Sunday, December 28, 2008

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I haven't posted in such a long time... life has felt so busy with no real spare time to write.

We did a crazy thing... we chose a dog based on three pictures and a brief description of his personality on-line! He was in a kill shelter so there was no chance to meet him prior to saying "YES!". My sweet BIL Richard picked him up for us and took him to Nevada City. I met him for the first time on Christmas Eve. He is a sweetie! He's a retriever, boxer, ridgeback mixie kind of dog, about a year old. He has a lovely red brown coat with a white belly, white paws, and the tip of his tail is white too. (pics to follow soon).

My brother Michael and Richard bathed him and gave him their own aggression test which he passed with flying colors! He is still a bit of a puppy, smart, curious but not destructive, and catching on to being house trained. He was a stray for a bit so he gets very scared by people and other dogs when were outside. (poor sweetie... but he will learn its ok). Were totally in love!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

A Miracle!!!

Friday on my way into work I wanted to check on Paul... and there he was with Chiquita!!! I can't tell you how happy it made me to see her! I hadn't slept very well the night before worrying about him and thinking of all the ways I could help find her. But there she was!

Paul told me he had been without her for the entire night. He had seen her running early in the morning without her leash. He again said, "she was the only thing he had and his best friend."

The SF Chronicle had a great series of articles on the homeless and their animals. One vetenarian said she had never once seen an animal abused by its homeless owner. Oftentimes, the person takes better care of the animal than themselves. This vet went on to say that they use giving free medical care to the animals as a way to try to give the owners the services they need too.

Oh, and did I tell you that as soon as I got off the bus Friday morning a pigeon nailed me right on my freshly washed hair? My co-worker said it was good luck! Well, Chiquita was back so maybe she was right! But, YUCK!

Thursday, October 9, 2008

I Am Utterly Heartbroken

Everyday as I walk through the Financial District on my to work, I pass this older man, a senior, who I figured was either homeless or living in a shelter. It turns out he is homeless. His name is Paul and his beautiful, brown Himalayan cat's name is Chiquita. They are inseparable. He carries her in a backpack or on his shoulder. She wears a leash and I have seen the two of them walking down Market Street, a main thoroughfare. He utter loves this cat and takes impeccable care of her.

Since I pass him everyday, we have become friends. In the past week or so he has been troubled by someone stealing from him while he is sleeping. First, it was his small, portable, radio & headphones. Its the only other thing he has and loves. He replaced the radio at the beginning of the month and then someone tried to steal his earphones. He had tied them into a hole in his jacket so when the thief pulled on them it broke. He had to replace these too.

Well, today when I saw him he told me that someone had stolen his beloved cat, Chiquita, last night. The two of them have been together for the past eight years. He tried to run after the thieves, but he cant run very fast. He started crying when he told me that she was the only thing he had. For the next three hours, he looked everywhere for her, but couldn't find her.

I can't tell you how sad this has made me. My friends at work remind me, with compassion, that this is life on the streets. A cat is stolen from a homeless guy so someone else can buy drugs. But, it breaks my heart nonetheless. I have been crying all daylong and praying for a miracle.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

Deb's Babysitting is Back in Business!

Colcado... this post is for YOU!!

Several months ago our when our roof was being worked on, we discovered two baby morning doves on our balcony. Their momma bird would bring her babies first thing in the morning and then pick them up at dusk. When our roof was completed the birds stop coming. I was sad to them go, but understood that their momma thought our balcony was safe place to keep them.

Well, the other day I came home and saw something strange in the nest of leaves outside. When I looked closely it was two more baby birds! Their momma comes during the day to feed them. Here they are. The second picture was taken of them through my screen door so it isn't as clear. But, aren't they cute?



This morning when I woke up there were three baby birds... not just two. And, later there were two momma birds. But one baby and momma have gone now. But, I still have two out there.

Its funny to watch them fly since they don't fly very well yet. I can tell their aiming for a tree branch, but aren't able to fly directly there. They kind of swoop and swirl first. I love having them here.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

Road Trip, Part Two

After getting on the road again, we drove from Boulder to Las Vegas... up and over the beautiful Rockys through mountains meadows that are exactly as you imagine them. Then we wound our way through canyons that bordered the Colorado River. My pictures, taken from the car while speeding, arent great but give you an idea.


I am voting Utah as the most beautiful state we drove through. Both the northern and southern parts were gorgeous! Very different, but amazing. Then into Las Vegas where we partied like rock stars for three nights and two days! Ok, our level of rocks stars... no shows, penny and nickel slot machines (about a $1 at a time)... our big cash winning was won by Ovid - $10.85!!!!

This is one of my favorite things in Las Vegas... the water fountain show at the Bellagio. It is truly wonderful.


Here's Ovid inside of the "palazzo " in the Venetian Hotel. Its my favorite hotel on the strip. This picture makes it looks like it is daytime, but its not that bright. All the commercialism aside, I love all of the various forms of art that are celebrated in Las Vegas.


We spent one day on the strip (that was enough for me) and one day going out to the west rim of the Grand Canyon. We came within 25 miles of Kingman, AZ and thought we would have time to go see my friend Laura... but we ran out of time driving down and back this 14 mile unpaved road in our brand new car. Laura, I was thinking hard about you all day long hoping we'd get a chance to see you.

Gail this is for you: On our way to our hotel we walked by the TK (Toby Keith) nightclub!!!! Ok, I didn't see him, but I did see a poster of him. At that moment, I was too tired to even take my picture, but I sure was thinking about you!

Ok, if you're wondering why we went to LV it is because Ovid has grown nieces there. So I dubbed this The Niece & Nephew Tour. We had a chance to see two out of three of his nieces and spend quality time with them. They are amazing young women and I am enjoying getting to know them.

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Road Trip!!! Part One

Ovid and I went on a great road trip last week! We drove north, then east, through three states: Nevada, Utah and Wyoming, then took a left into Colorado. We spent three nights and two days with my adorable nephews:

This is baby Gray or Graybug as we affectionately call him. He is eight months old and so incredibly sweet! He cried only once when we were there & it was his auntie's fault. He loves to laugh, loves balls of all sizes, and is crazy about his older brother. This boy has the perfect baby's body. He's solid, has the cutest thighs and is strong! I have never met such a strong baby before!

My mom sent out an easel for Colton so he and I did some wild painting: including painting hands, making paint pies (you've heard of mud pies, right?) and standing with both feet in the paint bucket. Yep, some of the paint got on the paper... and a bath was definitely needed later! But, oh we had a great time of it!

This is Ovid and Colton at the Farmer's Market. I love going to Farmer's Markets and Boulder has a really great one. We tasted lots and bought some treats for later.


Here's Colton trying on his Auntie's reading glasses. This boy makes me LAUGH!

We had such a great time with all of them! It was definitely too short a stay... I miss them already!

Sunday, June 22, 2008

My Everyday List

My dear friend Gail loves making lists and asked her friends to send her their lists. So here's mine:

1. Drink black tea with milk & sugar (till I feel awake!)
2. Tell my sweetie I love him
3. Talk to my mom & brother every day (I love them too!)
4. Stay present
5. Talk to my nephew at least once a week... more if I can reach my Boulder family (I love them too, of course!)
6. Get a good nights sleep
7. Eat well
8. Stay in contact with friends
9. Do the best job I can at work with kindness, understanding & compassion
10. Keep learning
11. Read
12. Exercise & make artwork whenever I can....

On other news, I bought a new digital camera, but it didn't come with a user manual... so one day soon... I should say one week soon, I will start posting with pictures again!

Sunday, May 4, 2008

More Changes

This past week we found out that the foundation I work for is laying off almost one-third of its staff, my sweetie and immediate supervisor included. This is the only time in its 55+ year history that they have had to do this. Working with the homeless, they know how devastating losing one's job can be. So the severance packages are really generous.

But, to tell you about the quality of the people I work with... I know that many of them are worried about their loss of jobs... but, they are even more worried about the clients they are leaving behind. Several very vital and key programs are being eliminated. We work with the poorest of the poor and we offer some of the best services, in terms of in-depth work, caring, and kindness, to our clients. It is truly heart breaking. I am so glad that my sweetie and I have each other.

Grateful

I think I have two of the world's cutest nephews! This picture was taken yesterday... baby Gray (on the left) is six months old today. He's one big boy... weighing just 5 lbs less than his 2 year old brother! I have said this a million times and will say it millions of times again... I am so very happy that they are part of my life.

Sunday, April 27, 2008

Sweeeeeet!

My sweetie and I are in Nevada City celebrating Passover with my mom, my brother Michael & his partner Richard. We had a very low key Passover dinner with all of our favorite foods on Friday night. Michael invited a friend from work & her two adorable teenagers to join us for dinner. The kids were so much fun. They had never been to a Passover Dinner before, and bravely tried all of our foods. Liked them too! They also taught us all about raising and selling pigs. This city gurl never knew how much money you could make from one pig!

Yesterday, we talked to our Boulder family who had just returned from a week's vacation. Even though they were away for just a week it felt like six weeks! There's not much that squeezes my heart like, "I love Aunt Sissy" and the sound of my nephews giggling in the background.

We have had such a wonderful, relaxing time here. Its warm, quiet, and easy with lots of good food to eat. We get lots of dog loving and naps! Aaaaaahhh! Paradise!

Sunday, April 20, 2008

Babysitting Duty

Yesterday while placing my jar of sun tea outside on my balcony, I accidentally startled two baby mourning doves who were hiding under my chair. They startled me too. Scared, one bird flew off right away while the other one fretted about trying to fly before she was finally able to wobble off to the nearby tree.

When I checked later they were back. The two baby doves sitting together shoulder to shoulder, beak to beak just like they were in a nest. Four eyes watching me... so very cute. As the sun was setting the momma bird came back for them and off they went. The one bird taking her time and finally wobbling off.

They were back early again this morning. Carefully hidden under my chair... nesting together shoulder to shoulder. And as I write this, the momma bird came back and fed them. I am happy to babysit these sweet ones anytime... just doing my part for Earth Day I guess.

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Change...

is inevitable. Wow, its been a long time since I blogged! My camera broke eliminating my ability to upload pictures, but I thought I would write anyway.

After seven years of using art and activities as a tool for change... my job was eliminated. However, the foundation placed me as a social worker working with the same ladies. I am receiving a lot of support from staff and residents so I think it will work out just fine. I have to say that I am thrilled to still have a job and health benefits during these very uncertain economic times. I know a lot of people aren't as fortunate.

Wednesday, January 30, 2008

I Made This Too!

This is a knitted neck scarf. It was really fun to knit... so much so that I am going to knit another one in white. The pattern is from knitty.com and can be found here.

Guess Who...

I get so see this weekend? Yep, Colton turns two years old this Sunday. I am flying out to celebrate his birthday. My mom went out today, Brooke's mom arrives tomorrow, and my brother Michael and I arrive on Saturday. I can barely believe that this sweet boy is already two.


I am also really excited about seeing this cutie pie because he has changed so much since November. He was only three weeks old then, but now at 3 months, he is giggling and cooing!



I can't wait to see everyone: the boys, Brooke, Ryan, my mom and Michael, and Brooke's mom too! I am in auntie heaven!

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Artwork

My mom and I had tea and gift party before Christmas. Here are some of the things I made for it: This first piece is me when I was about 9 years old and wasn't for sale... but I love this picture of me. It makes me laugh every time I see... that outfit... you gotta love it!!




Its a really fun party and chance to see lots of our family friends during the holidays. Not everything sold so some will show up in my etsy shop.

Saturday, January 26, 2008

New Look!

I thought I need a change... a new do so to speak. What do you think?

Saturday, January 5, 2008

Hilary's Birthday Poem


Hilary is one of my rocks at work. She always remembers my birthday, and this year was no exception. This year she sang me a poem:

Roses are red, violets are blue, sweet Aunt Sissy Lou is 52!
LOL. Thanks Hilary!

I also got the CuTEsT happy birthday song on my message machine sung to me by Ryan, Brooke and Colton. If I could play it for you I would! It will be on my phone forever!

It was an absolutely wonderful day... I can't remember when I have felt so happy!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

Happy Birthday!

Today is my day and I am feeling really happy about it. Ok, the number is getting up there... but, I am grateful that I am happy, healthy, and well-loved. It doesn't get much better than that!


Wednesday, January 2, 2008

New Motto


So, have you made any new resolutions for 2008? I decided that I am changing my focus. Yeah, I want/need to shed a few pounds, make more art, and exercise more (sound familiar?) ... but more than having new resolutions, I have decided that I have a new motto: It will work out okay. I admit to being a worrier, and usually things work out , so I decided that a new mantra is what I really need. What about you? Any new mottos? I'd love to hear from you.

Happy New Year... may thing year bring each of us what our heart desire's.

New Favorite


This is my new favorite picture of my nephew Colton. It shows off his adorable personality and new haircut.

Happy Birthday Dad!

I spent this past weekend in Southern California with my Dad and his wife, Gerrie, celebrating his 75th birthday. We had a great time eating lots of fabulous food, walking the beach, playing Apples to Apples, and just visiting.

Here is a picture of me and my dad:

This is a picture of me and Laura, Gerrie's eldest daughter. We had a hilarious time hanging out together. She has the same wicked wit and humor that my brother Michael has. Laura is a real sweetie!


There is was another picture with me, my dad, and Gerrie's other two daughters. The picture was great of all of them, but not me, so I am not posting it! LOL I had a wonderful visit... thank you Dad and Gerrie.