101 on State Highway 116 in Cotati.

Quote for the day:

There were apples painted in pale green and bright red on a ground of emerald green leaves. It is all colour. One might say it was a Cezanne. Maurice Denis

Shake, Rattle & Roll!

2006-08-02T22:37:00.000-07:00

Earthquake, 4.4 magnitude, hits 3 miles west of Glen Ellen in Sonoma County.

We felt it in Petaluma! Things jiggled in the china hutch and windows made quite a rattling, but no damage.

This was the first earthquake for our current cats Kimo and Sabi, who were still shaken hours later. They'll eventually get used to it!

Quote for the day:

In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth. Rachael Carson

Inspirational!

2006-07-30T12:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a lovely, inspirational message of hope. It was sent to me by one of my chat buddies from an adoption forum. Click on the photo and you will be directed to the site. Enjoy!

Quote for the day:

Practice hope. As hopfulness becomes a habit, you can achieve a permanently happy spirit. Norman Vincent Peale

Here's my handy-work!

2006-07-28T18:46:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of my watercolor pieces. They're 5x7 in size, and of course inspired by my cats Geno and Misha, who have both passed on.

These pieces were done quite a while ago, while I was still living in Sausalito, and where I was also most inspired to paint. I loved sit on my waterfront deck and watch the sailboats float by. Angel Island and the Golden Gate Bridge were also favorites to paint.

I haven't quite found my inspiration yet in Petaluma. Will it be chickens? Cows? Quail? The mighty oaks? Wildflowers? Barns? I'm still working on it.

Cats are certainly still in the mix, but Kimo and Sabi haven't been painted yet. What color will they be?

Well, I'm sure I'll get back into it. I've been a little sidetracked by my knitting - which has also been a good exploration of mixing colors.

Quote for the day:

Art washes from the soul the dust of
everyday life. Picasso

Current Favorite Fiction Reads

2006-07-25T23:32:00.000-07:00

I'm currently reading 2 fiction books - I frequently read 2 at a time! I've always enjoyed a good mystery and I have discovered 2 authors to add to my favorites. The first is Jodi Picoult. She received the 2003 New England Book Award for fiction and the American Library Association's Alex Award for My Sister's Keeper. She has 11 previous bestsellers as well.

The first book of hers that I read was Vanishing Acts - it tells a story about a woman, who owns a search-and-rescue business discovers she may not be who others have been telling her she is. Lots of twists and turns. 418 pages - but I couldn't put it down - read it in 3 days! There's even a section in the back with 18 questions / topics for discussions if you're in a book club - very clever!

Well, because I enjoyed that one so much, I picked up another of her books titled Plain Truth, which has a story set in Paradise, Pensylvannia - Lancaster County. Which, by the way, is the county where my mother-in-law lives - smack dab in the middle of Amish Country. This book is another great suspense novel - 405 pages, also with questions / topics for discussions. A story about an dead infant found in an Amish barn, and a big-city attorney who has some former roots in the area, who is called upon to live in the Amish community while she defends the young Amish woman who is accused of the infant's murder. An interesting integration of two worlds! I may finish THIS book in 2 days!!!

I had no idea, about the book's setting until I began reading the book. Because I've visited this part of the country, I could really invision the setting. Here is a photo that Paul took on his last visit to Leola. Here's a photo looking across the fields from Paul's mother's home, in the direction towards the Amish farms. The Hof family headstone (center) is where Paul's grandparents are burried - they were from Germany. Because of their heritage, they became friends with many local Amish families.

This photo (also taken by Paul) was taken just down the road from our home in Petaluma - Even though we live in the city limits, we're not far from a little country experience as well!

The other author I've enjoyed lately is Alexander McCall Smith - author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, set in Botswana, Africa. This is a series of 6 (each approx. 225 pgs - easy to read in one afternoon). I've read the first, and am currently reading the second in the series, Tears of the Giraffe. These books are a fast read - and very fun and whitty - you'll fall in love with the the detective, Precious Ramotswe, the sensible and cunning owner of the agency. Each book has several mysteries for Precious to unravel.

To see more of Paul's photos of the Petaluma or Amish countryside, visit our Flickr site. Happy reading, photo viewing and . . . get out to see the country!!!

Quote for the day:

That image of the countryside being a threatening place still exists. People continue to resist the challenge of learning about aspects of life they don't understand. Mary Wesley

Back on Track

2006-07-20T23:34:00.000-07:00

Sorry - got a little (OK, a lot) behind - but I have a job, 2 cats, and a husband! I've also been trying to put in some quality R&R time. Paul & I took a great walk the other day at a local park.

This is one of his photos from that day.
You can see more of his photos on his blog.

Anyhoo - trying to relax and enjoying the warm weather . . . but I'll try to get back on track and keep posting every few days.

Quote for the day:

My mother said,
You won't amount to anything because you procrastinate.
I said, Just wait.
Judy Tenuda

Volunteers Install Playground

2006-07-10T16:49:00.000-07:00

All I can say is WOW!

Back in June, I helped participate in the installation of new playground equipment for the non-profit that I work for - Sunny Hills Services. Some of my Junior-League buddies joined us, along with some major volunteer support from Home Depot and KABOOM, as well as some NASCAR racing team members.

This was such a rewarding day (which was about 104 degrees). In ONE DAY (approx. 6 hrs) we completed two play structures, one shade structure, two bench sets, planted flowers beds, and repainted two blacktop play areas.
I think everyone should try volunteering somewhere - it's especially rewarding in your own community. Whether it's your church group, a school group, a service organization (like Rotary, Lion's, etc.), the local animal shelter, or a group like the Junior-League, which is specifically designed as a training organization for women (with more volunteer opportunities that you can imagine - plus a great place to make long-lasting friendships).

There's sure to be a volunteer center in your area, and I always see volunteer opportunities listed in the newspaper. Try it sometime!

Quote for the day:

The influence of a beautiful, helpful character is contagious, and may revolutionize a whole town. Collier Graham

Where did the week go?

2006-07-06T00:19:00.000-07:00

Did anyone else lose track of time this week...all of a suddenly it's Wednesday - no wait, Thursday! Well, sorry I don't have much to report on today. I had to do a lot of catching up at my office, then once back at home, Paul and I had to continue working on some adoption outreach stuff. It's another job, in and of itself!

Quote for the day:

Before you criticize someone, walk a mile in their shoes. That way, you're a mile away AND you have their shoes! W.C. Fields

Yes...these are my shoes!

Happy Birthday America!

2006-07-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

What a better way to celebrate the Forth of July than with some patriotic desserts! Watch out Martha Stewart! Well, I can't really take credit for these - I found the photo on Flickr, by "ryanmurphy". But we did have some tasty treats with our friends, along with some great conversation and a fabulous fireworks display provided by Sonoma State University.

And how about these cuties?!
Apparently dogs enjoy getting dressed up for holidays more than cats - My cats wouldn't be caught dead dressed like this! (Again, photo compliment of another Flickr person, "pleonasm". If I can ever get the direct links, I'll post them so you can check out more photos by these people.

And what's more American than baseball, hotdogs, apple pie and Chevrolet? Well I do like hot dogs, but I prefer bocce ball, strawberry-rhubarb pie, and I have a Prius.

Quote for the day:

Observe good faith and justice toward all nations. Cultivate peace and harmony with all. George Washington

Who let the dogs out?!

2006-07-03T15:03:00.000-07:00

Yes, I like dogs too, and thought they deserved a spotlight. This is Rascals, the patriarch of one of four Dachshunds in my brother's household.

Here he is sporting a fine hand-knitted Sherpa hat. I am not at liberty to divulge the artist's name, but it was one of my...I mean HER first knitted creations. He wears it so well, don't you think? Well, you're sure to see some of my...I mean HER more recent designs in upcoming posts. I, of course, am HER design mentor and coach.

I also find knitting to be very therapeutic (remember, I'm also a therapist). And, if you choose to use some of the finer art yarns these days, your knitting project can cost as much as therapy - how you choose to spend your money is up to you!

Quote for the day:

In order to keep a true perspective of one's importance, everyone should have a dog that will worship him and a cat that will ignore him. Author Unknown

Just gettin this blog started . . .

2006-07-02T18:40:00.000-07:00

. . . and boy was it a long day! I had to make a some changes to the template, which required the assistance of my trusty computer wiz, and hero, Paul (my hubby). I'm still learning all this HTML stuff. Anyhoo, setting up this blog wore me out - so I ended with a cat nap!

Quote for the day:

There are people who reshape the world by force or argument, but the cat just lies there, dozing, and the world quietly reshapes itself to suit his comfort and convenience. Allen and Ivy Dodd