A Few Words From Miss Zoe

Today's post brought to you by....

MISS ZOE!!!!!!!

As a rabbit, I tend to leave chores (like the writing of the blog) to, shall we say, lesser beings.

Ahem.

Today, however, I was roped into writing by a mother who said since she was busy cleaning my litter boxes, that I had to think of something to write.

"Oh, really??" I said. "Is this what it's come to, then? Blackmail?? Humph!"

I do want clean litter boxes, though, and so even though I am really in charge around here, and even though I don't normally do these sorts of things, I figured that I would help out, so to speak. Just this once. Well, maybe again sometime. Just don't think this will be a regular occurrence.

I mean, check the top of the blog. It reads: "Special Guest, Miss Zoe," not "Rabbit, Slave to Random Human Whims," or "Bunny Who Does Whatever She's Told To Do."

That's just not the case here.

I'm doing this because I want clean boxes and I'm much too Small and Important to do that chore. Certainly. And again, I say, "Humph!!"

The chore of Writing is much more suited to a Rabbit of such Delicate Constitution.

On this Monday, then, the day of the week most of the world seems to have it in for, on this Monday, I thought I would take some time to remind you of my Great Wisdomosity.

Today's Great Wisdomosity was inspired by a new
website we found over the weekend called
BinkyBunny.com: House Rabbit Community.

On this Monday, I'd like to share a video from this marvelous website. Your normally Mundane Monday, will now be turned into.... POOF!! MAGICAL MONDAY!!!

How is that you ask?

Realize this One, Important Fact:

Life is a Bunny.

(Click on this to see how life is a bunny!)

Life is a Bunny. Bunny is Life. It's a beautiful circle, yes?

Until next time, I will leave you with my own Bunny Sighting. This photo is in no way manipulated and is definitely not...er...me.


See? NOT ME!!!

I have no idea how these kind of things happen. Nature is a crazy thing.

Flip (Holiday) Friday

Here's hoping that all of you out there who celebrate Thanksgiving had a wonderful time!!

Well, some of us do.

Here at the Lilypad, we had lots of food, plenty of good cheer, and plenty of laughing, dancing smiling, and snuggling, plus all of the other wonderful things that come with a fun holiday where you get to lounge around in your comfortable clothes (and the CUTEST APRON EVER!!) and cook and bake and just be generally thankful for all the LOVE and GOOD THINGS in your life.

Miss Emmie waits patiently for you to
drop something she might want to eat.

I love Thanksgiving!!

In between baking and cooking and gazing lovingly at the Chick while she played on her computer (OK, she did do other things-- I'm just whining for attention from her!), I did some sudoku puzzles, snuggled my bunny, took tons of cat portraits (some of which you see in this post) and just had fun. Later on, we had some delightful company.

Scottie doesn't really care what you drop.
At least, not right now.

What a nice day! And it's only the beginning of a lovely weekend. Who knows what will happen next?

Miss Lilly just wants you to stop
staring at her intense cuteness.
Please.

And then she does something even cuter! Curses!

Rosie and me having a Kodak moment.

Me in my cute apron
holding an open squash that
could have been a
Georgia O'Keefe model.

Did you think I would forget your Rabbit Movie???

Yes, don't forget the Rabbit Movie.

Zoe's Thanksgiving Carrot from marcy hall on Vimeo.

Dream a Fourth Dream

Hold on to your hat.
This is going to get strange.

Here we are at week number four of my weird dream posts inspired by the Erie County Public Library's own Miss Kitty. (Don't try to get out of this, Miss Kitty. You know you are to blame!)

This dream is from a few years back. After the post on Monday about the imaginary Rabbit named Mr. Rumi who assists me in gift buying duties, I'm a little concerned that after this post you'll say to yourself, "You know, really? I think this is enough. This Marcy person is quite simply just a nutter."

And that's fine. But you have to read to the end of the dream first. Then, and only then, will you be qualified to make that prognosis.

NOT TRUE!! I have not read the dream, and I am already making that prognosis!!

So, here we go. Dream #4:

I'm on the second floor of the Blasco Library (the library where I work). I'm with a lot of other people. I guess you could call it a party of sorts. We're in a big, open space on the second floor of the library, where we normally house exhibits of the artistic variety or sometimes press conferences or receptions.

Anyway, there I am with a bunch of other people. We are milling about as though we are at a party.

Suddenly, music starts playing and I find myself in a Rockettes-style kick line.

(Here's where you need to brace yourself. If you're not sitting down, Zoe suggests doing so.)

There I am in the kick line, kicking away with the best of them (that's a dream in and of itself!!), and I look down to the end of the line, you know, I guess to get a glimpse of how I'm keeping up with the other kickers.

I look down the line and at the very end, I notice someone else peeking back at me. This someone is also kicking, and from the look on this someone's face, this someone is having a most wonderful time.

This someone would be..... the elephant panda dog.

With the snout of a dog, the black eye circles of a panda, and the trunk of an elephant, the elephant panda dog is completely unmistakable to me. It is as though I have seen him/ her/it a hundred times. While I'm kicking and looking down the line and seeing this most bizarre creature, I think to myself, "Oh, look! The elephant panda dog.!!" It is a simple and comforting thought.

I smile at the elephant panda dog. He winks at me. Just a slight wink, like something you might see Santa Clause do. His eye sparkles (I can only see one, as the far eye is hidden by the protruding bridge of the trunk, of course), and as he winks I hear that distinctive, staccato "PING!" sound of a television wink.

The elephant panda dog assumes his place in line as do I.

And that is the end of the dream.

The interesting part of the dream is that when I woke up, as is the case with so many dreams, it felt so real. It was like I discovered a new animal. That wink will live in my mind's eye forever.

Someone.
Please.
Call 911.
It's an emergency.
I need to get out of here ASAP!

Don't let her fool you. You should hear some of Her dreams!!!

Nevertheless, Zoe and I and the other animals at the Lilypad wish to wish you a
Very Happy Thanksgiving!!!

The Story of Mr. Rumi

OK, which one of you is making
me the turkey-shaped carrot
loaf this year? I'd better see
some hands in the air!!

This time of year is like One Giant Holiday here at the Lilypad.

Like, really. One Giant Holiday.

From Halloween on. It's Halloween. Then, it's the Chick's Birthday. Then Thanksgiving. Then, of course Christmas.

Fortunately, I have help with my gift buying and idea gathering.

Without this little fellow, I would be LOST!!

What was that? "What little fellow," did you say?

"Go on. Teeeeelllllll them.
Yes.
Do."

Well, it's kind of a secret. But, since Miss Zoe has authorized me to spill the beans...

We have a second rabbit.

He lives in a drawer in the Rabbit Room. His name is Mr. Rumi.

And, at this time of the year, he does all the gift organizing and purchasing.

It's actually quite helpful, if you want to know the truth.

Wait. What? What the %^$#@ am I talking about? OK, I'll start at the beginning.

You see, when we got Miss Zoe at the German Festival that perfect day five years ago-- that beautiful, wonderful, most fortunate day-- we thought we were taking home...well...a boy Rabbit.

It wasn't until we took her to the Rabbit Doctor (sometimes known as a veterinarian) that he said, "Nope. This here's a girl!"

You see, the problem with that was that we'd gone through a whole naming process, in which we had laboriously sorted through names that we liked, names that were suggested, and had finally come up with what we thought was the cutest most perfect name for a Rabbit ever!

Mr. Rumi.

And, now? Our Mr. Rumi was not so much a Mister as a Miss?

It was difficult news for us. What parent wouldn't be thrown for a loop? I ask you? Of course, we loved her just the same. She was still our little baby.

It's just that now, she was our little girl instead of our little boy.

We sat staring at the vet. Staring at each other. Staring at the Rabbit. Staring back at the vet.

The Rabbit Doctor offered up, "What the Hell! Keep the name. Who's going to know?"

"Ah... HELLO?? WE WOULD??" we said/ asked in unison.

"Well, I suppose that's true," he said.

We got home from that appointment, and I said to the Chick, "It's OK. We'll figure this out. We'll think of a new name, and soon, it will be like we never didn't know this information."

The Chick gave me a blank stare.

A few days later, we renamed out little bundle of joy Miss Zoe, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Except that we couldn't quite let go of Mr. Rumi. He lingered in our thoughts. We missed our little boy rabbit.

And so, we kept him. Now he lives in a drawer in the Rabbit Room, and he helps to buy gifts for all the Good Girls, Cats, and Bunnies in the Lilypad.

Strangely, he is identical to Miss Zoe!!! Unlike Miss Zoe, however, he is quite shy.

He even has his own folder on my computer. Once in awhile, I'll get an email from the Chick with the subject line: "For Mr. Rumi." I know that subject line denotes something that she's found that she likes and that, when I got Mr. Rumi out of the drawer during that gift-giving season, she wouldn't be sad if we ordered up.

Who wouldn't be glad for some help with all that stuff, you know?

I'm just saying. If you need some assistance this time of the year, let me know.

It's possible that Mr. Rumi has some friends.

"Just smile and nod. That's what I do."

In fact, you might just want to check that drawer you thought was empty. There might be a Very Industrious Rabbit inside.

Well, there might be! When was the last time you checked?

Flip Friday

I have two Important Announcements to make.

Well, Zoe and I do.

I am her (willing) puppet, as you know.

Oh, right-- the Announcements.

OK, here they are:

Number 1: Our Good Friend from our Writing Group has started a blog!!!

In the Blisschick circle, this is the friend referred to as "Dr. Captain America." His name has been changed to protect the innocent (and, even the not-so-innocent, if you must know). You will see why. This will be a blog that you won't want to miss.

It will make you laugh.

It will make you cry.

It will be better than Cats (the Broadway show, not the Animal).

I just told Miss Zoe I was going to say that, and she wanted to interject this: "This blog may be better than a lot of cats."

Miss Zoe is entitled to her opinion, but please don't tell your own cat that she said that. Cats so easily develop complexes.

[A Disclaimer: The views of the Rabbit do not necessarily reflect the views of the other Animals in the Lilypad. All views of the Rabbit should be attributed to the Rabbit Herself and should not reflect poorly on the Other Animals.]

And, Number 2:

TODAY IS THE BLISSCHICK'S BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Get out the Champagne and make a toast. Go ahead. You're allowed to drink Champagne any time of the day. The French do it-- why can't you?

To celebrate, here is a picture from the celebration we had at writing group on Wednesday night:

Blisschick with Cake.

And, now, your Rabbit videos!!!

Miss Zoe's Side Pose from marcy hall on Vimeo.

Is That A Raisin I See Before Me? from marcy hall on Vimeo.

HAPPY WEEKEND!!!!!

Dream a Third Dream

Miss Zoe enjoys a dream about carrots.

This sharing-my-dreams thing has been kind of fun.

I've gotten some good attempts at interpretation from Dr. Kavindra! Thanks, Kavindra!

Also, it's possible that a lot of people may now think that a) I'm crazy, or b) I do drugs before bedtime. Let me assure you...well, never mind.

So, today's dream is not about a toe. It's not about a cat.

It's about something a little more unexpected.

It's about-- Waylon Jennings.



Now, I don't know a whole lot of Waylon Jennings. At the time I had the dream, at about age 12, I knew even less. Now I could at least tell you that he hung out with Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson and that sort of crowd. With access to the Blisschick's Israel called the Internet, I can even look up his website and view such classic songs as: "Are you Sure Hank Done It This Way," or "Don't You Think This Outlaw Bit's Done Got Out Of Hand?"

But, at the time, I had no references. That's why I thought it was strange. The only thing I can think of, looking back on it now, was that perhaps I'd caught an errant episode of "The Dukes of Hazard," which my dad liked to watch. I just found out that he sang the theme song for that. Maybe-- just maybe-- there's some connection there.

So, here's the dream: I'm little-- probably 5 or 6 (I was really cute then!!) and I'm at my grandparents house, which was often the case, riding my tricycle in circles in their giant, cement floored basement. I was having a blast, just riding and riding in circles.

Suddenly, there was a record player. I dismounted the trike, and I walked over to look. On the player spun a record by Waylon Jennings. I started yelling, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY, WAYLON JENNINGS!!!" Then I ran up the stairs to tell my grandparents that it was Waylon Jennings' birthday. Should we send him a card?

When I got upstairs, my mom was there instead, so I told her. And she said to me: "No, honey, we're NOT sending Waylon a card," as if this must be something I wanted to do all the time, and frankly, it was getting on her nerves.

Instead then, I grabbed a molasses cookie out of Grandma's big, red, metal cookie can (that actually I think at one time contained saltine crackers) and went back downstairs.

That's when I woke up.

What could it mean?

Zoe and I have no insights. So all you interpreters out there, give me your best shot!!

Oh, and have sweet dreams!

Oh, Monday! Is it you already?

UGH!

Is it seriously Monday?

How can it be? I mean, I think I say this every week, probably. This time, though, I really mean it!

Here at the Lilypad, the weather was SO NICE outside this past weekend that it was difficult to do anything other than bask in the warm sunshine and be out in the yard. When you get a "crazy November springtime"as MusicMiles referred to it on Saturday, what else can you do?

Oh, I did write a little. But that sunshine and those temperatures just called.

As you can see, I also took the opportunity to do a photo shoot with Miss Zoe. She had her windows open all weekend and did a lot of basking with her bad self.

So, you know-- maybe I didn't write more than a couple thousand words of my book, and maybe I am a little behind on NaNoWriMo, but, I didn't see a Rabbit helping with that process!!!

And, we all know how useful Cats are when there's sunshine anywhere! Sheesh! HOPE-LESS!!! Hopeless. Do you not agree? Come on, tell the truth!

Not that I'm pointing paws. Or claws. Or fingers. Nope. Not pointing at all.

Just saying.

Fans of Miss Zoe will be pleased to know that we also took advantage of the lovely soft sunshiney lighting in the Rabbit Room to get new lagomorph footage for Flip Friday.

This coming week, we will get to work. Really, we'll buckle down. We're close to 20,000 words. We still think we may be able to pull it out. Or, at least get closeish. We're not giving up yet. There's still half a month left, right? We've got so much time, we could go dancing!

OK, SUNSHINE!!!! BRING IT ON!!!! We can handle it now. You just caught us off guard.

Flip Friday

We had writing group on Wednesday night.

While our writing group was here, two of the three of them said to me, "Ever since you switched to the new video thinigie, I can't get your videos to load or play."

Well, that's just the saddest thing I've ever heard!!

One other friend told me that same sad news not too long ago, but I checked into the particular video that she said didn't work, and made a small adjustment, and then I thought the problem was fixed. Perhaps not.

MISS ZOE IS VERY CONCERNED!!!!

We switched from YouTube to Vimeo because, well, Zoe is VERY picky about her movie soundtracks. The songs she was picking to go along with her acting were often being blocked out on YouTube.

No, not because she was picking songs with too much profanity!!

It was because the major record labels have started to dictate what music you can use for a video, and what music you can't. Forget the fact that, maybe through one of Zoe's soundtracks, she might expose you to a new artist that you enjoy that could lead to you purchasing new music.

It all seemed too territorial for Zoe. She is a Rabbit Who Doesn't Mess Around.

We switched to Vimeo, where anything goes.

But, now, Zoe is worried that the Vimeo movies aren't working for everyone.

This is a major concern for Her!!

So, for this week, we've decided to post two old movies from YouTube.

"Oldies but Goodies," Zoe just chimed in.

Yes, Zoe. Always Goodies.

If you have had trouble viewing Zoe's Vimeo movies, would you please post a comment to Her and let Her know? She touts Herself as an Equal Opportunity Rabbit.

You are important to Her.

(Not THAT important. Just, you know, sorta.)

From the archives, then!!

Dream a Second Dream

Last week, I told you about the saga of my broken big toe. (As you can see above, Miss Zoe is not interested in this post.)

And I told you what led up to me thinking I should tell you that story-dream-- Miss Kitty, giving the Rabbit a day off, telling you more about myself, blah, blah, blah.

Did you know this was going to turn into a many weeks' long feature, in which I reveal to you my dreams?

Well, I think I mentioned that after I got home from work last Monday night, somewhere during the course of the evening, the Blisschick and I made a list of the Top Ten Most Memorable Dreams I have had in my life.

It's kind of like one of David Letterman's Top Ten lists, if you know what I mean.

It's not too late to flip over to another blog, you know. You can stop reading now if you want to.

Here's your chance to stop.

Because if you read the next sentence, it will be too late.

Cat in the Coffee Aisle.

See? Too late.

Number 2 on the List of Top Ten Most Memorable Dreams? The Cat in the Coffee Aisle dream.

Miss Zoe: startled that I dream of
anything but Rabbit.

OK, so, last week's example was pretty narrative, right? I'm playing kick ball, the ball rolls across the plate, I kick it, break my toe, and on and on. It has some order to it. It's not really a good story, but nevertheless, it is a story.

Cat in the Coffee Aisle is more of an abstract painting, a short story, a sketch. A poem.

In the dream, which is really more of a snippit or a short, rather than a long film, A Cat is sitting at the grocery store in the coffee aisle looking up.

Um....that's it. No, really. That's it.

Actually, I could also say this about the Cat. That is looks perplexed. It is deciding....hmmmm... Tanzanian Peaberry? Hazelnut? No-no-- Ethiopian Yirgacheffe!

And then perhaps: Whole bean? Or, ground? (And though the Cat probably enjoys the freshness of grinding its own whole bean coffee each morning, the decision is more likely about which is easier and which will the Cat feel like doing at 6:30 in the morning.)

It's always my hope that the Cat chooses wisely. But then, how else does a Cat choose?

I'm warning you now that this will keep going. On a list of Top Ten, you are only through two. That means eight more Wednesdays of the bizarre world of my dreams.

You can blame Miss Kitty.

You can also blame the Rabbit.

A Sunny Sunday

It's Monday.

Again.

What a beautiful weekend it was here in Erie, Pennsylvania!!

Saturday, I had to work, but on Sunday, the Chick and I spent a lot of the day in the yard.

What was that, Zoe?

I know. Don't worry. I'm going to show them.

Miss Zoe wants me to get to the pictures. She was quite excited about this new insect She discovered who likes to hop as much as She does!!

(Don't tell Her that this may already be a known insect, OK? She likes to be...well...you know. The One Who Knows Things.)

Yes, yes, Zoe, I'm showing them!

Oh, my! What could it be?

Some sort of insect in the grass who likes hopping!

What a discovery!

Wow, Zoe!!! (Shhhhhhhhhhh!!!)

We discovered that little guy while we were outside sipping espresso on Sunday morning. That was a lovely start to the day.

Before the yard work began, A Certain Rabbit Task Master demanded that I work on my novel a bit. NaNoWriMo calls!! Today we answered with about 4000 words. Whew!

The Rabbit Task Master lays out Her plan for the book.

Many espressos later, and after a lovely lunch, it was time to venture outside to the wide world of yard work. It was so nice that mowing the lawn, cleaning off the back porch, reorganizing the tool sheds, and lugging around half a dozen 4000 lb. bags of mulch was actually a lot of fun.

Miss Lilly supervised form her indoor window perch. She was quite happy there on such a beautiful sunny day.

Say Happy One Year Adoption Anniversary
to our Wonderful Miss Lilly!!

Then back to writing for a bit until dinnertime, when we enjoyed a lovely episode of Midsommer Murders. Nothing like a little bit of British Murder to accompany one's food!

And speaking of food....

The scavengers await a little something.
They're not picky about what.

We ended the day the same way we end every day.

Feeding Furry Felines.

And that was our Sunday.

What did you do?

Miss Zoe wants to know if you discovered any insects. You know, like She did.

She didn't think so.

Just one more example of why She's better than you. As if you needed one.

Flip Friday

It's been an interesting week here at the Lilypad. I guess that's usually the case.

The Chick and I YogaDanced most every day this week. I am now officially A Girl Who Can Move Her Ribs Separately From Her Hips. WHAT? How did I become that person? I have no idea. Apparently, practicing such things actually makes you kind of sort of able to do them.

Whatever.

Also, I joined NaNoWriMo. (See the icon to the left?)

On Wednesday, at some point in the middle of the afternoon, the Blisschick stood outside the Rabbit Room gate and said to me:

"You should really sign up for NaNoWriMo."

To which I replied, "NaNoWhatOh?"

To which she replied, "NaNoWriMo."

I looked at the Rabbit. The Rabbit looked at me. We both looked at the Chick.

The Chick sighed (SIGH!), then said, "National Novel Writing Month. It's November. You sign up and then you're supposed to write a novel in a month, or like 50,000 words."

You see, I just restarted work on my second novel. I'd gotten stalled about 2 months ago after writing about 50 pages, and realized I was stalled because the pacing just wasn't right in the storytelling. So, this past weekend I started at the beginning, and the Chick decided that the fact that I technically started writing it on October 31st was OK, and that she was going to sign me up for NaNoWriMo.

So she did.

So far, then, since last weekend, I have about 10,000 words. That means I have to write 10,000 words every week, pretty much, and I may make it to the goal.

We'll see. I'm going to give it my best shot. Zoe and I will keep you posted.

And, well, now it is Friday and time once again for Miss Zoe to step into the spotlight and enjoy what is rightfully hers: Fame.

We, here at the Lilypad, hope you had a good week, too.

Without further delay, then.....here are your Rabbit Features of the Week:

Cute Lips!!! from marcy hall on Vimeo.

The Very Bad Salad from marcy hall on Vimeo.

Dream a little dream

Every Monday night is my night to work at the library. We're open until 8:30, so it's pretty dark by the time we leave for the night. On this most recent Monday, it was also raining.

Miss Kitty, Culinary Genius and Children's Librarian Extraordinaire (who also has heated seats in her Honda), offered me a ride home. I'd not worn my raincoat, and she took the opportunity to remind me of one the perils of the Chick and I having no television: no Weather Channel.

"But you see," I told her, "I used to have a weather toe, so I always knew when rain was coming. It's not my fault my toe doesn't work anymore."

As you could imagine, this led to a discussion of my weather toe.

It was a toe I broke in 7th grade -- my big toe, in fact -- that got arthritis, which has, somehow over the years, inexplicably disappeared.

It is how I broke my toe, though, that led to the subject of this blog.

Miss Kitty said, "I really think this is a topic for the blog. Give that Rabbit a day off and tell them a little something more personal about yourself."

"Excuse me?"

To which I responded, "Oh, Miss Kitty!! NO one wants that!"

But, here I am, doing it anyway.

One night at about the age of 13, I had a dream. In the dream, I'm in gym class or some such thing, and I'm involved in a rousing game of kickball. And I'm "up," as in, it's my turn to kick. If I close my eyes, I can still see the whole scene as it was-- the ball coming in a straight line toward home plate, me standing, anxiously waiting and getting ready for the ball to roll just close enough, and then WHAM!!

I kicked that ball so hard!! It was definitely going to be a home run!!

"Home run indeed!"

Except I didn't make it that far in my dream. I woke up screaming in pain having kicked my bedroom wall instead of the "ball." I had broken my big toe.

Oh, it was very painful. And very colorful. Sigh.

And that, dear friends, is how I broke my big toe and how I gained a trusted weather toe, until of course, it ceased to be a weather toe.

Now, it is simply a plain, old toe again.

"Weather toe? Come on!"

When I got home, I told the Chick Miss Kitty's idea for me to write about my dream and her other idea for me to tell about my irrational fear of Chihuahuas. The Chick and I proceeded to make a list of my Top Ten Weirdest and /or most Interesting Dreams.

Over the next few weeks, I will share that list with you.

You will laugh.

You will cry.

They are better than Cats.

Not really.



And, they are certainly NOT better than Rabbits.

What a fun weekend!

Did you have a fun weekend?

Because, we sure did!

For one thing, I was off from work for almost 5 whole days. It was sort of 41/2 days, but who's counting?

It was a Halloween celebration!

We watched scary movies.

We also watched Saturday Night Fever, which is not a scary movie, but does contain scary hair and shoes.

We played with all the mammals.

I wrote 2 chapters of my new book for writing group!

The Blisschick and I danced like crazy fools (remember, I am her YogaDance class right now) almost every day.

That seems like a lot, but there's still more!

We gave out candy. One creepy tricker treater (an approximately 5 year old and very cute little, frilly princess) said these words to me: "Beware of evil. We eat waffles."

OK, what does that mean? Because now I'm scared of waffles. I don't want to be scared of waffles.

We chopped up a pumpkin. And here's the evidence:

And then, on Sunday, we went for the most lovely of walks.

What? You want to come along on the walk? Is that what I heard you say?

OK, come on!!

a sunday walk from marcy hall on Vimeo.

See, wasn't that a lovely walk?

All this fun was enough to make....Someone...very sleepy:

Watching Humans walk makes me sleepy.

OK, Zoe, we'll let you nap, then.

Shhhhhhh!!! Don't wake the baby! :)

Happy Monday!