Leaving on a jet plane...

Ok folks, tomorrow's the day. I'll be in Russia for two weeks, so don't expect any updates. I may post a time or two, but don't count on it. In the meantime, everybody have a great two weeks!!!

IF - Change

Pocket Change

Sunday, Bloody Sunday

I Hate Crocs!

Let it be known: I HATE CROCS! No, I don't mean crocodiles. I actually think they're kinda cool. I mean those stupid, cheap, foam sandals that everyone and their brother seems to love these days. What is wrong with you people? Why do you insist on making your feet look like boats and then drawing attention to them by wearing colors like hot pink??? People, seriously. There are better footwear choices out there.

Remember.

Illustration Friday Theme: Farm

Lagomorph Gothic

Google Image Labeler

If you haven't tried it yet, you really should. (click the title)

Fly the Flag

On Monday, September 11th, 2006, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this fifth anniversary of our country's worst tragedy. We do this in honor of those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms. In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed inAmerican flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn't take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds.

Bun-Girl's Shop

Ok, I've been meaning to do this for quite some time. No reason not to, really. So, here goes: I have now opened a Cafe Press shop. so far just one design, but please go take a look! I'm sure I will be adding other offerings soon. Do I honestly expect anyone to order one of my items? Not really. But hey, now I can make my own t-shirts... ;-)

BTW, I have recently decided that I really need to get back into drawing, painting, collage, etc. This was inspired by a dear friend of mine who is now attending art school. Who knows if this will last or not... but it is what it is. The bunny in my shop and the collage I did for I-Fri are a result of this resolution.

**Update 9/7: there are now four different designs to chose from. Unfortunately, I can currently only do one design per item, but if there's a particular combo you're interested in, just let me know! Also, I am looking for ideas, so if you have a special request, email me (ddragongrl at gmail dot com) and I'll do my best!

Unconscious Mutterings September 03, 2006

1. Wiggle :: Jello -- I love those new ads! (now I have the song stuck in my head...)


2. Face :: Paint
   


3. Adjustable :: Lighting (this track lighting is beautiful! I think we may wind up getting it to put in the game room at some point...)


4. Room :: house


5. Easy :: Mac


6. Store :: Ikea (my fave store of late)


7. Maid :: service (perhaps I play the Sims too often?)


8. 9 pm :: evening


9. Challenge :: game
   


10. Debt :: credit cards

The Return of Illustration Friday

Theme: Safe

The Crocodile Hunter no more

For those of you who have not yet heard the news, Steve Irwin died this morning. He was stung by a giant stingray. While I do not in any way approve of his irresponsible and often dangerous antics, I do respect the work he's done in the area of wildlife rescue and rehabilitation, and public education. His publicity stunts brought people to his zoo in droves and allowed him to help thousands (millions?) of animals who would have otherwise not made it. I cannot help but respect that.

And all this time I've had his name spelled wrong... Why didn't anyone tell me?!?

I'll be going pink

Ok, I don't know if I've blogged about it or not, but this year my mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. She is currently going through chemo and all the fun that goes with it. Yeah, my life's just been sunshine and giggles this year...

ANYWAY... October is Breast Cancer Awareness month. And there's a campaign out there for bloggers. So, for the month of October I will be putting aside my LOATHING of the color pink in order to be part of this movement. Please note that since I will be in Russia for the first week of October, I can't guarantee that I will get this taken care of on the first, but I will change over my template as soon as is possible.

Do "all dogs go to heaven"?

Over the past 24 hours, I have received message after message about Ivan, and most of them seemed to contain some reference to the "rainbow bridge" or a promise that I will see him again on the other side. As comforting as that thought may be, I try not to pin my hopes to fluffy stories invented to console greiving pet-parents. I need something with a bit more truth to it. So, the question of whether I will see my beloved Ivan (and all the pets that have come before him, and all the ones that will come after) is a very difficult one for me. The way I look at it is this:

In Matthew, Jesus talks about God's provision for birds. Psalm 104 talks about God providing for all his creation. And in Deuteronomy, when God decrees a day of rest for his people, He requires that rest is also provided to their animals. So, clearly, God cares for the animals He has created, as well as the people. He even makes a covenant with them after the flood.

But do we know that they will be in heaven?

We know that there will be animals in heaven surely. Horses are mentioned specifically. In Revelation, it is said that "every creature" will give praise to God on the day when the Scroll of the Lamb is opened, so we know that our dogs (and bunnies and cats and any other creature you can think of) are capable of praise to the God Most High, and it would seem that they are also cognizant of his presence and His love. Even when Isaiah speaks of the creation of a new earth, wolves, lambs and lions are all included. So, clearly, we will see animals in heaven.

I would like to think that one day I will see my sweet little boy again. I would like to believe that he will come running to greet me as I pass through the gates. I would like to know that even now he is running, free of disease and pain, free of worry and sorrow, joyously celebrating the Love of our Creator. But I don't know. Because I can't find anything biblical that specifically mentions whether the animals we see in Heaven will be the eternal versions of the ones we see here, or they are newly created for that place.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

Ivan, RIP

In the early morning hours of August 31st, Ivan lost his battle with Ehrlichia. He was, without question or doubt, the sweetest dog to ever have lived and will always have a place in my heart. He slept on my pillow, licked away my tears, and was always more than eager to please in any way he could. Though we had him only a brief seven months, I loved him like he was my own child, and I can't imagine a world without him. I hope he's up there romping and playing in that big dogpark in the sky, but I can't help but wish we had had just a little more time with him here on Earth. The world is a harder place without him. Still, I am grateful to God for the time we weregranted and for knowing this four-legged angel, and I know that he could not have found a more loving home. Please pray for our family as we learn to cope with this loss.

Note: In tribute to my sweet pup, I am keeping this post at the top of my page for at least the next month. Possibly longer. For newer content, please scroll to the next post.