Zombie Bunnies?

When I first started writing this blog, the idea was to feature Art and Mammals Everyday.

That has pretty much held true.

Though, lately, I don't feel as though I've been sharing too much Art. It's been Mostly Mammals.

"Really, there's nothing wrong with
Mostly Mammals," says Outdoor Yard Bunny.
"Seriously."

I suppose part of the reason is simply that, now that Spring is here, I haven't been working on my own Art as diligently as I do in the Winter. When the Sun comes out, it can be hard for me to be inside Painting and Drawing rather than sitting in the yard watching Birdies. Or planting stuff for Miss Zoe (and Outdoor Yard Bunny) to eat this Summer.

You know how it is.

But, just because I am slacking a bit in this early Spring season, it doesn't mean other people are.

For instance, I got a comment a couple of weeks ago on my Facebook status, which had something to do with (what else?) BUNNIES taking over the world.

[An aside: Imagine a world ruled by BUNNIES. Just for a moment, put yourself in that world. It's so peaceful and soft, and snugly and warm. Ahhh...]

Anyhow, the comments took a turn, somehow, (and who knows how these things happen), to Zombie Bunnies.

One of my Facebook friends, Noreen Finn, who is a local Erie artist whose painting I totally love and admire, responded with a post about her Zombie Bunny Gadget Cozies.

"Wait. Back up. Zombie Bunnies?
I don't really think that's an appropriate topic for discussion.
This blog needs to be stopped if talk has turned that way."

I know, Miss Zoe. But you haven't seen Noreen's Zombie Bunny Gadget Cozy.

A Regular Bunny Gadget Cozy from Noreen's shop.

I think she's fresh out of Zombie Bunnies right now. But, not to worry-- they are custom made! You pick the felt colors! You pick the fur color! Totally Fun!!! You pick the Regular or Zombie Animal of your choice!!! What could be better?

Your iPod told me to tell you that it wants to be zipped into the pink fur of a cozy rabbit. Or an owl. Or a panda.

Check out Noreen's etsy shop, BirdonaFernStudio. Do it now!!!

I don't care what Zoe says. I'm saving up for one.

Thank you. Thank you very much.

At some point last week, I was at work. You know, at the Library.

It was a rather uneventful day.

No one had dropped jewelry down the toilet. No one was chatting up any unsuspecting computers. Nobody was baptizing the stuffed animals in the Children's Library with water from the drinking fountain.

Ho Hum.

But then Miss Zoe called.

"We got an award!" she yelled into the phone. I could practically hear her nose wiggling as she said it.

An Award-Winning Roll!!

"You mean our blog?? Really? An award? How COOL!!"

I realized at that point that the noise I was hearing was Miss Zoe licking the receiver, and that our conversation was over. She has a very short attention span.

Sigh.

A Post-Award Winning Nap

I checked my email, and it was true! We had been given the Honest Scrap Award by Emma, the writer of Eriepressible. Emma is, in fact, a real person, and I know for a fact that she has a real dog. :)

Off we go then:

The Award and Rules:

This award is bestowed upon a fellow blogger whose blog content or design is, in the giver’s opinion, brilliant. The rules are as follows:

1. When accepting this auspicious award, you must write a post bragging about it, including the name of the misguided soul who thinks you deserve such acclaim, and link back to the said person so everyone knows she/he is real.

2. Choose a minimum of seven (7) blogs that you find brilliant in content or design. Or improvise by including bloggers who have no idea who you are because you don’t have seven friends. Show the seven random victims’ names and links and leave a harassing comment informing them that they were prized with Honest Weblog. Well, there’s no prize, but they can keep the nifty icon.

3. List at least ten (10) honest things about yourself. Then pass it on!

The first part is easy. I won't say anything about each blogger; they just all ROCK!

My seven blogs are as follows:

Treehouse Jukebox

BluJayStudio

Olivos Studio

My Yoga Experiment

Peeling A Pomegranate

Jennyfur's Sketchbook

Svasti

The second part is harder. I told the Blisschick, "I don't know if I can come up with 10 honest things about myself." (I guess that statement could mean something about me, but we won't go there.)

As Ordinary Enchantment is a Blog written partly by Miss Zoe, though, I thought I would work in a few fun facts about her as well. So, here we go on this part:

1. I once rode an elephant, and while I was on it, it pooed.

2. I am afraid to ride my bike under a bridge with train tracks and a train passing over (though, unfortunately, it happens quite often to me on my way to or fro work).

3. My mom used to tell me that the snarls in my hair upon waking were caused by rats making meringue pies in my hair at night.

4. Miss Zoe isn't supposed to like sunshine, but she spends many a sunny day stretched out in a sunspot in her room.

5. Miss Zoe is a logomorph.

6. I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar, and I am now actually learning. I have a beautiful blue guitar named Mayori.

7. I once had the opportunity to pet a baby tiger. I was attending Westminster College at the time, and a professor I had, Dr. Ford, had a friend who worked for a zoo. She was transporting a baby Siberian Tiger to a zoo in Texas and stopped en route for a visit with her friend. That baby tiger had the cutest growl I've ever heard.

8. I also once had the opportunity to touch Toni Morrison's hair. I went to hear her read at Ohio State University, and when I went up to have my book signed, I asked if I could touch her lovely hair. She was delighted.

9. I have recently remembered after hearing Li Young Lee read his poetry that hearing poetry read out loud by the person who wrote it is like a religious experience for me.

10. I don't know how I lived 33 years without a rabbit. I will never go back to a rabbitless existence.

I guess that wasn't so hard. Actually, I know a lot about myself!!

Thanks, Emma! Cheers!!

The Big 5-0!

How fitting that Zoe's and my Fiftieth Blog Post would be Flip Friday and would feature none other than...

BUNNIES!!

It's been a wonderful week here at the Lilypad!

We started our 100 Day Challenge.

We got some garden beds cleaned and ready for seeding veggies for a certain bunny. Oh, and some humans, too.

We heard some wonderful poetry.

And, of course, the weather is warming. And, what does that mean?

BUNNIES!!

I know, I know. You're wondering how many times can I shout "BUNNIES!" in one post.

(Lots of times, let me assure you. I mean, how many times can you shout, "BUNNIES!?!")

Before we get to Miss Zoe, the most Wonderful of All BUNNIES!! (in my opinion of course), I'd like to take a moment to announce the birth of this year's First Outdoor Yard BUNNY!!

She loves you.

She loves you not.

Darn cute, yes?

And of course, Miss Zoe has a new Feature Film, The Life of a Dandelion:




And there you have it!

The perfect end to a most amazing week.

Eating What?!

Ink runs from the corners of my mouth
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.
~Mark Strand, "Eating Poetry," Reasons for Moving, 1968

I remember being in a poetry class at Westminster College and reading these lines. I distinctly remember the physicality these lines portrayed to my brain.

Those few lines actually made my mouth feel full.

I'd always liked poetry, but something about these particular words gave chewable form to that fact.

Then, today at the Library, where we are of course celebrating April as National Poetry Month, I read the New York Times Book Review from April 2nd (we're a little behind in our reading at work). The essay on the back page by Jim Holt is called Got Poetry? The Case for Memorizing Poetry. In the essay, of course, the author asserts a great case for memorizing poetry.

(He also says that not everyone needs an iPod. That instead of having an iPod, you could be memorizing poetry. Apparently, he hasn't run into my iPod, on which resides the complete recitation of Beowulf in the original Anglo Saxon whatnot. You can ignore his iPod remark is my point.)

Anyway, reading that essay made me remember how much I used to love to memorize poems. When I was younger, I actually used to tape up poems that I liked to the wall next to my bed. At night, while I was falling asleep, I would try to memorize them.

I know. Hang on while I turn off the flashing GEEK sign over my head.

(Actually, the GEEK sign will probably never stop flashing after the earlier Beowulf admittance.)

Alas.

Among the things I read before bed were Shakespeare, Shelley, Blake, Dickinson. I can even still remember the summer I memorized the first part of Khubla Khan, which is one of my absolute faves. I also liked Shel Silverstein. And, a million others.

(Of course, my Blisschick writes beautiful poetry, and she is my absolute favorite contemporary poet. But, I didn't know her when I was in my memorizing stage. If you haven't read any, check some out here.)

My point here is that poetry used to be a way bigger part of my life. I feel sad that I've lost that. I mean, it's actually not really gone anywhere (unless Miss Zoe has perhaps eaten all the poetry), but it is sort of missing from my life right now.

"What poetry? I'm not (lick, lick) licking my lips.
I haven't eaten any poetry. Whatever do you mean?"

But tonight, all that will begin to change.

Tonight, the Blisschick and I, along with our Writing Group and our good friend Miss Kitty are going to Gannon University to see and hear Li-Young Lee, one of our most well known and greatest contemporary poets.

I have to admit, though he is one of the Blisschick's faves, I don't know that much about him, nor have I read much of his poetry.

But, you know what? It doesn't even matter.

The point is just to go. And sit. And listen. And absorb.

The point is to eat some yummy poetry like it's a delicious and expensive meal that includes a kick-butt bottle of Petite Shiraz or Chianti and a chocolate dessert that you have room in your tummy for.

Maybe this summer I'll start memorizing some poems again like I used to.

In fact, I'm going to ask Miss Zoe right now what her favorite poem is. We'll start with that one.

Oh, and Happy Poetry Month. Try reading some poems to celebrate!!

Rainy Days, Modays, and 100 Days

It might be rainy and it might be Monday, but I'm not down.

How could I be with this little guy in the house?

1/2!!!

OK, I admit, I've been obsessed with getting this little sheep for awhile now.

I've had 75 for a couple of years, and 75 has been great.

But, though he's always smiling, he has always somehow seemed a little lonely.

Then I learned about his son, 1/2. When the Blisschick got braces, it just made me want 1/2 to come and live here all the more. The fact that 1/2 also had braces, I reasoned, would give the Blisschick someone to commiserate with over not being able to eat Tootsie Rolls.

75 and 1/2 enjoying Tootsie Roll-less times outside in the sunshine on Saturday.

Though I wanted 1/2 and was a tiny bit obsessed with him, the whole thing just never went any further than that.

Miss Zoe welcoming 1/2 with a half bath/ half once over.

Then Health Coach stopped by this weekend to check on my progress and hang out a bit. He'd been telling me for a couple of days that he had a gift for me: he had found me 1/2!!

I have to say, I have not been very good about my Health Coach plans. I have a hard time sometimes making new routines. I'll get there, I know, but I have to make more of a commitment.

I have the same excuses as everyone else: I'm busy. I'd rather be doing a lot of other things. I've been at work all day, and when I come home, all I want to do, frankly, is slip into something more comfortable, get some kisses and snuggles from a Certain Rabbit I've been missing all day, and spend the evening with Blisschick and the Mammals in the Lilypad.

And, that's wonderful. But... it still doesn't mean that I don't have to be healthier. Or, that I don't have to try harder to be more disciplined, to follow through on my commitments.

OHHHHH!!!! But it's HARD!!! (Lots of whining)

Which leads me to the Blisschick, and the 100 days part of my title.

1/2 whispering tell of sweet Tootsie Rolls
and popcorn to the Blisschick!

The Blisschick's enCouraging Bliss post last week was about making a commitment to a 100 day challenge. I've been considering this and have been trying to decide how I wanted to participate.

A commitment to exercise is way up there as something I need to work on right now. But according to the Blisschick, there is something I need even more. Something I've needed for a long time.

A commitment to a Spiritual Practice. To Meditation. To Sitting Quietly. To doing Something to renew my Mind and Spirit.

It's something I envy in the Blisschick. She has such a dedication to Spiritual Matters. I love that about her. It's something I want for myself in a bigger and deeper way.

My 100 Day Challenge, then?

10 minutes of Quiet Sitting.

Every Day.

And, Miss Zoe is in charge of the timer, so there's no getting out of this one. Unless I can get 1/2 to distract her...

Flip Friday!

This week has been delightful.

The weather's warming up. The sun has been shining. I've been riding my bike to work for days in a row.

Miss Zoe even had her window open when I got home yesterday. Miss Lilly was curled up in the window, and she smelled like fresh, Spring air.

This weekend, the weather is supposed to be even better. And that means the Blisschick and I will be going outside to do that planting we've been planning since the beginning of the year.

Remember these lovely seeds?

Miss Zoe is excited because a few of the seeds we plant this weekend will be for her. Some Lettuce, some Carrots, some Parsley...

...wait! Parsley?

Did someone say Parsley?

(Oh, wait. That was me, wasn't it?)

On the subject of Parsley, Miss Zoe would like you to watch the following movie:



And, she's sure if you like that movie, that you're also sure to like the next one.

Though, it has not a thing to do with Parsley.



Happy Flip Friday!!

Here's hoping you also get a bath. Or some Parsley.

Whichever you prefer.

Happy National Library Week!!

Cookie Monster: Your Average Public Library visitor!

Don't you agree that I would be remiss as a Library Employee if I did not wish you a Happy Library Week?

I think I would be.

Believe it or not, the video above pretty much describes what it can be like to work in a public library. Cookie Monster? He's the average library patron.

I don't mean to suggest that the library is full of Cookie Monsters. Certainly, there are regular, normal people who come to the library.

But there are plenty of irregular people who show up, too. I've spoken about a few of these irregular patrons in posts past. My Library stories are great material for parties.

This past weekend, for instance, we had a few boys show up dressed as mimes who caused a general ruckus. Last week, there was that guy speaking (I swear!) in Klingon. In the past, we have had patrons to whom we've referred as:

• Foot Fetish Guy --he used to sneak under the tables and stare at people's feet (he's in jail now);
• Hair Cutter Guy --he used to try to cut off women's ponytails. He abhors Crystal Gayle and has asked for her address at our Reference Desk and then written to her about 500 times to tell her to cut her hair! (he's in a mental health facility now, much to the joy of poor Crystal Gayle, I'm sure).
  

One time, we had a woman who came to the Circulation Desk insisting that we sell her "a ticket to sleep." We're still trying to sort out what that was about.

People never believe it when I share these stories. They think of the library as a very subdued and tranquil place where people are holed up in corners reading Dostoevsky and such. When I interview people for jobs, they often tell me that they would "love a job where they get to go and read all day."

What?

Yeah, I'm not sure where they get that idea, but that's not really what working at the Library is all about.

The Library is no longer the tranquil, quiet (boring) place it was in years past. Today's public library is vital, alive, and exciting. (Sometimes, a little too exciting...)

It is Everyman's University.

The library is a community center. A third place.

It's just plain cool! (I know, I'm a geek. I'll stop. But, it is true.)

If you haven't been to your library recently, try it out. In this economy, why buy a book you can borrow?

I encourage you to find out what your library has to offer. Most people think of books, sure, and magazines, newspapers, and periodicals. But did you know we have DVDs (TV shows, movies, documentaries, etc. etc.)? CDs (popular, country, inspirational, world, opera, jazz, etc. etc.)? Computer Software? Downloadable audiobooks? Tons of databases? Free Wireless Internet? Free computer use if you don't own a computer yourself?

At our library, we even even have fishing poles that you can check out!!

If you've not been to your town's library in a bit (or ever!), make a point to check their website or, better yet, stop in and see what's there.

And, gosh darn it, get a library card!!!

Miss Zoe demands it!!

And you don't want to disappoint Miss Zoe, do you?

Really?

By the way, while you're at your library, you might consider asking them if they sell tickets to sleep.

If you get any response, do let me know, won't you?

Rabbit Redux

It was a bright and sunny morning.

Miss Lilly sat perched on the windowsill, perched on the chair, perched on another windowsill. She was running from window to window, as is usual every morning, trying to get the Best Possible Look at whatever was happening outside.

And what was happening outside, you ask?

Well, yesterday, of course, was Easter Sunday. The past couple of years, we here at Lilypad, have had Easter Bunny sightings. Two years ago, he was lying in our backyard, stretched in the garden bed taking a leisurely bath (after a hard night's work, no doubt).

Last Easter morning, we looked out in the backyard while making breakfast, and there he was again, sitting upright in the midst of the rising tulips looking like A Star.

This morning, while I was in the kitchen feeding Miss Rosie (who incidentally was not in the Easter Spirit of Mercy and Compassion), I gazed longingly out the window.

Nothing.

No bunny.

I walked myself back upstairs to see my own beautiful bunny, a little disappointed, I must admit, though Miss Zoe was understanding...

"Understanding? Is that what you think?
Am I not your Easter Bunny?"

(At least, I thought she was understanding.)

(And yes, Miss Zoe. You are MY Easter Bunny. Even so.)

About an hour later, as the Blisschick was drying her hair in preparation to head to Easter Mass, she looked out the window and said, "Well, that's what Lilly's so excited about-- look outside."

Miss (Easter) Lilly on the lookout
for the Easter Bunny.

And so, I looked out into the front yard and...

There he was!!!

In all his glory. Miss Lilly and I sat watching for a few minutes before he ran across the street in search, I'm sure, of a resting spot without a leering cat. Or the paparazzi.

So, that was this year's sighting. It's quite a tale.

The Easter Bunny running away from my terrible pun.

Little does anyone suspect...
Miss Emmie is the Real Easter Bunny!!
No one ever suspects the cat (mwa-ha-ha!!)

See you again next year, Easter Bunny!! Thanks for the visit!!

Flip Friday and the Osterhase

It's back.

Same Bat Time.

Same Bat Channel.

It's Flip Friday!!

And, in honor of the Easter Bunny, Miss Zoe and I have prepared for you...

TWO BUNNY MOVIES!!

I know. Unbelievable, right? I mean, where did we get the idea to make and post bunny videos anyway? Uncanny.

While we were preparing the movies, Miss Zoe asked me about the origins of the Easter Bunny. So, we Googled him and got this answer from Wikipedia:

The Easter Bunny as an Easter symbol seems to have its origins in Alsace and southwestern Germany, where it was first mentioned in German writings in the 1600s. The first edible Easter Bunnies were made in Germany during the early 1800s and were made of pastry and sugar.

The Easter Bunny was introduced to America by the German settlers who arrived in the Pennsylvania Dutch country during the 1700s. The arrival of the "Oschter Haws" (a phonetic transcription of a dialectal pronunciation of the German Osterhase) was considered one of "childhood's greatest pleasures," similar to the arrival of Kris Kringle (from the German Christkindl) on Christmas Eve.

According to the tradition, children would build brightly colored nests, often out of caps and bonnets, in secluded areas of their homes. The Oschter Haws would, if the children had been good, lay brightly colored eggs in the nest. As the tradition spread, the nest has become the manufactured, modern Easter basket, and the placing of the nest in a secluded area has become the tradition of hiding baskets.

Miss Zoe and I were especially excited about these origins since my great-grandmother, Lulu Meuller (McCann) was Pennsylvania Dutch, originally from "Germania" as is is written on the 1920 Census records. That would be Zoe's Great-Great-Grandmother. Being a partially German bunny makes her feel all the more part of this particular piece of Rabbit Lore called the Osterhase.

It gives her Rabbit Pride.

And now, a motion picture event!!

Starring Miss Zoe in:

Sleepy Bunny

and

The Mystery of the Bunny and the Dandelion Greens

ENJOY, and HAPPY EASTER!!

Wee!Art

But first.. a quick update regarding Monday's post:

Treehousejukebox Emma asked via a comment, "Was the ring found?" (referring of course to the ring that was dropped down the toilet on at the library on Saturday when I was working.)

The answer to that question was almost as amusing as the event itself (though I realize I am easily amused).

When I got to work yesterday, I had received a note re: Restroom Man from our Maintenance Guy that read, "Tell [Restroom Man] to call the Water Waste Treatment Plant and ask them to keep an eye out for his ring."

And I immediately pictured a veritable treasure trove of the items that may wash up at the Water Waste Treatment Plant, and how many guys who work there have girlfriends who have been presented with those "gifts" (or would they be "re-gifts?"). I immediately picture a young man presenting his fiancee with a lovely engagement ring, and she, in her innocence saying, "Oh honey it's lovely! Where did you get it?" and him shuffling his feet around and saying, "Oh, you know. I got my sources..."

"And, again, I say: This is why cats don't wear rings."

Yes, Miss Lilly. We heard you the first time.

In other news... I may or may not have mentioned that I had the opportunity on Sunday to make a bunch of new stuff for:

Ordinary Enchantment, The Store
(our new adventure in the world of Etsy.)

Along with some cool new pendants, we are introducing(... drum roll, please...)

Wee!Art

It's small! It's cute! It's affordable! And Wee!Art is 100% collectible, original paintings by Miss Zoe and me. Sometimes Miss Lilly helps. (For instance, this weekend, she sat on my painting table many-a-time as I worked. For anyone who's unawares, in the Cat World, sitting or standing by constitutes "helping.")

The other cats and the Blisschick just walked by occasionally to offer constructive criticism. Or, to meow. Or, to ask for food.

Wee!Art is cats!

Wee!Art is bunnies!

Wee!Art is just plain FUN!!

And, it's wee.

More Hours in the Day, Please!

Weekends just go by too quickly. It's as if they have no regard for us, no regard for our needs.

What is that about?

Of course, I also had to work at the Library on Saturday.

It was a busy day that included a man who was wagging his finger with one hand and a cigar with the other and yelling in what sounded like Klingon at one of computers, (which, incidentally, he wasn't using-- it was just an innocent bystander, poor computer).

It also included terribly long lines at the Circulation Desk, and a lot of grouchy people who were insistent they "they had never checked that out." Riiiiight... then it was either a) your stunt double, or b) your evil twin?

When five o'clock rolled around we were all so relieved.

Security Guard and I waited for the last guy to leave, a man who was using the public restroom in the lobby. Restroom Man.

As we waited, we reviewed the day and decided that we were just glad it was time to go. It was after 5, and it had even been a struggle to corral everyone out with their DVDs and bestseller mysteries.

We caught sight of Restroom Man in the corners of our eyes, and we moved toward the already locked doors to let him out. But, Restroom Man stopped us cold by yelling, panicky, from across the lobby, "Hey! I dropped my ring down the toilet! Could someone get it out for me?"

Security Guard and I exchanged knowing glances and sighed.

It had been that kind of day.

In this case, does Saturday really count as a Sacred Weekend Day?

"That's why cats don't wear rings," Lilly said stretching out her fingers.
"Too easy to lose them in the... you know...the box."

Good point, Lilly. I'll pass that on to Restroom Man.

Luckily, we had Make Your Own Pizza Night at Miss Kitty's house (Miss Kitty being my favorite chef) to look forward to.

There was homemade dough (or, "Ho-made" as the pizza shop down the street used to advertise on their front picture window. We steered clear of that for obvious reasons...), and every topping you could imagine wanting.

After Pizza, there was Americanized Bollywood in the form of Bride and Prejudice and Red Velvet Cake, which I'd never had.

All in all, Saturday ran the gambit.

That left one day only-- Sunday-- for making some new stuff for our new etsy store, petting and playing with mammals, talking to and spending time with the Blisschick, frolicking in the sunshine, making a couple of Rabbit and Cat Movies (stay tuned for those later in the week), catching up on emails, etc. etc. etc.

At some point, Miss Zoe checked my email and said, "Health Coach wrote. He wants to know how the exercise is going."

Oh, yeah. And exercise. Don't forget that. (It was a lovely day for that, though.)

"You'd better get a move on.
Come on-- bust a move!" says the Task Master.

I'm looking forward to this coming weekend, though.

It's an extra special holiday, what with the Giant Bunny and all.

And, no Library for three days. A few days away will be a Good Thing. No grouchy people (I won't promise no grouchy bunnies or kitties), no rings in toilets.

Just Art and Mammals, Everyday. Just like it's supposed to be.

FUN Friday!!

I know. It's not Flip Friday, but we went through all that on Wacky Wednesday.

And, Miss Zoe and I resorted to Wacky Wednesday only because the thing we had planned for Wednesday wasn't quite ready.

So, now, it's Friday, you've already enjoyed your Miss Zoe movie fix for the week, and it's time to move on to other things. Like the little surprise we have planned.

Don't you love a surprise?

Miss Zoe LOVES a surprise.
Especially if it's Willow Balls coming in the mail.

OK, so first, a little history: You remember how I asked all of you to help me to choose my new logo and you all voted and sent me the most wonderfullest of comments? (Did I hear a yes?)

Well, someone who lives with me who is extremely wise and has long ears (hint, hint), brought up some of those comments a couple of weeks ago. In her great wisdomosity, Blisschick (did you think I meant Zoe?) said to me, "What is it that you really want to be painting? What is it that you want a logo to really represent?"

I thought about that for a moment. I exchanged glances with Zoe. She looked away.

"Because," the Blisschick continued, "you have to think about all that. You made a nice logo and you have lots of ideas, but what is it that you love to paint more than anything else?"

Miss Lilly jumped into the Rabbit Room and cleared her throat. Miss Zoe coughed a bit from behind a pile of hay. I scratched my ear.

They were being a bit obvious, but they were right.

"Animals," I said with confidence. "I LOVE to paint animals. Especially cats and rabbits. But also dogs."

Another cough from Miss Zoe. (She's not too sure about dogs.)

And the Blisschick replied, "Animals. Then that's what you need your Etsy store to be. That's what you need to be painting and focusing on. Paint what you love."

With that in mind, then, I set off to sketch some ideas, which incorporated my new love of milagros with my obvious love of painting animals.

From there, it has all fallen together.

Add this bit of history: Over the past two years, we have said goodbye to the Fur Suits of two extraordinary cats who we were fortunate enough to know and love during this life. Those beautiful cats, Jobie and Ernie, have gone to a place we call Sparkle Pond.

If we want to visit Jobie or Ernie, all we need to do is close our eyes and trek to Sparkle Pond.

It's a gorgeous place. There's the Pond, of course. There's a rock Ernie likes to sleep on that's always in the sun. There's a Paper Ball Tree ripe with juicy, crinkly paper balls that Jobie loves to sleep under. And at night, there's always a clear and swirly sky filled with stars and a bright and lovely Moon. And, the cats are almost always wearing little hats or crowns. Sometimes they glow or wear wings.

And so, my new paintings and pendants come from here. They originate at Sparkle Pond and are meant to celebrate the Lives of Animals, whether they are in Fur Suits or Sparkle Suits.

Without further adieu, I hereby announce the opening of my new and improved Etsy Store, Ordinary Enchantment.

It's a pretty small inventory at present, but it will grow.

I want to thank you all for your help and guidance, for without your comments, suggestions, and votes, I think I'd still be a little lost about what I wanted to work on.

So thank you. Let Miss Zoe know what you think. She'll break it to me gently.

Flip Friday on Wednesday?

So, this week I was planning on doing the second ever Flip Friday. You know, using my Flip video camera. Which was, of course, a little something I received early form the Easter Bunny.

(Did I mention that Zoe has connections?)

And, I planned on having this week's Flip Friday be... well.. on Friday.

"But," Zoe said as I excitedly made videos to post on Wednesday instead, "Wednesday is NOT Friday. People will think you've, you know, flipped."

It's very possible that Zoe is right.

But, you see, there was a dilemma here at the home we call Lilypad.

Blisschick and I have been working on an idea for a few weeks that we were planning to announce today. That is, on Wednesday. Let's call it Wacky Wednesday, for the sake of argument.

And then, on Wacky Wednesday IT wasn't weady (sorry-- I mean "ready." I got caught up in the alliteration).

Miss Zoe is clearly showing her annoyance at my substandard performance.
"Flip Friday? Ha!" she is clearly scoffing. "Wacky Wednesday my *beep*!"

Anyhow, as I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted, Miss Zoe and I came to a consensus about posting the Flip Friday videos today and saving the BIG SURPRISE for Friday.

OK, actually, it wasn't much of a consensus, but Miss Zoe is always happy to see herself in the new world of the Motion Picture, so here are two movies for your viewing pleasure:

Miss Zoe in "The Chewing Movie"
and
Miss Zoe, Miss Lilly, and some random Lilypad extras in "Lilly and Zoe Just, You Know, Hang Out"

Hope you enjoy the Wacky Wednesday Double Feature!

And check back on Friday for the other thing.

Really, you need to check back. Miss Zoe knows who you are. And, she knows where you live.

Believe it.