Etsy Updates

Today I'm posting some new items on Etsy at my little shopling. I spent some time outside in the nice weather (no one from KY would agree with this, I'm sure, those poor folks...) to take pictures of some new inventory. I had some company as I snapped pics - this bee. He and his comrade in wings were buzzing nearby on the lavender. I am always happy to see bees, after last year's rough time. They seem to be doing better, don't they?

50s fruit napkin rings.
















Vintage rhinestone and pearl pin.















California pottery bowl.

The Editing Team at EMG

So, over here at Essential Marketing Group, we work as a close team -- me and Bernice the bunny and Sebastian the squirrel -- to make sure our sentences are concise and descriptive. Without these guys, I'd be sunk. It's amazing how Sebastian never gets tired! Just look at those eyes, all wide with energy! I think it's the quiet strength of Bernice that keeps him so grounded, lest he should fly across the room! I bet when I leave to put the tea pot on these two step off the window sill and move stuff on my desk. I just know it... Yes, I'm on shaky ground, folks. The office walls are closing in. The paper I'm editing was reviewed and edited by a lawyer who probably wore out the Comment feature on his Word Track Changes. But, hey, in this economy, I'm ecstatic to have this work. So, forward I go, happily and gratefully.

The Cure for Cold Writer's Hands

Don't I look cozy? All bundled in my mittens? I clearly have a sweater theme going - see my last post. My friend, Miss S., over at yonder Foziewisp blog, knitted me these darling mittens for Christmas! And of course, she also knitted a mug cozy to go along. Now, Mr. Mug and I are warm and toasty as we weather the cold in ye olde office. Why is this room so darn cold? I realize it gets no sun; all the sun is in the dining room!

I so don't want to work today. I want to pile onto the couch with tea and a blanket and watch Pt. 2 of Masterpiece Theatre's Wuthering Heights! But instead I am revising a document that has been edited by a lawyer! Blerg.

Special Keyboard Arm Sweater

Kate simply has to be close any time I am home, except when she chooses to take a 4-, 5-, or 6-hour nap.

Let's see, can I still type on the keyboard with this arm sweater? Oh, I guess so. I try to deter her by putting the pink baby blankie on my desk as a draw - at least to a few inches away - so I can work. But she still finds a way to weasel in. Such a loving kitty, but what a drain on productivity! :o)

Happy Inauguration Day!

What an amazing event! The word "hope" has taken on new meaning.

From an Old Goat

So, back in December, I made a small donation to Apifera Farm to sponsor an old goat named Guinnias who needed some help with his transportation costs to Apifera Farm, his new forever home. In return, I was sent a scrumptiously scented bunch o' lavender from Katherine Dunn, an artist and owner of the farm. Boy, is it fragrant! Katherine does lots of things in the way of helping animals, mostly senior ones that often go unnoticed. What a huge heart she has.

But just look at the darling sticker that was on the bunch of buds:















And of course, an equally cute stamp thanking the bees. Bees must be thanked, don't you agree? And who is that peering out by the window?

My Etsy Comeback

It's a new year, and I want to start posting things to my Etsy shop again! My first round did not prove successful, as there was nary a purchase, but maybe with new inventory? We shall see. Meanwhile, check out this darling child's tea set. I found it at an antique shop in La Jolla that was closing. The shop had been there for ages, but no more. Sadly, it is not unusual in this economy. I'll have the little tea set on "the shelves" of TheRobinShop by tomorrow. I want to take a cuter picture of it, maybe one without Miss Kate standing beside it?!

A World of Possibilities

The feeling of the New Year unfolding is like breathing in a deep, full breath of fresh air, and breathing out a world of possibilities. It's as if someone hands you a blank slate and says, "go create a beautiful year." I love the new year and the energy it bestows. Happy New Year everyone! May we all enjoy long, happy, healthy days filled with family, fun, and laughter.