Cat on a Tole Tray for The Color Carnival

I wanted to share a vintage tole tray for dear Martha@Menagerie's Color Carnival, but my cat, Abigail had other plans.
There she goes, she rolled a little out of the way to show you the pretty painted flowers.
Oh, to be a cat, where laying around is an art form.

I won't be laying around this weekend though. I'm off to see Chinese Acrobats perform tonight after work, then tomorrow, cleaning out some garage cabinets, (Le Sigh), and chaperoning the High School Winter Formal. (I am bringing ear plugs and a book for the dance, and no, as a Freshman, our son is Not Attending.)

I wish you a Colorful week whether you are laying about or on the go, ear plugs not included.
What are you up to this weekend? Thank you so much.

The Lion(ness) lays down with the Lamb for Almost Wordless Wednesday

The lion will lay down with the lamb, or in this case, the Manx cat, Abigail will lay down with the Labradoodle, Charley. Sunbathing somnolence is a wonderful thing in all species.

If you want to share what Moves you, please visit The Motivation Station where I am host on Wednesdays. Thank you so much.

MultiTasking

I hope you are doing well this Friday. I have been doing my usual mish mash of multi-tasking things - work, household, kids, husband, and pet duty. It's a good thing I can never sit down and have lots of energy.

Work is good and I am in the process of applying for my 9th, that's right, 9th nursing license. Due to the nature of my job working with families all over the U.S., certain states require a nursing license from their specific state. I am just darn happy to have a job and colleagues I enjoy and learn from, good pay, and alot of autonomy. Very happy, especially in this economy where friends and neighbors have lost jobs and are struggling to find work.

I am in somewhat of a state of pleasant shock after attending a presentation by high school students with our oldest son last night. The high school students answered questions and talked about how to make a successful transition to high school. I am really pleased and delighted with the principal of the high school and the poise and accomplishments of these students, both upper and lower classmen. Academic and extra curricular student life were addressed including social pressures and bullying. I am relieved about our son having a safe and enriching environment for school that welcomes parent involvement. I can't believe he is starting high school next fall. How the HELL did this happen? I swear I just started the kid on solid food and Now, He is Taller than me!

Tomorrow is our puppy's First Birthday! Happy Birthday, Charley Barley! Shh, please don't tell him, but we got him a few presents. (He's a power chewer and goes through toys very efficiently.)

I am also looking forward to a date tomorrow with my husband. We are going to see Slum.Dog Millionaire and have dinner, Together! Just the two of us grownups.

I am trying not to have an existential crisis with my closets and garage. (We have no basements or attic spaces in California.) They are in serious need of major purge/straighten sessions but I can only tackle a little at at time. Ack!

After lunch today, my cousin and I are taking a hike at Hart Park. It's a beautiful and warm day and I'm going out to get some exercise, sunshine, and laughs, oh- and of course, visit the bison herd there.

Best to you for a great day and weekend too.

Comings and Goings

Charley the dog and the smallest Pack Leader, Abigail.

This past week marked two anniversaries that impacted my life greatly.

Last weekend was the 4 year anniversary of bringing our cat, Abigail, home from her foster home. She was a rescue kitty left with her sister in a box at a pet store about 50 miles away in southern Los Angeles. She was fostered by Cats At The Studios, a cat rescue organization organized by people who care and find homes for the strays that live on the grounds of the Studios. Abigail is a Tuxedo Manx; very sweet, smart, and affectionate to her family and her dog, Charley. It takes her awhile to warm up to new people, but she is very friendly when she does. She is my best bud, and I feel so lucky she has come into my life. Our oldest son named Abigail after a cute and sassy girl character from the Cartoon, "Kids Next Door". It suits her. To own and care for pets is a necessity for me and my well being. Especially a cat, a Manx cat named Abigail.

A few days ago was the 11th anniversary of my Grandma Rose's death. She was 95 years young and one of my best friends. She was sharp and funny until the day she passed and I celebrate and try to emulate her in the way she conducted her life. She was and continues to be a source of unconditional love. She showed me what it is to struggle, overcome, and succeed with her journey as a divorced mom, career woman, and a true and abiding friend to not only me, but to her son, my Dad. Thank you, dear Grandma Rose for all your love and gifts, they have not gone unbidden.

So, by the circumstance of the calendar, I celebrate the flow of unconditional love in my life, both human and feline. I'm a lucky woman indeed.

Pet pictures

Here are some pictures of my best four legged buddies, Abigail, our Manx cat and the dog, Charles Barkley aka Charley Barley. They love each other and provide each other with amusement and in the case of the cat, much annoyance too! Best to you and your loved ones with wet noses and warm fur.


Abigail and Charley napping together.





Abigail loves her little brother and newest toy, Charley.



Abigail says, "Talk to the tush".