tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21236477111675445692024-03-13T07:45:40.581-04:00The Rat's NestRats and scraps and other geeky crafts.Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.comBlogger176125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-13022535718927858342015-06-30T19:54:00.000-04:002015-06-30T19:54:01.923-04:00Good Mail Day!I'm super late (surprise!) this month when it comes to thanking my superb Secret Sister from the A Cherry on Top message board. She's been so generous in her selection of sweet little gifts, but honestly, it's her little notes that make me feel really special. It's in no way required so the fact that she takes the time to do it is one of those small gestures that makes the packages seem extra thoughtful. Whoever you are, if you read this...thanks!<br />
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And just a little something dorky to leave you with...here's a postcard I made for my brother using the contents of last month's Pipsticks shipment. He's got a fancypants teal blue Mustang so I thought he might enjoy something similarly themed:<br />
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That's it. Hope you liked it!Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-64861886564320995532014-12-04T18:40:00.002-05:002014-12-04T19:09:35.857-05:00Season's Greetings!Yay! I love the buildup to Xmas! I can't believe we're already 4 days in. I've been so busy the last few days, I feel like I haven't properly celebrated December's arrival. On the other hand, I haven't been totally neglectful...<br />
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Here I am at our favorite tree lot with Jinka--no wait--I mean <i>Santa</i>saurus. We go to the same lot almost every year that we get a bona-fide genu-INE pine tree. It's an odd little convenience store near the Fairgrounds and Neomonde that has the best trees at prices so low it makes me wonder if they're some kind of money laundering cover for a major drug syndicate. But then, I don't think a drug cartel would go to the trouble of baking homemade candy pies (?!) or carrying tri-color coconut bars and other candy from long, long ago (possibly the self-same bars). The people working there are always really sweet. They seem to *want* to be there, which is generally a good sign that a business is treating them well, too. So, unless it an aluminum tree year, we always visit these guys. Note that I have no idea what the name of the business is. I'm bad that way.<br />
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Posing with the Frasier Firs! The only kind of Fir I approve of (get it? It's a pun. <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/nov/28/china-media-watchdog-bans-wordplay-puns">Take that, Chinese government!</a>) There are many elements of this photo that make it a crappy photo, but I can't get over how cute Jinksie looks while asking to be picked up, doing that dance he does, while wearing that santa coat. So...much...cute!<br />
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And...well, I had to post this one because I love how they're both making the same goofy face! That's my husband, Scott, incidentally.<br />
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So yeah, we have a tree, but we still haven't put the lights or decorations on it so that's part of why I feel under Xmased. I've been watching the Hallmark parade of people accidentally getting mixed up one way or another and consequently finding love at Xmas, movies. So I'm not doing too bad. I need cookies and carols. Gotta work on that. Stay tuned.<br />
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<br />Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-14821437714383058272014-03-01T18:43:00.002-05:002014-03-01T18:43:57.062-05:00Toxoplasmosis: Don't give up your cat!<br />
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In the many years I've worked in rescue, I have encountered people giving up their cats, or being told by their doctors to do so, due to toxoplasmosis risk. It's unfortunate since not only is this unnecessary according to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), it's not even the most common way to contract the disease.</div>
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Oddly, while it seems everyone thinks of cats when they think of toxoplasmosis, the far more likely culprit is handling raw or undercooked meat, since meats are very likely fecally contaminated. The CDC classifies toxoplasmosis as a food borne illness, not a zoonosis (a disease that can be transmitted directly from non-human-animal to human). Fully cooked to the recommended temperature, the fecal bacteria in meat is rendered inactive, but pregnant women and the immunocompromised should never handle raw or undercooked meat. I get annoyed that doctors tell people to dump their beloved pets (even strictly indoor cats who are very unlikely to be carriers), yet don't tell them to have someone else cook any meat for them (or not to eat meat at all), since that's actually a far a bigger concern. </div>
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Gardening is another way that humans can contract Toxoplasmosis. Wildlife feces is prominent in soil, and the CDC cites this as another risk factor, yet I haven't heard of a rush of pregnant women being told to fear their gardens the way doctors tell them to freak out about their cats. </div>
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Toxoplasmosis is a relatively minor infection provided you aren't pregnant or immune compromised, but if you are, it can cause serious illness. You have to actually ingest infected feces to get it, and so does your cat, so you can help prevent exposure by keeping cats indoors so they don't eat wildlife and their feces-filled innards. Another way to avoid it? Clean the litterbox daily since the Toxoplasmosis parasite does not become active and transmissible for 24 hrs to 5 days after being shed. It doesn't hurt to wear gloves and a mask, and use basic sanitation skills when scooping the litterbox, and ideally, if you are in the high-risk group and want to be super duper absolutely careful (and why not?) you can have someone else scoop the box.</div>
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I think doctors get overexcited sometimes about things pets can transmit, despite those diseases being extremely few compared to what humans transmit to each other. They also seem more worried about what you can get from the living animals on our sofas, than the dead ones in the kitchen. You're *far* more likely to become extremely ill from exposure to food borne illness, your toddler or small child, his friends, and your co-workers, than get sick from anything our pets are likely to carry, particularly when our pets are kept healthy, vetted, vaccinated, clean and indoors. </div>
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It seems people are much more likely to believe that their pets are dangerous to their health than any of the things that *really* risky in our surroundings. I suppose it's because people still, sadly, see pets as disposable, making it easy believe we can get rid of the risk by getting rid of the pet. I'd love to see the concept of disposable, "give-away" pets come to an end. It would make rescue so much easier and allow shelters to cut their "euthanasia" rates dramatically.</div>
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In the mean time, when you hear someone spreading the idea that cats are dirty animals that need to be tossed aside out of fear of Toxoplasmosis, please set them straight. Send them to the CDC website, and make sure they know they shouldn't fear their feline.</div>
Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-42177714996877468952014-01-06T19:21:00.001-05:002014-01-06T19:21:23.154-05:00A Cherry On TopA Cherry on Top, or ACOT, is the online scrapbooking supply store who hosts the message board where I've been hanging out lately. It's a fun group of people, with lots of challenges, and this weekend they hosted a special event in anticipation of CHA, the Craft and Hobby Association convention where all the new releases for spring.<br />
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So...here's my first challenge entry, making a birthday card. Not overly complicated, but I love that funny little egg-headed kitty and the teensy hearts by the "happy birthday" message.<br />
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Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-62451038293665144992013-10-14T03:23:00.001-04:002013-10-14T21:24:55.100-04:00Gift Basket Reveal for A New Leash on Life<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9FvTUB75z_waKUKPl1tkNu9-YWeBf__6E3mCEmDCGNldMLotjhLtLSb6uUq0jk2EWCY49umL9JKrbjvfTTacs6ETr32B0_8nx7V3tAal_gqE6NywpD53QfXkCOOWkOpN8nFSTwI6sas/s1600/gift+basket+120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ9FvTUB75z_waKUKPl1tkNu9-YWeBf__6E3mCEmDCGNldMLotjhLtLSb6uUq0jk2EWCY49umL9JKrbjvfTTacs6ETr32B0_8nx7V3tAal_gqE6NywpD53QfXkCOOWkOpN8nFSTwI6sas/s320/gift+basket+120.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
I get a lot of requests from animal rescue and advocacy groups for donations from my shop and while I don't have time to make things for them all, I do my best to be able to help as many groups' requests as I possibly can. So, when I was contacted by the fabulous people at <a href="http://www.anewleashonliferescue.com/">A New Leash On Life</a> rescue, I got to work. There are actually several groups with that same name, but this is the one in northeast Ohio. <a href="http://www.anewleashonliferescue.com/">Click here</a> to give their webpage a look.<br />
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Here's a look at some of the cards included in the basket. I wanted to include something that would help spread the rescue message and I think these came out really cute. Moonlight Journey is the producer of the collage sheet featuring the kitty cone images that got my creativity jump started, and the cats you see are actual shelter kitties.Then I added all sorts of papers, ribbons, fussy cut bits, chipboard, itty bitty sticky letters, veneers, punches, and more. Check out that beautiful coral lace on the top right card. It's even prettier in person.<br />
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Here's the other set of cards. Super sparkly with lots of bright details. I love that argyle one and the little bird with the word bubble in the upper left corner. Cuteness!<br />
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Cards are fun, but I felt the basket needed something more to mix things up, so here's the bookmark I made. It's a little hard to see all the details, like the itty bitty kitten punches, below. Those kinds of things are what make it all so much fun. The kitty veneers are pretty darn cool additions, too!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgma0ES5RYQChAux6i8w3Kh_GTsQqonjCAHOR-sXFyABID4n74YaZj6hsmJw5rrTh9ZcZridoAyCzJcWZHT1kAFfMz805dV1WQ3Q06Dqxr71M4W-isxMR0o1-WaS1vGtglIntHIkjCEzYg/s1600/gift+basket+056.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgma0ES5RYQChAux6i8w3Kh_GTsQqonjCAHOR-sXFyABID4n74YaZj6hsmJw5rrTh9ZcZridoAyCzJcWZHT1kAFfMz805dV1WQ3Q06Dqxr71M4W-isxMR0o1-WaS1vGtglIntHIkjCEzYg/s320/gift+basket+056.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
So, how can you make this basket yours and have all of the proceeds go to A New Leash on Life? The auction will be on<a href="https://www.facebook.com/NLOLrescue"> their Facebook page</a>, plus you can have fun reading more about the animals they're helping. Don't miss it!Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-66822888081332421792013-10-02T05:21:00.000-04:002013-10-02T05:21:53.640-04:00October's Charity of the Month: Alley Cat Allies<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP1SCx7rXhGHGX227wInx3zznEi9fdAg-bcTc4rew_o2DAC0rQcjZmW60qzSUqKkIDTodoFr8yDDRv2CsjmR6ifexkt1_N3ytTzMZ_rbCqaOo741WDgJddDtT6IlY-z1wmkIa7Lz6N08/s1600/Logo-long-tagine-DEVELOPMENT-3145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="66" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjP1SCx7rXhGHGX227wInx3zznEi9fdAg-bcTc4rew_o2DAC0rQcjZmW60qzSUqKkIDTodoFr8yDDRv2CsjmR6ifexkt1_N3ytTzMZ_rbCqaOo741WDgJddDtT6IlY-z1wmkIa7Lz6N08/s320/Logo-long-tagine-DEVELOPMENT-3145.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Am I cheating today? Meh, a little. I was going to do a posting here about this month's Etsy for Animals Charity of the Month, the charity that will be receiving at minimum of 10% of my proceeds from the sales in my shop in the month of October. That's just the bare minimum donation, though, since there are plenty of items in my shop that are designated as 100% donation items. All of the proceeds from those items will go to help out the Charity of the Month, so the donations add up quickly when these items sell.<br />
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So I was going to post that a few months ago I nominated Alley Cat Allies because of the outstanding work they do for stray and feral cats. I was also going to mention that I'm super psyched that they have been selected this month because October 16 is Feral Cat Day. Stay tuned regarding that part. I'm mulling over a few ideas that I'm hoping might get my teammates interested in helping out with our own little event that day for our team.<br />
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I had planned to write all kinds of things about how Alley Cat Allies works and so on, but here's the cheating part: I already wrote all those things in a blog post for the Etsy for Animals' site. Instead of repeating the whole thing, here's think link to the post I wrote. Happy reading!<br />
<a href="http://etsyforanimals.blogspot.com/2013/10/octobers-cotm-is-alley-cat-allies-by.html">http://etsyforanimals.blogspot.com/2013/10/octobers-cotm-is-alley-cat-allies-by.html</a><br />
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Please come give my shop a look and do some shopping to help out the needs of feral kitties. And check out the other shops on my team. They will be hosting their own donation programs, benefitting Alley Cat Allies, too, so don't hesitate to visit their shops, too. Now's the time to get your holiday shopping going!<br />
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<br />Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-42346760378419370212013-09-29T19:12:00.002-04:002013-09-29T19:12:41.267-04:00Ferrets and Greyhounds and Cute Halloween Cards<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8Pgh5ODIsc9KCxEZVDOoyV0nx4y-gvdLSVfxARzDCcCQmkQxq9XIkFk1jpKvfAaxcRy2trz5w4uEM1OKjMeJJvvXfOWv1Ygt3vuJf05AQoQMYS4oAiLUVWhdAUXeZgF4pb9Ur-hkEGM/s1600/beforeish+pic+010.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY8Pgh5ODIsc9KCxEZVDOoyV0nx4y-gvdLSVfxARzDCcCQmkQxq9XIkFk1jpKvfAaxcRy2trz5w4uEM1OKjMeJJvvXfOWv1Ygt3vuJf05AQoQMYS4oAiLUVWhdAUXeZgF4pb9Ur-hkEGM/s320/beforeish+pic+010.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Hand Watercolored Halloween Kitten, Bunny, and Ferret Cards, Set Currently <a href="http://scrappyrat.etsy.com/">Available at Scrappy Rat Designs</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Ferrets are great little critters, but like any pet sold in our country, a whole lot of them are ending up in shelters and rescues. The rescue I foster for is always replete with these little fuzzies, or just about to be inundated. If you are considering adding a ferret to your family, please choose rescue, and if you're in the NC triangle area, check out <a href="http://www.cpr-nc.org/">Carolina Pet Rescue's</a> ferrets:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"> <a href="http://www.cpr-nc.org/component/petfinderconnect/type/Ferret">http://www.cpr-nc.org/component/petfinderconnect/type/Ferret</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">and don't forget your own local shelter. Ferrets are left behind there all the time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Anyway, it's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/people/juxtaposeknits?ref=pr_profile">one of my teammates</a> over at the <a href="https://www.etsy.com/teams/15145/all-pets-all-the-time">All Pets All the Time Etsy team</a> that got me going on the subject of ferrets today. <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-jerry-brown-of-california-legalize-ferrets-once-and-for-all-in-california">She has started a petition to ask the state of California to reverse the ban on ferrets</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">The ban is based on bad science, and rescues need all the adopters they can get. What rescued ferrets don't need is for people moving to California to leave their ferrets behind due to a ban that just doesn't make sense. Please visit the petition. I hope you'll choose to sign, too!</span><br />
http://www.change.org/petitions/governor-jerry-brown-of-california-legalize-ferrets-once-and-for-all-in-california<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Ferret Fantasy, Made-to-Order, Set of 5 Cards and Envelopes. <a href="http://scrappyrat.etsy.com/">Request yours today!</a></span></div>
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Need a bit more information on the issue before you sign? Read more about the science and studies that support an end to the ban here: <a href="http://www.netnewspublisher.com/past-time-to-legalize-ferrets-in-california-says-legalizeferrets-org/">http://www.netnewspublisher.com/past-time-to-legalize-ferrets-in-california-says-legalizeferrets-org/</a><br />
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One more important note today! Only one day left to shop to benefit the <a href="http://etsyforanimals.blogspot.com/2013/09/how-to-support-and-help-our-sept-cotm.html">Etsy for Animals Charity of the Month, Grey2K!</a> I love this organization for the hard work and devotion they put into ending the horrors of the greyhound racing industry. Greyhounds are loving companions who want nothing more than what other dogs are given--a loving human, daily playtime, a comfy couch to cuddle on, and to be a true member of the family. Racing greyhounds aren't so lucky. They spend most of their time in little cages, alone, treated like little more than a money-making tool to be thrown away as soon as their ability to bring in cash wanes. Not all of these animals make it into rescue, and even when they do, they're entering an already strained rescue system that can't handle the number of animals coming into shelters alone, let alone these dogs used and disposed of as a byproduct of the racing industry. <a href="http://www.grey2kusa.org/">Grey2K</a> is working to stem the flow of homeless greyhounds by cutting off the source--closing down the industry that treats these dogs like disposable objects.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC-HRrkp9fQvPJ5w0TpYP5cchDlGcj7gBBr8I2bAbqwpsaPW1nYIazXT3MaCwtR0U6lxWNdJzlPdiFMKFXByDm-O3Mm4-sqrnv1NzISecOxLpxqceIBVjdPR7Q0ICm-l80AIEuN-_j6U/s1600/bum2bum+011.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGC-HRrkp9fQvPJ5w0TpYP5cchDlGcj7gBBr8I2bAbqwpsaPW1nYIazXT3MaCwtR0U6lxWNdJzlPdiFMKFXByDm-O3Mm4-sqrnv1NzISecOxLpxqceIBVjdPR7Q0ICm-l80AIEuN-_j6U/s320/bum2bum+011.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Greyhound Halloween, Request your Made-to-Order Set NOW to get them in time! <a href="http://scrappyrat.etsy.com/">10% goes to Grey2K if you order now</a>.</span></div>
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Grey2K is a group I support regularly. All of the proceeds from the sale of my handmade greyhound rescue advocacy pins goes to Grey2K, no matter what the month. They're an organization that gives back so much for just a little support. I'm so glad EFA chose to have them as our Charity of the Month, <a href="http://blog.grey2kusa.org/2013/09/artists-speak-up-for-greyhounds.html">and that my teammates stood up to the racing industry bullies who targeted our little group of artists. Sometimes, when you stand up for animals, you aren't popular with the people who make money off of the suffering of these magnificent dogs. </a></div>
Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-42132048249920507592013-09-28T22:44:00.003-04:002013-09-28T22:44:31.946-04:00Keeping You Posted on Scrappy Rat DesignsGreetings to my new viewers (er...readers) who are visiting via <a href="http://scrappyrat.etsy.com/">my Etsy shop, Scrappy Rat Designs</a>. I've started giving out my blog address to my shoppers and clients so they can keep up with what's going on behind the scenes. It's also a way for those of you who have placed special orders to keep up with progress, as well as seeing what I'm working on for rescue. So, tune in. I think we'll have some fun.<br />
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So, I was out of town for about a week, which yes, is why I'm still behind on updating my shop listings. Anyway, while I was gone, apparently someone decided to do a bit of redecorating to make our guestroom a little brighter, and our curb appeal, oh so much classier:<br />
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So, who was it who thought they'd surprise us Trading Spaces-style? May I introduce you to my foster rats, Mongo (in the front) and Jerry, peeking from behind. If it weren't for those sweet curly whiskers, I might actually be able to stay mad at them. (Note that Mongo is *standing* on a hunk of my curtains in the photo. Rats have no shame. Though I suppose you'd better not have any shame when you're a naked hairless rat, come to think of it.)<br />
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Well, it is my own fault, after all. I did *abandon* them with nothing but a fantastic pet sitter and a slew of new treats so they could have a little yummy each day. Maybe I can blame my husband, Scott, since he picked up the wrong kind of rat food that's rather icky, too late to get more before we had to leave. As an added bonus, Scott's a lot more likely to replace the curtains for me than these little guys are.<br />
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So, be a little patient with me as I recover, physically, from my trip. I'm doing my best to shake the spine pain that's doing its best to keep me from getting my work done. The last 3 days have been particularly rough. I'm trying to get your orders completed, and completed in a way I hope you'll really be excited about when you get them. Progress reports will be upcoming.<br />
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One last note, though I imagine showing the damage they've done to my home probably isn't the best way to generate interest in my foster ratties, they are some pretty darn wonderful boys. They're neutered, they're less than 6 months old, they're hairless with those curly rex whiskers, plus they're patient, playful, and sweet. <a href="http://www.cpr-nc.org/">Want to learn more? Visit the rescue I foster for: http://www.cpr-nc.org </a><br />
<a href="http://www.cpr-nc.org/">These boys would love a forever home!</a>Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-91134636276117664662013-09-07T16:10:00.003-04:002013-09-07T16:10:49.503-04:00Check out those calves!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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How about this little baby calf for a dose of total sweetness? There's simply nothing about this little guy that isn't squeal worthy. He's my entry in the "monochrome challenge" at <a href="http://adayfordaisies.blogspot.com/">A Day for Daisies</a>, the digi stamp company that created him. I think the pink upon pink upon pink upon pink (that last one's for the bit of pink twinkling twine tied around the card's spine) made a really cool effect, and the green base makes that eensie weensie bit of clover pop.<br /><br />
If you still drink animal's milk, think about this little guy before you purchase your next quart. The mothers cry all night long when the farmers take their calves away while still in infancy. They can't have milk "wasted" on the babies when they can sell it to humans. The calves are either designated for the same fate as their mothers, destined for the "rape rack" as soon as they are old enough to become pregnant, or they are crated for veal, fed a nutrient-deficient diet to induce anemia for a light-colored flesh that fetches a higher price. They're denied hay and grass without which they suffer terrible digestive pain and diarrhea. It's not pretty. Soy milk, rice milk and almond milk don't suffer.<br />
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Well, enough PSA today. :) I've got work to do to fill an order for some pet sympathy cards and a collage display or two. Have a great week!Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-71023763409296243372013-07-24T17:06:00.000-04:002013-07-24T17:06:21.648-04:00Nursery Rhyme ChallengeI'm in love with this stamp I just recently picked up at Little Miss Muffet Stamps. The challenge these last few weeks has been nursery rhyme themed. Since this is the first of her stamps I've picked up, I had to do some thinking to come up with one that fit, but suddenly looking at all that green goop, it came to me:<br />
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Pease Porridge hot<br />
Pease Porridge cold<br />
Pease Porridge in the pot<br />
Nine days old.<br />
Some like it hot<br />
Some like it cold<br />
Some like it in the pot<br />
Nine days old.<br />
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And look at that nasty porridge:<br />
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I bet it wasn't bubbling and oozing like that nine days ago!<br />
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So, I'm entering this card I made into the <a href="http://littlemissmuffetchallenges.blogspot.com/2013/07/challenge-65-nursery-rhymes.html">Little Miss Muffet Challenge</a>. Click the link and come check it out! I want all the kitty/puppy stamps. They're adorable!Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-85613995152472637102013-06-15T02:21:00.002-04:002013-06-15T02:21:24.499-04:00Kitties in Need in Raleigh, NC<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I've got the flu or something similarly icky, so this will be a quick post for today, though it's an important one. </div>
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A very kind neighbor is trying very hard to find safe, knowledgeable, and permanent homes for some sweet strays who have been lurking on their back deck for several weeks. I believe they are down to just two candidates, a mother and a baby, though I am not sure a) which of these pictures is of which kitty or b) if these two are actually the ones who have already been adopted, but either way, the two photographed here are very close relatives at the very least, to the cats who are in need, just to give you a vague idea of the size and cuteness level we are discussing here. I believe that the scientific term for their level of cuteness is known as, "very". :) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HAOOGQBQDlhtRn5hvEhff9pCni914uaOc8CkGqF09YVGeIILs1x2jNdTDqkl75r-5UumoX1m4UDykD4K5QYlA3MUlAZiZMv8UUhMGHMOoU75vsVfdOlcQvynL72W3AqW3_k3ePSXoZY/s1600/IMG_0212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6HAOOGQBQDlhtRn5hvEhff9pCni914uaOc8CkGqF09YVGeIILs1x2jNdTDqkl75r-5UumoX1m4UDykD4K5QYlA3MUlAZiZMv8UUhMGHMOoU75vsVfdOlcQvynL72W3AqW3_k3ePSXoZY/s320/IMG_0212.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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They'll need fixing and care, and love and all those good things we expect to give a kitty when we adopt one. If you or someone you know might be interested in the two remaining cats (a young mother and her kitten...they need not go together, if that's a concern.) please let me know and I'll get you in touch with the right people. These are really beautiful kitties, aren't they? If I wasn't up to my own ears in dogs, cats, degus, turtles, chinchilla, and foster pets, I'd be tempted to scoop them up! Thanks for spreading the word!Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-18638966927280697282013-06-12T16:55:00.002-04:002013-06-12T17:00:18.514-04:00Pink Kitten Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
I picked up this digi stamp from <a href="http://www.bugaboostamps.com/">Bugaboo Stamps</a> around the time that Violet kitty came to live with us...a year ago. I'm only now finally getting around to using it. Better late than never, though, right? :)</div>
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the image had some faux stitching, to give the illusion that the top of the safety pin was sewn into the paper behind it, so I decided to switch those stitches to real ones and weave some ribbon through holes I punched at the top and bottom of the faux stitches. I think it came out quite nicely.</div>
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So, I'm entering this cute kitten card (can you see the embossing on the white card? Neat, huh?) into three challenges:<br />
<a href="http://inthepinkchallenge.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/challenge-21-anything-goes-as-long-as.html">In the Pink</a>: Anything Goes as Long as It's Pink<br />
<a href="http://hobbyhousechallenge.blogspot.com/2013/06/challenge-1-anything-goes.html">Hobby House Challenge</a>: Anything goes<br />
<a href="http://avenue613.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/challenge-23-anything-goes-optional.html">Avenue 613</a>: Anything goes<br />
<br />Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-23834550182706984812013-06-11T13:51:00.003-04:002013-09-18T03:51:42.188-04:00Bunnies, Kittens, and Purple Blossoms<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
This will be a quick post, since I seem to be coming down with a cold or allergies or something. My throat and left ear hurt and my nose is yucky. At least my back feels a lot better today, so that's a very good thing! Three cheers for less pain! Hip hip...oh, you know the drill. </div>
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So, first we have a card I made this week that I'm entering into the <a href="http://pinspiredchallenges.blogspot.com/2013/06/pinspired-challenge-11.html">Pinspired challenge</a>. Here is their inspiration picture of the week:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ByYjS54TmeqjFGFGT8c2mlyt-6_LiKL0HNtQ7WPllL1Rb1xraU01d1DCR6DcTtZT83E7elsUe3LFPV8x4gPisddYYw4k7-6mVYCzilwcxbllMr-JigMy9_exlKSJ96QQApb3rGOeYSo/s1600/psc11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1ByYjS54TmeqjFGFGT8c2mlyt-6_LiKL0HNtQ7WPllL1Rb1xraU01d1DCR6DcTtZT83E7elsUe3LFPV8x4gPisddYYw4k7-6mVYCzilwcxbllMr-JigMy9_exlKSJ96QQApb3rGOeYSo/s1600/psc11.jpg" /></a></div>
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I've put one set of these in my Etsy shop and I'm in the middle of making a second set. I can't decide, though. Do I list it on Etsy, too? Do I keep it? Or do I set it aside for a friend I think would love a set for Xmas? Geez, maybe two sets aren't enough!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5CFbdXxXXywFcwBMngSWXI-qGWHK96sBU9Oo-y691QHxyU77GyYkgtdkFVREMiqG-sJ8AoGVtUrq88Er_-YDYxQt7Nllo3FEt9wZB3M_aWjciodqZX_IASlcsyEWWZw09UicjbQbGno/s1600/rat+bunny+kitten+018.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc5CFbdXxXXywFcwBMngSWXI-qGWHK96sBU9Oo-y691QHxyU77GyYkgtdkFVREMiqG-sJ8AoGVtUrq88Er_-YDYxQt7Nllo3FEt9wZB3M_aWjciodqZX_IASlcsyEWWZw09UicjbQbGno/s320/rat+bunny+kitten+018.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Violet's been hogging the spotlight here lately and, well, she's going to do it again. Here's my sweet baby kitty eating the project I had just made at <a href="http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/fabulouscards/events">Teresa's new catalog open house for Stampin' Up</a>! What a little jerk! She just couldn't resist that tiny flag, taunting her. So, the gift box I made for storing my itty bitty crafting doohickies is now flagless. Sigh.<br />
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Naughty kitty!<br />
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Speaking of kitties, check out this free digital stamp over at <a href="http://anjisantics.blogspot.com/2013/06/internet-online.html">Angi's Antics</a>. It's a sleepy kitty. Love the whiskers! Don't forget to thank her!<br />
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Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-88438630479137609822013-06-10T02:10:00.000-04:002013-06-10T02:10:38.385-04:00My cat, Violet, sneezing. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Uh oh.</div>
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Aaaaaaaa...</div>
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chooo!</div>
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Dignity only minorly bruised. Whew.</div>
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<br />Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-83372203143712275922013-06-10T02:09:00.003-04:002013-06-10T02:09:58.427-04:00Foster Pet Surprise (not a recipe!) :)Greetings! It's a rather busy Sunday here at The Rat's Nest. Scott went on a rescue run, picking up a baby guinea pig from the Wake County animal shelter to be fostered in the Carolina Pet Rescue program. Thank you CPR! My friend, Julie, posted this adorable picture, and I knew I had to at least try to do something to help.<br />
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Oddly, upon his return, Scott reported that the shelter said they had no guinea pigs, which is very strange since the info sent about the little piggie was from their website. Then I looked closer at the message Julie sent...it wasn't from the Wake County Animal Shelter, it was from the Friends of Wake County Animal Shelter, a group that, in part, puts these animals into foster homes themselves. So these guys were already in foster care. Ooops! I totally appreciate what Julie did, though. If we have the space and resources to help, we want to be there to lend a hand to try to save as many as we possibly can from being killed. I should have known to check with them first.<br />
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It's still an exciting day for us when it comes to rescuing. We got a new pair of rats from Carolina Pet Rescue to foster. They're *naked*!!! Tiny hairless little boys. Don't worry, you'll see them very soon. I'll be taking, like, a million pictures tomorrow.<br />
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While we're talking pets, Clear Dollar Stamps has a new freebie today...a Shih Tzu!<br />
<a href="http://www.clearlyistamp.blogspot.com/2013/06/shih-tzu-digital-image.html">http://www.clearlyistamp.blogspot.com/2013/06/shih-tzu-digital-image.html</a><br />
Have fun digi stamping!Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-29254671534497653712013-06-05T16:54:00.000-04:002013-06-05T16:54:07.957-04:00Kitty Kupcakes and Koladas<a href="https://www.cdstamps.com/">Clear Dollar Stamps</a> has a <a href="http://www.cdstamps.com/shop/free-for-all.html">really cute freebie digistamp of an otter</a>, both in outline (my favorite, since I like to color things my way) and in color, complete with matching printable paper. They have some others geared toward Christians, so if you're into that, you have even more reason to check it out. They have a whole store full of neat stamps, too. I've got my eye on the set with the hamster popping out of a coffee cup. A-freakin-dorable!<br />
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And today I want to share this card, which totally makes me wish my cats would bring me cupcakes and pina coladas, instead of poopy litterboxes and hairballs, but they also bring me purrs and head butts, so I guess they're pretty cool. :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ILgSwB_OJ9Kka98L-bf_Q8cqgmOoLQ9bFmuB_WuI89Bme9L9XOrvnbmdAvUGGkJHjkPr_J2JNEB7CPc4P5ZsrToZt1aAMc9nIebE_qnvCcCRMa3QIg1rAkNmKYaG7dn9Rm_i3BKh2rI/s1600/fiskateer+bday+062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ILgSwB_OJ9Kka98L-bf_Q8cqgmOoLQ9bFmuB_WuI89Bme9L9XOrvnbmdAvUGGkJHjkPr_J2JNEB7CPc4P5ZsrToZt1aAMc9nIebE_qnvCcCRMa3QIg1rAkNmKYaG7dn9Rm_i3BKh2rI/s320/fiskateer+bday+062.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />I'm entering this one in the Summer Holiday themed challenge at <a href="http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com/2013/06/paper-players-148-theme-challenge.html">Paper Players</a>. I even used the very last scrap of that citrus fruity looking paper I adore. I picked it up a few years ago on a whim and can't recall the manufacturer, so even if it's still in production, there's not really a way for me to find it again. C'est la vie.<br />
The icing embellishment is also from a beloved line of Jolees that has been discontinued, so I snatch up all I can find anytime I happen to find some. Any tips on locating either of these items again (at a descent price...holy frijoles some ebayers with price gouge you!) would be super cool. I just get hooked on certain papers and embellishments and then the companies *dare* discontinue them without consulting me first! Honestly!<br />
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By the way, the kitty stamp I used is by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/WhimsyAndStarsStudio">Whimsy and Stars</a>. I was super excited when I ran into her site on Etsy because I adored her designs when they used to be available through the now defunct "The Angel Company". Check out her shop. She's got great digis.Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-47818319551043483672013-06-04T22:23:00.001-04:002013-06-04T22:23:29.012-04:00Fiskateers Birthday Club Crop WeekendSurprise! It's me! I'm blogging again, believe it or not. I know it's been a long time, but I've missed doing the crafty-sharey thing, and have some other things to yap about, too. So if you'll forgive the lapse in posts, I'll try to make your visits worth your while. :)<br />
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Like today, for example, I wanted to share a link to some free supercute digi stamps available at the <a href="http://creativecuties.blogspot.com/2013/05/deer-coloring-page.html">Creative Cuties</a> website. There's a <a href="http://creativecuties.blogspot.com/2013/05/deer-coloring-page.html">doe-eyed deer</a> (how appropriate), and a <a href="http://creativecuties.blogspot.com/2013/05/foxy-fox-coloring-page.html">beautiful fox</a> that I'm absolutely in love with. Just click the link and you should be able to download it there. Don't forget to leave a note of thanks in the comments. It's very generous of them to offer these for free!<br />
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Now, let's see what I can share that I've been working on. This weekend was the <a href="http://www.fiskateers.com/">Fiskateer</a> Birthday Club Crop, hostessed by my fabulous friend Donna (check out her blog, <a href="http://scissorsstampsandscrapbooks.blogspot.com/">here</a>). She's the organizer of the Birthday Club, and sends out monthly emails listing the birthdates and addresses of participating <a href="http://www.fiskateers.com/">Fiskateers</a> so members can send handmade cards to each other. I've been participating for a couple of years now, and it's both fun to make and send the cards, as well as receiving a freaking ton of amazing hand-created cards on your own birthday. Whoo hoo! They totally decorate my living room and make by birthday feel like a holiday.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lYqvgk_NwAplRYSeDk1F560urHXwHUWXPH2cfAzb4O6oZPyQXAJ1zOM4_NZJ9tJWOlSQgxmrKyERvhj7xaa6oz5Symi2d9cBIxviyuspXXO7SkX0A5xnYt__7vEjzAWsPOHQaSo2VV0/s1600/fiskateer+bday+063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lYqvgk_NwAplRYSeDk1F560urHXwHUWXPH2cfAzb4O6oZPyQXAJ1zOM4_NZJ9tJWOlSQgxmrKyERvhj7xaa6oz5Symi2d9cBIxviyuspXXO7SkX0A5xnYt__7vEjzAWsPOHQaSo2VV0/s320/fiskateer+bday+063.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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So, here's one the cards I made this weekend. For this one I also had the stamp designer's challenge in mind, too. <a href="https://doodlepantry.com/shop/latest-releases.html">Doodle Pantry</a> gets credit for the super cute rat stamp and you can see their challenge page <a href="http://doodlepantryblog.blogspot.ca/2013/06/doodle-pantry-digital-challenge-35.html">here</a>. The sentiment is from one of my absolute favorite <a href="http://www.stampinup.net/esuite/home/fabulouscards/">Stampin' Up</a> sets of all time, "Hip Hip Hooray", one of the first stamp sets I ever bought from them years ago.<br />
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Also, Doodle Pantry is sponsoring the challenge at <a href="http://incywincydesigns.blogspot.ca/">Incy Wincey Designs</a>, with a spring theme, and I think the soft yet bright colors and cute juicy fruitilicious design fit nicely. Whew! Three challenges...that's one challenged card!<br />
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Um no. That''s not what I meant.<br />
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More tomorrow!`<br />
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<br />Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-76876882290029671442012-12-31T17:18:00.002-05:002012-12-31T17:18:26.011-05:00Thinking about the new year...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Happy New Year's Eve! Every year I spend a week or two in December mulling over ideas for things I have hopes for doing in the new year. One thing I'm trying to go for this year is posting here more regularly, if for no other reason than it makes me feel slightly less the suburban hermit, holed up in my climate controlled cave, with the wolves (er, dogs, cats and little animals) who raised me as their own. At least I'm putting something of myself out there on a regular basis. I don't know what kind of a start this is, but I've been crazy for the pictures lately, so I thought I'd close out 2012 by sharing some of my favorite December photos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hftZhTvPT_3XxS4Zwh084pyYoFRDL5EMXk5GGs3O_NDoC1z0DYo2-yEVR8JjsJ3Xz5voDa3zJuA-V10uDAE9vhqdZ6YyYx9XfppGtoN6rUzLyHVTrytZ3aZCgz0AxDUP4gaRXNkdQcE/s1600/nickmikeytv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hftZhTvPT_3XxS4Zwh084pyYoFRDL5EMXk5GGs3O_NDoC1z0DYo2-yEVR8JjsJ3Xz5voDa3zJuA-V10uDAE9vhqdZ6YyYx9XfppGtoN6rUzLyHVTrytZ3aZCgz0AxDUP4gaRXNkdQcE/s320/nickmikeytv.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My brothers, Nick and Mikey, sent me this photo from their west coast tour with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ScarsAndStripesOfficial">Scars and Stripes</a>. So nice that California welcomed them with a television interview. In 3D, no less. You guys are such nerds, and I feel I can take some of the credit for setting a good example in nerdliness. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST4dWmA5MCZg37cgY5Pedv8lDe5HI-SrLPpSir15oMTMEl6SVJ2BVcgmnsJzerk84okEQ6wnA1jgYStCYjN0W2B3cpTH-gy_8l0Yn84P7LdngWnHD4s0OBufQasdxbJt5WcUvaKgXnWU/s1600/bryson+city1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgST4dWmA5MCZg37cgY5Pedv8lDe5HI-SrLPpSir15oMTMEl6SVJ2BVcgmnsJzerk84okEQ6wnA1jgYStCYjN0W2B3cpTH-gy_8l0Yn84P7LdngWnHD4s0OBufQasdxbJt5WcUvaKgXnWU/s320/bryson+city1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Next: Here are Scott and I waiting for the Xmas parade to begin in the small mountain town of Bryson. (I almost claimed not to remember the name of the city. See if *you* can figure out how I miraculously figured it out.) Not shown: Darcy, my best friend, behind the camera.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_mACOWYgLiXsB83Wm4aYhDoymzHhKpHn0syLtd39872P372W0qEjfAA61-WcOov-o04FMkpvw_4x4A0d8P_sUoOtATL64PZOAyi-qHOj_OZS3x6dnBgnnM-m7VZDgbtChvG31eNIt90/s1600/elkhound+008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5_mACOWYgLiXsB83Wm4aYhDoymzHhKpHn0syLtd39872P372W0qEjfAA61-WcOov-o04FMkpvw_4x4A0d8P_sUoOtATL64PZOAyi-qHOj_OZS3x6dnBgnnM-m7VZDgbtChvG31eNIt90/s320/elkhound+008.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I love this picture of my sweet and tolerant Goosey, allowing me to dress him up in Revco's favorite snood, made by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/forpawsandhome">For Paws and Home</a>, another fabulous Etsy shop I just can't stay away from. I ended up ordering two more of these in Halloween and Xmas colors. He's wearing the red and green one today since it doesn't interfere with his dislocated/relocated hip's recovery.We even sent a couple more, plus some of her cool snakey toys she makes (Rat Terriers love any toy they can shake the life out of) to his Secret Santa over at the People Honoring American Rat Terriers group. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpriJDDuKvx3zoumfaR5RiUI5ANF6xpOi5W03fwsRqksug23nvb0rF7UaO-3yskCkRqM-wPPo1SasARLeDT5CaxT-hm9A4oTxUGzm0_L7W5nBRaN0JBOvMusPdlmnhHPQLRv7bZrCbVI/s1600/violet+tree+035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigpriJDDuKvx3zoumfaR5RiUI5ANF6xpOi5W03fwsRqksug23nvb0rF7UaO-3yskCkRqM-wPPo1SasARLeDT5CaxT-hm9A4oTxUGzm0_L7W5nBRaN0JBOvMusPdlmnhHPQLRv7bZrCbVI/s320/violet+tree+035.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
And finally, here's a picture of my little troublemaker, Violet, doing her best to look angelic while being dreadfully naughty, having climbed to the top of the Xmas tree. We finally had to get out her nemesis, the compressed air container, to convince her to leave the tree alone--all it takes is the sound of the air escaping, possibly because it sounds like a gigantic invisible tiger hissing at her? Not sure.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKjiUdSPbizBFtT6N4xi15zxxi0qFykvu49CqcfOFQ4_nobfNmgLFse9K9Ai4dF4gkEU80qjbSfg5FuIfuqRbP1xYkSBDdq2Q7vTUxEs_ib593m32zrsbUNe6F2zYcVg1Zsig3szjbis/s1600/rat+boys+089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOKjiUdSPbizBFtT6N4xi15zxxi0qFykvu49CqcfOFQ4_nobfNmgLFse9K9Ai4dF4gkEU80qjbSfg5FuIfuqRbP1xYkSBDdq2Q7vTUxEs_ib593m32zrsbUNe6F2zYcVg1Zsig3szjbis/s320/rat+boys+089.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
I had to add one more picture at the last minute. You may recognize this little sweetheart from my avatar I use pretty much everywhere, my business cards for my etsy shop, etc. He's Vincey, and he passed on yesterday. He was about 3.5 years old, which is quite elderly for a rat. He had been slowing down and slowing more until finally, yesterday, his little body just gave up. I wish him an auspicious rebirth, somewhere safe, around others who will love and cherish him the way he deserves. He loved scritches behind his ears and a treat in his paws. He was a loving brother to Howard, who passed on about 6 months prior, who he clearly missed and greived. He bounced back to his happy, box destroying, nest embellishing self and lived quite happily to the end. <br />
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I want to thank <a href="http://www.cpr-nc.org/">Carolina Pet Rescue</a> for entrusting these precious little lives to my care. Vincent and Howard brough so much love and fun to our home, I hope I can repay you somewhat by fostering others. Stay tuned to see who. Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-86379842392428289062012-11-19T17:58:00.001-05:002012-11-19T17:58:06.902-05:00A Spine of Pure Evil<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Yeah, my spine is in rare form lately. Nasty, desperate pain is really getting to me. At least there are a few things that keep me going. For example, check out these supercute kittycone images I found at a collage sheet shop. I then created these:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj754SjvWZ7DCegdcYe5UlBHDR0iJhgLm2cBnzbwEj4sytjF1sy0FXqxsY6ObRbW6adKcsUnF8-v6kWxLtPTyU1utp1CoXblxvZWiWwlkFzuhHMZvTy39lXrDfRBoO2xcX10klSHqQcO34/s1600/aww+usagi+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj754SjvWZ7DCegdcYe5UlBHDR0iJhgLm2cBnzbwEj4sytjF1sy0FXqxsY6ObRbW6adKcsUnF8-v6kWxLtPTyU1utp1CoXblxvZWiWwlkFzuhHMZvTy39lXrDfRBoO2xcX10klSHqQcO34/s320/aww+usagi+016.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOZcjlYaFzTD90HXXl27FWO7qniRvwYp-rbiqDZScy0wl2KBErBx51XKKY8mIJS_Y-k0Seq9C48znOA1iIda9if69eyfeLnAml5AhoFZLcqJVNCaNovazsbnp2M4a5dBmZaJmY5kzplU/s1600/aww+usagi+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlOZcjlYaFzTD90HXXl27FWO7qniRvwYp-rbiqDZScy0wl2KBErBx51XKKY8mIJS_Y-k0Seq9C48znOA1iIda9if69eyfeLnAml5AhoFZLcqJVNCaNovazsbnp2M4a5dBmZaJmY5kzplU/s320/aww+usagi+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
Then, there's my poetry, which is in the current issues of <a href="http://www.theotherherald.com/">The Other Herald,</a> <a href="http://www.wholebeastrag.org/">The Whole Beast,</a> plus you can see a couple of my poems at <a href="http://poemblog.voxpoetica.com/2012/08/28/dinosaurs.aspx">Vox Poetica.</a> <br />
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And finally there are my sweet goofballs:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwIOn2lH1RhIW_Wv2bhacMCZ14JzgyawDd80DBD95z8PVR3H4WAXyLle9xjsnXjh6G1y8u5KvQNjZKnFHtzfhqp7QJ-6S3aBEN-ul_pj29zxoHovvjdj6bkGavNnHYeovNSoYPFqMl0A/s1600/aww+usagi+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEwIOn2lH1RhIW_Wv2bhacMCZ14JzgyawDd80DBD95z8PVR3H4WAXyLle9xjsnXjh6G1y8u5KvQNjZKnFHtzfhqp7QJ-6S3aBEN-ul_pj29zxoHovvjdj6bkGavNnHYeovNSoYPFqMl0A/s320/aww+usagi+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Scott, included. BTW, check out those tiny feet Revco's propped up in the crook of his arm. Those are Rev's *back* feet. His front are below that. Aww.</div>
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Off to lick my wounds. Ow.</div>
Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-42060263701872272722012-09-26T13:37:00.001-04:002012-09-26T13:42:13.311-04:00Eat Your Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2coFdBcx6O0-AwUH28y6-nwbkjd93elzVgMz9Y5wKHVzLqTv_oCx095b7bFrGI8XGlvhf305XsdoQI5g3Ubs78-NNrVHYyFmorP7_qm6oIPbjJ6BwSKPOOMTcc8xbEE0AQOg5ovrAYs/s1600/violet+collar+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis2coFdBcx6O0-AwUH28y6-nwbkjd93elzVgMz9Y5wKHVzLqTv_oCx095b7bFrGI8XGlvhf305XsdoQI5g3Ubs78-NNrVHYyFmorP7_qm6oIPbjJ6BwSKPOOMTcc8xbEE0AQOg5ovrAYs/s320/violet+collar+013.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Revco and Violet are officially friends. I wouldn't have guessed that the two of them would hit it off, but they love to snuggle. It's very cute. She's so small, she nearly makes Mr. 12lbs look big. I think he secretly enjoys this. Forgive the long nails in the above photo. It's on my list of things to do today. </div>
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I'm taking the <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/kittastic.php">Kit-tastic</a> class at <a href="http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/">Big Picture Scrapbooking</a>. <a href="http://www.mayflaum.com/">May Flaum</a> is the instructor, and she has a great website you should check out. For this card, I used this months <a href="http://www.simonsaysstamp.com/servlet/StoreFront">Simon Says Stamp</a> kit, though as you might notice, I didn't use any stamps on this particular card, despite the fact that the kit came with some really nice floral stamps I intend to test drive later today. It's a very neutral kit, which is so not my style, so I added a little gold and a lot of black to make it more interesting. Check out the washi tape with the teensy paw prints on it. I thought it was super cute along with the Westie theme.<br />
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I used the sketch from the <a href="http://thepaperplayers.blogspot.com/2012/09/paper-players-114-anns-sketch.html">Paper Players Sketch Challenge</a>, which you can see here.<br />
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More to come! Have a great week! P.S. Eat your pancakes!Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-40648711273155105002012-09-16T23:49:00.002-04:002012-09-16T23:56:11.366-04:00Simon Says Stamp Kit Club<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Well, I was on the last few words of my post and for some reason the entire page deleted itself and I had to start over completely. Nooooooo! Not a good way to begin a much belated post, but what else can I do, when the "undo" refuses to "do" anything? Start again, I guess. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnQOzrRGxLlT0SXEeeRWYjymNBsonY8-ONjLMV5efw2n0A1tSMAD2hZEqOYnbQ2MA6zQ67XQ7vaS1ekxJVfKHufyS0qeRGBG1L2zJ6qCrssqOhNXvy_gfUYGefk0Nk56VCqa8GLAoRyU/s1600/WP_000223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqnQOzrRGxLlT0SXEeeRWYjymNBsonY8-ONjLMV5efw2n0A1tSMAD2hZEqOYnbQ2MA6zQ67XQ7vaS1ekxJVfKHufyS0qeRGBG1L2zJ6qCrssqOhNXvy_gfUYGefk0Nk56VCqa8GLAoRyU/s320/WP_000223.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This time I can't blame my absence on the wee kitty, as you can see we have found the perfect storage option for her. ;) It's just been a very long and painful summer that both seemed to drag on for eternity, yet also flew by in the way things do when you're incapacitated and watching yourself fall further and further behind on the many things that need doing. Luckily my pain level has improved greatly. I've been able to get out a couple times a week and have even been able to take the little kitty on walks in her cat stroller, which is fun despite the fact that (or perhaps because?) it makes the neighbors look at me as if I'm some sort of lunatic. <br />
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But, onto the Simon Says Kit Club, which I am enjoying immensely. I've been working on halloween cards...<br />
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This one was made for the <a href="http://doyoustackup.blogspot.com/">Do You Stack Up challenge</a> using Kraft and twine (dig that tri-color halloween string!) and the <a href="http://reasonableribbon.blogspot.com/search/label/challenges">Really Reasonable Ribbon challenge</a> (another kit club I belong to) to use fall colors, including--of course--ribbon.<br />
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I also made cards for National Pancake Day on Sept. 26. Since it falls on a Wednesday, it is the perfect excuse to make pancakes for dinner. </div>
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Hey, are those chevrons (below)? Why yes, they are! That's the requirement for the <a href="http://www.simonsaysstampschallenge.blogspot.com/">Simon Says Stamp challenge</a> (or you could use neons (sorry, grody) or hexagons). <br />
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I also discovered that there is also a competing pancake day in February, but it appears to be a religious holiday, while this one is secular, so feel free to sin it up. Or, you could celebrate both, which sounds like a good plan, too. Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-81106569038794388452012-07-11T18:19:00.001-04:002012-07-11T18:29:43.971-04:00Where have I been?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9D_z_Cmr0VFItpwx80e7jxrO6mehGBHlGQ5Dc0rkpM9nzkryASsbEeNwd1CK9F37nW2yUEy0GfMFBZnGGTOOU7bKpsZRbT4gM6Uq6quHQ09gooFXPmGMKtJkt9nxRwUBVaMqiWe8aXfY/s1600/rat+terrier+resq+043.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9D_z_Cmr0VFItpwx80e7jxrO6mehGBHlGQ5Dc0rkpM9nzkryASsbEeNwd1CK9F37nW2yUEy0GfMFBZnGGTOOU7bKpsZRbT4gM6Uq6quHQ09gooFXPmGMKtJkt9nxRwUBVaMqiWe8aXfY/s320/rat+terrier+resq+043.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
No, I don't have amnesia, I know where I've been, the problem is I haven't been telling *you* where I've been. Well, as you can see from the above photo, I've been working on donation items for Rat Terrier ResQ. And, as you can see from the next photo, I've also been working on some special orders...<br />
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And, if you hit this link:<br />
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjI3OTM2MTl8MjcyMzAzOTgyMg/preview-artists4animalsteam-bns-round-3">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/MjI3OTM2MTl8MjcyMzAzOTgyMg/preview-artists4animalsteam-bns-round-3</a><br />
(Tell them I sent you in the comments and I'll promise to be a better blogger here from now on. :))<br />
You can see a treasury for the Etsy team that I've been busy helping with (I do their blog now, so check out this link, too: <a href="http://etsyartistsforanimals.blogspot.com/">http://etsyartistsforanimals.blogspot.com</a> to see my other blogging venture.)<br />
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And don't miss this link: <a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Nzg4MjcyMXwyNzIzMDQzNjg0/open-biddys-bns-round-26-total-sales-135">http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Nzg4MjcyMXwyNzIzMDQzNjg0/open-biddys-bns-round-26-total-sales-135</a><br />
(Again, please leave them a comment telling them I sent you so they'll keep giving my Etsy shop the luv. :))<br />
And click on my shop because the other thing I've been doing is restocking the heck out of my Etsy shop during the slower summer months. I've added several new lines of products and lots of new items in general. This month the donations I collect from my sales (10% on my regular items, 100% on the designated EFA Charity items) go to Arctic Breed Rescue, so I've been working on adding items featuring these breeds to my shop:<br />
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One more photo:<br />
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Shows another little thing that's (or rather who's) been eating up my time. Usagi found her under our shed and has since rued the day she brought the little nose slapper to us. Sorry, Usagi! She's staying! (We'll try to work on teaching her that dogs don't like being scratched or gnawed on, though. :))Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-8851486817095421642012-05-04T02:53:00.001-04:002012-05-04T02:53:04.589-04:00Recovering from the Jamboree<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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No, not the country bear one, the Rat Terrier Jamboree, held every year in Tennessee. That was the inspiration for my card for my team at <a href="http://forfunchallenges.blogspot.com/">For Fun Challenges</a> this week. It's a little hard to tell in my photo, I know, but the perameters this week are to use Green, Beige, and Blue. I apologize that the color's a little off in the pic. I made the card in the motel room, and the only sufficient light in the room for photographing anything was in the bathroom, so here it is, on the counter near the sink. </div>
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Play along with our challenge this week and you can win 3 stamps of your choice from those on this page: <a href="http://paperjewels.weebly.com/spesch-stamps.html">http://paperjewels.weebly.com/spesch-stamps.html</a></div>
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I *know* you'll want to see my pics from the Jamboree, and you can! I posted them on my Etsy shop Facebook site. Take a look!</div>
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<a href="http://www.facebook.com/scrappyratdesigns">http://www.facebook.com/scrappyratdesigns</a></div>
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Here's a little teaser to encourage you to click through. Just look how much fun Usagi's having!</div>
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<br /></div>Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-11920744364093299752012-04-25T09:45:00.001-04:002012-04-25T09:55:33.126-04:00Rabbits (and not the Easter kind)bles a<br />
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This week's <a href="http://forfunchallenges.blogspot.com/">For Fun Challenge</a> is brought to you by the letter "K", or more precisely, <a href="http://knkdesigns.blogspot.com/">K-N-K designs</a>. The theme is non-Easter rabbits, so I chose to go with a "Get Well" rabbit instead. Here he is, reading to a sweet wire-haired Jack Russell Terrier (or possibly a Parson Russell terrier. It's hard to tell from a digistamp, especially when the dog is question is mostly hidden by a blanket. It's not like I need to know specifically or anything. He's certainly not going to be used to breed. He's neutered after all. How do I know? Because, no dog I'm in charge of would be allowed to keep his goolies. I've spent enough of my life trying to find homes for the litters of puppies *other* people's unaltered animals have caused.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0zvfIkO6Cm1Y4BjqsSdqEOQSPi99dLl41WGlcA44I6XJ6Rnz1WH2e9AR104a8icXfPLZGHZTAJvuY9Evf88yeIBAncVGq-QuIegVySGkd3TgcermmheYwdefLviMxk1TUryn-ziVW4E/s1600/get+well+and+kitchen+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX0zvfIkO6Cm1Y4BjqsSdqEOQSPi99dLl41WGlcA44I6XJ6Rnz1WH2e9AR104a8icXfPLZGHZTAJvuY9Evf88yeIBAncVGq-QuIegVySGkd3TgcermmheYwdefLviMxk1TUryn-ziVW4E/s320/get+well+and+kitchen+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Come to think of it, this card is actually quite appropriate for the newly de-nutted dog, to wish him a quick recovery. I've never seen one of those at Hallmark. Anyway, I hope that you'll be inspired to join us this week in taking on the <a href="http://forfunchallenges.blogspot.com/">For Fun Challeng</a>e.<br />
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Doggie Break! Doggie Break!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2Rp5WBobG2EQHg1PjxK8yKwfNzYetKf1Fp9EFjnVNA5IJZ1m4z3Y2EdRs5WQFXB4w8lcCHqhR1tSWyJVjsEscqOwVHF4BMlXt5bPLiX_wCIY9AuHXLa9y-dAdpF4F7VhoLu2KU4_akA/s1600/etsywhatnot+031.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii2Rp5WBobG2EQHg1PjxK8yKwfNzYetKf1Fp9EFjnVNA5IJZ1m4z3Y2EdRs5WQFXB4w8lcCHqhR1tSWyJVjsEscqOwVHF4BMlXt5bPLiX_wCIY9AuHXLa9y-dAdpF4F7VhoLu2KU4_akA/s320/etsywhatnot+031.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sleeping Usagi didn't so much as stop snoring when Revco decided to use her as a chair. Zzzzz.</div>
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Have a great Wednesday!</div>
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<br /></div>Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2123647711167544569.post-5480635529323207352012-04-18T06:00:00.000-04:002012-04-18T06:00:15.332-04:00Hey! It's not a card!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSY6Nud42-wJtFuI22yiGy0nFK4QapkwkU5IHGre8HM-CzyoMSmOMXPx_Ly-FYPvsIAlATKUiSy2UD2DjkVV0T4CM-q6c8FmMemXnkn9G3DnDNDOgieLHVaudNQVvogSKFVo4Ij1tmIc/s1600/tin+027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSY6Nud42-wJtFuI22yiGy0nFK4QapkwkU5IHGre8HM-CzyoMSmOMXPx_Ly-FYPvsIAlATKUiSy2UD2DjkVV0T4CM-q6c8FmMemXnkn9G3DnDNDOgieLHVaudNQVvogSKFVo4Ij1tmIc/s320/tin+027.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> You may have been wondering if I ever make anything other than cards, and I do, I just forget to post them here all that often. This week, <a href="http://forfunchallenges.blogspot.com/">For Fun Challenges</a> reminded me to post something different with their anything-but-a-card challenge. I made this little business card toting tin--actually two--one for me, one for Etsy, both with this painfully cute rat terrier digital stamp from a favorite of mine, <a href="http://melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com/">Melonheadz</a>! If you have not been a regular over at her site, you are missing out. For one thing, she generously shares a large number of her creations free of charge, fully addicting you to her distinctive style that's beyond adorable. I think it's the slightly off-kilter eyes that I can't resist. But then she can make a blender evoke cries of, "awwwwww!" so that can't explain it all.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2Y5xceX-KIvy1BQNKh0zEPr53VP8J9h354nu6pmRNGN0clLWoPxcOiAdOKGl6tTy6vdfUMzpveABHSJjxoJVy4iGNeKFgJvVkypyAUOh8RVxZDGT2Ml6IdcAyst8ob_O8zFtou2xLDU/s1600/tin+028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiB2Y5xceX-KIvy1BQNKh0zEPr53VP8J9h354nu6pmRNGN0clLWoPxcOiAdOKGl6tTy6vdfUMzpveABHSJjxoJVy4iGNeKFgJvVkypyAUOh8RVxZDGT2Ml6IdcAyst8ob_O8zFtou2xLDU/s320/tin+028.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> But wait, you haven't begun to hear how much I love this designer because...guess what! Oh heck, you'll never guess. I'll just tell you...<a href="http://melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com/2012/03/new-just-released-today_19.html">she designed this stamp (and his other canine pals) for me</a>! I freaked. Like, really I have no idea how to go about thanking her enough. I'm thinking of ways to try, though. :) As usual, everything takes me 3 times as long as anyone else to complete. Fun with chronic illness.<br />
You can order your own Melonheadz images from Nikki's <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/melonheadzdoodles?ref=ss_profile">Etsy Shop</a> if you want pre-colored ones, or if you're like me and you're mad for customizing them yourself<a href="http://melonheadzillustrating.blogspot.com/p/purchasing.html">, paypal her via the link on her blog and let her know which un-colored-in sets you want.</a> <br />
Anyway, take a minute to stop by <a href="http://forfunchallenges.blogspot.com/">For Fun Challlenges</a> and check out my teammates' creations this week to see what *they* do when they aren't making cards. Then, show off your own project in the challenge linky dealie when you're done so I can some check out your blog. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKum1-m1WOEcv41DAK9-G6EkJZVQR2nuzhknhSapSC1mOp7QdCrk0tzXRveaYMuv8EliING21QdivEL2rRK8aEZywuEG4xJzyUdqQPaNBc899Apb31vVJnMU8tNBt6sHLOdXH0xPP1Pg/s1600/tin+030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKum1-m1WOEcv41DAK9-G6EkJZVQR2nuzhknhSapSC1mOp7QdCrk0tzXRveaYMuv8EliING21QdivEL2rRK8aEZywuEG4xJzyUdqQPaNBc899Apb31vVJnMU8tNBt6sHLOdXH0xPP1Pg/s320/tin+030.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> What? No kitty/doggie/rattie break? Nope. Today we have freaky invasion photos. I'm not sure what we did to make all kinds of crazy things happen to our house this week, but after the coffee maker broke in a second way (you already had to put a can of coffee on top of it or it wouldn't run) and the refrigerator dumped water all under the wooden floor slats, and Scott found out that the ants coming out of the outlet my electric toothbrush plugs into were actually part of an enormous colony living in our attic (sorry the pic is sideways. You can't see the enormity of the ant hill growing there in a still photo really, but if it gives you any idea, those white blobs in the weird cheapo so-called insulation the previous owners used are ant EGGS! Grody!)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoet1cpmAMLZ78wS0hFAAjDw0EWdpWTJHhliyiJ0sY_pULUF_FxXzAvnIQjUniRiN_tXKTI-Ck0__IFoaXnRlljuaC9sooqMdH9rLrAlMSb49duffRdKg_DBhj7CamA02o5XMRefCk7o/s1600/ants+004.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitoet1cpmAMLZ78wS0hFAAjDw0EWdpWTJHhliyiJ0sY_pULUF_FxXzAvnIQjUniRiN_tXKTI-Ck0__IFoaXnRlljuaC9sooqMdH9rLrAlMSb49duffRdKg_DBhj7CamA02o5XMRefCk7o/s320/ants+004.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Saturday, Scott discovered this giant cone hanging over our driveway from the crepe myrtle/rose bush (the two have wound themselves together). It was like 2 feet long and made up entirely of BEES! Seriously, bees! I tried to get a clear photo, but to be honest, I only wanted to get so close. Still if you look, you can see that it's just hundreds of thousands of bees. No hive in the middle, just bees. Why? I have no idea, but they had moved on by the next morning. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBExqATa9BTekOxDh_BKkjWUbBd5_YpmYO3eZZ3VoyUNtvFVQvJFe_k0RP3nDs9LqlXvbIItfN0lQKC2zINKx_y-_FW6pUZGtNSvj7cN5GJm1zsNxhTrttflRroVcyMd5HvXXw-frCRRs/s1600/tin+020.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBExqATa9BTekOxDh_BKkjWUbBd5_YpmYO3eZZ3VoyUNtvFVQvJFe_k0RP3nDs9LqlXvbIItfN0lQKC2zINKx_y-_FW6pUZGtNSvj7cN5GJm1zsNxhTrttflRroVcyMd5HvXXw-frCRRs/s320/tin+020.JPG" width="240" /></a></div> What the heck? Anyone know why that kind of thing would happen? I'll seriously send a little prize to the first person who can tell me (or who can lie about it in a really convincing fashion, since I really have no idea what the answer is.) Freaky!Embley Veronicahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15006322974662656171noreply@blogger.com6