ReGift-Away

I have mixed feelings about doing this, but in my heart I think it's the best solution all around.

I opened a box from a dear distant relative (whom I've never met) and inside were these two, brand new darling bears. She and I have exchanged Christmas gifts for eleven years now. The thing is, these are different from what she normaly sends.

I don't collect anything, especialy dolls or bears or anything cute.

I'd be an art collector if I could afford it, but I can't.

So after gazing in these sweet eyes for a couple of weeks I thought the right thing to do would be to have a regift-a-way and have the winner reimburse me for the postage. You get two collectible bears for the cost of shipping and I don't have a heavy heart from shoving these cuties in a drawer when they should be proudly displayed.

They are Bearington Bears. Look at her face! Her dress is more of a Christmas green, not this dull green in the photo. They come complete with a stand with the tags still attached. 

Look at this little cutie in his cable knit sweater!

What little girl (or big girl collector) wouldn't love these?

I can't help that I'm missing that gene! :)

Think of who you have on your list who would be thrilled to open this package on Christmas day. I will draw the name of one lucky winner on Sunday, Dec 4th.

I'm only allowing those of you who already visit me to enter this.

That's my small gift to you, my loyal friends. (Whom I haven't been so loyal to these days, sorry.)

 I know how giveaways can ooze into the blogosphere and everyone comes a runnin'!

Sorry, friends only Good luck everyone!

I just want these bears to have a wonderful, loving home.

If she had sent me a puppy or kitten there would NOT be a giveaway ;)

xo

Lo ♥

Thanksgiving Grace

I don't need one particular day of the year to give thanks for all that I have in life.

I try to be thankful every day, and yes, sometimes it's hard

Like when friends and family get sick. Or when there's not enough money for bills.

But even if I'm in a weeping heap, I know how blessed I am just by being given another day to try to get it right. To make a difference even in some small way.

Here's to all of you who have made a huge difference in my life. I'm grateful to you all even though I may not say it (or visit) often enough.

I really love knowing you're there.

Really ♥

xoxo

Lo

full moon photo taken in Pacific Grove, CA.

raven photos taken at Nepenthe, Big Sur, CA

Animal Wednesday: Meditation

I had a day off today and all I asked for was to find a few moments to take a shot or two of the foliage before today's rain brings down all the leaves.

This is one of my favorite vistas. A house on the marsh looking as if it's its own island. I was thrilled to see it had visitors today as I was driving by on my way home from the market. 

Hello, Mr. and Mrs.!!

Soft rain falling in Autumn...and swans!

Thank you, Universe. ♥ 

P.S.  My nickname at work is tree hugger. And that's a bad thing?

Happy Animal Wednesday!!

Sunday Thoughts

Wow, what a whirlwind couple of weeks.

A new job with intense hours. (40 hours in three and a half days.)

My dear friend and Uncle stricken with end stage pancreatic cancer even after having gone to doctor after doctor only to be diagnosed too damn late because they weren't listening to him.

My friend's daughter in law, age 32, diagnosed with bladder cancer after having been given three rounds of antibiotics and NO urinalysis tests. She had surgery to have the tumor removed, but here we are three weeks later and now she has a tumor on one of her kidneys. 

And now another friend facing her own challenges and waiting to confirm a cancer diagnosis after months of being ill. Let's hope it's a false alarm and her battle can be won.

What's happening here? Aren't we in a time where diagnoses are easier to form?

I'm exhausted and sad today.

All I can do is send out prayers and stay true to myself by being authentic.

I miss you all and love you. Once I get adjusted to all of these changes and life challenges I will be better at visiting.

Life is good still, but overwhelming at times, no?

xoxo

Lo♥

Oh Joy!!!!

I had the day off today. Oh Joy!

I spent time cleaning my messy studio. Oh joy!

And then I made myself take a little time to paint.

Little painting for Grasmere.

BIG joy in my heart to make art again.

5" x 5" for my new "Teasers" series.

xoxo

Lo♥

Illustration Friday: Stripes

Cats will do anything to find a sunny spot.

This is a painting of my old cat Biff who graced my life for nearly seventeen years.

He had malnutrition and pneumonia and weighed 5 pounds when I adopted (stole) him from his neglectful owners.

He showed his gratitude for life every single day.

Meanwhile, I started my new job at the veterinary hospital on Tuesday. I have put in nearly 30 hours in 3 days which is why I've been so scarce, yet again.

It will take some time to get acclimated to these hours, but so far it's going well.

Everyone is nice and helpful, but best of all I get to hold puppies again and greet so many new fur friends!

Oh, and getting a paycheck again? Priceless!

I hope to visit you all soon. It looks like I've missed a million posts!

xo

Lo♥