4.16.2011

Meet Little Linus

We're in love with a little white ball of fluff.
It was one of those cosmic connections.  I met Linus through my friend Laurie who runs the Itty Bitty Kitty Committee (which is a kitten-tastic blog!  Kitten-tastic is my new favorite word.)  I didn't have any plans of adopting a kitten prior to meeting Linus, but after I met him, I just couldn't get him out of my brain.  I just knew he had to come be part of our family.
I worried that it might be too soon since I'm still getting over the passing of Mr. Jones.  But Linus is the sweetest little bundle of joy.  He just has so much love to give, and he loves to be cuddled more than anything.  I didn't realize how much I needed a cat to cuddle!
He loves my girls and follows them around everywhere.  They're so great about calmly interacting and gently petting him (he's so tiny!) playing with him, feeding him and even cleaning the litter box!!!  (Woo hoo!)  They're excited to have a little companion to snuggle with (those other two cats are anything but snuggly...)  Last night they left Linus snoozing quietly at home to run an errand to the grocery store.  In the car they shouted"Linus!!!", a la Braveheart, over and over in excitement (Linus snoozed quietly at home.)  Apparently this is what happens when 5 and 7 year olds have to practice restraint.
If felt like the Universe knew this was how it would all work out.  Welcome to Smith Manor, little Linus!

4.15.2011

Among The Mossy Evergreens...














Thanks for waiting!  I hope you enjoy this little taste of our photo shoot in the magic woods.  This is just the beginning!  Be sure to check back here for more sneak peeks and news about the zine, and be sure to sign up as a follower for the big giveaway that's soon to be announced!

A big, heartfelt thank you to all the incredibly talented handmade vendors and generous businesses who participated in the photo shoot.  Please visit their shops, blogs and websites to see more!  And especially to Dee Jones of Open Door Photography who shot these magical photos.

Photography - Open Door Photography
Upcycled Dresses -  Dee Jones
Ring Bearer's Nest - MacKensley Designs
Cupcakes - Hello, Cupcake
Garters - Swan Clothing
Flowers courtesy of Metropolitan Market Tacoma, Designer by Anna Stahl
Invitations - Big & Mighty
Veils, Hair Accessories and shoe clips - Deeds & Petunia
Place Markers - Simply Pretty Prints

4.14.2011

Farewell, Sweet Friend

Jones, 2007-2011
It's taken me a while to write this because it's still so fresh.  My sweetest little furry companion, John Paul Jones, passed away last month.  He was very special to me.  Always willing to let me hold him, made the best kitty muffins ever.

When we rescued Jones from the animal shelter, he was a mere 6 months old.  The shelter was overloaded with cats, and they were literally giving them away.  We looked and looked and looked at the sea of felines, and were debating about who to adopt.  No one was tugging at my heart strings in particular.
Strrrrretch...



Oh, I give up.  This is comfy enough.
I hardly noticed the cages sitting in the hallway where we were discussing.  Suddenly I felt a little paw claw my behind.  There was our little orange boy.  He was stretching out his paws as if to say, "hey.  What about me?  I'm super cute."  Right then and there, he chose me.  It was destiny.

The rest is history.



He and I had a special bond.  Shortly after we adopted Jones, my other cat Pip (an indoor cat) somehow got outside and never came back.  I was heartbroken.  Pip lived with us while we were stationed overseas and came all the way home to the states from England with us. He was my first kitty baby.

But Jones helped me get through it.  Every night he'd make muffins on my bed and curl up at my feet.  He let me know he was there to love.
Camouflage Jones
Jones was a funny little guy.  He had the tiniest ears I'd ever seen on a cat (we always joked that they never grew in,) as well as the longest tail and legs.  He had a baby kitten meow which he seldom let out, except when he wanted to go tromping around the neighborhood in the wee hours of the morning (but to no avail.)  He'd stretch out and whatever position he landed in, that's where he'd stay.

He LOVED the snow.



He loved our dog Francis.  He was often found curled up next to Francis in the dog bed.
He really loved Peppermint the cat.  Peppers and I don't have the most lovey dovey relationship, he saves that for Dad and the girls.  It's okay though.  Jones gave me more than enough snuggles.
Love at first sight...


Mr. Jones didn't mind being carried around like a baby and being kissed constantly.  He was a rag doll and a lover boy, but only for me.  The kids would always cry about Jones not letting them hold him.  I secretly loved that he was mine all mine!  Bad Mommy.


Jones got sick with an autoimmune disorder that affected his red blood cell production and caused his rapid demise.  We tried to treat it, but he was just too sick.  The night before he died, he pawed at my face just like the first time we met at the shelter.  I knew it was goodbye.

Farewell buddy.  You were such a blessing and a wonderful companion.  Your life was cut way too short.  I hope kitty heaven is full of mice and birds to catch, canned tuna and muffin-making blankets.  I miss you lots.  Rest in Peace, little friend.