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Dear Kitty,
Dear Kitty,
I would like to thank you for your undying affection, and the fact that your mind is like mine and seems to come awake at the most unlikely moments. I also appreciate greatly, that you want to be near to me, so so near to me, that you find such unparalleled comfort in my hair, my breath, and my skin. That though you have many choices of where to be, you choose me.
I think I understand you, that you just want to know someone is there, ready to listen to you, really hear what you have to say, and just sort of well, be together, in those otherwise perfectly quiet hours of the day, when it seems nothing else is happening. That you would choose me is so very humbling. And of course to know, with confidence, with every fiber of fur on your adorable and never annoying self, that there is one person who no matter what you ask of them, perhaps even demand, will not hurt you. Even though it may cross their mind 6,790 times in the short span of the hours between 4-6am.
And without a doubt, I thank you for your vote of confidence in me, that at ungodly hours you know you can count on me to be there, to get up and attend to your modest and such well-timed needs and mostly that you recognize and simply cannot resist my animal magnetism, for why else would you need to sleep not just near me, not close to me, but on me, on my head to be precise; kneading my pillow to find the very best possible spot to get as close to me as humanly, animally possible. Oh, and lest I forget, allow me to express my gratitude for what appears to be your utmost confidence in my abilities to function with very little sleep, with cat-scratcher-sandpaper-behind the eyes focus. You are, without a doubt, my biggest fan.
Yes, I understand you and I am eternally grateful to have your endless, impartial affection.
I just have one small request, that while I am sure you envision our time together as nothing short of purr-fect, that you might find a time other than 5:08 am to express your undying love, admiration and affection for me.
Love,
Your faithful human
Bonnie
Special thanks to Mimi for the video find 
Maybe
Maybe it’s because it’s Monday, or it’s the let down that summer is over and all things routine, scheduled, busy and deadline-d are fast approaching, if not already here.
Maybe it’s because my cat has woken me up pre-dawn three mornings in a row, which might be fine if I went to bed when the rest of the world goes to bed. But I am a night person living in a morning person’s world, so let’s not hold our breath on that one. I am just plain tired. Sandpaper behind my eyes tired. Not enough coffee in the world to wake me up tired.
Maybe it’s because things are a bit tense, for lack of a better word [see note above] at work. To say the least.
Maybe it’s because I went on two wheels to meet two friends for two glasses of wine mid-afternoon yesterday. These things can catch up with you.
Maybe it’s because things seem a bit off, a bit uncertain, with a friend who is beyond dear to me and in my uncertainty if all things are equal, I am quite certain that I am not sure how to approach it, or if I should.
Maybe it’s because I keep getting a call on my cell phone that is coming from out of state and with a caller ID name of Bleh K. Popie. Yes, really. I couldn’t make that up!
Mabye it’s because some days you are definitely the bug and definitely not the windshield and you just don’t know why.
Maybe it’s just because.
Whatever, the reason, today, I feel rather, well,
On the up side of this maybe day, it’s 5 o clock somewhere, taking us one step closer to Friday…and, the last few weeks have left me feeling blush and bashful, and I don’t even wear pink. There has been an abundance of generosity shared over my way and sometimes the best way to get over the bleh’s is to just get busy. So, consider that my next mission. Hoping you are having a Yes day, and not a Maybe and definitely not a No day.
Play Day
Once a month I meet up with some friends to discuss an issue near and dear to our hearts; we each get time to share or reflect before there is any discussion as a group. It’s a wonderful haven, this group, and I rarely miss my chance to be in their presence.
Often, one of my friends will begin our process and get our discussion started with a simple statement, ‘I’ve got nothin‘. We all laugh, because we know it’s coming, but more because we understand. Sometimes it’s just enough to be there, in the presence, in the midst of something good.
Today, the dog days of summer have me beat, have busted my brain.
But, I like to be here, in the presence of all of you, in the midst of something good.
So, today, I’m afraid, I must admit that I’ve got nothin’ and so instead, I leave you with a question, a thought, something to ponder:
A day without blogging, is like a day without….
…you fill in the blank!
Points awarded for creativity, humor and all around crazy thinking. Or jut from the heart, you don’t have to be funny to play.
I am quite certain that science will back me up in saying that if we play, our brains wake up.
In fact, in the book, Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul, the author writes
“Of all animal species, humans are the biggest players of all. We are built through play and built to play. When we play, we are engaged in the purest expression of our humanity, the truest expression of our individuality. Is it any wonder, that often the times we feel most alive, those that make up our best memories, are moments of play.”
Ready to play?
Just pulled into Arizona, time for a rest
First Stop – Arizona!
Today is the first stop along my ‘Road Trip” and you all know I was headed for Arizona…I made that easy for you, the next clue won’t be so easy! I left Northern California and ‘drove’ 755 miles south in my Triumph Herald, 
all the way down to Phoenix Arizona! My butt hurts! But, it was worth it, I wanted to meet Kate, the creative mind behind A Creative Cookie, and I think you will enjoy our meet up! Kate @ A Creative Cookie was among the first folks I connected with when I started my small creative biz on Etsy which in turn is what led me here to this fantastic corner of blogland. I love surprises, and this has got to be one of the best.
At the heart of my summer bloggin’ road trip is my tribute to the unexpected and the what if: Unexpected and surprising connections we can and have made as a result taking the risk to put a bit – or a lot – of ourselves out there for others to see, connect with, appreciate, learn from and sometimes just throw our heads back and have a good laugh with. The what if; what if we could connect beyond our keyboards and computer screens?
So, the way this virtual visit works is - I asked Kate some questions I would likely ask her if we were sitting down together at her favorite spot(s) in her hometown, to get to know each other a little bit better.
Since this is a bloggin’ road trip, we have to talk about blogging, of course. Tell me about when you got started in blogging – What was it that got you started? Did you think about it for a long time, or did you just wake up one day and think, “I’m going to start a blog”? // One day I realized my passion for crafting and decided to start a craft blog. I have had several blogs before A Creative Cookie, but none of them got off the ground. I was determined that this one would. The only part that took me a long time was thinking of a name!
How long have you been blogging now, and what would you say has surprised you the most about blogging? // I’ve been blogging for about nine months now. What’s surprised me most… well really everything has surprised me! Before A Creative Cookie, I thought that “blogging” was more like having a website. I didn’t know it was anything personal, or that I could post about my life sometimes other than just crafts. I also didn’t know that blogging is a great way to meet new friends! I didn’t realize that either; it’s been such a great surprise to find like minded, kindred spirits – I just didn’t anticipate that part of it, or see it coming, but I am so grateful for having ventured down this road, to find such amazing individuals.
Everything has it’s challenges, are there things about being a blogger that just make you say, ugh? Things you put off or just like less than the rest of it? // The biggest challenge I have is to really be me when I write. After lots of thinking and reading a few posts, including this one , I’ve realized how the whole concept of “blog etiquette” is ridiculous. Leaving comments and making friends through blogging isn’t wrong at all, but I personally have found that reading other blogs, saying just the right things, and being witty and funny during posts… has all changed me and they way I write. I’m determined to make my posts as if I was really talking, not just me trying to be funny or interesting. Commenting is the way we engage, connect and form relationships here, and don’t you think that’s also how we even find out partly who we are, by our own reactions to what others share? I am glad we have some of that same perspective!
What topic/topics do you enjoy blogging about the most? // I love blogging about craft tutorials, of course, but I also love sharing helpful tips. Giveaways are fun to host too!
I just rolled into your town…how are we going to spend the day? // The Botanical Gardens This is my favorite place to practice my photography! All the cacti, plants, flowers, and butterflies are just gorgeous! Of course you’d have to come during Spring for the best experience.
Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium The zoo is such a fun place to go! The Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium also has a fun log ride to go on. I am also a huge fan of photographing animals, so this is also a fantastic place to go to! The Lowell Observatory If you would like to stay an extra day, we could drive up to The Lowell Observatory. They have a fun, interesting tour around the place that includes a visit to the Pluto Discovery Telescope. Salt River Tubing We could go on a fun 2 hour tubing ride down the river. Unwind with a floating cooler full of snacks and drinks but don’t forget sunscreen! Scottsdale Civic Center Mall This is a beautiful place with flowers, fountains, and sculptures. We could take a walk, feed the swans, and take lots of photos.
I just spent 755 miles in the car and want to unwind with a nice glass of wine – what do you say we go grab a drink? Where do you take me and what’s your favorite summer time beverage? // It’s funny – I’ve never gone out to get a drink! To try new things, I would take you to Hobs Nobs. I drive by them all the time and just love the look of the cute little place! My favorite summer time beverage would be lemonade… I’m not a huge drinker and don’t drink soda anymore. That looks like a great spot! I love a nice glass of wine, and I don’t drink soda anymore either, (I managed to kick that habit about a year ago ), and I love lemonade {is there anyone who doesn’t} so we’re good!
What question(s) do you have for me while we relax? // Which of the five places we “went to” above did you enjoy {or think you would enjoy} the most? I would completely love the Salt River Tubing and any and all of the locations you scouted for some great photography. I always have a camera with me and love any opportunity to take photos. Especially in areas where it is just part of life. My husband grew up in Arizona, and he and I are going to have a long chat…he’s never taken me tubing, or to any of these incredible places.
So, I’m pretty hungry after a day of driving and I’ve had my fill of fast food and truck stop food. I would loooove something home cooked ; what would you fix for us to eat? // I would love to fix some of this delicious lookin’ ravioli, with parmesan cheesy bread my mom used to make. And how about some homemade hot fudge sundaes for dessert? Duh! Ok…sure, um yeah, that would be great!
You had me at cheesy bread, by the way, and do you think I’d say no to dessert? But before I get back on the road, I’m going to need a good cuppa cuppa to keep me awake for the next part of my drive….where would you take me for my java fix? // I would take you to Donut Central, a cute donut and coffee place near my house. Sadly, I couldn’t find a website, but they have the yummiest donuts that we can munch on while sipping our coffee. Oh! And I can’t forget that they have the nicest staff. That always keeps me coming back to a place too, kindness goes a long way and remains in my memory longer than any taste or flavor.
Tell me one surprising thing I would find out when meeting you for the first time? // You would find that I have really long hair! I used to always wear it shoulder-length, but I love the longer look now. Putting it in messy buns is my favorite! Mine used to be really long too, until I cut it all of at the big four-oh birthday, so I could donate it, and it’s been short ever since.
It’s been an awesome stop – I want to take a souvenir home to remember my visit with you – what should I put in my trunk to take home? // You should grab a cute pair of sunglasses to remember the intense sun here! Oh, and snap lots of photos! Those capture the best memories.
I’m heading out of the driveway – you toss me a CD of your favorite tunes to listen to as I roll on down the highway – what is it and what’s your favorite song on it? I might just have to hand you two CDs! Because I absolutely loooove musicals, I would toss you Wicked, a fun musical about how The Wizard of Oz came to be, and Les Miserables. Both are a family favorite here! My favorite songs are Defying Gravity and One Day More. I am a fan of Les Miserables, and have enjoyed seeing it more than once. I wish I could say the same about Wicked, but it’s on my list to see now. Especially after listening to Kristen Chenowith and Idina Menzel sing Defying Gravity {embedding was disabled} I couldn’t stop listening to this song…and found myself really connecting with these lyrics:
Something has changed within me – Something is not the same – I’m through with playing by the rules – Of someone else’s game – Too late for second-guessing – Too late to go back to sleep – It’s time to trust my instincts – Close my eyes: and leap! If you have seen Wicked, I am envious!
Is there anything else you want to say, I’m heading out!
Yes… thank you so much for visiting me! It’s been so much fun!
Kate, it’s been fun to get to know you a little better and thank you so much for being a warm welcome when I first came on the scene and for hosting my first ’stop’ in Arizona …I hardly noticed your 107 degree heat!
A Creative Cookie blog
is all about crafts and creative ideas and you can find, follow and like Kate in all these places!
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Bloglovin
My mom taught me to return kindness with kindess, so Kate, you get a little token of appreciation from me – I hope you enjoy it!
So, as I roll on down the highway, where am I headed next? Here is your hint; and I’ m being nice and giving you two clues:
My next stop is in a state bordered by six states and has the most (hu)man made lakes in the US.
???
Until next time, safe travels of all kinds…
…wheels, heart, mind and soul
I Stink!
No, really I do!
Last night, I posted a little story about my fur kid Stuart, and how he thinks he is our ferocious protector. Could I have jinxed myself?
Most likely, and the irony in situations never lost on me. And we just have to laugh about these things right?
Like when the whole family comes down with the stomach flu, at the same time? Or when your kid has a fat lip on his 3rd birthday and the photos are around forever to prove it? Or when the ski instructor causes you to fall down getting off the chair lift and causing a scene?
You just don’t forget those things, that’s what life is made of, and if we can’t laugh, we are in serious trouble.
So, help me laugh today. Please, because I really stink!
I secured my pup and the cat last night like I do every night, and then proceeded to stay up way past my invisible bedtime; engaged here in this very blogging space. I finally found my pillow in the weee hours of the morning and it felt like only minutes when I hear the infamous but ferocious barking. Because it was only minutes, about 90 of them.
You do recall that ’come’ is unfortunately not a word well understood around here?
The dog was indeed protecting us. Absolutely. Totally.
From the skunk backed up to the fence in the farthest corner of the yard, that just also happens to be right outside our bedroom window. Naturally.
So, picture this, my husband and I are outside at 4am in the pitch darkness with a flashlight, barefoot in pajamas, treats and squeaker and our plaintive cries…come! come!! come!!! And a few expletives that I will omit but I am sure you can easily imagine….I don’t know how we finally succeeded in getting the dog to come to us, but wowza, he was stinkified. And his poor eyes; it was like he had been pepper sprayed.
Bath number one happens oh, about oh-4-dark- thirty; bath number two happens around oh-dark- 6- thirty. Our vet told us to use a concoction of hydrogen peroxide, Dawn dishsoap, vanilla extract and of course water. Did we have any of that on hand? Noooo, of course not. Our white fluff of a mutt is certainly a bit fluffier today. I stood in the garage with the doors and windows wide open, just sucking in the fresh, clean air, really quite tempted to grab a few zzz’s in the car. The stuff in our house was toxic. But it gets better. I went to cover up the couches so that if he had any residue left it would go onto items I could either incinerate {not really, but…} or wash. And I step in cat pee…I guess she has a right to be traumatized too. Right? So, I get to work on that mess. It’s now time to face the music that I have to go get ready to get to work. But I stink! Really I do.
No meetings all week, but today? Three. I am horrified! I have to sit close to people. Like right next to them. In rooms with closed doors. Poor things. I violated code and am burning a scented candle and imagine my inner squeal and mischievous grin, when people walk in and say, “oh it smells so good’ in here”.
My brain is mush, I am stinky and the back of my eyes feel like sandpaper. But these are the things life is made up of. We have to laugh. So, laugh with me today, and be glad, be really glad, that you are not sitting right next to me today!
Imagine smelling this instead!
Nine to 5
It was a perfect time away for Twinkle Toes and her family, mountains, fresh air, quality time, runs in the forest and so much more…
…and perhaps a few highlights will come soon.
In the meantime…
…the 9-5 beckons
Happy Monday all!
PS…Is it Friday yet? :)
And that’s just the half of it; or adios my taco!
This is one of those weeks full of life. Full of busy. It’s all good, but it finds me wondering who hit hyperspeed on my treadmill! And I am tired, oh so tired. Have you ever noticed that it’s really hard to think when you are tired. Really hard. And creativity? What’s that?
It started off with my son’s indoor soccer game; which if you have ever watched one you will understand why I don’t get how for those sitting in the stands just watching the game does not burn calories! It’s intense and fast and exciting and it’s fun to see your kiddo totally focused. { I just wish that same focus tranferred to cleaning his room, doing homework…} At the end of the intensity, on the edge of our seats, when we all finally exhaled, I commented to another parent at the end of game, I think I need a drink now!
Well, lucky me that was the next stop! Well, after a quick grocery run. Two of my gal pals took me out for a birthday dinner at our favorite local winery and dessert where we know they serve a hot molten chocolate cake. We ate it before I thought to get my camera busy, but here’s a good stand in, and trust me on this one. When they say decadent, it’s for serious people!
And look at these lovely ladies bestowed up on me. Lucky me!
My friend bought this darling bag from an Etsy shop! How cool is that? You can find this bag
in the Etsy Shop called Mona’s Box & Bags. Oh, notice my lovely lotus bowls! And this darling necklace? Well, my friend B. made it! Isn’t it sweet! I’ve worn it every day since Sunday. I’m loyal like that.
Check out this awesome candle my friend J. gave me from Aunt Sadie’s! I can’t wait to put it to good use along with the Amazon gift card that was tucked in with it…doesn’t some quiet reading time sound good? Any books you think are must reads?
Ok, so, hmmm. Out on a Sunday night. A few glasses of wine. Hmmm. I realized Monday morning that maybe wasn’t the smartest plan. And for kickers, for some reason I woke up at 3:45am {and never went back to sleep …. yawwwn} on Monday and well, that is how my week started. And it’s only Wednesday. { Yawwwwn}
Monday night was the first baseball game of the season and our AA Tigers took the lead, made some great plays, got some really great hits and then at the last minute lost by one. It’s good to start off humble.
{BTW, sticking your tongue out increases your ability. It’s scientifically proven!}
On Tuesday afternoon the fatigue really kicks in - I am still recovering from that late night and early wake up. How do I know this? Well, yesterday I was texting with a friend who is helping me with a big photo project at work. He was signing off with “see ya manana‘ and I decided to write back with “adios muchacho“. But auto correct took over and decided that I should refer to him as ‘mytaco‘ instead of my friend. Mytaco isn’t even a word!! You know that silly, punchy feeling that comes over you when you are sleep deprived? The one where you just.can’t.stop.laughing? That crazy kind of laughing? Yeah, that was me. The person who works with me was a little worried I am sure.
No rest for the weary! Last night was {another} fun night out { I know, two social nights in one week?!} Too much for this old lady who needs those darn reading glasses now. But my friend B. got tickets months ago for all of us to see “Straight No Chaser“. I had no idea who they were before the show so what a terrific surprise when a group of hunky dory [emphasis on hunky] guys all dressed in suits came out on stage and serenaded me. Oh, yeah, and all the 3000 other people in the theater too. What was really fun is that this old lady and her pals felt really really young when we looked around and realized that we were the youngest ones there! Awesome guys, awesome music - check them out when you get a chance. Have a listen to their rendition of “Like a Prayer”!
Back to work today, and working the snack shack at my son’s ball field tonight. Guess what’s for dinner tonight?
And that’s only half of the week. Adios my tacos!
Friday Foto Fun :: coffee to go?
About a year ago, I was driving down the interstate, a very boring and very long drive that I have made more times than I can count. I had my son with me and we were having a great road trip; music cranked, highway games and just enjoying the open road and the long weekend ahead of us. At some point, I started getting the highway drowsies and was using all the regular tricks to fight them off. I finally gave in and pulled off to get some fresh air, get a snack and maybe a cup of coffee to revive myself for the rest of the trip.
While on the off-ramp, I looked up and saw this truck ahead of me; all I could do was laugh. I grabbed my phone and quickly snapped a photo through the windshield [I know...I know...but I was going about 5 miles an hour and coming up to a stop sign!]. the irony of the moment was not lost on me, it did the trick and perked me up! Good thing, there was no coffee {any good coffee, that is} to be found!
{ Here’s to another long weekend! }
Coffee to go?
Sweet Dreams, Sleep Tight
Photo by Etsy shop owner thebigharumph
I have always been a night person; it’s the part of the day I truly claim as my own. The house is quiet; the day is done and I feel I can finally exhale, relax and focus. Think, reflect, plan and consider. The quiet time is far more valuable to me than the actual sleep; and somehow I can function on less than I probably need. For awhile. And then that mind numbing feeling kicks in; the simple things seem so difficult, routine tasks feel huge and creative thought feels like swimming in molasses. As I was thinking about this week’s Treasury Thursday, I kept coming up blank, no ideas. All I could think of is how tired I feel, and that a night with the TV sounded good for a change. Then, my mind would wander back to the task at hand, and instead of some brilliant idea, all I could think of is how tired I feel. And then suddenly with the one creative fiber still awake in there, it dawned on me that Today’s Treasury was to be about all about sleep. I found some wonderful items that inspire rest and relaxation just upon first glance. I hope you enjoy.
When I was young, my grandmother would say to me as I headed off to bed, ‘good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite. And if they do, take a shoe, and beat them black and blue!“
Tonight, I have scheduled an early meeting with my pillow. And my shoe. Sweet dreams, all!
 Sweet Dreams sleep tight lov… $17.99
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 Printed Pillowcases Black on… $26.00
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 ethereal feather photograph … $18.00
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 LINOCUT PRINT – Good Night S… $22.00
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 French: Life is a long sleep… $12.00
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 Chunky PLUSH crocheted baby … $30.00
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 Emily Sleep Tight Pillow Owl… $10.00
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 Let her sleep… she will mo… $5.99
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 Embroidered PillowCases Slee… $16.00
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 Moon and Star Bangle Bracele… $75.00
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 Luxury Silk and Minky Sleepi… $35.00
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 Sleeping kitten $15.00
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 Wall decals SWEET DREAMS Vi… $7.00
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 Relax your body calm you min… $22.50
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 Silently sleeping – 8×10 – f… $30.00
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Treasury tool by Red Row Studio.
{ zzzzzzzzz }
