Payton

Meet Payton, the rescue chinchilla. He was found in a basement, living in his own urine, malnourished, and missing half of an ear... assumed to be from the other chinchilla he was living with. He's doing much better, despite an issue he will always have with his teeth, and will be ready for adoption soon.

(Thank you to Jessica who was kind enough to hold him for the photo.)

Handmade Clothing from Thimblescratch-- Something Different

Funky, cool, casual, and wearable clothing, Tammy's line is something to check out. She will even customize any piece in her collection to fit your body, ensuring it's just right for you!

Go to her site Thimblescratch to learn more and browse her current clothing line.

Says Tammy, “These clothes are made with love by a starving artist - built from scratch clothing, sweatshop-free, one of a kind and eco-friendly design.”

Pick-Up/ Put Him Back Lines

Why, oh why do men try those cutesy, rediculous lines on women?? And what's worse, some of them must actually work if they haven't stopped yet! I beg you ladies, have good judement and don't reward bad pick-up lines... For the sake of the rest of womankind. (I think situational pick-ups would count as well in this case.)

Some memorable and not so memorable moments:

- While out salsa dancing, asked by my partner:

Funky Awkward Guy: "So what's your SIGN?"

Me: "Hmm... not sure... Aries, I think" (Insert skeptical look here)

Funky Awkward Guy: "I KNEW we were destined to be together!"

Can I go now? This dance is over...

- While working as a gamer's event:

Pompous Gamer Guy: "Hey!"

Me: "Um, hi."

Pompous Gamer Guy: "So what do YOU play?"

Me: "I don't actually play video games... just working today with (sponsor deleted)."

Pompous Gamer Guy: "Well I'M really good at (insert gamer guy's favorite here). My team's doing really well because of ME! (Leaning in closer, whispering) So you're basically in the presence of greatness... it might rub off on you."

Oh my God! Well you didn't tell me THAT! I can't breathe.... go away?

- While walking down the street to a photo shoot wearing a bridal gown:

Cocky Street Guy: (Getting down on one Knee) "Will you marry ME?"

Me: "Tomorrow, hun... always tomorrow."

If I WERE a bride, which he wouldn't have known. Why on earth would you, even jokingly, propose on a street corner to her? Is that supposed to be cute?

Photography Piece

I grew up in love with a coffee table book of Robert Vavra images. His depiction of horses and their relationship with people sprouted a lifelong love affair that led me to own and show Arabians and National Show Horses for many exciting years. I attempted to paint this picture once, but of course, could not do it justice.

Incredible World of Art

Sometimes I wish my artistic talent could live up to the images I create in my head. Then... there's the people who easily think outside the box!

Time

This time, time is
Hanging over and around us
Pushing apart to the eventual
Of together

Poking and taunting this time
Time is
Feeding to the fear of uncertain
Laughing in the face of decision
Picking up the past cruelties of its faults
To hurl back again

So certain of what was going to be
Until the shifting wind
Steered into the haze
Of time

Tuesday

You have become that place
Where the pen is poised
Waiting
To transcribe my thoughts

I open the page,
Begin that glimmer
That never sprouts to life
Floundering
Slipping

What things I can't quite say
To speak with uncertainty
Of where in this moment
I find myself
When the traces of flighted half-sentences
I could share,
Things I try to collect and sort
Anything else seems petty
But these are those still left hanging
Unspoken

So finally,
I say the nothing only you will understand
The silence of nothing
Wishing I could find you words