Another Christmas come and gone ...

Well, at the beginning of December, I had so many things I wanted to share on my blog and for some reason, my blog disappeared! All I could find was an old cache snapshot when I did a google search.  I was heartbroken because even though I don't update the blog often, I come back often to read past posts and I update when I really feel the need to share something that I used to share with my Mom.  After sharing my dilemma on facebook, I received a lot of advice and finally was able to get my blog up and running again.  I'm happy now!  Since the beginning of December when I had so much to say, I have forgotten all those things.  I made it through another Christmas without Mom.  It still hurts, and the hurt does not subside.  Everyone always says that it gets better with time, I'm not sure about others but this isn't true for me.  Each and every hummingbird that flitters my way sends me in to memories of my Mom and even though I cherish those memories, I would love to have a real hug from her.  I would love to hear her voice.  I would love to share my joys and sorrows and listen to her joys and sorrows.  I would love to love her in person rather than in memories.  I look forward to the day when we will be reunited in eternity.  Until that day, I will hang on to my lovely memories.  Happy New Year!  xoxo

New Puppy ... New Life!

So much has happened here in the past month!  We adopted a precious little puppy who is a handful, to say the least! Luna was one of a litter of sweet puppies  (and their Australian Shepherd Mom) who were turned over to a local rescue. Being part Australian Shepherd, she has an overabundance of energy and my every waking moment is spent trying to contain her excitement and rowdiness!  We knew what we were getting in to (but forgot most of the fun stuff) because the only other dog we have ever had was a Shetland Sheepdog ... another herding breed that has way too much energy! Luna requires a lot of play time, a lot of time running and getting that energy out in a safe manner. Our house has some chew spots (doors and cupboards are her favorite ... wood must taste yummy) from the times when I haven't been able to divert her attention.   She also finds a way to get in to the litter box (if I forget to shut the bathroom door ... argh!  That's NOT fun!) She also jumps all over us and nips ... all things that herding breeds do and need to be stopped before they get out of hand.  It's not too bad when a sweet little 13 pound puppy jumps on you and nips but what about when she's a 40 pound dog?!  Yikes!  Not a good scenario, at all!   I'm trying to use the Victoria Stilwell Positively Training methods and Luna catches on quickly.  She has sit and lie down mastered perfectly (unless she's excited, then it all goes out the window).   Does anyone out there in blog land have some tips on training a puppy to stay down?  She jumps all over us and the furniture out of sheer excitement.  I also have not been able to introduce her to the two cats because they are too afraid.  As it is now, they are out in the main part of the house at separate times.  So, any advice on introducing a puppy to the resident cats is much appreciated, too! I do not believe in screaming, hitting, holding down or any of those other Dog Whisperer training methods.  Only positive reinforcement ideas, please!   Thanks so much!    On a bear related note, I am trying to finish up an Autumn bear.  She's a lovely pumpkin color.  If I can contain Luna's enthusiasm, I should be able to finish before Winter arrives!
Hope you have a lovely weekend!
Hugs & Blessings,
Janice

 Here's Luna when we first brought her home!  Look at that little face!  Love her little bent down ears!

And look at those precious little white eyelashes!  Oh my goodness, she's so beautiful!

Here she is now at about 4-1/2 months old, about a month after we adopted her, one ear up and one ear down!  She's beginning to look more like an Australian Shepherd!

More paper crafting!

One more paper crafting post before I promise another "Booh Bear" post!   This latest wall hanging was made from a pre-cut, whitewashed, wooden plaque.  I dyed several colors of 90 lb. watercolor paper using different mixes of Dylusions Inks.  After the paper has dried, the flower cutting begins!  I really enjoy flower making ... it borders on therapeutic for me!  I guess that is how I end up spending hours upon hours making flowers!   After die cutting the flowers, I tipped the petals in color box inks, dampened them slightly and curled the petals using fondant ball tools.  I know there are some fancy flower making ball tools out there (with a fancy price to match) but you will get the same effect using fondant ball tools and they are a lot less expensive.  The dies used on this piece were Sizzix Tattered Florals, Garden Greens, and Fancy Flourishes ... along with the butterfly die that came with the Sizzix Big Shot Plus Starter Kit.  The smaller flowers were die cut using 5 different JoyCrafts!  Florals dies.   I hope you like my latest paper craft!   Have a wonderful and safe 4th of July!
Hugs & Blessings,
Janice