Daily Dares: Day 5

Rolling along...

• French lesson on Duolingo - about to go do that now!


• √ Call someone


• √ Draw a rabbit
  
  Click to embiggen...
  Another collab with Esme!  She should not leave half finished drawings in my sketchbook...
  
  Here is what it looked like before I finished the sketch, lined it, and colored it on the computer...
  

Daily Dares: Day 4

I haven't made much progress on any of my other Dares, but my chosen daily ones have been getting done, no matter how challenging they are to me. Here is today's progress report:

• √ French lesson on Duolingo
  Need to remember my verb endings...


• √ Call someone
  Only one call today; although I did try to call 2 people, I meant to call 3.


• √ Draw a rabbit
  Today's bunny is in response to the Illustration Friday prompt: EDGE, and I used this bunny as a photo reference. I am wishing I had one of those fancy artists' erasers that look like a pencil for doing whiskers...
  
  Click to embiggen...

Daily Dares: Day 3

1-3-13. One three one three. I feel like I should have drawn 13 rabbits, but I didn't.

The next page in my sketch book already had a leetle sketch in the corner. Courtesy of Esme Parks, age ... 15? 16?

And since I am still utterly exhausted, I decided to just add one leetle bunny begging for one leetle lick of ice cream... ^o^

Mebbe tomorrow I'll add a dozen more... XD


Click to embiggen...In other news, I made a phone call and did my French lesson too!

FYI, il parle des robes does not mean he talks to some dresses which is what my befuddled and exhausted brain kept thinking it was... XD

2012 5-Star Books

I added 97 books to goodreads in 2012, and I think that's just about all of them. I may have missed a few but that's ok. I don't keep track because I am worried I am not reading enough, or want to read more, just because I have a bad memory and like to have a way to remember if I've read something or not... XD

Anyway, of those 97 books, these are the ones -- in no particular order -- that garnered 5 stars from me...

• Water for Elephants, Sara Gruen (February)
  Comments: This was SUCH a good book! I rented the movie not too long ago and loved it. Since the book was also on my to-read list, I picked it up from the library next time I was there. The book draws out the story, gives more details, and is much more compelling and vivid than the movie.
  


• Dark Whispers (Unicorn Chronicles #3), Bruce Coville (May)
  Comments: OMG! Every chapter seemed to end with a dun-dun-dun dramatic moment! And the end of the book, biggest of all! I cannot wait to get the final in the series...
  


• The Last Hunt (Unicorn Chronicles #4), Bruce Coville (July)
  Comments: Kept me on the edge of my seat, turning pages til the wee hours of the morning! I think I may have even woken up Jacqueline a few times with my yelling at the author for leaving another cliff-hanging chapter... LOL! Wonderful ending to the series...
  


• Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art, Scott McCloud (January)
  Comments:This was an amazing book that delves into the elements of comics, its history, how art & words combine, and so much more... I would love to explore this book more in depth!
  


• Cats and Carols, Lesley Anne Ivory (added in January)
  Comments: I got this book many years ago and bring it out every holiday season. Filled with delightful cat illustrations and the lyrics to some of my favorite holiday carols, it is one of my favorite holiday traditions.
  


• Ender's Game, Orson Scott Card (February)
  Comments: Sci-fi isn't one of my favorite genres, and I don't like books about wars or battles and generally skip over those bits in most books. However this book was all that, but it was so much more. Don't let it's subject matter put you off of reading it.
  


• Cook-a-Doodle-Doo!, Janet Stevens (May)
  Comments: I *LOVE* this book! Cook-a-Doodle-Doo updates the classic tale of the Little Red Hen, by telling us the story of her great-grandson, Big Brown Rooster, and how he and a few friends do some cooking of their own. Janet Stevens' art beautifully illustrates the story, rich with color and movement. The book also includes sidebars that define and explain different cooking terms, and at the end, you will find the recipe Big Brown Rooster and his friends used in the story. Best part of all? The story is FULL of puns, my favorite! I would recommend this book to children and adults alike, especially if you enjoy word play, retellings of old folk tales, and wonderful art.
  


• Seven Tears Into the Sea, Terri Farley (June)
  Comments: I didn't write anything at the time I read it, but remember that it was a magical tale of a young girl's coming of age on the California coast. I won't say more...
  


• Tide Knot (Ingo #2), Helen Dunmore (August)
  Comments: Another tale about the sea, part two in a great series. I am hoping I can get the next one soon!
  


• The Summoning (Darkest Powers #1), Kelley Armstrong (August)
  The Awakening (Darkest Powers #2), Kelley Armstrong (August)
  The Reckoning (Darkest Powers #3), Kelley Armstrong (August)
  Comments: Great trilogy that takes place in a world much like our own, but some people have paranormal abilities, werewolves, vampires, necromancers...
  


• The Gathering (Darkness Rising #1), Kelley Armstrong (August)
  The Calling (Darkness Rising #2), Kelley Armstrong (September)
  Comments: Takes place in the same universe as the Darkest Powers but follows a different storyline. I didn't write a review at the time I read it, and I am still waiting for the final book in the trilogy.
  


• Prism, Faye Kellerman (September)
  Comments:Mysterious, dystopian, suspenseful... An amazing book that I would have read in one night if I wasn't so tired. As it stands I read it in two nights, and am left wishing there was more. The end does leave off in a way where there *could* be a sequel, but at this time there isn't. *sadface*

Daily Dares, Day 2

Today started out not so shiny again; I had a very bad night's sleep and was awake far earlier than I wanted to be. However, I had a nice morning visiting my mom, and finally got some answers I had been looking for. I spent a few hours with my dad at the hospital before the cold & dark chased me home, and have once again succeeded in all 3 of my daily dares!

I again called *two* different folks and talked to them on the phone -- and one even involved an anxiety-inducing return call -- and did my French lesson on Duolingo with only one mistake!

And I finished yesterday's Nyan Bunny...


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And here is today's bunny!


Click to embiggen...

Daily Dares

So today was Day One of the new year and my new plan to DARE to do 3 things each day, 3 each month, and 3 big ones over the year.

It turned out to be... not a very good day. I don't like to be negative. I don't want to dwell on it and be pessimistic about things, but after days like today, it's so easy to fall into it.

If you read my last post you know my 3 Daily Dares (to be done every day this year) are:

1. Call someone on the phone
2. Complete one French lesson on Duolingo
3. Create something

Despite being away from home all day, running errands and dealing with much unpleasantness, I managed to do all three! I called -- and spoke with -- *two* different people on the phone at my mother's house, and when I got home, I managed a French lesson, and although I didn't *finish* this, I did create it, and even decided that the 365 things I am going to create this year will all be the same theme: BUNNIES! ^o^ (Bet you totally did *not* see that coming...)

Nyan Bunny
Yes, those are little rainbow jelly beans behind him... XD
So, go me! Now, I rilly need some sleep....

My Word of the Year

Last year, my word was DO, and I did ok for a while, but by March I kinda got weighed down by my fears and insecurities, and let the DO-ing slip. This year, I've chosen a word, and given myself some actionable steps to make sure I stick with it!

My word is DARE.

Do it!
Assert yourself!
Risk failure!
Experience success!

Jacqueline has planned to do 5 special things with her word throughout the year, 5 each month, and I think 5 each day, but for me, 3 is the magic number, so I've chosen to do 3 big DAREs over the year, 3 DAREs each month, and 3 each day.

I've not yet chosen what all three of my big DAREs are for the year, but the first is to do Julie Hedlund's 12x12 Picture Book Writing Challenge. I can't afford to actually join, but I'm going to push myself to create 12 picture books this year; I've even got some ideas for the first few already! I'll likely choose the other 2 DAREs for the year before the month is out.

My daily DAREs are smaller, but somewhat challenging for me. The first and scariest for me is to call someone every day, my mom or dad, a friend, a potential employer... ANYONE. I just need to get over the anxiety I get whenever I think of making a phone call. Second is a challenge only because it's one of the first things I stop doing whenever problems arise and I think it's one the most important things I can do: CREATE something; draw a picture, paint, sculpt, whatever... just make sure I work on art EVERYDAY. And last is preparation for something I hope to do someday soon: Do one French lesson minimum on Duolingo. This way I hope to improve and expand my French speaking skills for a trip to Paris!

And then, each month I plan to choose 3 important things I need to DARE to do. This month I need to 1) contact a local school district I sub in to find out why they haven't been calling me, 2) call another district I used to sub in to see about getting calls from them again, and 3) by the end of the month send out subbing applications for more local districts. I am just not getting enough calls!

By the beginning of each month, I'll have listed the DAREs and the actions I need to take to call them done, and by the end of this week, I'll have more actionable steps for each of these DAREs. Have you got a Word of the Year or any resolutions at all? Feel free to share them with me in the comments! For now, I must go watch that ball drop! Hoppy 2013 Everyone!

Mosaic Monday Bunday

Happy New Year, Mosaic Monday Bunday style!  Have a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year everyone!  See you in 2013!


From top left by row:

• Japanese Holiday Stickers - Traditional New Year's (Shougatsu) with Bunnies


• Disco white fluffy bunny with Peter Pan collar and stars // Holiday card with envelope


• 2013 Calendar Card -- Adventure Bunny on a Bike. New Year's Card & Calendar in one


• Flyaway Rabbit


• Vintage 1970's 1980's Bunny Love t-shirt or sweatshirt heat transfer iron on glitter NOS


• Chinese New Year Rabbit Card


• Children Art Print.Happy Bunny. Print 5X7.


• Vintage USSR New Year's greeting card, unused from 1984, cute design with two bunnies playing drums


• Run Run We are Late. Vintage Running Rabbit Brooch

For other Mosaic Monday posts, click here!  And don't forget to stop back next week for more bunny-themed Etsy finds!

Wishcasting Wednesday

What do you wish for?


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I wish for money & happiness in our lives to be as abundant as the dandelion seeds in our yard (in the Spring), and for our problems to blow away as easily...

You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt on your blog and then add a direct link to your post in the box [at the link] below. Support wishes by visiting other participants, leaving a comment saying “As (insert name) wishes for her/himself, so I wish for her/him also.” It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together.
~ Jamie Ridler

Mosaic Monday Bunday

Welcome back to another Mosaic Monday Bunday!  It's the Christmas edition!  Feast your eyes on these fantastic festive fuzzies!


From top left by row:

• Bunny Rabbits in Christmas Clothes -Original Aceo Watercolor


• Christmas Paisley Cotton Bunny Rabbit Handmade Soft Baby Toy


• Ewe-La Christmas OOAK Bunny Rabbit Stocking Ornament


• Adorable Little Boy Elf and His Big Bunny Friend. Vintage Illustration.


• Santa Bunny -Blank- Christmas Cards


• Vintage Christmas Card Bunny Rabbits


• Bunny rabbit Christmas tree ornament scrimshaw technique


• 1984 White Christmas Bunnykins Music Box


• 20 inch Christmas Girl Bunny Rabbit Doll

For other Mosaic Monday posts, click here!

Best of 2012

January: Bunny's last holiday photo

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February: Lia turns 14!

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March: Pi(e) on 3/14

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April: Fuzzy Bumblebee Butt

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May: Shadow

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June: Smile!

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July: FlatRock Fun

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August: Plash

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September: Dragonfly Fall

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October: Ponies!

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November: Sunset on a rainy day...

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December: Sun after many grey days...

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Photo Friday: Best of 2012

Forget Not My Love

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One of my most viewed photos from 2012.

Mosaic Monday Bunday

Welcome back to another Mosaic Monday Bunday!  This past weekend, our daughter Emma brought us a Christmas tree -- the first live one we've had in quite a few years -- and at the end of this week, we celebrate the Winter Solstice; so this week's Mosaic Monday Bunday celebrates the beloved Yule Tree!


From top left by row:

• Vintage Otagari Japan Christmas Tree Tannenbaum Rabbit Music Box


• Mason Jar Snow Globe Vintage Inspired Christmas Tree and Rabbit Large


• Christmas Art Beau Bunny Rabbit Cabinet Card


• Pack of 5 cards - Mystical Hares


• Christmas Ornament Custom Engraved, Rabbit Bunny


• Woodland Bunny Forest Pine Tree Watercolor Painting by Artist Debra Alouise


• aceo, print, raccoon, bunny, rabbit, angel, christmas


• Original Bunny Rabbit Christmas Tree Ornament - Primitive Folk Art Doll


• Snow Animals: Bunny Owl Birds Polar Bear Glass Handmade Magnets Set of 4

For other Mosaic Monday posts, click here!

Mosaic Monday Bunday

Welcome back to another Mosaic Monday Bunday!  Today we're a few days into Hannu Chanukk --- Hanukkah?  Chanukah?  Really, I am never sure what the official spelling of the holiday is!  To all my Jewish friends I am heartily sorry and mean no offense!

Anyway, I was surprised by the scarcity of rabbity Hanukkah items on Etsy!  I think many of the items I came across were just tagged Hanukkah as a gift idea, not as an actual holiday item.  But nevertheless, I did find some lovely bunny-themed Hanukkah things that I think are just perfect!  So Shalom & Chag Sameach!


Spiraling clockwise from top left:

• Rabbit on Carrot Menorah - Channukah
• Letterpress Happy Hannukah Holiday Box Card Set in Royal Blue
• Songs of Chanukah book, Jeanne Modesitt, Illustrated by Robin Spowart, HC DJ First Edition (c) 1992
• Chanukah Bunny in a Mug
• Hanukkah Holiday Greeting card - Gossipy rabbits' Happy Hanukkah
• ALMOST GONE- Peace in the Season Rabbit Greeting Cards - set of 12
• Vintage Blue and White Hare Plate 1971 by Royal Copenhagen

For other Mosaic Monday posts, click here!

Wishcasting Wednesday

What do you wish to celebrate?


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I wish to celebrate the defeat of the fear & uncertainty that is holding me back and the realization of my dream & goals.

You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt on your blog and then add a direct link to your post in the box [at the link] below. Support wishes by visiting other participants, leaving a comment saying “As (insert name) wishes for her/himself, so I wish for her/him also.” It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together.
~ Jamie Ridler

Mosaic Monday Bunday

Welcome back to another Mosaic Monday Bunday!  Happy December!  What a great start to the holiday season, eh?  Snow on the ground, holiday songs on the radio, tasty treats in the fridge, and holiday movies on the TV... 

This Thursday is Saint Nicholas' Day.  When I was a little girl, my mom would have me put my shoes outside my bedroom door for Saint Nick, and in the morning, I'd find little gifts and candy in them.  She told me that he'd leave coal for naughty children.  I've learned since then that in other countries, children leave hay & carrots for his horse or donkey, and that he collects the children's wish lists.

So in honor of this fun little holiday, here is this week's Mosaic Monday Bunday: Saint Nick & Rabbits!


From top left by row:

• vintage santa claus rabbit toy 1947 advertisement


• PAY LESS Santa Claus Brings Bunnies Too


• Great Santa with bag and rabbit


• Christmas Holiday Greeting card - Gossipy rabbits and Santa Claus


• Broken China Jewelry Royal Doulton Christmas Bunnykins Running Bunny Santa Heart Pendant Necklace


• Bunny's Letter To Santa Holiday Card


• Vintage CHRISTMAS BUNNY Tags Digital Collage Sheet Printable


• How the Rabbits Found Christmas - Wonder Book


• Rabbit and Father Christmas Needle Felted Soft Sculpture

For other Mosaic Monday posts, click here!

Full Moon Dream Board

I've wanted to make one of these for a very long time.  I've wanted it to be a monthly habit.  I've collected lots of magazines to make them.  But I've only made a few over the years.  I finally just sat down & did it.  I hope to repeat the process!  It was fun... ^-^

This one was for The Full Frost Moon, which according to Jamie Ridler asks, "What is clear about your dreams? What further clarity do you seek?”


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I had a lot of words on it, which seems strange & unlike me, but it's how it worked out!  Perhaps I needed more concrete thoughts this time...

Wishcasting Wednesday

What Clarity Do You Wish For?


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I wish for the clarity to see which path will bring me the most joy and happiness.  The clarity to find my way out of the mess I feel I've made and back into the joyous, prosperous life I envision.

You can be a maker of magic and a tender of wishes. It’s easy. Answer the wish prompt on your blog and then add a direct link to your post in the box [at the link] below. Support wishes by visiting other participants, leaving a comment saying “As (insert name) wishes for her/himself, so I wish for her/him also.” It’s that simple. There is great power in wishing together.
~ Jamie Ridler

Mosaic Monday Bunday

Welcome back to another Mosaic Monday Bunday!  This past weekend, we got our first snow-that-sticks of the winter.  Saturday we woke up to a light dusting that didn't quite melt by sunset, and as I create this, Sunday morning, the snow is falling in fat fluffy flakes blanketing everything.  So today's Mosaic Monday Bunday pays tribute to SNOW and the upcoming winter season...


From top left by row:

• Winter Bunny - Holiday Winter Card with Envelope - Small Art Print


• Furry Bunny Hat Winter Long Fur LONG Checker Ears Adult Hat White Christmas Rabbit Hat


• Maya & Snow Rabbits - Art Print 13x19


• Snow Bunnies - Holiday Ornament


• Fuzzy Snow Bunny Print


• Wood Pin - Winter Rabbit - Bunny in the Snow - Large Vintage Paper Decoupage Brooch - Retro Forest Animal - One of a Kind


• Snow Bunny - Snowflakes on Rabbit Square Photo Print


• 1980's Lavender - VERMONT - Snow Bunnies Sweatshirt - M


• Bunny Rabbit Photography grey,monochrome,Gifts under 25,black & white,winter,adorable,snow

For other Mosaic Monday posts, click here!

Also, don't forget, we have LOTS of handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces marked half off in the shop right now.  They'd make great gifts for teachers, moms, grandmoms, daughters, aunts, friends, and there's even some stuff for guys!  Check out the Clearance section now!  Once the listings expire, they won't be renewed!

Pinterest?

While scrolling pinterest the other day I saw a few versions of a disclaimer.  They weren't very pretty and didn't say exactly what I would; so I made myself a pretty one (you can see the original here) and decided that if anyone else wants to use it they should have one without my signature.  Therefore I made this version!  ^-^  Please feel free to pin this and share with others!