An M is just an upsidedown W

Three years ago today, my lovely Winston left my side. I still miss him. Lots. Every day. He was my first greyhound. My universe. He was perfect. He made me look like a great "mom" but that's because he was so wonderful.

Early this morning I was doing some mindless walking and shopping. Mainly to get my mind off of the day. While shopping, I came across a funky bracelet made from vintage Bakelite mahjong tiles. As I love mahjong (OK, I'm addicted) I decided to take a closer look. One of the tiles on the bracelet was the 8 bamboo...which is 8 sticks forming the letter "W" with a mirror image forming the letter "M". The cosmic side of my brain decided that this was a good omen as not only was it a "W" for Winston, but also an "M" for my dear old boy Marty who passed away in July.

I've been wearing the bracelet all day. Maybe it does have some magic powers. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking. On what started as a sad day in my world, turned warm and soft, like a greyhound's ear and my heart was comforted because I truly believe both Winston & Marty found a special way to say hello today when I most needed it. But ya know, Winston always knew how to make me smile.

"You never know when you're making a memory.
They will wish they were here together again,
Someday..."
Young Blood - Rickie Lee Jones


Kathy

Happy Birthday Remy!

You are my little one.
My BFF.
You are the one who gave me your paw and told me it was ok to love a greyhound again.
You don't like storms so I keep lots of pillows in the closet when you hide in there till the "boomers" go way.
You have a little football spot at the top of your head where all my kisses go
You like to sleep with me at night but I'm not sure why you like to sleep on my head!
You are a very good model.
You chatter quite a bit but I guess that's because you have a lot to say. Think about getting a blog of your own.
You are my Remy and today you are 8 years old.
It's great to be 8!!!
I love you my silly girl. Have a very happy birthday.


Kathy

Happy Thanksgiving

Well, my company has skidaddled, the pup are all snoozing (and for some reason Remy has holed up in the closet) and the homeless kittys are enjoying a bit of turkey on the back porch. This year's turkey was 20 lbs. juicy goodness, my stuffing was yummy and for the second year in a row my gravy was perfect. Homemade gravy and I have never had a good relationship but lately it's a snap. All in all it was a ideal day. Tomorrow is the start of Glendale Glitters, our annual holiday festival and the zillions of lights throughtout the park and streets. It's really something to see and makes our evening stroll more enjoyable. I didn't think holidays without snow and 20 degree temps would feel right but as long as you are with those you love and you like where you are, you learn that the weather does not make the season.

Kathy

It was a dark and stormy night....

I attended the Arizona Adopt-A-Greyhound picnic on Saturday and as usual, it was a great day. I've met oodles of greyhound adopters since I've been out here but every now and then I get a knot in my stomach as none of these people will ever know the face that inspired every one of my t-shirt designs. True, I mention that the beautiful brindle on the pebble colour shirt is my first greyhound but it's not quite the same as when year after year friends would drop by my booth just to heap lots of love on my boy. His name was immediately recognized. He had an extended family who loved him as much as I did.


So as I vended at the AGGI picnic, you can imagine my shock when a voice called from the booth next to mine...

"I'd know that greyhound t-shirt anywhere. IT'S WINSTON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"


And there stood my old friends Pam and Chuck from Illinois. I'd met them at one of my first shows when their group, Greyhound Angels in Disguise (aka Greyhound A.I.D.) allowed me to share booth space with them at a pet fair. Back then everything I sold came in beige and my entire "empire" fit in a 14"x14" box. I'd last seen them in 2004 and knew they were moving but had no idea they'd ended up in Arizona. It was hugs and happy tears and we caught up on what was we'd found life to be like in Arizona and told each other about the new greyhounds in our lives.


I suppose that it was a most perfect pre-reminder of the fact that today, is the 11th anniversary of the dark and stormy night that my lovely Winston arrived on my doorstep. He was just a young, shy brindle pup in a yellow collar who didn't quite know what to make of this strange blond who was grinning from ear to ear. And you know, he always kept me smiling.


And tonight, as I always do, I will say a silent goodnight to Winston and tap the tags on his collar that is above my bed before I go to sleep. I will remember all the wonderful adventures we had. And I will be forever thankful to him for the joy he gave me and for being the most perfect greyhound. And I know tomorrow when I have my morning romp around the yard with Scotty, Dee, Remy, Harley, Nutmeg, Beauty, Blueberry, Bobo and Huey, that Winston, and Marty too, will be watching from a place just beyond the fig tree.



Kathy

Got My New Shoes On

"Hey, I put some new shoes on,
And suddenly everything is right,
I said, hey, I put some new shoes on
And everybody's smiling."

Yes, I know.

I don't write for almost 2 months and now that I've returned I'm writing about shoes???!!??
In case you, yon devoted reader, have not yet realized, the reason I blog is to show that your life is way more exciting than mine. Which could then spark the question - why the heck are you reading my blog???
And I know you're out there reading 'cause I can hear your eyes moving.

However..."I'm wearing my brand new shoes."

I have never been able to jump on the Crocs bandwagon. I find them waaaaaaaaaaaay too ugly and frankly, I think they make everyone's feet look weird. Sorta like plastic Earth Shoes. Or jellies injected with Botox. The fact that they seemed very functional for gardening and came in yellow did spark my interest. Yet I'm far too self conscience about myself to go out in public wearing something to make me look goofier than I already do.

A few months back I was leafing thru the Soft Surroundings catalogue (one of the over 82 catalogues I receive on a regular tree killing basis) and saw a sassy pair of Sketchers mary janes with tiny red flowers embroidered on them. So I skedaddle down to my local Sketchers store to pick up a pair, plus 2 other styles (oh my are they comfy!!!!) when I spot...

THE CALI

It's Sketchers version of the Croc but with a dash more flair and not as bulky plus a pretty ribbon strap. And they came in bright, Crayola crayon yellow. They looked like such a happy little pair of shoes that I couldn't say no. And I'm very glad I said yes! The pups and I ran around the yard this evening and I had very happy feet. My Calis are adorable!!!!!! Heck I may even make a fool of myself and wear them out in public.

So be on the look out for me 'cause I'll be very easy to spot...

Have a sunny, happy weekend,

Imelda...er...I mean...Kathy

No wonder I'm HOT-HOT-HOT

Phoenix recently broke a weather record - the most days in a row over 100 degrees is now 32. And many of those record breaking days were 110 and over. CRIPE!!!!!!!!! Gotta tell ya - once you exceed 100 degrees, a few extra degrees does not make much of a difference. Hot is hot. Thankfully the humidity is back down to almost zip and I can have good hair days again. Cause when you're hot, you need to look your best.

STOP ROLLING YOUR EYES PEOPLE!!!!! I CAN SEE YOU!!!!!!!!

;)

Kathy

Just a quick note

Oh boy! Two blogs in one day. Lucky readers?


As I've been doing a lot of drawing, the TV is sometimes on when I'm too lazy to get up and switch out Cd's. And the music behind the new Saturn VUE commercials has really got my attention. Frankly I think I would be willing to purchase whatever that tune is selling. Not since Martin Barre's driving solo in "Aqualung" have I pumped up the volume so high. My sources tell me the tune, "Higher" will be out soon. Till then I'll just keep looping it on my laptop.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nO9e2sLuZ7M

Good thing this tune came along as I needed something to push Emmy nominated "**** In A Box" from the Saturday Night Live skit out of my brain. Emmy nominated??? Oh my! ;)

Kathy

Come on, get happy

I enjoy good news. It starts the day on a positive note. And it's always welcome. Blah, blah, blah.

A week ago I received a notice that I was accepted into my 1st juried art show. Cool. Way cool. Happy dance way cool. I vaguely recall bouncing up and down in my dining room for 15 minutes. So OK...I like good news. I've been working like crazy creating new pieces for this show (and a large greyhound event I'll be attending in October). The extra good news is that the show is in the Las Vegas area, which means that I can not only drop into The Capital Grille for dinner one night but also get out to Lawry's. (ooooh!!! I can just feel my arteries clogging as I type.) The Lawry's in Chicago, along with Bistro 110 (don't miss their monkfish and be sure to get a table in the back as a window seat there screams "I'm a tourist") have long been my favorites. Oh that reminds me. I need to book my November trip to Chicago. Be right back.....



(38 minutes later)


Phew! All set. Now where was I? Oh yes, Las Vegas art event. My greyhound nephew Nate's mom aka Shel will be there too with her paper art. I love what she does and as I have no clue how she does it, I'm a devoted shopper. I believe I also heard something about a wine walk on Saturday nite. Hopefully it will be a good weekend sales & weather wise or it just may turn into a whine walk.


Good news or not, being an avowed pessimist ensures I'm never disappointed! Now here's a few offerings I hope you won't find disappointing....



"And I Didn't Say"





"Elenora"




"#4"

I recently took photos of the adoptables at the Tucson Greyhound Park kennels and this strappin' boy was the fourth greyhound I met that day.




"Red Deco"





"mon petit Bobo"

Yes, that is my very flexible Bobo who prefers playing with a box of Kleenex over a stuffy any day.

Well, braketime is over. It's back to the drawing board for me.


Kathy

Quantity not quality

I’ve got so many bits of blogs rolling around in my head that I figured I’d toss them all together and see what happens. (I also do this when I open the fridge during a “Martha Moment” and feel the need to create a culinary masterpiece.) Nothing is involved enough to warrant an entire blog. Think of this as a test run for my one woman way off Broadway play. Now remember…my blog is my kingdom and I have the right of way. The rest of you guys are here because you’re bored or just nosey.

Hugh Grant:
I have seen EVERY film Hugh Grant has ever made. This includes the unintentionally funny “Lair of The White Worm” and the pretty but occasionally uncomfortable “Maurice” as well as the totally perfect “Love Actually”. Funny thing is, while I enjoy his acting, I don’t find him all that cute.


Burger Nation:
There are oodles of burger places. Fast, slow in-between. I sorely miss The Patio, a local chain where I used to live and Wonderburger, a fun and funky 50 year old + eatery in the neighborhood I grew up in. Their curly fries are as legendary as the mouthwatering taste of a “wonderburger”. Since moving to Arizona and jaunting with regularity to California & Nevada, I have discovered perhaps the ultimate in hamburger heaven – In ‘N Out Burger. The first time I ever heard of In ‘N Out was on an episode of “The Osborne’s” when Ozzy & Kelly get lunch to go at the drive-up. The open box rather than a bag totally freaked me out. Well, it’s less scary in person. And all they have are burgers – no chicken, no breakfast, no salads. AMEN!!!! But In ‘N Out offers all their burgers protein style, wrapped in lettuce rather than a bun. Now that is total heaven. Oh sacred In ‘N Out Burger, where have you been my whole life???


My Fairly Odd Parents:
If written as a book, the trials and tribulations of my dysfunctional family would be longer than “War & Peace”. (However, I found “Black Lamb and Grey Falcon” by Rebecca West waaaaaaaay longer!!!) So it should have come as no surprise to me when, prompted by the news of my separation (and subsequent divorce) my parents began speaking to each other after 23 years. Well heck, I hadn’t spoken to my father for give or take 22 years. Kodak family moments were rare for me growing up so it was with dumbfounded amazement that I experienced the 3 of us in the same room actually talking to each other. I guess when push came to shove, they were able to put aside their issues and be there to help me. Oh and those pink thingies you’ve seen flying around? Don’t worry…they’re just pigs.


My Sex And The City moment:
I had my hair guy for almost 20 years. Unfortunately, the ex had my hair guy for about 25 years. In the event of le divorce, make sure you do not have the same stylist as it seem possession of the hair guy goes to whoever’s been going to him longer. While pledging not to take sides, my hair guy called me 10 minutes before my (unknowingly last) scheduled appointment to tell me it would no longer be possible for him to do my hair.
MY HAIR GUY DUMPED ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Luckily I asked him for the #’s and formulas of my hair color. (Oh grow up! Did you actually think my hair was naturally these colors????!!!???) Happily (or so I thought) he complied. A few weeks later I found a new hair babe who did everything she could to talk me out of the color #’s and formulas I had given her saying they did not match what was on my head. Pishaw! Color away, new hair babe, it will be fine. And it was…providing I actually wanted the Elvira, Mistress of the Dark look.
MY EX-HAIR GUY GAVE ME THE WRONG COLOURS!!!!!!!!!
After the initial shock wore off, I got used to my rust, mahogany and dark brown hair. Actually it didn’t look that bad. And looking good is always the best revenge.


Giada de Laurentiis:
Holy Cow! Where have you been my whole life??? Yes, I am a little tardy jumping on the Giada bandwagon. I want to look like her. I want to talk like her. I want to cook like her. I want to have her pipeline to all the best chocolate indulgences. Cripe I’ve turned into a Giadabe!!!!


She's Got Legs:
My legs are my worst feature. One leg is a half inch shorter than the other, giving some wags proof that I really am off balance. An operation when I was young did reduce the difference in length (it had been 1.5 inches) and got me out of orthopedic shoes and lifts after 11 years but it left me with 8 inch scars on each side of my knee and left said knee looking not unlike an overripe grapefruit. Naturally I wear pants as much as possible and my skirts or dresses fall almost to my ankles with boots or dark hose providing total coverage. So with this delightful quirk, you can imagine my joy at living in Arizona, the land of shorts and flip-flops. Flip-flops yes, shorts in public – NEVER!!!


So You Wanna Be A Rock & Roll Star:
Well actually, yes I do. And with my musical ability, I could win “American Idol” hands down. In the “Worst Singer on the Planet” category. I’m so off key I can’t even open the door. I will sing along at the top of my lungs to whatever is playing. So if your ears suddenly start bleeding, look around ‘cause I might be close by.


I hope you’ve enjoyed this little peeky-boo into the nether regions of my mind…or lack of one!

Kathy

The soundtrack of life

There are times when the lyrics of a song completely tell about a moment in life far better than a blog entry ever could. Case in point....Sting's "When We Dance". During an extremely difficult time, I knew things would be better.


If he loved you
Like I love you
I would walk away in shame
I'd move town, I'd change my name
When he watches you
When he counts to buy your soul
On your hand his golden rings
Like he owns a bird that sings

When we dance
Angels will run and hide their wings

And the priest has said my soul's salvation
Is in the balance of the angels
And underneath the wheels of passion
I keep the faith in my fashion

I'm gonna find a place to live
Give you all I've got to give
I'm gonna love you more than life
If you'll only be my wife
I'm gonna love you night and day
I'm gonna try in every way

If I could break down these walls
And shout my name at heaven's gate
I'd take these hands
And I'd destroy the dark machineries of fate,
Cathedrals are broken
And heaven's no longer above
Hellfire's a promise away

I'd still be saying
I'm still in love... still in love
with you

He won't love you
Like I love you
He won't care for you this way
He'll mistreat you if you stay
Come and live with me
We'll have children of our own
I would love you more than life
If you'll come and be my wife

I had a dream last night
I dreamt you were by my side
Walking with me, baby
My heart was filled with pride