Godpuppy DT's and Creative Frenzy

Oh Dear-
I returned home and puppy withdrawal hit full force. I missed that fuzzy face so much this week it wasn't funny. Not much going on to distract me either. Enter my beloved Stamping Cybergroup who set August 1st for our next swap deadline.

Holy Moly- I did all 7 of my artist trading cards for the swap this afternoon- now taking a break from cleaning up the creative vortex that occurred as a result. I'm really happy with this batch- my body is giving out, but the sense of humor is alive and kicking. You just have to love that I was doing beach themed ATC's while watching Shark Week on the Discovery Channel.

I've posted my favorite of this grouping: Our theme was Red Hot Summer/Good Old Summertime. I just giggled my way through this one. My tongue in cheek homage to a New England classic- yummy clambakes on the beach. Fun to go to, but hell on earth to host, especially if you actually do this on the beach. Yes, the sand is authentic, from Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk, Ct.

Tomorrow, they all get mailed to this month's ATC Swap host- and I impatiently await the newest miniature works of art from cyberspace. Well, it will be nice to get something aside from bills in the mail- it helps ease the monthly panic attack when I have to write the checks.

Adventures in Babysitting

All this week, I've been at my friends' condo puppysitting for Jack- aka Fuzzerbugger. It's been a long time since I last had a full time dog. I'm kind of rusty, but the routine comes back easily. Apparently, like riding a bike, you never forget.

And, he's very easy and fun. Loves to play and drag you through the park on walkies. Who knew that a 30 pound cockapoo is really a husky or malamute in disguise? The best though have been the amazing snuggle sessions. Heaven really is having a dog on the foot of your bed at night- except Jack's version is to sneak up until his head is next to yours on the pillow. I finally gave up on trying to get him to stay at the foot. As long as he leaves my teddy bear alone we're ok. this morning, i woke up with a head on my stomach and a paw over my hand. guess he's feeling nice and secure.

Yesterday, I took him to the real dog park, near my home. It was a place where the original godpuppy and I spent many happy hours walking shaded and peaceful trails. He loved it. And I wished I could let him off leash to play with the other dogs, but he is a Houndini and will escape if given a chance. He loved it- tons of new smells, lots of trees to claim and it was a nice place to be given the heat here this week. Jack jumped up on Muji's rock and barked his triumph to the world. He looked so proud of himself.

Of course, it isn't a godmommy visit without a trip to puppy toys 'r us. As if Jack didn't have enough toys already- he really did need a few more. His favorite new baby is a plush fish. He's been carrying it around with him everywhere. At one point Fishy was on my face and very soggy. Jack is smart- if you tell him to bring a specific toy he will. At least 2 hours a day are spent tossing toys up or down the steps. when i get tired doing it, he does it for himself.

I've had fun with him- and I'll certainly miss the boy when it is time for me to turn him back over to his mom and dad. at the same time, we stopped at home for a little while, and i found myself longing for my little hovel. there is always that awareness that you aren't in your own space. i miss the familiar noises, dustbunnies and being in my own clutter.

Time to walk the doggie!

Jack says woof to everyone out there.

Summer Progress Commences

Greeting Minions,

Summer Progress through the shires and villages of the realm began yesterday. Lord Barney and I left the miscreant in the dungeon and enjoyed the sights, smells and sounds of our visit to Penniforth.

My knights and squires are seriously lacking. The joust was pitiful and the loser was scarce worth the effort of marination and spit roasting over the bonfire. And, the human chess match.. Great Goddess, these lumps of humanity need assistance.

We were joined by an acquantaince of the human and two tasty morsels. Alas, the human slipped calm draught into my mead, so I was unable to partake of the delicacies. It might be worth faking "good behavior and social skills" to avoid being drugged. Bah! I am a dragon- I SHALL BE SNARKY! Besides, I am ruler of all known realms and universes, what I say shall be.

There were excellent artisans- at least there, my subjects are up to standard. I came home with moldavite and a lovely wooden rune box. Rook is in high favor in the court- her woodburned boxes are suitable for royal dragons.

Alas, court matters prevail- live as Empress is never quiet.

Until we journey again,

Cordelia

An AHA! Moment

It has been a week of indulging in a full out blue funk. To hell with it- i needed it- and I'm not done yet. I try hard not to drag everyone else into it. I just go into my little bear cave and hibernate. Dad started this round. I love the dude, but we just don't get each other.

Conversations with dad go something like this.. hi dad, i'm tired, no, no job yet, still looking.. and 3 minutes later, we have the conversation again- and again. My patience level is shot.

Some of this funk is stemming from lymes treatment. Lots of it came from the disaster of my actual birthday. Even more is the uncertainty of not knowing where next month's expenses are going to come from in time. Rockbottom is never a good place to be- especially if you're not sure how to keep pushing the rock back up the hill.

Over the weekend, my friends kidnapped me and we celebrated my birthday. It was the one thing that got me out of the house last week. How wonderful to be with people who know you, love you and understand that sometimes, you just can't fake and grit your teeth, politely lie or pretend to be in a good mood or feeling well. And somewhere that night, the funk lifted. A simple, low key evening- and absolutely perfect for me. Homecooked dinner, the fuzzerbugger racing around with his toys, playing taboo for the first time. I wish I could have been there for my actual birthday, rather than at a fancy country club with a room full of strangers.

One of my gifts was a little magnet that reads, "friends are the family you choose for yourself" and how true it is. The more my blood family irritates me, the more I appreciate my friends.

So, there is my AHA! moment- and I bottle the laughter from our evening of playing Taboo and watching Jack race around the condo like a hyperactive energizer bunny. Uncork and enjoy as needed.