Rekindle Me

* Spicy Chile Pepper! *

2011-04-20T13:17:00.000-07:00

Time for a little spice in life??? I just finished this recycled metal necklace, which was handcut and stained, then embellished! Here in the Valley, chile peppers are everywhere and Cinco de Mayo is around the corner!

Now that's hot stuff!!!

* UnuSuAl SigHtiNg!!! *

2011-04-19T08:44:00.000-07:00

Did a little work in the art room lately!!! First of all, the top of my desk is white! WOW! Been so long that I forgot! :( I also got another table to add as an extension. You never know when the mood will hit and you need a lot of space!

Hope everyone is having a creative week! I'm off to start a new project and mess up my desk!!!

+++ Love Is Everywhere!!! +++

2011-04-14T09:46:00.000-07:00

A fortuitous find??? A sign from up above??? What do you think? While out on a walk, I looked down and happened to find this 'heart' rock staring up at me! Well, I think it looks like a heart and the color couldn't have been better! (Now at this point, you need to look past those little cracks that seem to be there on top!) Maybe love is all around us if we take the time to look! Here's wishing you all a wonderful day!! May you find your own "love" stone today!

Ready to Set Sail

2011-04-13T14:01:00.001-07:00

With warmer weather quickly approaching, I wanted to create a fun piece for the whimsical sailor in you! Are you ready for a day at the beach??? I have been working on more jewelry pieces, after all, I LOVE to accessorize!!! I could definitely use a little beach time about now! It is really heating up here in the Valley and the snowbirds are flying back north! This is always a rather sad time down here, because those of us who live here year round know what lies in store for us!!!! AAAHHHHHH!!! Heat attack!!!

Oh, the Wonderful Weekends!!!

2011-04-09T08:39:00.000-07:00

I just LOVE the weekends! Whether they fall on Saturday and Sunday, or whatever they are as my schedule permits!! They are time to play!!!

I had a fantastic time last Saturday at a local art shop! I had never taken a soldering class, so this time I jumped in and had a blast! We learned how to cut the glass pieces first, then it was on to 'building' our houses!!! The papers used were from our own personal stash - gee, I bet you wouldn't have guessed that from the papers I chose! (you can check those papers out above!)

So, let's see, tools assembled and supplies ready to go! Put on your hard hat and away we went! Cut, tape, piece together, all assembled, ready, set, SOLDER!!! WOO HOO! No burns! Close calls, though!!! Finished it up, put on a little polish, gave it a good 'spring cleaning,' and here it is! Ready to move in!!!

So, what is in the works for this weekend??? Well, more of those wonderful empty pages to fill, but first it is off to lunch with a girlfriend from high school!! She is in town for a long weekend and I haven't seen her in a year! She is a twin sister from another mother, we were born a week apart, and whenever we get together, LOOK OUT! I hope the Valley is prepared for the nonsense we have in store!!!

What are you doing this weekend???

The Power of an Empty Page...

2011-04-07T09:43:00.000-07:00

I've been 'offline' for awhile... Needed to catch my breath, focus, get some movement going...

I will get there!

I found that a cheap sketch book, blank pages, and a little bit of this and that from my desk, can help make life so much better! Thank you, empty pages! You heal me with your endless opportunities!!!

~~ A Wee Bit of MerriMent ~~

2011-02-20T08:44:00.001-08:00

Just peekin' in from the Renaissance Festival!! Welcome Lords and Ladies!!! There is merriment to be had here!! Huzzah!!!!!

You can check out your family tree here! Yep, there we are! Our roots go deep!

We danced a little jig with these fine fellows from Jolly Old Ireland!

Well, 'shiver me timbers!!!' Is it Capt. Jack Sparrow on a little break from the Pearl???

A quick stop in The Boutique to see what the ladies will be wearing to the fine Festival!

Oops, watch where you step...

And this guy, Cast in Bronze, I don't even know where to begin to tell you about him. Amazing! You can check him out at http://www.castinbronze.com/. You won't believe it until you hear it!

Our beautiful Queen with her bird of prey! Gorgeous owl!!!

What a happy tree! It looks like he could open his eyes any minute and speak! And you better listen when the trees start to talk!

Lovely buildings and beautiful gardens all around...

The Jousting Tournament is on!!!

And the day comes to a close in the shire... The merriment is over and another day will dawn with all of the excitement of the festivities and the buzz of the feasting, frivolity and fun!!! HuZzaH!!!!!

* Yep, a bit Nippy out There!!! *

2011-02-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

Ironic??? Even Mother Nature has a sense of humor!!

We saw this sight in front of a Methodist Church last weekend in Tucson, AZ! It was really quite beautiful!! People were stopping to take pictures and having a laugh over this! I just couldn't resist and wanted to get a shot of these crosses myself!

I hope you have a warm weekend! And if not, I hope you have a good laugh!! Happy creating!

~~ Put a Little Love in Your Heart ~~

2011-02-10T12:28:00.000-08:00

It is that time of year again! LoVe is in the air!!!

I just finished this pin, hand cut from recycled sheet metal. Add a little embellishment and it is ready to wear!!!

I also want to share a few Jewelry blogs with you that I have come across lately... get ready for some real eye candy!!! Enjoy!

http://www.abeadaday.blogspot.com/

http://www.klassyjoolz.blogspot.com/

http://www.lorianderson.blogspot.com/

* Upcycled Cookbook - Ready to Serve *

2011-01-28T10:46:00.000-08:00

I needed a new cookbook and here it is!

After my pile of recipes fell to the floor - yet again! - I decided I needed to do something about it! I took an old photo album, a few embellishments, and made a new house for my yummy recipes! Boy, am I cooking now!!!

Oh, how I LOVE to organize! If you want to see more pages and want a little explanation on how I made this, please visit http://www.rekindledcreations.blogspot.com/.

Thank you and happy cooking trails to you!

~+~ PiE Day WiTh GRanDmA!!! ~+~

2011-01-25T09:10:00.001-08:00

I have been thinking about my Grandma lately and wanted to make something special - just for her! I live a plane ride and a long drive away from her, so unfortunately, I don't get to see her as often as I would like to! When I do, Tuesdays are "pie day" where she lives and we get to share this time! So as far as I'm concerned, Tuesdays will forever be "PIE DAY" to me!

Won't you join us this afternoon for a slice???

~+~ Life Lessons from my Furr Kids ~+~

2011-01-19T09:56:00.000-08:00

I've always had a cat in my life, as far back as I can remember. Last night, while getting ready for bed, it dawned on me that each one has been sent to teach me something important, to be my mentors in life!!! So here they are - everything I know about life, I really did learn it from my kitties!

Above you will see Tommy, from him I learned that it doesn't matter where you come from, someone will always be there to love you and you will never be a stranger. Tommy just showed up on our front porch one night. We have no idea where he came from and nobody came forward to claim him. So he just walked right into our hearts and our lives!

This is Tabby! She was a kitten when we adopted her from a farm and she taught me to live a good long and healthy life! She was with us for almost 21 years!!

This is Abbey! She taught me to relax and make room for quiet time.

This is Calypso! He came to me straight out of a dumpster! My boy taught me that you can overcome any obstacle if you put your mind to it! "Perseverance is the key," he said! My Calypso had lost one eye from an infection that he had when he came to me.

This is Denver - My Big D!! Denver taught me about love, PURE love!!! Yes, it really does exist!

This is Spirit! My girl is teaching me to never give up on my independence! "Be your own self and you will find your bliss," she recently told me!

And this is my Tillie!! Explore - Play! She told me to play like there is no tomorrow! Test your limits and push them, too! There are no boundaries and your choices are limitless!! BREAK THE RULES that life tries to put on you!!

I am a very fortunate woman to have each one of these angels in my life! Somebody did well in picking them out for me and I bless each and every one of them! Thank you so much for coming into my life... for teaching me the important lessons that make life worth living!!! xoxo All my love, "Mom"

~ No InHibItioNs! ~

2011-01-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

I put that "no inhibitions may enter" sign on my art room door last year, and for some reason, those darn inhibitions don't always listen!!! They do tend to creep in from time to time!!

So, yesterday, in my quest for that 'easy, breezy' feeling in my artwork, I decided to play with muslin, recycled tissue papers, inks, chalk (thank you, Mom, for donating this to my cause!!), and baby wipes!

Step 1. Pop in my particular flavor of music and Step 2. dive in! BTW, the 'flavor' of the day was flamenco guitar! Love that beat!!

I can't wait to see what they become! But in the meantime, they will find their new home in my stash pile!!!

Happy Creation Days!!

These are baby wipes that had dried out - Great base for adding color. Add inks and use a brayer to roll color around!

These are muslin/tissue paper base, put together with a diluted water and glue mixture. Then I 'peeled' chalk onto the wet glue mixture and left it to dry! And yes, I peeled the chalk, just like you would a potato!

The chalk is the kind that you find in the 'children's art section' of the store!

The huge 'sidewalk chalk' was used, too!

++* OH NO - IT'S SNOW!!! ++*

2011-01-12T12:15:00.000-08:00

I just read in the news that 49 of our states have snow on the ground!!! Florida does not!! OH, NOOOO!!! Looks like it is a good day to stay inside and do some artwork! Hope it's a creative one, everybody!

Side note... As we were eating lunch one day, I noticed that the cheese on my sandwich looked like a scared face! Is it me, or do you see it too???

+++ Escape to the Second Hand Bookstore +++

2011-01-09T08:00:00.000-08:00

We recently took a trip to one of our favorite second hand bookstores here in the Valley! There is always something fun brewing here - meet and greets with authors, talking to others who share the same interests, browsing some wonderful new 'treasures,' talking to the fun people who work there, getting the best creative ideas just by being in close proximity to some amazing books, or enjoying a tasty treat next door at a favorite restaurant after an exciting stop at the bookstore! The above bumper sticker was acquired at our last visit to this store. We got a good laugh out of this (this one is from David & Goliath , Inc.)!!

I also picked up a book, which came out in 2001! A definite treasure that I didn't know existed out there on the shelf! Have you heard of Jill Badonsky, M. Ed. and her book, "The Nine Modern Day Muses (and a Bodyguard)?" I just started reading this and I'm having a hard time putting it down! Lots of good information in here and it is such an inspiration! If you are feeling stuck in a creative rut, no end in sight, this might be a book for you! I just started reading about the muse of "paying attention, passion and possibilities!" Her name is "Aha-phrodite!" Can't wait to finish this one!!

Here's wishing you all a creative day and may your own muse find you in an uninhibited and joyous mood!!!

Rekindled Creations

2011-01-05T12:58:00.000-08:00

Hello! Hope your New Year is off to a GREAT start!!

I decided to start up another blog that talks about artsy, crafty 'stuff'' only! I will still have Rekindled Me for a personal, day to day blog, but wanted to make a little change for the New Year! If you want to take a peek, please feel free to stop by: www.rekindledcreations.blogspot.com.

Thank you and hope to see you soon!!

+++ Follow Along with Traci Bautista +++

2011-01-03T20:59:00.000-08:00

If you need a little nudge to get your creative juices flowing, check out the link to Traci's blog on the left! She is working on amazing pages, putting them into journals, and she is going to be sharing some ideas and tips!! Grab your favorite artsy tools and LET GO!!!

Happy Creations to You!!

* HaPpY 2011 !!! *

2010-12-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

It's getting closer! 2010 is almost gone and here it comes!! Wait for it - __++*** 2011! Yee Hah! Yippee! All that noise!! Time for a 'fresh start!'

I have spent a lot of time this past year trying out different "skins to be in" and I think I am figuing out which one I like!!! The current one fits well, is on the right path and I think it is a keeper - for now anyway!!! (insert very wide smile and wink here!) That being said, it has led me to some fun and exciting choices! I'm looking forward to sharing some of these stories with you next year and hope to hear some of yours, too!

To my current blogger friends, thank you for sharing your lives with me this year! You are all very special to me! And to my new blogger friends, I'm looking forward to meeting you soon!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU!!!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

2010-12-24T17:59:00.001-08:00

Sending out holiday wishes and hope that you are having a Blessed and Merry Christmas!!

Christmas - AZ Style!

2010-12-23T09:43:00.001-08:00

Happy Holidays to all of you out there! I'm sure that many of you are ready for the busy week ahead, no matter how you celebrate! I wanted to share some of the activities that we have been taking part in here in the desert!!

We went to a Pointsettia Festival and I had no idea that there are so many different colors to choose from! There were rows and rows of these gorgeous, bright blooms!

And if you happen to be in a blue mood, they had a color for you, too!!

While driving through a downtown area one night, we happened to notice this big, beautiful Christmas tree! Now, you may be asking, 'How does an evergreen grow so well in the desert???" Well.... if you look closely, you will see!

Yep, spray painted tumbleweeds!!! A big pile of the tumblers were stacked up, tied together, and sprayed with white paint and glitter! I guess you have to do what you have to do!!!

So, as we are chillin' here in the desert, having our celebration our way, I hope all of you are healthy and happy! May you have your own Silent Night, may your days be Merry and Bright, and may you feel the LOVE of family and friends around you!!! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!

* Do You Hear Sleighbells??? *

2010-12-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Winter is here and it is time for a sleigh ride with your honey!! This piece was inspired by one of my favorite songs for this time of the year! Of course, I also LOVE getting out and going for a ride myself! Ah, nothing says Christmas like a brisk ride in the open mountain air! Or, in my case, open desert air! :)

I finished this necklace recently and just added it to my website. I have been busy getting things organized (ha ha ha!) and ready for the holidays! Doing a little baking, a little more shopping, a little decorating, you know the routine! We put our lights on the house outside a few weeks ago and sweat up a storm! It was 80 degrees out there - hard to get into the swing of the season! We decided to skip the big tree this year and put up a small, fabric one instead! If you remember, we have an energetic kitten that LOVES to climb, and we didn't want to deal with that right now. I am pretty sure that Santa will still be able to leave our treasures around the tree that we do have - so all is not lost!!!

I hope all of you are getting ready to celebrate the season! Have you decked your halls yet???

* Just Checking In *

2010-11-30T21:59:00.000-08:00

Hello, all! It is almost here!!! HAPPY DECEMBER! Are you getting ready for the Big Guy in Red to arrive soon??? I just wanted to check in to see how everyone is doing! Tillie wanted to take a peek, too! (That is her in the picture above. She is a cutie, don't you agree?) She has been checking out the house, discovering a whole new world of wonderful toys (my Christmas decorations)!!!

I am busy in the art room, getting ready to add a few more items to my website and Etsy! I am sure all of you are busy doing the same! I am wondering, what are you doing to prepare for the holidays? Are you making your own gifts this year? I LOVE homemade gifts - they are straight from the heart!

Drop a line or 2 if you have time and let me know what you are up to! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend!

And by the way, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM!!!

* Happy Gobble Day *

2010-11-24T13:48:00.000-08:00

"Forever on Thanksgiving Day, the heart will find the pathway home." by Wilbur D. Nesbit. I found this quote and for me, it fits perfectly! We used to have a big family gathering every year at this time. Wednesday night supper at Grandma and Grandpa's house, then Thanksgiving meal the following day at mom and dad's house. Mom and I would listen to Christmas carols as we started preparing the meal, then eventually the Macy's Day Parade would come on and we would watch this in between. Everyone had fun and after the meal and pie, we would have a Christmas gift exchange with the family members who were present. Of course, after all of this came the real fun - playing card games with mom, my aunt and uncle, brother in law, sister, hubby, myself and my Grandma!! Oh the fun we had then! Grandma would usually do something funny at some point and then we would start laughing! The card games were never a success until this happened and the tears would end up rolling down Grandma's face! I am truly blessed in so many ways!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving! On this day I am thankful for the many, many blessings that I have in my life! I have the same wish for all of you!

Gobble, gobble!!!

The Tote that Carries My BagGagE...

2010-11-18T08:27:00.000-08:00

Hello, all! It's been awhile since I've posted and I'm trying to catch up with you now! I was away visiting family and when we came home - computer issues!! I don't understand much about how computers run, I just want them to do it with no babysitting needed! (Yes, I live in a fantasy world! :) ) And by the way, can a firewall be so good that you can't even get into your own computer??? Oh, well. Our 'computer friend' came over last night and we are back on track! Thank you, Jarret!

So, while getting ready to leave the house the other day, I realized I have a lot of 'baggage' that I carry with me when I go! Sketch book and pencils, camera, book or 2, water bottle, a jacket now because you never know what the desert weather will bring, and, of course, a fashionable purse to match the day's ensemble of carefully chosen clothes! Oh no, do I need a suitcase???

I am just wondering, what kind of 'baggage' do you carry when you go out the door? What do you carry it in??? Is this a 'girl thing,' or is it just me? And to think, I'm not even packing here for children, just me!!!

No matter what choice I make for 'tote of the day,' I always feel like I'm getting ready to board a plane!! "A purse and one other personal carry on item only, please!"

What's in YOUR bag???

_+What's Your Jewelry Story???+_

2010-10-20T12:12:00.000-07:00

Oh, another beautiful day here in the Valley of the Sun! You can tell that autumn is in the air and I am coming to life once again! Those of you who know me know that this is my favorite time of the year! Love, LOve, LOVE it!!!!! To show the love, I have just finished my first piece of etched metal jewelry - "Autumn Awaits!"

Jewelry was one of the first loves of my life! I think it is an exciting way to add a touch of pizzazz to your day and the choices tell a little story about the person wearing it! Have you ever stopped and wondered why you picked out the pieces that you have on??? Do you have your own story? Do you wear symbols or words on a chain? Do you wear bright colors or nature's colors? Perhaps you have a piece that was handed down from a beloved family member! Whatever the case may be, we choose each piece for a reason.

"Autumn Awaits" came to me the other day, so I went to work drawing my plan and made it come to fruition! The words were stamped in metal, cut out, sanded and darkened with Liver of Sulphur. A little buff and polish and they were done! The leaves were drawn out by hand, traced onto the copper, then I cut them out with a jewelry saw. I etched the veins by hand with a stylus and sanded the edges. The leaves were then given a ferric chloride bath, rinsed and polished. (By the way, a LOT of sanding, scrubbing and washing is involved with this process!!) Again, liver of sulphur made the veins pop out! I then added a little bend here and there to show movement of the leaves. After all, autumn means that they are falling off of the trees, preparing themselves for the next season to come! (Just not yet! I want to bask in the autumn glow a little longer!!) I added the pieces to a chain, added a closure and it was complete and ready to wear!

I definitely had fun with this whole process and will try it again! I have more copper pieces waiting in the wings, wondering what they are going to become!! A necklace, earrings, perhaps a lovely brooch??? Who knows - the sky is the limit! If you want to see a wonderful and very talented metal jewelry artist, please check out Amy at, www.amysjewelrydesigns.blogspot.com. Her pieces are amazing!! They will knock your socks off! Enjoy!

A New Friend and an Award

2010-10-12T09:08:00.001-07:00

I found a wonderful surprise waiting for me this morning when I checked on my blog!! Teresa, over at www.nontypicalmom.com, sent this award my way! Thank you, Teresa, and welcome to my blog! I appreciate your kindness!

Please check out her site, she has some fun stuff waiting for you to see! And if you are having a tough day, this will put a smile on your face!! Have fun searching through her information!!

Hurray for October

2010-10-05T16:12:00.001-07:00

Happy October to all (a few days late)!! The harvest season is here and the weather today in the Valley is just perfect for fall - it is raining and we have grey skies! I just LOVE these days! It makes me want to run to the kitchen, pull out the treat making ingredients, and turn on that oven which has been sitting untouched since last spring (when it is 100+ degrees outside, believe me, the last thing you want to do is turn on the oven inside!!) ! Does anyone have a good recipe to share?? I know my friend, A Creative Dreamer, www.acreativedreamer.blogspot.com, has been busy in her kitchen making wonderful goodies! If you take a peek at her blog, I warn you, you might just gain weight looking at the pictures!

I have been busy getting ready for craft/art fairs, since, as you know, Christmas is around the corner! But before we get to this holiday, I wanted to share a poem which was written for my favorite time of the year - HapPY OctOBeR!!!!!

October's Party by George Cooper

October gave a party;

The leaves by hundreds came.

The Chestnuts, Oaks and Maples,

And leaves of every name.

The Sunshine spread a carpet,

And everything was grand,

Miss Weather led the dancing,

Professor Wind the band.

The Chestnuts came in yellow,

The Oaks in crimson dressed.

The lovely Misses Maple

in scarlet looked their best.

All balanced to their partners,

and gaily fluttered by;

The sight was like a rainbow

New fallen from the sky.

Nostalgia - A Walk Down 'Remember When'...

2010-09-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Nostalgia... I recently saw this defined as a sentimental recollection. A bag of mixed feelings when thinking about the past. I have been experiencing this lately! Why, you may ask??? :) Well, I am coming up on another birthday! I'm feeling pretty good about it! 45 years! Really, I'm feeling good about it! Light the candles and pull out the goofy party hats! When I was growing up, birthdays were celebrated in a BIG way and we were made to feel pretty special on those days! We ALWAYS had cake and we ALWAYS had fun! This was a TOP priority for my mom! She planned the best activities with my friends and family! And my grandpa always helped bake the cakes - even his own!! These days my birthdays are celebrated a little differently, but I still love them! Especially since it comes during my favorite time of the year - Autumn! Ahhh, you can smell it in the air!

So, a few things I have come across on my walk down 'remember when' lane... I am having the best time becoming reacquainted with friends from my high school years on FB - some of my 'BFF's from those days! I am having a great time watching reruns of some of the hysterical sitcoms I grew up with, you know the ones I'm talking about - those funny ones that were on for the sole purpose of making you laugh at life! I mean those long, down to the belly laughs! Recently we even attended a reunion concert of one of the 'big hair' bands from the 80s! (Gee, not much big hair now, in fact, not much hair at all!) Oh, what fun! And did you know that "The Sound of Music" turns 45 this year, too!!

This all brings me to a recent trip I took to a second hand store. I came across a real humdinger (this word makes me giggle!) the other day! (Side note here! I just LOVE jewelry - always have! Whether it's LOUD and 'in your face' or soft and subtle, I love it all! Of course, not that I can WEAR it all!!!) Well, I found a bag of Avon pins from the 70s and 80s (shown above)! They were the adorable little animals with the heads that flip open to expose those wonderful fragrances! Those scents which were saved for special occasions only!! Do any of you remember these? I used to have some of them, but, unfortunately, they were lost somewhere along the way... Until, YES, HERE THEY ARE! They were in a sandwich bag that was marked down half price!!! Imagine my joy when I opened the bag in the car! Flip open the heads and ... YES, ANOTHER SURPRISE!! Those 'wonderful' fragrances were still inside! I guess the previous owner was saving up for a special occasion that didn't take place! Ahhh, my bliss!

Have any of you been experiencing nostalgia lately? I sure would like to hear your story! Enjoy your walk!

Thank You to the Women on My Journey...

2010-09-24T13:55:00.001-07:00

I was going through an old journal of mine today and came across a poem by Rev. Melissa M. Bowers, which was given to me by a girlfriend out on the East Coast. The title of that poem is, "Praise to the Women on My Journey," for those of you who want to read it in its entirety. This made me think about all of you who drop by my blog to say 'hi.' Whether you do it silently, or if you are one of those who brightens my day with a comment or 2 along the way. Thank you so much for spending a part of your day with me, I want you to know that I do appreciate each one of you!

I am giving each one of you a flower and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! May your ideas bloom and may you find a kind word and a warm smile along your way! Happy Friday to you!!! And thank you for being part of my journey...

The Road - Bumpy and Slow - To Rekindle Me

2010-09-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a day that hits you like a freight train going at top speed? This happened to me recently. Out of sorts all day, didn't know why, and then a quick doodle came to me. Didn't think about it, just scribbled it out. You will see it here and I have been thinking about it a lot since then. Oh, by the way, I actually published this a few days ago, then deleted it. After all, I didn't want my blogger friends to think I had deep rooted issues!!! ;o) Please read on if you want - or don't. I just decided to put this out there for me, then it would be done. I wouldn't have to keep it inside anymore and it can leave me alone!

A few years ago, when I came up with the name for my new website - Rekindle Me - little did I know that this simple 2 words would mean more to me than simply loving my new found interest of turning trash into treasured, 'artsy' pieces.

This was also going to mark a huge turn in my life, something that needed to come about, whether I liked it or not. Up until this point, I guess I was living in a fairy tale, but I soon discovered that not everything was as it seemed around me... Enter those awful demons that can come about at the time when you least expect them and sideswipe you in the middle of your life!!! My simple way of looking at things was about to get ugly - real ugly! I found that some things that I believed in, that I trusted in, were gone. Perhaps never existed in the first place. This was quite a shock to me, but life goes on and you learn more about yourself as you go. I'm not sure, yet, that I understand everything that went on, and I may never know! But that will be OK.

I did meet helpful people on this new journey to healing and new situations arose. I personally believe that these things were put in place to help me learn more about me! I believe the universe keeps throwing things your way until you figure out what it means. Some things are still, and always will be, a work in progress. And this is OK, too. As the saying goes, 'Slow and steady will win the race.' Maybe that's not just a cute saying with a picture of an adorable turtle beside that 'run as fast as you can' hare. Maybe, just maybe, the person who first said this really did discover something so true. Their own pathway to 'rekindle me'???

Slowly, I am beginning to trust again, but I am cautious! I am beginning to forgive and forget (OK, I'm still working on that one). And I'm trying to carry on with what I need to do next. Hang on, Sharon, it's going to get a little bumpy along the way, but I'll hit clear skies again. As for now, I'm just trying to figure it all out. So far, so good...

Now, on a lighter note, I think I'll go shopping this weekend for a new color lipstick. I need a color that goes well with a 'rekindled' lifestyle. What color do you think that would be??? Berry, orange, red?

I'll let you know...

+++Rainbows are Everywhere!!+++

2010-09-13T14:21:00.001-07:00

A discovery came to me as I was sitting in my studio this morning, working on my latest project - I am surrounded by rainbows!! I LOVE colors - bright colors - delicious colors! And they are everywhere!!

Gee, it's no wonder why I feel happy and inspired every single time I am working at my desk! I feel at ease, relaxed and on top of the world! I guess this feeling is my pot of gold at the end of my rainbow!

Yes, my own rainbows are everywhere! Do you have your own?

**A Cup of Joe is All that is Needed.......

2010-09-10T08:54:00.000-07:00

'In Seattle, you haven't had enough coffee until you can thread a sewing machine while it's running.' Jeff Bezos - Now that's Strong coffee!!!

Good Morning! Ready to work on a project??? Need a 'cup of joe' to get you going? I came across this quote this morning and thought it was comical. Thought I would share it with you here!

I, myself, LOVE coffee, but don't think I could ever drink this much! ;) How about you? Happy Friday and hope your day is a creative one!

_+Planet Sark+_

2010-09-01T16:40:00.000-07:00

Hello, All! I hope you have been happy and busy in your studios - or atleast enjoying one of your favorite activities lately!

I just added a picture on my blog - one of me! I had never noticed, but other than my foot, along with my hubby's last week, I don't have a picture of myself on here! Hmmm- is that good or bad???? :)

Well, since Sark, aka Susan Ariel Rainbow Kennedy, is one of my favorite writers, I decided to add this picture to my blog! The picture was taken recently at a book signing that she did here in the Valley - maybe you know her books? Juicy Pens, Thirsty Paper, Eat Mangoes Naked, Succulent Wild Woman... to name a few! She was traveling to her appearances with the big purple crayon, which someone had given to her for inspiration! This was truly an evening of fun, craziness and encouragement and I met some of the most wonderful 'succulent' women! We even had the chance to help one of the younger women in the crowd paint her car that night! She was a student here in the city and she was involved with teaching art to children. She had a beat up VW which made the perfect canvas for our splashes of paint and silliness!

If you ever get the chance to see Sark, I highly recommend it! It will be an evening of enjoyment for all! And you might just laugh a little!

-+Lil' Scrappers+-

2010-08-27T12:39:00.000-07:00

It's 11:25 AM in the Valley and it is 77 degrees! Yes, we Arizonians are doing the 'Happy Dance' today! I have a window opened up for some fresh air (which hasn't happened since April) and we can breathe comfortably!! My girls, (kitties - Spirit and Tillie) are crowding in at the fresh air and we are once again reminded that our better seasons - along with their wonderful weather - are on the way back to us! Ahhhhh - how do you spell RELIEF!!!!!!

This 'wonderful weather day' has also put me in the mood to work endlessly in my art room! I have been putting together some fun little pieces, made from my recycled stash of treasured paper scraps, fabrics, tid bits, etc., and I am calling these pieces my 'Lil Scrappers!' What do you think? I don't like to throw things away and I realized that this was the perfect project for my treasures!! They aren't completely finished yet - but they are on their way to fruition!!

Wish You Were Here

2010-08-24T14:37:00.001-07:00

Hello all! Hope you had a nice weekend! We got out of the Valley for a few days and now I have been 'rekindled!'

We went to a lovely little town up in the hills over the weekend - perhaps you have heard of it - Sedona! We sat out on the balcony of our hotel room Saturday night and watched the storms roll across the sky - very romantic, very beautiful and breath taking! This is monsoon season here in AZ, and it really can be a lovely time of the year - full of surprises! The sky had turned a pinkish color before the storm clouds rolled through - perhaps this was just the 'shadow' from the red in the rocks of Sedona??? ;o) We also had the chance to see a double rainbow before the sky turned dark and lit up with bright, sharp lightning! Oh, what a perfect night! The show went on for a few hours!

We had taken Denver's ashes along with us. (For those who don't know, we lost our very special kitty, Denver, a few months ago.) So, on Sunday, we took a little hike along a pathway, which led us to a meandering stream and up toward a beautiful grouping of those magnificent red rocks! It was here where we decided to let a little part of our boy go. We think he would have loved this place...

We are now back down in the heat of the Valley and I am back in my studio - working on my next 'rekindled' project! Stay tuned for pictures to follow in a few days!! Until then, happy creating to all of you!

LOVED IT!!

2010-08-17T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Just wanted to update the info about the movie Eat, Pray, Love! I loved it!! 2 thumbs up and then some for me! Deb, I am wondering, what did you think, especially since you haven't read the book yet? Was it easy to follow?

I love the fact that she took the time for herself - FOR HERSELF ONLY!! - and went off on a soul searching adventure! What a spunky gal!! It must be very refreshing, yet a touch scary, to decide that you are going to pull up stakes and take off for the unknown! It looks like the right choice for her! By the way, did I mention that we preceded this movie with a wonderful Italian meal? :)

I hope all of you have a wonderful week ahead!

Here it Comes

2010-08-13T10:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday the 13th!!

It is here! The movie that I have been waiting to see all summer.....it is time to 'Eat, Pray, Love!' I read this book recently and I was so happy to hear that it was going to be in the theaters! I know that this is getting a lot of publicity, and I'm not sure how you feel about it, but for me - this book was difficult to put down! I guess it was another one of those stories, such as 'Under the Tuscan Sun,' when I felt like I was in another place and time, trying to see life through their eyes. Sometimes I can get lost in a book and I don't see or hear anything else around me! I can't wait to see Julia Roberts bring the author to life! And, let's be honest, I am also looking forward to seeing Javier Bardem!! Not too bad on the eyes! I have heard the movie is not getting good reviews, but hey, I have a mind of my own! So, I'm off to see it and come to my own conclusions!!

P.S. In preparation for the weekend ahead, I went out and had a facial this morning! OOHHHH, so nice! The esthetician was surprised that I was in my 40s - apparently my skin is not showing my age! Bless her heart for saying this!! Of course, I WILL be going back to her! :)

Happy Friday the 13th, and if you eat, pray and love this weekend, here's hoping it's all fantastic!!

++++Glory Years Under Attack++++

2010-08-02T11:48:00.000-07:00

My 'glorious years' are under attack!!! The responsible party is a 3 month old furr ball! Beware!!!

It is official! We found out that we did not adopt a kitten - we adopted Satan in a small furr coat!

Shortly after we adopted 'Tillie,' we spent time completely overhauling our home! That's right!! No more feng shui... No more pretty things sitting around... No more toilet paper in easy reach... No more electrical cords on the floor within reach of small teeth! No more surfaces left bare - they have now been covered with blankets, towels, and aluminum foil (which does NOT scare any cat that I have ever raised!!)! Chaos has ensued and I fear that Armageddon is happening in my home!!

The spray bottle that is supposed to work 'Oh, so well!'??? Nope!! Not a problem for Tillie!! This is now an enjoyable experience for her, which she believes is a wonderful spa treatment known as a vichy shower!!

What happened to that adorable, little, sweet face that looked up at me so lovingly? That precious little girl who crawled into my arms and fell asleep for an hour? WHO CAME INTO MY HOUSE AND ABDUCTED MY BABY KITTEN!!!!!! What evil forces are at work here?

We have an appointment at the vet's office to take her in to be spayed soon! They are also going to check and make sure that she is not an alien from another planet, and then we are hoping that they will return our adorable little kitten with the sweet face!! I miss that sweet face... I miss that sleepy kitten! Where, oh where are you, Tillie????? I will keep you posted.....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, GRANDMA!!

2010-07-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

I wanted to send warm birthday wishes to my Grandma today! She is no longer with us here, but I know she is checking in on me from time to time! Above is a picture she painted for me that I wanted to share with you! It is one of my favorites - I LOVE columbine and she painted this for me when she was 90+ years old! Of course, this was when my Grandma started her painting career - when she was 90+ years old!! Yes, my Grandma was a wonderful artist, a fact that was hidden for years! I am so happy it came out eventually and I am fortunate enough to have this in my care!

A few fun bits of information that I want to share about her. She was born in the early 189os! I always thought that was amazing, listening to her stories when I was growing up about the 1800s! What a treat that was for me! She taught me how to crochet and she also helped me find my own creative side! Thank you, Grandma! You were a trailblazer!! I cherish those memories together!

Another interesting story about my grandma! She took a trip with her father back in 1914 to Switzerland - and I have the papers from the journal she kept while she was on that trip! Fascinating time for her - she was able to stretch her independence and her sea legs when they boarded a ship bound for the 'homeland,' as she put it! A scary thing happened to them on their 13 day trip across the Atlantic! Grandma said that on the 3rd night, it was foggy and the horns kept blowing. They awoke to a 'terrible jolt' in the middle of the night and were told that they had been rammed by a freighter. Now, a hole was there in the side of the boat and they were told to put their life jackets on! (Wow, this almost sounds like the Titanic, and keep in mind the year here was 1914, not long after that famous incident!) They finally discovered that the hole in the side of the ship was 10 feet above water level, so everyone was able to rest easy for the remainder of the trip! Grandma had mentioned that she was happy to be on land when they docked in Germany, and she and her dad were able to enjoy the next few weeks with family and new adventures ahead!!

These are just a few interesting things about my Grandma, but I wanted to share them with you and introduce you to a fascinating woman who 'cut loose' and found her own way before settling down to a quiet farm life! So here's to you, Grandma! Happy Birthday, you trailblazer! I am sure you are enjoying your day out there somewhere exciting with friends and family!! Perhaps you are spending the day in your 'homeland!' xoxo

...++...Happy 4th!!!...++...

2010-07-04T10:27:00.000-07:00

Here's wishing everyone out there a safe and Happy 4th of July!

+ HEEERE's Tillie +

2010-06-24T10:13:00.000-07:00

On Monday, 6/21/10, we adopted this little girl and named her Matilda - Tillie for short! She is a 3 pound bundle of love and she is absolutely adorable! Spirit, our 6 year old kitty, isn't too sure about her yet, but she is keeping a close eye on this new addition to our home. Spirit circles Tillie and seems to be trying to figure out what this 'mini me' is all about! I tried to get some good pictures of Tillie, but as you may have guessed wth a 2 month old girl, she does not want to sit still when she is awake!! She has found things in the house that I have forgotten about and she is keeping us all on our toes!

Please stay tuned as we get to know Tillie a little more and I'm sure I will have stories to share!

_+ Gearing up for Summer Heat +_

2010-06-12T10:40:00.000-07:00

Summer has definitely hit here in the Valley of the Sun! It is a 'double dip' kind of day! Hope everyone is staying cool and I wish you all a 2 scoop, melt in your mouth and dribble down your chin sort of day!!

++ A Little Bling ++

2010-06-11T16:47:00.000-07:00

I took a class last weekend from Chelsea Stone (www.eyecandybychelsea.com) and wanted to share the piece I made. We all had a great time and I may just try to make some of these on my own! It was my first attempt at jewelry, soldering, well, it was really my first attempt at all of this!

We cut the pieces of copper and silver with a jeweler's saw, then the real fun began! We learned how to stamp and texture our piece. A torch was used to solder. Patina was added to bring out the depth in the stamping. And we set the stone! Nobody was hurt in this production and Chelsea's studio is still standing! We did not burn it down with the torch - even though we were all just beginning!

If you are in the vicinity of Prescott, AZ, I highly recommend taking one of Chelsea's classes. You can learn so much in just a few hours! Hope you like it!

Very Special Birthday Cake

2010-06-03T14:52:00.000-07:00

A good friend of mine over at 'A Creative Dream' (www.acreativedreamer.blogspot.com) is having a birthday this month and she has our creative juices flowing!! We are supposed to come up with our own ideas for a birthday cake and share them with others!! This sounds like a good time to me! Happy Birthday, June!

Birthdays have always been special in my family, mom always made sure of that!! She created some of the best childhood memories for me with her surprises, games, parties, and those wonderful cakes!! Thank you, Mom! You are the best!! xoxo

I have another wonderful birthday surprise that I want to share with you here! These are pictures of a 'special cake' I received in 2001 on a flight up to New England! (Do you know which airline we were flying on - hint - I LUV this airline!!!) The plane was packed, we were heading up to see the beautiful colors of the Northeast in the fall, and one of the flight attendants called me to the front of the plane!! EEEKK! One thing you have to understand about me is that I do not feel comfortable in front of a large group of strangers - ALL EYES ON ME!!! My husband had mentioned that it was my birthday, the flight attendants went to work 'baking' me a cake, and it was presented to me, with everyone singing Happy Birthday!' As I walked back to my seat, I received gifts from different people - peanuts, swizzle sticks, napkins and even a few cans of pop (soda to some of you!)! Oh, did I feel the LUV!!!

Well here's to all of you celebrating your special days this month - and a piece of 'cake' from me! Trust me, it is nice, spongy and soft! :)

Please Remember Our Animal Friends

2010-06-01T14:48:00.001-07:00

Hello all! I have posted 3 more entries under my 'please remember our animal friends' section on the right side of my blog (please scroll down to find it.).

One is the Luv Shack Ranch Horse Rescue, here in AZ. This is a non-profit organization dedicated to the rescue and rehab of abused, neglected and slaughter bound horses. A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to get the chance to meet the people who run the Rescue, along with their rescues. Horses, donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, and rabbits were just some of the wonderful animals I met. Please check out their site for more information on how you, too, can meet these incredible animals with big hearts. http://www.luvshackranch.net/

Two sites for you to view, regarding the care of the wildlife birds in the Gulf, are the Tri- State Bird Rescue & Research, http://www.tristatebird.org/ and the International Bird Rescue Research Center, http://www.ibrrc.org/. The Tri-State Bird Rescue & Research is leading the wildlife rescue in the Gulf. The International Bird Rescue Research Center is a non profit organization dedicated to helping in the rehab of oiled wildlife in the Gulf. Both groups have dealt with oil spill situations and how it impacts wildlife.

Thank you for taking the time to check into these sites.

_++Bite Into Life++_

2010-06-01T14:30:00.001-07:00

'Bite into life and let its juices trickle down your lips...'

Here's wishing all of you a Happy June 1st!! May this month bring about some wonderful changes and some good news!

++Happy Memorial Day Weekend++

2010-05-29T10:21:00.001-07:00

Most important, I want to thank everyone out there who has and who is now serving this wonderful country where we live! You are all in my thoughts and prayers on this Memorial Day weekend. Thank you so much for all you do!

We are planning on having a nice, relaxing day up in the mountains, away from the Valley. We will be traveling to a few small towns, Pine and Strawberry, for the 30th Annual Pine - Strawberry Arts and Crafts Festival. Just the names of these places alone, Pine and Strawberry, are enough to draw me in and away from the heat of the city! It is a quiet, peaceful area, not too far away, but far enough where you can escape the chaos of the metro area for awhile! Sounds great to me! Especially since I am still a country girl at heart and from the Midwest!

The Festival is described as including 75 craft booths, the Fire Dept. is putting on a pancake breakfast, and the Senior Center will be selling Navajo tacos - among other activities! Local quilters will be raffling off 3 quilts - keep your fingers crossed for me, please! :) This sounds like a fantastic day waiting to happen! The wonderful thing about this, too, is that we will not have to travel too far to be in this beautiful mountain setting! I just love the mountains, the open, fresh air, and GREEN! (I know, what am I doing living in Phoenix? I'll let you know if I ever figure that one out!! HEE HEE!)

I am wishing all of you and yours a peaceful weekend! May it be a safe one!

A Sandpiper Made my Day!

2010-05-28T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hello to all! I have been back in the art room, working on more of my recycled sheet metal pieces (pictures to come soon)! My days are a little better now. As some of you know, we lost our kitty a few days back. Denver has been with me, letting me know that everything is OK!

I wanted to share a funny story about something that happened to me this morning as I was driving to work. As I was heading down a road outside of town, I noticed a bird, what I believe to be a sandpiper (sorry I didn't have the camera with me!!), with wings spread far apart and running on those long legs straight for the front of my car!! I couldn't believe my eyes! I thought he must be a little crazy and couldn't figure out what he was doing! There was another adult bird standing behind him and neither one of them was in a hurry to get out of the road. As I slowed down, I noticed a tiny little baby sandpiper behind them, about 4 inches tall, and just hanging out in the middle of the road! You should have seen this little thing!! It looked like a fuzzy grey furr ball on top of 2 tiny toothpick stilts! HA HA!! He was all legs!! This was one of the cutest sights I have ever seen! Now I know why the adult was acting a little nutty!! As I came to a complete stop, I flagged the car down behind me, and we let them pass in front of us and off of the road. This made my day!! Unfortunately, I did not have my camera, so I decided that I will grab it and head out a little later to see if they are hanging out again!!

This was one of the best mornings! I will cherish this experience always and I know that a camera is a must and needs to be with me whenever I go out of the house!!

Here's wishing all of you a wonderful day full of those extra special surprises!!

Knock, Knock, Wooden Head

2010-05-25T07:17:00.000-07:00

This phrase is being borrowed from a dear friend of mine here in the Valley. I know she doesn't mind if I borrow it here. Thank you, Carol!!

I have been so frustrated, sad, angry and outraged - about so many things lately. The passing of my kitty. The news about the state of current affairs. Boy, just try to listen to the news without having your blood boil lately! Have you found it to be impossible, too?? Have you ever wondered what has happened to common sense? Has it gone on vacation and decided to take up residence on another planet?? Isn't it time to wake up and stop taking our planet for granted?

I have felt like so much is spinning out of control and I wasn't sure what to do about it. As I was driving home the other day, I noticed a bunch of plastic bottles and cans along the way on the ground! Was I mad? Oh, yeah!! I started driving off in a huff, becoming more angry as I drove along, then realized... what am I doing? Go back and pick it up!! It's not going to walk to the recyling can on its own!! YUP, my own knock, knock, wooden head moment!! I realized that the phrase, 'Somebody else can do that!' applied to me! Hello, Sharon! You are that somebody else!! Oh, well, I guess this is the start of my being aware! And that might be half the battle right there!!

Yes, I am still frustrated, sad, angry, and outraged, but to help me through this, I have decided to take small steps, do what I can to help matters. Being frustrated, sad, angry and outraged only makes me want to take the steps quicker and whole heartedly. Believing that I can make a difference!! I remember John Denver telling us at the end of one of his concerts years ago - do just one thing, you don't have to do it all, but start with that one thing... OK, John... I get it! Thank you!!

To my friend Maria, I know... keep moving, keep hoping, keep praying!! I'm sending my prayers out to all of you down in the Gulf! Keeping a close eye on the days ahead when one of these solutions will work...

By the way, a HUGE thank you to all of you who stopped by and shared your kind words with me about my kitty last week. Those words meant the world to me and so do each of you...xoxo Peace be with you!

My Heart Broke Yesterday...

2010-05-18T13:34:00.001-07:00

And I don't think it will ever be the same. It's almost 4:00 in the morning, almost 12 hours ago since I had to say goodbye to our Denver, otherwise known as 'Big D.' He was a special boy to me, my 'furr child,' yet he was more than this to me. He was always there for me - no matter what. And I always knew it. I know he's here now, even as I'm writing this, but it will never be the same. I hope you will come with me as I go down memory lane and tell you about my boy.

He had a big heart of gold, so big, in fact, that I wish his little kidneys were as vibrant as his heart. He was beautiful and handsome, with the most gorgeous green eyes! And a personality that was out of this world! He was my snuggle boy!!

I remember the day we brought him home. We were at the ASPCA in PA and my husband fell for him first. I was looking at the other kitties and as I turned around - there was my husband in this little 'room' which measured about 3 feet wide by 5 feet deep. My husband had hoisted this little ball of furr, about 3 or 4 pounds at the time, onto his shoulder and there he was - dripping and drooling from every place on his body. He was a mess - ear mites, fleas, worms, a cold, the list goes on and on. You name it, my Big D had it! Yet through all of this, he had this enormous heart that was so big that it drew you in and you looked past everything else. He must have felt awful, but his bright eyes were 'smiling,' if you will.

There was a sign on the cage that read something to the effect that he was set to be 'put down' the following day. Well, that could not be... Denver was meant to be ours.

We brought this drooling, dripping 'mess' with his huge heart home and, of course, our orange kitty, Calypso, (you will see him in the pictures above. I had adopted him directly from a dumpster) thought we were crazy! Everywhere Calypso went, my newest child, Denver (we lived in Co once and I was one of John Denver's biggest fans, still am, in fact!) followed. I guess Calypso realized that he was home to stay, so eventually, he showed Big D the ropes - so to speak! My boys were inseperable until we lost Calypso back in 2004. Another time my heart broke.

Over time, my Big D grew to weigh 21 pounds! He was always there for me. In bed, on the sofa, in my art room, at the door when I got home. Those beautiful green eyes would look at me and I knew I was loved. I never doubted this. And let me just say that even at 20+ pounds, this guy could speed around the house and chase toys, treats and even our little girl kitty, Spirit, as if he were a sleek little kitten! And if this guy was on the bed or sofa with me, he pretty much slept or laid where he wanted! We would move around him because he wouldn't budge if he didn't want to! Denver was the light of my life - my big ball of love that I could escape to when the world outside got to be a little too much to take. I could come home, close out the craziness of the world, and my D was here - ALWAYS!

Unfortunately, that came to an end yesterday. Those dreaded words from the vet - Denver is in renal failure. Those darned kidneys of his. God gave him the biggest heart a kitty could have, in fact, I think it weighed 20 pounds. But his kidneys weren't as big and healthy. We put my boy to sleep about 4:20 PM Phoenix time - yesterday afternoon.

My heart is breaking. I see him everywhere, and I don't think I'll ever be the same again. I know I was blessed to have him, but for me, 12 years wasn't enough.

Sleep well and be at peace, my sweet boy, Denver. I know you are with Calypso right now. I'm sure my boys must be having fun again somewhere over Rainbow Bridge. I know that he will be OK, but for now, my heart has been through a shredder..

x0x0 Denver...I'll see you again sometime and I know you are still with me. I love you... Thank you so much for spending your life with us. We are truly blessed.

* You Never Know What Lies Beyond.....*

2010-05-01T10:29:00.000-07:00

I have been dreaming a lot lately about what I hope lies ahead in the future. Not just mine, but for all of us... This mixed media piece came about with these thoughts in mind.

I used my handmade fabric papers, along with collage background of scrap papers and text. I added a few little important embellishments here and there - including a keyhole which looks into 'beyond,' and a hopeful butterfly which is coming back to the present from the future through the keyhole! A chipboard '2' was embellished, a dream charm was added, and '2 dream' came about!

The text parts of the background read, 'a look of ecstasy, relationship, pockets of money, superb relaxation, great surprise, into the French Alps, little expedition, had found her feet in Italy, passionate love, love and congratulations and the full splendor of sunlight. These are just samples of the many things we can hope for... Go ahead, make your own dreams!

And remember, '2 dream' is very important, because 'you never know what lies beyond...' a closed door!

Celebrate Earth!!

2010-04-22T08:50:00.000-07:00

HAPPY EARTH DAY!!! I am wishing everyone the best day full of adventures!

Welcome to my Beautiful Morning

2010-04-18T09:29:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my Sunday morning! I have been busy 'baking' and I hope you can come on in, sit for awhile, and share a cup of coffee and a yummy cupcake with me!! The bakery is open and it looks like it is going to be a beautiful day here in the Valley!!

The recipe for these baked goods is as follows:
recycled bottle caps for the lush cherries on top, along with found wires and buttons from mom
fabric and lots of scrap papers and fibers, which have been gently bonded, rolled out, and cut to perfection with decorative scissors
recycled metal pieces that have been cut by my hubby and then decorated and embellished by me
They are then 'baked' in my art room and now are ready to serve! Hope you enjoy them!

Bark Place Avenue Boutique and Spa

2010-04-16T15:12:00.000-07:00

If you are in or around Rochester, Michigan, your furry friends are in for a real treat!! Bark Place Avenue Boutique and Spa, a chic place at 130 E. University, is waiting to groom, buff and polish your four legged friends! Please visit Kim Williams at http://www.barkplaceavenue.com/ and discover the bliss that awaits your faithful companions!! She has a spa menu listed on her site and she also features Etsy artists with their cat and dog items!! And speaking of featured Etsians, above you will see the items that I have shipped to Kim, which are for sale at her boutique!!

Here's wishing you all a barking good day and a meowy evening!! (OK, was that a little over the edge???) :)

Check out these Kitties!!!

2010-04-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

It all started with Friskies!!

I wanted to give a 'shout out' to my friend, Cher, from Cher's Passion! She is a fellow recycler from Baltimore and she has an imagination that is out of this world! You are going to LOVE this!! http://cherspassion.blogspot.com/2010/04/my-art-in-new-york-exhibit.html Here, you can check out what she did with tin cans! These cats are absolutely ADORABLE! Love it!! The best to you, Cher, in NY! Thank you to all who stopped by her blog!!

Origins Recycles Cosmetics

2010-04-14T13:10:00.000-07:00

Another bit of information that I want to pass on about recycling here!

Origins stores will take your empty cosmetic and toiletry jars, bottles, tubes and caps!! Whether it is their brand or not!! You can read more about this at the following link: http://www.origins.com/about/index.tmpl?page=recycle&cm_sp=Refresh-_-4-9-10%20Homepage%20Refresh-_-Main%20MW%20Return%20to%20Origins%20Recycling%20Program

Thanks for stopping by and happy recycling to all!

Aveda Recycles Bottle Caps

2010-04-14T12:59:00.000-07:00

I just came across this information and wanted to share it with all of you!!

Aveda takes part in a recycling program where you can drop off plastic bottle caps - from water, soda, milk, shampoo, ketchup and other bottles - and they are sent to a special recycler that turns them into new caps!! Please check out the following link and see how you can help! This is a great way to keep these caps out of our rivers and oceans and a fantastic way to help save our wildlife friends!! http://www.aveda.com/aboutaveda/caps.tmpl

Hats off to Aveda!!

+...Dive Right Into Life...+

2010-04-03T12:04:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend! Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate this lovely holiday and I hope the Easter Bunny is good to you!

An Award!

2010-03-30T16:16:00.000-07:00

A girlfriend of mine, A Creative Dreamer, recently passed this award to me! Thank you so much! You can check her out at http://www.acreativedreamer.blogspot.com/! She is a wonderful person with a big heart to match her personality!!

Now there are 7 steps that I need to take to make sure that I have given this award its proper respects!! They are:
1. Post the award on my blogspot.
2. Thank the person who gave it to me. xoxo A Creative Dreamer!!
3. Link to the person who gave this to me. You can find her above!
4. Share a list of 7 things that you probably don't know about me... (or were afraid to ask!!) :)
5. Choose 7 great bloggers to give the award to.
6. Share a link to their blogs.
7. Leave a comment on their blog.

Now I know that you have all been waiting impatiently on pins and needles for this info, so here are the 7 things about me!!! Hold onto your hats!

I was in Who's Who Among American High School Students when I was in high school. (which was quite awhile ago, I am sure that this particular volume is no longer in circulation!!)
When I first moved to AZ, I was scared to death of scorpions - until I was stung and lived!! I woke up in the middle of the night one time, thought my cat had been pulling her hair out again and throwing it on the carpet, so I bent over and picked it up to throw it away (Yes, even while I am asleep, I am still cleaning the house!!) Needless to say, the scorpion did not like being plucked off of the floor and clamped into my hand! Hmm, go figure! I am fortunate, though, that he was a bigger one and not the tiny ones which, as I am told, do not know how to control their stingers!!
A few years ago, my husband and I decided to attend a New Year's Eve concert in Las Vegas! We never really get a chance to do much on this night, since we have different work schedules, so we decided to make up for all of those missed nights and put them into one! Well, let's just say that there are a lot of 'crazies' up there and I was more than happy to spend the next New Year's Eve by myself with my chick flicks and kitties!

My husband and I have moved across country 2 times with rowdy cats in the cars with us! Once when we moved from CO to MD and the second time when we moved from the East out here to the West! And we are still married! (Whew! Never again will we tempt fate!)

I have seen the moon and sun rise over the Atlantic and I have seen the moon and sun set over the Pacific.
One night, while we were sitting by the water in Key Largo, FL, (LOVE Florida, btw!!), I was scared to pieces by a manatee at my feet that decided he needed to come up and 'blow' for air, while at the same time, I was being pleasantly surprised by a very bright shooting star that streaked across the sky in front of us! I think someone was looking out for me and knew that I needed a distraction from the scare!

Once I had a beautiful orange kitty, my Calypso, who had one eye. He was a sweet boy who helped me through a difficult time in my life. Thank you, sweet boy! RIP!!

Now I need to pass this on to 7 wonderful bloggers!!! They are:

1. Deborah at http://www.amazinganimalloversblog.com/! What a fun blog with some great information!

2. Gwen at http://www.creationsfromanenigmaticsoul.blogspot.com/. She is a real hoot! You have to check out her 'about me' page!

3. Moriah at http://www.mlbetterly.blogspot.com/. If you want to be inspired, she is a mixed media artist who has some great pieces!

4. Tammy at http://www.junckshop.blogspot.com/. This is art with (re) purpose and you need to see some of the trash that she turns into treasures! You won't believe some of the things she uses in her art work!

5. Ira at http://www.iramency.blogspot.com/. She not only started the Etsy Recyclers Guild Team, but she has so many more passions! Please check out her sites!

6. Valerie at http://www.valsalteredheartjourney.blogspot.com/. She does some beautiful mixed media pieces!

7. Rev. Caroline Dawley at http://www.pathwayofpeace.blogspot.com/. My friend, Maria Greene, introduced us to her. She has a beautiful message on her blogspot!

I think I have all of my bases covered now and I hope you check out these wonderful sites! They are some amazing women! Thank you again, June!!

LIGHTS OUT!! 8:30 PM!!

2010-03-27T09:58:00.000-07:00

Earth Hour 2010 is here!! Check out more information at www.earthhour.org!! Tonight at 8:30PM, please help show your support of our wonderful planet by shutting off those lights! It is amazing to see how many cities are supporting this cause and what an awesome way for all of us to unite!!

Please check out the website mentioned and 'CLICK THAT LIGHT BULB!' Happy Earth Hour everyone!!

Just Featured on Recyclers Blog

2010-03-22T14:47:00.001-07:00

A big 'thank you so much' goes out to Ira Mency at www.etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com! She did a beautiful job on writing up an article about me and my Etsy shop!! My information shows up on Sunday, March 21, 2010! Just click on the link if you want to see it, please! Thanks for looking!! http://etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/search/label/ReKindle%20Me

Oh Happy Day!!

2010-03-19T17:59:00.001-07:00

'Oh Happy Day!' I just finished this flower, my handmade papers and the reclaimed sheet metal, and I wanted to share it with you!! It will soon be spring and I am thankful that the weekend is ready to begin! Happy Spring to all of you!!

Recyclers Team on Etsy

2010-03-16T09:02:00.000-07:00

Good Morning!! Hope everyone is having a creative day so far!

I just recently joined a group on Etsy, the Recyclers Guild Team! What a great bunch of people who are very creative with the 'trash!' You can check out the blogspot at http://www.etsyrecyclersguild.blogspot.com/, and there you will find a lot of ideas that will inspire you!! To look for us on Etsy, just type in 'wastenot' and there we are - trash to treasures!! Also, please be sure to check out our fabulous leader, http://www.retrochaletstudio.etsy.com/. This lady is so busy that she is trying to hire an assistant team leader!

Thanks for stopping by and here's wishing all of you a 'day to rekindle!!'

:) Put a Little Love In Your Heart (:

2010-03-12T10:21:00.000-08:00

I have a place in my heart for the furry friends that we have and I wanted to show my love for them through this piece! I came up with the idea one day when I was watching my kitties (my art room protectors, they do their best to keep the bad ideas away!!) sleep on the floor while I was creating another piece of work!

The base is a piece of sheet metal, which I covered with my embellished scrap pieces of papers! I used some of my fabric papers for the heart, and added the other items - hearts, paw print and saying. As you may notice, one of the 'toes' on the paw print is a heart!

This piece is for all of the animal lovers out there! Be it cat, dog, or any other 'pawed' friend, be sure to show them the love daily!!

A Creative Spirit Lives Here

2010-03-10T10:43:00.001-08:00

I have been working on a fun project and just got it listed on my etsy site and website! I handpainted the canvas and added my embellished fabric papers (boy are those fun to make!) along with some other little items and here it is!! The home where creation bubbles over! As you can tell, I love the bright and bold colors! I thought this would be the perfect place to go for it and use all of them. The canvas piece is surrounded by scraps of my fabric papers, NOTHING goes to waste here!

I hope you enjoy this piece and the best of creative days to all of you!

;+) Add Some Va Va Voom (+;

2010-02-20T11:44:00.000-08:00

Add a little 'va va voom' to your room decor! I have been handpainting canvas and letting my inner thoughts spill out! I picked up some bright colors and started in on the work. The heart was planned, but the rest just came about as I continued painting! The pillow itself is made out of recycled jeans!! Yup, I found something else to recycle and 'rekindle!' I added a few extra touches of 'pop' with the feathered boa and the beads and lace, and here it is!

Here's wishing you a little 'va va voom' in your day!

+The earth laughs in flowers+

2010-02-18T13:41:00.001-08:00

I recently found a wonderful book, Kelli Perkins' "Stitch Alchemy," and I am addicted to her paper process! Oh what fun I am having, making my papers and transforming them into wonderful shapes for my art pieces!! I just recently combined 2 of my favorite things, reclaimed sheet metal and the handmade papers, and came up with this wall art! I love the verse by E.E. Cummings and my little 'garden' can be enjoyed all year round!

Be on the lookout for more of my papers, I know they will be making another appearance soon!

Living Life in a Fish Bowl

2010-02-10T09:27:00.000-08:00

I just love to work with my recycled sheet metal!! In this piece, I was thinking about what it was like growing up in a small town, since I did, in fact, do just that!! I was also thinking about today's world, where it is becoming more and more important for everything to be done out in the open so that we all know what is going on!! Lay your cards on the table! (Hmm, good, bad, I don't want to get into politics or anything too serious here!! Enough said!) :)

Longman's Dictionary of Contemporary English defines fishbowl as, 'a place or situation in which you cannot do anything in private.' In this piece, I wanted to bring out the whimsical side of living in a fishbowl! After all, there can be humor even in the most serious of times!

Have a great swim!!!

+Home Sweet Home+

2010-01-26T16:28:00.001-08:00

I was thinking about how fortunate we are to be living on such a beautiful planet when I came up with the idea for this sheet metal piece! Not only did I use the reclaimed sheet metal here, but I used recycled greeting cards, too, for the flowers! You just have to love our Mother Earth!

Love Starts at Home

2010-01-15T10:45:00.001-08:00

Love is in the air and in the home! I have been working with my reclaimed sheet metal again and came up with this wall art! Perfect little gift for someone or for yourself!! I had some beautiful gift wrap that I had from Christmas and wanted to use that in this piece, it is the shiny red that you see in the circles along the sides! I love the combination of reds set off with metallic gold - love the sparkle!! Enjoy and here's wishing you all a Lovely Day!!

The Fire Within You

2010-01-02T09:33:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all!! I'm hoping that everyone in craft and art land is looking forward to another productive, creative year! I came across a quote that I wanted to share! Something that may lead us all to that stage of being 'rekindled!!'

'May you know the fire within you. May you never doubt your connection to it. May you learn the balance of holding it close and giving it freely and may you dance with the light that you shine.' -author unknown

Here's wishing all of you a wonderful year ahead!!

++Happy 2010!!++

2009-12-31T16:04:00.000-08:00

Here's wishing all of you a Happy New Year! Stay safe, healthy and hope for the best we can be!!

Merry Christmas to All

2009-12-24T12:13:00.001-08:00

On this beautiful night of the year, I am wishing everyone out there a Blessed Christmas! Here's hoping that the holiday reminds us all that we must keep love and peace alive! Pay it forward and spread the joy! Not only today and tomorrow, but throughout the coming year! Together we can do anything we put our whole heart into!! To my family and friends, thank you so much for being there for me! You are the best gift I have ever received!! Have a Merry one!

Oh, Christmas Tree!!

2009-12-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

I finished my Christmas tree wall hanging! This is a sheet metal piece that I embellished with sheet music, holiday goodies and bell and bows! Jingle away!!!

+The Fa La La+

2009-12-10T10:02:00.000-08:00

The time is getting closer!! It will be here before you know it!! Now go out and prepare yourselves!!! :) OK, maybe I get a little too nutty this time of the year! I had some recycled sheet metal that was just screaming out for a little whimsy and a dash of funky!! I just love the blues and purples and thought this would be the perfect place to use those colors!! I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday season!!

+Merry Little Ornaments+

2009-12-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

Hello! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! Ours was a quiet one, but we have so much to be thankful for this year!

I have been working on more Christmas cards and I am 'rekindling' some of my finds, getting ready for Christmas eve to arrive!! I tried my hand at making some dog treats and catnip toys last night!! After all, I can't forget our furry friends during the holidays! :)

If you get a chance to drop a line, please feel free to let me know what you are working on!! I would love to hear about how you are decking your own halls!!

~Frosted Gingerbread House~

2009-11-19T18:07:00.001-08:00

Hello to those of you who like gingerbread!! I just finished 'frosting' the house and wanted to share it with you! I found this little birdhouse in a junk store and it was in need of a little TLC! I went to work with paints, papers, and other special 'finds' and then I mixed it all together! I came up with this little house that I just added to my Etsy! Just in time for the holidays! Hope you like it!!

Jolly Old St. Nick

2009-11-19T08:30:00.001-08:00

I have been working on a few more Christmas cards! I have some postcards and sheet music that I have used in the making of this one! I just love postcards, new and old, and I am always on the look out for them in junk stores, (otherwise known as treasure stores for me)!! So be careful, after the turkey comes by next week, Jolly Old St. Nick will be on his way and he is watching!!

CHristMas is ComINg!!!

2009-11-13T14:25:00.001-08:00

I have been working on a few more Christmas items! Getting ready for 2 craft fairs tomorrow, one is over in Scottsdale at Angel's Serenity, and then it is off to the Fall Fest in Glendale! It is supposed to be a gorgeous day out here, in the high 60s to low 70s! Here's wishing all of you a wonderful weekend wherever you may be! Enjoy those Holiday craft shows!!

2009-11-12T10:14:00.000-08:00

I had the most beautiful shaped wine bottle to work with on my latest 'rekindled' project! I just loved it and wanted to try my hand at a table lamp. I used tissue papers and napkins to decoupage the base, then painted over it with a mixture of transparent acrylics and powdered pigments. I just love the shine that this added to the piece! My husband helped out here by drilling the hole for the cord and, as you can see in the pictures, it works! This lamp uses a 4 watt night light bulb. I added the finishing touches of lace, ribbon, grapes and leaves, and a lovely little lamp shade and here it is, ready for a table!! I can't wait to work on my next lamp!

So Much to be Thankful For

2009-11-10T11:38:00.000-08:00

Fall must be in the air for me, and in my art room!!

I just returned from a trip back home to Nebraska and I absolutely love this time of the year there! The colors, the smell in the air, the coolness in the wind! Love it!! It also must have inspired me to get into that artsy, craftsy mood! I completed these Autumn Greeting Cards and will be listing them on my Etsy site soon!! As you can tell, I found some silk leaves, which I embellished with glitter, and added to the cards. I love to use different textures, I think it adds a little 'punch' to the mix!!

I hope you are all getting in the mood for Turkey Day! It will be here soon!! Gobble, Gobble!

+---'I'm Cuckoo for Cuckoo Clocks!!!'----++

2009-10-27T11:16:00.000-07:00

This recycled sheet metal piece was inspired by an actual Cuckoo Clock part, the wooden bird and leaves!! My dad had this broken piece which he no longer wanted, so I came to its rescue! I gave it a little TLC with some lumieres, added some funky stuff, and a little touch of whimsy, and here you have it! My version of a cuckoo clock! I don't know about you, but I'm cuckoo for cuckoo clocks!!

For a little history on the cuckoo clock, please visit www.en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cuckoo_clock.

:) Wishes for a Happy Halloween (:

2009-10-23T12:28:00.000-07:00

I just finished yet another Halloween card and wanted to share it with you! I used shrink film on this one since I wanted to add my own little 'charm' to the card! The charm reads 'pumpkin patch' and I used Prismacolors (http://www.prismacolor.com/) to add the color! The shrink film used was by Grafix and it is the matte shrink film. Hope you like it!!

Please stop by my website, www.rekindleme.com, to check out some of my other holiday greeting cards!! Thank you!

Come on in for a Spell

2009-10-23T09:46:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a Halloween card that I just finished! This adorable little witch is inviting you into her home for a 'spooktacular' time! Enter if you dare and a Happy Halloween to all!!

I used papers, stickers, buttons and ink for this greeting card!

Turn It Up!!

2009-10-02T10:30:00.001-07:00

I hope everyone is having a great Friday! I just finished a piece for all of the music lovers out there! The weekend is here and it is time to crank up your favorite tunes and Dance! Kick up your heels and have fun! Let loose and live out loud! Enjoy those creative, autumn days!

Autumn Boutique and Consignment Sale

2009-10-02T08:49:00.000-07:00

To those out there in blogland living in the Phoenix area (or those of you who are visiting the valley), I just wanted to tell you about a craft show going on tomorrow, Oct. 3rd, in Tempe! Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church at 2121 S. Rural Rd. will be having a Boutique and Consignment Sale! The event begins at 6:00 AM and the shopping frenzy comes to an end at 12:30! It is getting cooler in the valley and the craft shows are coming alive!! Time to think about shopping for the holidays! We hope you can make it!! A map can be located on the Church website at : www.olmctempe.com. Thank you!!

:) It Must be Autumn (:

2009-09-22T16:06:00.000-07:00

Hope everyone had a fantastic first day of Fall!! I have been very busy today, getting ready for those wonderful seasonal craft shows! There must be a 'creative magic' in the air!! Did anyone else feel it?

Amazing Pets Blog

2009-09-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

I recently came across a wonderful blogspot for animal lovers and wanted to share it!! It is www.amazinganimalloversblog.com! Deborah has some great stories and information to share and it will make you laugh! You can also check out her button, which is located on the right hand side of my blog - just scroll down! Thanks and have a great day!!

`+...Happy First Day of Fall...+`

2009-09-21T22:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVE this time of the year - the colors, the crisp breeze, and the smell of the season in the air! It is the beginning of a wonderful holiday season to follow!! I hope you all have a wonderful first day of the autumn season!!

What's Brewin' With You?'

2009-09-18T10:26:00.000-07:00

I just finished a greeting card, which I added to my Etsy store. Do you have a friend or family member that you need to get in contact with? This may be the card for you! Pull up a chair and a tasty treat and start chatting! And by the way, What's brewing with all of you in the art world today???

Dark and Dreary Halloween Night.....

2009-09-17T12:12:00.000-07:00

I just finished another sheet metal wall hanging for Halloween! I used acrylics and inks to paint the evening sky, added a few embellished papers, and a stamped and prismacolor 'painted' owl! This wall hanging is ready to greet your 'trick or treaters!' "It was a dark and dreary night.....Whoo's there?"

~Vacation on My Mind~

2009-09-15T13:08:00.000-07:00

I must have vacation and travel on my mind!! I noticed that a few of the shelf sitters that I have been working on are all about going and being somewhere else!! Maybe I am in the mood for being 'rekindled!!' Oh, yeah!

Well, anyway, I have more of that recycled wood out in the garage and I came up with a few more ideas for shelf sitters! I found the perfect postage stamp for my 'jetsetter' and the 'beach thing' and 'cruisin' are for my love of the water!! I hope you enjoy these as much as I have enjoyed working on them!!

Have a great day and may you have many wonderful travels!

HALO - Helping Animals Live On - Phoenix

2009-09-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

Another incredible day at Angel's Serenity Art Fair in Scottsdale this past weekend! I met some fantastic, upbeat people and found out about a Thrift Boutique here in the valley that is raising money for an animal rescue. If you are in the area, please check out www.halorescue.org! If you have any items that you want to donate, including furniture, household items, and clothing, please keep this thrift boutique in mind! The people are very friendly and the proceeds from the store go to the Rescue, adoptions and spay and neuter! When you walk into the Boutique, you will be greeted by Marvin, a sweet little Chinese Crested! He was one of the rescues at HALO! Thanks for stopping by!

_/+....~Happy Labor Day!~...+\_

2009-09-07T11:02:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing Holiday Weekend! The end of summer for some, the beginning of better weather for us down here in AZ, and perhaps just another day for a few. Whatever the case, I hope you can find time to 'go bananas!'

There are Signs Everywhere!!

2009-08-28T22:52:00.000-07:00

Recycled wood was coming my way and I knew what I was going to do with it! My husband and I got busy cutting and sanding it, then I took it into my room where I chose just the right color combinations for each piece. I had come up with different phrases and words that I wanted to see on the wood, then I jumped right in and came up with a few of the pieces that you see here! Oh, but that was not enough! I love beads, so I decided that they needed to be added to the wood for extra "pop!" And, of course, as every good 'stuff' collector knows, arts and crafts would not be complete without adding a few extra touches here and there with those treasured finds!! I have more 'rekindled' wood out in the garage, so keep a watchful eye out for more of my shelf sitters!!

^^Treasure Boxes^^

2009-08-03T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have been working on a few new projects and wanted to post them for you to see. I used an old jewelry box and a wooden cigar box and handpainted and embellished! Vintage jewelry pieces, old beads, hardware, lace, lock and key were used to transform these recycled pieces!! Hope you enjoy looking at them! I recently added them to my Etsy site!

Surrender to LOVE

2009-07-17T11:58:00.000-07:00

"Ageless, Eternal, Timeless...Surrender to Love." I just finished another sheet metal wall hanging and wanted to share it with you! I used vintage lace and a copy of a Valentine postcard from the early 1900s to complete this piece! A handpainted wooden heart and some jewels and here it is!! Romance is all around!!

Turning Sheet Metal Scraps into Art

2009-07-05T10:19:00.000-07:00

My husband works for an airline and has been helping me out with my latest projects! He takes scrap sheet metal and cuts them into the shapes I need for my work, then I paint and embellish them as needed! This has been a fun and new 'canvas' for me and I have been brain storming!! I paint and seal the pieces and then I can embellish as you can any other background! Holes are cut in the sheet metal pieces with a drill and I use wire and beads to weave the borders. I hope you enjoy these pieces as much as I have! I am working on more of them right now so tune in later to see what I have done! Thanks for looking!

For Jasmine - A Beautiful Mother

2009-06-23T09:13:00.000-07:00

Jasmine is on the website listed below, the sweet girl with the fox in front of her.
In 2003, police in Warwickshire, England, opened a garden shed and found a whimpering, cowering dog. It had been locked in the shed and abandoned. It was dirty and malnourished, and had clearly been abused.In an act of kindness, the police took the dog, which was a Greyhound female, to the nearby NuneatonWarwickshire Wildlife Sanctuary, run by a man named Geoff Grewcock and known as a willing haven for Animals abandoned, orphaned or otherwise in need. Click for- http://www.warwickshirewildlifesanctuary.co.uk/index.htm
Geoffand the other sanctuary staff went to work with two aims to restore the dog to full health, and to win her trust. It took several weeks, but eventually both goals were achieved.They named her Jasmine, and they started to think about finding her an adoptive home.
But Jasmine had other ideas. No-one remembers now how it began, but she started welcoming all Animal arrivals at the sanctuary. It wouldn't matter if it was a puppy, a fox cub, a rabbit or, any other lost or hurting Animal, Jasmine would peer into the box or cage and, where possible, deliver a welcoming lick.
Geoff relates one of the early incidents. "We had two puppies that had been abandoned by a nearby railway line. One was a Lakeland Terrier cross and another was a Jack Russell Doberman cross. They were tiny when they arrived at the centre and Jasmine approached them and grabbed one by the scruff of the neck in her mouth and put him on the settee. Then she fetched the other one and sat down with them, cuddling them.""But she is like that with all of our animals, even the rabbits. She takes all the stress out of them and it helps them to not only feel close to her but to settle into their new surroundings.
"She has done the same with the fox and badger cubs, she licks the rabbits and guinea pigs and even lets the birds perch on the bridge of her nose."Jasmine, the timid, abused, deserted waif, became the animal sanctuary's resident surrogate mother, a role for which she might have been born. The list of orphaned and abandoned youngsters she has cared for comprises five fox cubs, four badger cubs, 15 chicks, eight guinea pigs, two stray puppies and 15 rabbits.And one roe deer fawn. Tiny Bramble, 11 weeks old, was found semi-conscious in a field. Upon arrival at the sanctuary, Jasmine cuddled up to her to keep her warm, and then went into the full foster mum role. Jasmine the greyhound showers Bramble the Roe deer with affection and makes sure nothing is matted.
"They are inseparable," says Geoff "Bramble walks between her legs and they keep kissing each other. They walk together round the sanctuary.
It's a real treat to see them."
Jasmine will continue to care for Bramble until she is old enough to be returned to woodland life. When that happens, Jasmine will not be lonely. She will be too busy showering love and affection on the next Orphan or victim of abuse.

>...New Animal Sites Listed...<

2009-06-15T17:34:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to give a little "shout out" to a few more animal sites that I added on my blogspot!! You will find them under "Please Remember Our Animal Friends," on the right hand side of my blog. They are the Golden Rescue in AZ, Save the Manatee Club and Wagging Tales, animal communicator and Reiki Energy Healer for animals. I was fortunate enough to have the chance to meet Tim Link of Wagging Tales last week at the Changing Hands Bookstore here in AZ!! Enjoy the sites!!

Rekindle Me

*** Spicy Chile Pepper! ***

*** UnuSuAl SigHtiNg!!! ***

+++ Love Is Everywhere!!! +++

~~ Ready to Set Sail ~~

Oh, the Wonderful Weekends!!!

** The Power of an Empty Page... **

~*~ A Wee Bit of MerriMent ~*~

*** Yep, a bit Nippy out There!!! ***

~*~ Put a Little Love in Your Heart ~*~

*** Upcycled Cookbook - Ready to Serve ***

~+~ PiE Day WiTh GRanDmA!!! ~+~

~+~ Life Lessons from my Furr Kids ~+~

~~~ No InHibItioNs! ~~~

*+*+* OH NO - IT'S SNOW!!! *+*+*

+++ Escape to the Second Hand Bookstore +++

Rekindled Creations

+++ Follow Along with Traci Bautista +++

******* HaPpY 2011 !!! *******

**** MERRY CHRISTMAS! ****

** Christmas - AZ Style! **

*** Do You Hear Sleighbells??? ***

*** Just Checking In ***

*** Happy Gobble Day ***

**The Tote that Carries My BagGagE...**

_+***What's Your Jewelry Story???***+_

** A New Friend and an Award **

***Hurray for October***

**Nostalgia - A Walk Down 'Remember When'...**

Thank You to the Women on My Journey...

The Road - Bumpy and Slow - To Rekindle Me

+++Rainbows are Everywhere!!+++

**A Cup of Joe is All that is Needed.......

_+***Planet Sark***+_

-+**Lil' Scrappers**+-

**Wish You Were Here**

***LOVED IT!!***

*****Here it Comes*****