Looking Forward

In 2011 the movie release of...

That cute little Robert Pattinson, Reese Witherspoon a heroic elephant....
I heard that much of it was filmed near the little town I grew up in, in North Georgia.
I l-o-v-e-d the book and I'm pretty sure I'm gonna love the movie!

Wordy Wednesdays

(I wish I could give acknowledgments for the photo... I got it in an email but it's so cute)

"Dogs are our link to paradise. They don't know evil or jealousy or discontent."
-Milan Kundera

Looking Forward

My how we celebrated the birthday of our Savior!
A great time was had by all and hand's down, Christmas is my most favorite time of the year.
But, now that it's past... I admit I am eagerly looking forward to the coming year.
Not sure, really, why.
But this coming year feels like happy anticipation in my heart, unlike any other before it.
Because of this feeling I'm having... I thought I might share with you a few of the things I am looking forward to. The First..... a weird idea that popped into my head just today.

This year we will commemorate Veteran's Day, once known as Armistice Day, in the 11th year!
Observed on November 11th because the Armistice of WWI was signed on the 11th month, the 11th day, the 11th hour. And this year... as comes around only every 100 years... the 11th year! How neat is that?

Not that I'm a "numbers" person.. and if I was... the number would be 3. Just Sayin'!
Next time, something else, perhaps random, that I am looking forward to in 2011!

Ruby

My Happiness Today

I'm sick. Yucky cold.
Peppermint Hot Chocolate is the only viable cure.
But... see that cute little mug? That's where my true happiness lies!
I picked it up, recently, at T.J. Maxx and had no idea that $6 could give so much joy.
I vow that everyday, at least until New Year, I will drink my beverages from that mug... hot or cold... rain(snow) or shine. If there are dirty dishes in the sink, piled to the ceiling and back, I will lovingly hand wash this little mug and smile. I WILL Keep Calm and Carry On... drinkin' my beverage! The only remaining decision, Peppermint Stick or Marshmallows?

Christmas Cards

Today when I went to feed the horsey folk....

They wanted to make sure you had gotten your Christmas Card!

I told them I would deliver them right away.

Snow!

Looking for the perfect sledding spot.

Digging to China.

Being Handsome

Trying Out the New Coat.

Loving the Snow!

Best Gift Idea of All

"Britches from Central Virginia Horse Rescue"

Christmas is the season of giving. As we received the greatest gift of all, on Christmas Day, we like to honor that by giving to others.
I'm sure many of you give monetary gifts throughout the season. I usually manage to give a little something to my favorite "Christmastime" charities; The Salvation Army, Operation Christmas Child and the Angel Tree. And like many of you... I don't have access to an unlimited supply of cash. However, I think this year I want to eeek out a little extra so that I might give to 2 charities that I love, honor and support in my heart but often can't support monetarily.

1.Central Virginia Horse Rescue is a non-profit that rescues and makes adoptable, horses that have been sold away to a feedlot. For those of you who don't know, a "feedlot" is not where they take the horses and give them lots of hay...
Central Virginia Horse Rescue needs many items to stay afloat as well as monetary donations for "buying" horses off the feedlot, paying vet and ferrier bills and training to make the horses more adoptable. If you too are interested in giving this organization a gift.... you can learn more here.

2.And another organization I passionately love...America's Vet Dogs is an AWESOME group who takes assistance dogs and trains them, so that they can be given as assistance animals for injured soldiers. Whether their disabilities are physical are emotional (possibly stemming from PTSD) these dogs provide assistance, companionship and love in a way that no one else could. Serving those who have served. By giving a monetary gift to this organization, you are helping in the raising, training and placement of a canine companion for a soldier in need. And, if you are so inclined, you can give a gift in the name or honor of someone else. That's the kind of gift I want for Christmas!
As you know, the Bible tells us that we are to support widows, orphans and the poor... generally those abandoned and needy. Yet, in our society... I think it is safe to extend this to animals.

Matthew 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

These things are on my mind. I can do so very little, for so many in need, but maybe together we could do a lot. Isn't this what Christmas giving is truly all about?

Puppy Presents

As Christmas rapidly approaches, (and I do mean rapidly) some of us, (not naming any names, me,) may still be in the search for gifts. Annnnnnnd, perhaps have been so busy looking for people gifts that we forgot the animal loves in our lives? After all, dogs like gifts. And, as I understand it, they also like to look festive at their holiday gatherings! So if you fall into the aforementioned category... worry not!
I have unearthed a few cool gifts that might put the twinkle in your hound's eye!
For example... the above charm is such a dandy. Perfect for the trailride loving dog or that special cattle wranglin' girl in your life. (You know I have mad love for you dogs with jobs.) This charm... and the one below... can be found at this super cool Etsy shop, with many more to choose from, and all for $4.95!

Okay this is more for the "dog lover" than the actual "dog," however....
I found this lovely downloadable jpeg image, also on Etsy, for just $1. This image would be perfect for crafting something super sweet for your little fur baby. Ya'll also know I'm not discriminating but I have always had some mad Scotty love... just sayin'. This image, (and other cute ones) is available here.

....and these adorable collars, well, I have admired these for a long time! Wouldn't your sweety look so fabulous in this?! She also makes "bowtie" collars for the more masculine mutt. Peruse Pecan Pie Puppies wares here. These collars also help support dog rescue. You can read a bit more about that at this blog.

Then from, "Very Vintage," a little something Christmasy!
Let me tell ya'll... I have a collar from Very Vintage and I LOVE it! They are all handmade, from organic cotton, in the most delightful, vintage inspired fabrics! Ours has been very durable, (at least until Max got jealous and chewed Ruby's sweet owl collar up,) and made to last. Check them out and you won't regret it!

So here's wishing you Happy Shopping and a blessed Christmas... oh and a wonderful New Year too!

Gifts

Who doesn't love Etsy? No one, that's who.
To know Etsy is to love Etsy.
And now I am gonna go so far as to say, to know Olivia Moon is to love Olivia Moon!
Recently I ordered (that's right... I order for myself... even at Christmastime... for all my husband's wonderful qualities, he is not now, nor has he ever been, a gift giver... If I don't order it no one else will... and... he's okay with that,) this lovely little pretty from Olivia Moon's Etsy shop. Ooooooo how I love vintagey horse (and doggie) stuff right now!
But make no mistake there's more than just horsey/doggie stuff there!
Olivia Moon has the most scrumptious vintage pretties, even Christmas ones... and all around $11.00! Huzzah for inexpensive, American made, handcrafted gifts!

Cold!

Maybe I can squeeze in this tiny bed to keep warm...

....or flannel sheets. You stay on your side, I'll stay on mine.

Okay, okay... I'll cuddle on the couch but just this once!

Sheesh Women!

More Good Gifts

Are you kiddin' me? Can these little notepads get any cuter? I didn't think so! So who wouldn't want to get these in their Christmas stocking... or perhaps a hostess gift... or might I suggest a spare gift for he time someone gives you an unexpected gifty surprise? Wait for it.......

$1 Bin at Target!!!
I told you about fainting.

The Season of Giving!

Christmas is coming and I'm ready to find some perfect gifts for my favorite people (read persons, dogs and horses here).
Yet... because of our Veteran's Day giveaway, I got the opportunity to give early!
A $50 donation has been given to to America's VetDogs in honor of Louis Edward DeMartin, one of America's brave WWII heroes, and our dear blogging buddy... Bocci!!!
I feel so honored to be able to give a little to such a valuable organization and in the name of such a hero, (read WWII hero and hero to doggy kind here).
Merry Christmas and God bless us everyone!