This is how I woke up this morning....after much walking around on me, purring and licking my face and hands, the kitties settled in, trapping me with their warm little bodies.

They were born from the same litter but could not be more different.  

Sammy, the Siamese, is rambunctious, tearing around the house after toys or talking to himself (and his demons) in corners.  He is really more of a dog-in-a-cat-suit, playing fetch for hours with his toys and demanding our attention.

Amber, the Tortoiseshell, is reserved, but loving.  She has her moments of crazy energy, which usually result in her running as fast as she can back and forth along one side of the apartment, from window to window.  She is the epitome of "cute", with little, gentle licks and an inquiring meow.

When people ask if we want kids, I tell them we already have two....and that they are furry with pointy ears and long tails.

I hope your Monday is starting off just as well, and is just as full of love!

 There are SIX days left for the Red Cross Sale!  Remember, it's 10% off of everything in my Etsy Shop, PLUS $10 of each sale goes to the Red Cross to aid in the relief efforts over in Japan and the Pacific.  To learn more about the relief efforts, please head over to redcross.org for more information.

You may think "well, if I wanted to donate $10 to the Red Cross, I would do just that.  Why would I buy jewelry in order to do so?"  Good question.  And my answer is this: this is a great opportunity to get yourself or someone you love something special while on sale, and at the same time, be giving to a great cause.  The relief efforts in Japan will take years, and right now, every little bit helps.

If you want more information on the disaster in Japan, there are many resources, but I would recommend news organizations like the BBC.  

Thank you, always, for your support!

The Red Cross Sale has been extended to March 31!!!  

....it cries out for the open fields, the smell of grass

the fresh wind and clouds

the incredibly gorgeous sunsets that grace the land almost every night

the cold of the winter, biting and fierce,

and the heat of the summer, in all its dusty glory.

My heart reminds me of the land I grew up on

the glorious space

abundant vistas

My heart cries so loud that not even the splendor of cherry blossoms and sweet flowers can calm it.

Sometimes, it feels as if the city may suffocate me

as if I might crawl out of my own skin to get away.

What gets me through?

Hiking, and thank goodness Portland is full of green spaces.

Dogs, in all their goofiness and innocence.

Kids.

And of course, the metal.

You may remember this brooch, given that I made it about a year ago!  It was made for the Etsy Metal Project Runway Jewelry Challenge 7.7.  The challenge was to create something with objects found at a hardware store.  Here are the details:

In the spirit of helping those affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, a group of artists from Etsy Metal have committed to donating proceeds from their sales of jewelry.  I am currently hosting a "Red Cross Sale" in which everything in my Etsy Shop is marked 10% off, and $10 of every sale goes to the Red Cross.

Details of the various sales are below!

This is a great opportunity to not only purchase gifts or jewelry for yourself, but to help those in dire need.

 

I don't regularly watch the news, because I don't have a TV.  However, through the wonder that is social media, I was alerted to the crisis in Japan as it was happening.  The footage I have seen has been absolutely terrifying and humbling.  I cannot even begin to imagine the immensity of the situation without actually being there, but I want to help.  So, starting at midnight tonight, for seven days, I will be holding a RED CROSS SALE  in my Etsy shop.  Everything is 10% off, AND $10 of every sale will go to the Red Cross.

Please consider donating, as well as spreading the word.