Foster Fail Two

Well you'll be happy to hear that I went ahead and adopted that adorable smushed face, pirate eyed boy! I couldn't bear the thought of someone else getting to love him for the rest of his life. Somewhere in my heart I always knew he was mine. And I honestly think he knew it too. When I got the email congratulating me on becoming his forever mom, I looked over at him and I swear to you he was smiling at me, "I know I'm yours mom, forever and ever." I cried so hard into his little speckled neck that day. Definitely one of the happiest moments of my life.

I've been through a lot this past year or so and sometimes I don't think I would've made it if it wasn't for the unconditional love of my creatures. They make me want to make it and to make something better out of myself. I'm getting there.

"I have found that when you are deeply troubled, there are things you get from the silent devoted companionship of a dog that you can get from no other source." ~ Doris Day

Foster Fail

Earlier this year I started fostering for a French Bulldog rescue organization. I wanted to do something for this breed that I've fallen so in love with. (I hate to say it but I might actually be more of a frenchie person than a pug person now!) I picked up my first foster Mack around Easter and have spent the last few months working on his behavioral rehabilitation as well as a few health issues.

Well I've done it, I went and fell completely head over heels for my first foster... I mean, I anticipated that fostering would be rewarding but I never dreamed that I would grow so attached. The time has come to put Mack up for adoption and I have received several applications that I know would make wonderful homes for him. So far I've been quite picky. I know it probably sounds ridiculous, but how can anyone possibly love him as much as I do?

I know you must be thinking, Well duh, why don't YOU just adopt him then?? He suffers from separation anxiety and was recently diagnosed with diabetes. Given the recent turn of events in my life (calling off my wedding, breaking things off with the fiance, etc...) I don't feel I can give this boy the home that he needs. And it breaks my heart!

Just look at that face...

Looooong Time Gone

Hi everybody! I know I've been gone for oh half a year or so but I'm going to try and be back now. It has been a whirlwind of a year so far. My fiance's dad passed, I have wedding plans coming out my rear, we recently took in a foster pup, and the house projects never seem to end!

So here's a little picture update on my year so far...

My boys.

My foster boy.

 

Reupholstered and repainted chairs...

Bird cage I found at the thrift store to use as a card drop for the wedding.

I hope everyone is having a great year so far!





Mourning Mix

In dealing with multiple pet deaths, a miscarriage, and now my father-in-law's death I have been through the journey of grief more than I care to over the past year. It is a tricky thing, grief. There is no right or wrong way to deal with death. There are certainly actions and reactions to death that society has deemed permissible and still others that it has deemed preferential. 

With the pet deaths and miscarriage I felt very much on my own in dealing with my grief. There are not a lot of resources out there regarding these topics. Among other things, I turned to music.

I compiled a list of songs that I dubbed my "Mourning Mix". I thought I'd share it with you. I hope it brings you as much peace as it did me.

1. Angel (Sarah Mclachlan)

2. Beauty From Pain (Superchick)  

3. Let It Be (Beatles)

4. Open Your Eyes (Snow Patrol)

5. If I Die Young (The Band Perry)

6. Winter Song (Sara Barreilles & Ingrid Michaelson)

7. Only The Good Die Young (Billy Joel)

8. Old Man (Neil Young)

9. Hallelujah (Willie Nelson)

10. You're Missing (Bruce Springsteen)

11. Long as I Can See the Light (Creedence Clearwater Revival)



Thoughts and Prayers

Please keep our family in your thoughts and prayers. My fiance's dad passed away suddenly yesterday morning. He was a great man and we already miss him. Life will never be the same.

These are a Few of My Favorite Things

I developed some new loves (or as the fiance likes to call them obsessions) in 2010. I fully expect them to follow me into 2011. Here's a list of my top five...



1. Harry Potter. The books. The movies. The characters. I love it all. I am currently on the fourth book and I just can't get enough of it!

(Image courtesy of czechfolks.com)

2. Glee. Yes somewhere along the way last year I fell in love with the hilariously entertaining lives of the McKinley High Glee Club's misfits. I'm a dork Gleek.

 (Image courtsey of pinartarhan.com)

3. Sewing. One of my many new hobbies It's fun. It's a money saver. And I'm not entirely bad at it. 

(Image courtesy of pinklovesbrown.com)

4. Chalkboard paint. Love this stuff. On anything. And everything.

(Image courtesy of rustoleum.com)

5. Junking. I have always been a pretty serious thrifter. Then I discovered junking. And it's pretty much the coolest hobby ever. My visit to the Oronoco Gold Rush Days and Junk Bonanza sealed my fate.

(Image courtesy of me)

(Image courtesey of me)



What about you? What new loves did you pick up in 2010 that you will carry with you into 2011? New hobbies? TV shows? Events? Places?

2011 New Year's Resolutions...

Like most of you, I too have made some resolutions for this year. Here are my top five...

1. (This one's pretty obvious :)  ) Get in shape for my wedding in September.

2. Finish one room every month (or two).

3. Volunteer more.

4. Pay off at least two credit cards.

5. Start a new Project 365 and post one picture every day for a year. (Check out the new and improved Project 365 tab at the top!)