Short and Sweet

This is going to have to be a short and sweet blog tonight. It has been a particularly stressful week for some reason and I didn't accomplish half of what I set out to. I want to remind everyone about the Christmas in July Shop Hop, make sure you get registered so you will be ready to find those shopping bags first thing!

I put together a little summer fun kit that will be for sale on my website this week. Here's a great rainy day project for the kids. A charm kit with a ribbon necklace and a sweet little plastic heart trinket box. Have fun collecting tiny flowers and leaves and grasses and press them in a phone book. Then on a rainy day, you are all set to make a glamorous one of a kind charm. Each kit comes with two charm trays, two resin drops to seal your creation and two ribbon and cord 16inch necklaces with a lobster claw clasp, one pink and one white.

It's a fun project and choosing just the right flowers to have pressed and ready to go is another fun project in itself. I have pressed some rose petals and use them as the background for my flowers, I liked the muted velvety look. This is a floret of Queen Anne's Lace with a sprinkling of fairy dust. Oh, okay, it's German glass glitter but I like to pretend!

So that is it for this week, sweet friends. Wasn't as short as I thought! Once I get going it's hard to stop. Have a wonderful week.

Hugs,

Pat

Of 6 year olds and old dogs

I got this via email today and just wanted to share it with everyone. Out of the mouths of babes!

A DOG'S PURPOSE (from a 6 year old)

Being a veterinarian, I had been called to examine a 10 year old Irish Wolfhound named Belker. The dog's owners Ron, his wife, Lisa and their 6 year old son, Shane were very attached to the dog and were hoping for a miracle.

I examined Belker and found he was dying of cancer. I told the family there was nothing we could do for Belker and offered to perform the euthanasia procedure for their old dog in their home.

As we made arrangements, Ron and Lisa told me they thought it would be good for Shane to observe the procedure. They felt as though Shane might learn something from this experience.

The next day, I felt the familiar catch in my throat as Belker's family surrounded him. Shane seemed so calm, petting the old dog for the last time, that I wondered if he understood what was going on. Within a few minutes, Belker slipped peacefully away.

The little boy seemed to accept the transition without any difficulty or confusion. We sat together for a while after Belker's death and wondered about the sad fact that animal's lives are shorter than human lives. Shane, who had been listening quietly, piped up, "I know why".

Startled, we all turned to him. What came out of his mouth next stunned me. I'd never heard a more comforting explanation.

He said "People are born so they can learn how to live a good life--like loving everybody and being nice, right?"

The six year old continued, " Well, dogs already know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

Live simply.

Live generously.

Care deeply.

Speak kindly.

Remember, if the dog were the teacher you would learn things like:

When loved ones come home, get up and run and greet them.

Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joy ride.

Allow the experience of fresh air and wind in your face be pure ecstasy.

Take naps.

Stretch before rising.

Run, romp and play daily.

Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

On warm days,stop to lay on your back in the grass.

On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.

When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

Be loyal.

Never pretend to be something you're not.

If you want what lies buried, dig until you find it.

When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

ENJOY EVERY MOMENT OF EVERY DAY!

And so to the the very wise 6year old who spoke these thought provoking words and the veterinarian who wrote the rest, thank you. I wish I could give you credit, I just love this essay.

If anyone knows who wrote this, please let me know so I can give credit.

May we all learn something from our little fur babies.

Hugs,

Pat

Memorial Day Weekend Is Here

These weeks are just flying by and here we are-Memorial Day weekend, the official start of summer time fun. This is always a bit melancholy for me thinking about all the servicemen in the past and all the young men and women who are out there right this minute as we have our barbecues. Many of my family have served, many of my high school friends served and so many of my children's friends are in the service of our country right now, my prayers and gratitude for them and their comrades that they stay safe through whatever they are facing right now. To all of you here at home, please have a safe weekend with the driving and fun times.

This week at Patricia Rose, have a few frilly and fancy things coming out. This week's Make Mine Pink Friday theme is Girly Finds. Can you imagine what we will see in the boutiques this week? Should be pretty awesome. Here is what I'm working on, in various stages of undone. Will be all pulled together by Friday, make sure to stop back and see what femininity shows up here!

Plans are already afoot for the Christmas in July Shop Hop. You know how much fun these are and what amazing prizes are available to be won. Mark your calendars, don't forget, see the logo off to the right? Just click right on there and it will take you to the Shop Hop Page to see the doings.

I showed you a few weeks ago the large doe that was coming in for coffee every morning. She had disappeared for about a week, then came back again but was very cautious and stayed close to the woods line. Well, look who has finally made an appearance! The picture is not very good but this little one moves so fast, there's no time for a redo. The fawn pops out, Mama makes a strange sound, stamps a foot and baby scampers back into hiding.

Have a wonderful week. It's a short one anyway, makes the weekend that much closer.

Hugs,

Pat