Dissecting an Owl

And, it didn't hurt at all...

It's a Warm Day

It's uncomfortable outside, so I'm doing some housekeeping chores and organizing. I found a number of photo CDs and was delighted to see photos of my dog, when she was a darling puppy and photos of my sweet cat, who lived with me for almost 20 years. My dear little kitty was SO cute and affectionate. 

SO Owl Ballet-style Slippers On My Feet

 So dang cute and comfy! I saw them on My Owl Barn's site and zipped right over to Kohls. 

The Alternative to the Elizabethan Collar

Poor baby...

My Reading List

Vintage books.... Ahhhhhhhhh

Oona Rose ~ you're still such a pup!

Oona Rose

The pupster when she was just a baby.

A Beautiful Day!

I couldn't resist the tempting whispers coming from my garden -- pssst, come play among us... I didn't do as much as I wanted, but I laid the groundwork for new plants. Almost every plant on the left side of my house was killed by unpredicted frost. It seems the right time to replenish and oh, the roses are beginning to bloom!

I scavenged up some gorgeous black rocks I had tucked away for years.  I also rescued some white rocks and added them to a pounded metal bowl – Love them!

So, were you walking up the pathway to my home you would see these. 

Namaste... The peaceful spirit that dwells within me respects the peaceful spirit that dwells within you. 

Having A Good Laugh

I sold my Billiken Doll (below), as I am in desperate need of space! My home is a few steps shy of looking like I am a hoarder. The woman who bought my doll never fails to make me laugh - she is naturally entertaining and she was both, fascinated and repulsed by the doll. She made me a good offer and now loves the doll. She is a generous and considerate woman and when I checked my email tonight, I found she had she reimbursed me for the shipping insurance fees. Very sweet, right? 

The following is her note to me,

"Hi Joan! Here is $4.95 for extra insurance to ship that ugly baby! I'm so obsessed with him and went crazy and got another one, made out of mohair, also original from 1909! I love that ugly thing! They accepted my best offer and I got him for $225 as well! Now I got 2 of these guys! thanks again." 

If these dolls do bring good luck, I wish her unending good fortune! 

1909 Horsman Doll Company Original Billiken Doll

In Missouri in 1908, art teacher and illustrator Florence Pretz had a dream. In this dream, she imagined magical creatures in mystical forms. When asked about the creatures that we see illustrated in her children’s books, Florence stated that some may have been influenced by her fascination with ancient Asian beliefs and deities. In October of 1908, Florence applied for a patent for one of her “designs for an image.” This image later became the rotund little character we know as a Billiken.

So, Things Just Happen? Attack of The Kitsch!

I went on a book run for my shop, but didn't see anything I had to have. However, these cuties came home with me. Did I actually write, "cuties?" What was I thinking? Could've had a V8!

The Pacific Asia Museum

I took painting classes at this wonderful museum well into my teens and it's still on my list of places to visit when I have guests.

Busy, busy and waiting, waiting...

I'm waiting and waiting for all the little things I need for my next big project. Fingers and paws are crossed for a smooth Monday delivery!

Busy, busy busy!

Okay, so I am busy, but I'm having so much fun! I've had this idea niggling at the back of my brain and I finally have time to work on it. Fun!

The Flu!

I think, ACHOO!, I have the flu.
I'm sneezing, and ACHOO! ACHOO!
I'm not sure what, ACHOO!, to do.
You say, ACHOO!, don't sneeze on you?
ACHOO! Whoops. Now you've got it too.