The C in Christmas stand for Create and NOT Consume!

Today against my better judgment, I hit the stores. The first store, Target, was after the rush, so I managed to get in and out with my sanity intact. Not so lucky with the next 3 stores and by store 4 I had decided to make or find alternative sources for all of my gifts and promptly headed home.
{All the cards lined up to dry on the windowsill}

Despair turned to jubilation when my honey and I spent the better part of the evening watching Elf and making our own Holiday cards. It is amazing how productive and energizing creating can be...

{Our Holiday Monkey is stamped onto recycled National Geographic pages }

More Post Later...

November has been a rough month and I am just now getting my equilibrium back. More post later...

Linus

Our beautiful boy Linus passed away this week and we feel lost and full of sadness once again... My partner and I have dealt with some really big losses in the last few years, most recent her father earlier this summer. Throughout it all the dogs have been a constant comfort, reminding us to laugh and love no matter how bad we felt.

Linus has been with us for 9 years and part of me just assumed he would always be there. I take comfort knowing that we spoiled him rotten, that he never wanted for kisses, chest rubs, new toys, homemade food, and a warm bed (our warm bed).

I believe that pets are angels and we are blessed for every moment we get to love them. Our vet said Linus was a "once in a lifetime" dog and I am thankful for that "once in a lifetime" chance I had to love and be loved by such a wonderful friend.