The Occasional Blogger

Turtle Paintings are back in our Esty shop

2011-07-30T12:52:00.006-04:00

With the closing of my Artfire gallery the "Matthew and Me" turtle paintings are making a reappearance at LolaLynn.etsy.com. Above is one of my favorites.

CATS-CATS-CATS

2011-07-25T09:36:00.005-04:00

Artfire is doing away with their "basic" accounts (free) by mid August. I went "pro" for awhile but saw no advantage. I've sold 2 items through the site and I think I was on a basic account both times, so I'm moving my inventory back to Etsy. When reopeneing LolaLynn.etsy.com I felt it would be better to concentrate in one area and not spread myself all over the globe with too many types of offerings. I settled on seaglass.

Now I'm expanding my etsy shop but again keeping it narrow. "CATS-CATS-CATS" will feature ACEOs and mixed media paintings of my favorite subject.

LolaLynn.etsy.com Re-opens

2011-06-21T17:01:00.004-04:00

After a few months of a break I have re-opened my etsy shop. For now I will be featuring just my urban sea glass jewelry. Here's my latest creation.

Tornado hits Flushing

2010-09-19T07:27:00.009-04:00

I was in surgery for my 2nd Carpal Tunnel Release procedure when Bill heard about the devastation in Flushing and all the trees down around the church. Surgery went well. These photos were taken by a friend, Gary Trahan. No more words are necessary, except "thank God no one was injured." The pictures speak for themselves.

Duplicating Dubi

2010-09-16T16:00:00.006-04:00

No, not cloning. Dubi now knows how to turn on Bill's printer/copier and made copies of his feet yesterday. I've trimmed the copy so you can get a better view. We don't know how he managed to copy it the way he did, but be sure of this when the printer needs to used by humans, Dubi gets to spend time in the penalty box aka the bedroom with the door closed.

I will be having my 2nd hand surgery tomorrow. Dubi's copying job made me think that I should take pictures of my hand to show you when I get the bandages off. Its really not that bad. The incisions from the 1 st surgery, 2 weeks ago, are almost gone.

Where's that mouse they keep talking about?

2010-08-07T22:09:00.000-04:00

Matthew and Me Turtle Paintings Update

2010-08-01T22:59:00.007-04:00

To date Matthew and I have sold 4 paintings and donated $20 to the National Wildlife Fund specifically designated for the gulf clean up. Beginning today our donations will be to Audubon Nature Institute. The Lousinana Marine Mammal and Sea Turtle Rescue Program (LMMSTRP), coordinated byAudubon Aquariumof Americas since 1993, has been designated as the primary responder for the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of all marine animals (dolphins, whales and manatees) and sea turtles along the Louisianna coast.

Matthew and Me Turtle Paintings

2010-07-14T15:07:00.015-04:00

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has really gotten the better of me recently. I'll be going to a hand specialist on Tuesday to see what can be done. While I'm frustrated because of it, adversity always presents itself with an opportunity or some such saying like that. You know, lemonade out of lemons.

Making jewelry is painful. Forget pottery. Typing presents it challenges mainly because once I start writing, I can get wordy. I haven't painted in awhile but came up with a painting project for Matthew. When Josef takes his afternoon nap, I like to have something special for Matthew to do. So I decided to dip watercolor paper in water, dab paint around the surface and show Matthew a few techniques using a straw and paper towels. Uninhibited and free to do whatever, Matthew came up with some good results. But what to do with the beautifully decorated paper?

A while back I did some watercolor painitngs that featured the silhouettes of sea turtles. I've always loved turtles and when we were in Hawaii we were able to see turtles swimming in the ocean from underneath . I was inspired by what I saw and discovering that the Hawaiian word for turtle, "honu", sounds similar to the first part of our last name, I adopted the turtle as one of my signature symbols.

I tried painitng turtles over Matthew's watercolors to see how they looked. Its just enough to let me feel creative and not to much to stress me out. And then I thought wouldn't it be a great to sell them and donate to an agency cleaning up the gulf. Matthew would learn that he can even help. So far we've sold 2 "Matthew and Me Turtle Paintings" and donated $10 to the National Wildlife Fund for the gulf clean up.

Matthew really liked the results of his painitng at the head of this story. He said, "Wow, that looks like fireworks in the sky."

Dubi and Josef: one year later

2010-07-03T07:42:00.013-04:00

We've been pretty busy with the addition of 5 new family members in the last year! It all started happening in July 2009 when Dubi came to stay followed a few days later with the birth of Josef. Here they are one year later. Both very handsome boys.

Wordless Wednesday

2010-04-28T12:01:00.000-04:00

Daphne Lynn

2010-04-19T09:48:00.003-04:00

Her she is! Daphne Lynn Neisuler born earlier this morning. She joins big brother, Isaac, Mom and Dad. Haven't seen her in person yet. Isaac and I will go to the hospital later to meet her. I can't wait! As for Isaac, he wants to watch "Yo Gabba Gabba" one more time. Help me!!!

Sans Pixx

2010-04-16T10:20:00.004-04:00

The computer I am using is no longer capable of downloading photos, that's why I am writing without posting photos. I'm once again in San Francisco. Daughter, Deborah is in the last few weeks of her pregnancy and I'm here to help with Isaac a very active almost 2 year old.

When I get hold of the other laptop, I'll share some photographs. The weather is beautiful, everything is in bloom, Isaac is all smiles and the cats are up to their usual antics, so I don't lack for subject matter, just the usual: a non-user friendly computer.

Natalie's Home!

2010-04-02T22:30:00.007-04:00

That little stinker took me up on my challenge. I went to San Francisco this past week to spend a few days with Deborah, Justin and Isaac. Before I went we visited Natalie in the NNICU and whispered in her ear, "Maybe you'll be home before me this week." On Wednesday, March 31, Natalie and Sarah were reunited. Thanks to "auntie" Melissa Softy for taking great photos in my absence.

Dubi likes his light and fluffy

2010-03-25T20:14:00.002-04:00

Urban SeaGlass Pendant

2010-03-18T09:20:00.008-04:00

Our daughter, Deborah and her husband, Justin, recently attended a destination wedding in Zihatanejo, Mexico. Deborah also collects sea glass. She found this gorgeous hunk of pale green glass on the beach near their hotel. Its the color of those old coke bottles but I don't think that its from one because its too flat and smooth. I've wrapped it in 14 gauge sterling silver wire that's tarnish proof. Here its shown with a ball chain but can be worn with any kind of necklace or a pretty ribbon. Deborah will be giving it to the bride as an extra special remembrance of her wedding.

Granny Square Blankets

2010-03-15T10:30:00.017-04:00

I haven't knitted or crocheted in ages. But it must be instinctual. Have a granddaughter, in this case 2 with a third due soon, and all of a sudden I'm making granny squares. Since Natalie and Sarah were premies, they started life in isolettes and I made tiny little granny square blankets for them. Of course, Sarah beat me home - no complaint here. And Natalie's natural body temperature has regulated and more often than not, she has to have her blankets off - again no complaints.

The blankets measure 11 inches by 14 inches and although have the same colors are not identical, just like Natalie and Sarah. Sarah's granny squares have more RoSe colored centers and 2 letters in common with SaRah. LAvENder dominates the centers in NAtaLiE's blanket. I've also created them so that they can be enlarged. I can add extra squares or expand the edges.

Natalie

2010-03-11T19:38:00.003-05:00

Look at this little munchkin. Nice to see a smile. Natalie is still on a breathing tube but gets it taken off every so often so she can try on her own. Let's go Natalie!

Sarah's Home!

2010-03-10T10:10:00.010-05:00

Why is our cute little Sarah smiling? Because she came home yesterday. Natalie is still in the NNICU but coming along and should be home soon. Both girls weigh roughly 5 pounds now - a long way up from 2lbs, 140z and 3lbs, 3oz.

Tortie Tuesday

2010-03-02T00:00:00.000-05:00

I can't take credit for this photo but I just had to share it with everyone. Our son-in-law, Justin, took it on his cell phone and posted it on Facebook. That's grandson Isaac and Joni the tortie taking a nap. Joni is always by his side and has been his guardian angel since the first day he came home.

A Twins Update

2010-02-28T07:32:00.008-05:00

Natalie continues to need a little help with oxygen even though she is basically breathing on her own. Sarah is now tubeless and drinks from a bottle. Both have gained weight. Happy 1 month birthday to our sweet little baby girls!

New Name

2010-02-26T21:56:00.004-05:00

I've changed the name of my blog. Its not as catchy as "Lynn's Musings and Mumblings" but it is perhaps closer to what it is - something I write in on occasion. Now with the addition of Natalie and Sarah to the family and another one due in May, I might have to down grade the name even more. Maybe "The Once in a Blue Moon Blogger."

When life hands you snow - Make some fun!

2010-02-10T19:42:00.016-05:00

When shoveling snow in the city the question is always where to put it. The plows come by to clear the street but they block our driveway. We shovel out the driveway and block the car that is parked in front of our house. I think our neighbors found a fun solution. Now there is nothing unusual about making a snowman, but that job is usually left to the kids. The guys next door took what would have been the pile of snow left from shoveling and made a humongous snow gnome. Its at least 7 feet tall. And I'm sure everyone who passes by will wish they had their picture taken with it as I did.

Hats Off! The Girls get their names.

2010-02-04T22:09:00.010-05:00

Natalie Ann formerly known as "Baby A" and Sarah Lynn who came into the world as "Baby B."

The girls are holding their own and will be in the neo-natal intensive care unit for several weeks. In order to decide on names, Christine and Joel asked the nurse to take their hats off so they could get really good looks at their faces.

SPECIAL DELIVERY - G I R L S !!!!!

2010-02-02T09:41:00.010-05:00

We knew it was twins but we didn't know whether they were boys or girls or one of each. On Sunday, January 31, Baby A and Baby B were delivered 2 months early. Their mom, Christine, is improving everyday and we get to see the babies in the Neo-natal intensive care unit. Baby A was 2 pounds, 14 ounces and 17 inches long at birth. Her younger sister by 2 minutes weighed in at 3 pounds, 3 ounces and is shorter - 15.5 inches. We can't see their faces because of all of the equipment and hats but we understand that they have dark hair. Their little hands and feet are perfect. Well done Christine and Joel!

What WAS it?

2010-01-05T22:04:00.000-05:00

I'll Take the Upper Bunk

2010-01-03T22:22:00.008-05:00

I don't recommend that you try this. I've tested it for you and, boy, its hard to get comfortable!

Happy New Year from Sophia

2009-12-31T17:03:00.001-05:00

Sophia posed for me as a Maneko Neki lucky, beckoning cat to wish everyone a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! Actually, Bill trained Sophia early on how to give a "high 5" and that trick is the perfect pose for the Maneko Neki.

Sophia, Making Her Presents Known

2009-12-28T09:01:00.003-05:00

O Come All Ye Faithful!

2009-12-24T22:22:00.010-05:00

Dubi's Second Chance

2009-12-24T05:52:00.000-05:00

Dubi repented and came back for a second chance at a serious Christmas photo. Actually, I know he's planning tonight's Christmas tree attack. Not to worry. After my cousin, Joy, posted on FB the following ditty sung by her 2 cats : "O Christmas tree, O Christmas tree, your ornaments are history," I went to the 99 cent store and bought decorations that can double as cat toys.

A (Very Short) Christmas Tail

2009-12-23T17:26:00.013-05:00

O.K. you 2. How about a Christmas photo by the Christmas tree? Great. Now let's look at the camera.

Dubi! What are you doing?

Ma, he's messing around as usual!

You always ruin my fun, Sophia. I'm outta here!

O.K.. Sophia, how about a nice photo in front of the Christmas tree? Smile, and please, don't squint.

Oh, well. We tried. MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!

Queens Oratorio Society's Holiday Concert

2009-12-22T17:50:00.004-05:00

I'm somewhere in that crowd of people on stage. We sang selections from the "Messiah", Christmas and Chanukah songs. It was my first concert and it was a great experience.

WORDLESS WEDNESDAY - Coffee, tea or Dubi?

2009-12-16T01:15:00.001-05:00

(P.S. The coffee maker was unplugged and cold. His paw is not resting on a hot surface.)

Silent Night

2009-12-11T11:05:00.003-05:00

Of course its a Silent Night - no creature is stirring, not even a mouse - because the family cat is sitting in the window comtemplating the mysteries of the universe. The cat sitting in the window is Mustard Seed, so named because when we rescued her she was so tiny the vet didn't give her much of a chance to survive. " If you have the faith as a grain of mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you." Its now 15 years later and Mustard is quite the girl.

WE'RE BACK !

2009-12-10T11:04:00.010-05:00

Hi everyone! WE'RE BACK. Thanks to our genius son, Joel, my laptop is virus free. And he even managed to save all of my photos. When it was obvious that my computer was kaput, I really thought all of my pictures were gone. I've learned a valuable lesson in all of this: back up your photos. I will be getting an eternal flash drive in order to do that. Maybe Santa will bring me one.

I think I got the virus from a site I came across via Twitter. I am not saying I got the virus from Twitter but from a link I connected with on a site I was following on Twitter. It promised notification of coupons for your favorite stores, so I signed up. No less than 15 minutes after I signed up, I started getting all sorts of spam in my email inbox and phone calls. The emails said I just won a gift certificate to Walmart, JC Penneys, K mart, for laptops and overseas lotteries.

The phone calls were for insurance, job opportunities and scholarships to technical schools. Then I started getting messages on my laptop that a virus had been detected. Icons resembling those on my laptop started popping up all over. We couldn't get rid of them, so we called in the big guns - Joel the computer engineer. Thank you, Joel. Your college education has paid off.

The photo above is one of the last I took for this blog before things went awry. That's Dubi eating cheerios. In the last 2 months he has grown in leaps and bounds. Wait until you see what he's up to these days. He's quite interested in food - any food. And he gets very excited when I make my breakfast. To keep his face out of my cereal bowl, I have to give him his own Cheerios.

Will be back - but who knows when

2009-10-16T11:57:00.002-04:00

Hey friends, my computer has a virus and I don't know when I'll be back on a more regular basis. :( I use Bill's computer when he takes a break from his work, but that's only 15 - 20 minutes here or there and I have my fingers in many pies so I may not get here often enough to check in with favorites. Take care and I hope to check in with you soon. ~ Lynn

Sophia is a Softy

2009-10-06T16:15:00.010-04:00

Dubi has found a comfy place to rest his head. Shhh! Do not disturb.

SiLLy SoPHiA

2009-09-25T03:00:00.000-04:00

Freckled nose. Black whiskers. And always closes her eyes when I take her picture.

WORDLESS

2009-09-22T23:28:00.004-04:00

Our Latest Venture

2009-09-15T17:17:00.025-04:00

Rebekah is home on maternity leave and in need of trying something new. "I've always wanted to make soap." So we invested in a quantity of glycerin soap base because making soap from scratch involves using lye. With kids and cats in the house - not a good idea. Besides I love glycerin soap and switch to it every winter to keep my hands from cracking. As an artist and a constant hand washer, my hands tend to get deep cracks as soon as the weather gets cold. Using glycerin soap helps my hands remain soft and smooth.

So we experimented a bit and developed some recipes for ourselves and liked them so much, we thought we'd also sell some in my etsy shop. Lavender Fog and Golden Orange Oatmeal are currently posted with Cafe Latte soon to come.

Do some of the soap titles sound more like food? Well, we actually went to the kitchen cabinet to create Golden Orange Oatmeal and Cafe Latte. Oatmeal is a mild exfoliant and when mixed with glycerin makes the skin extra soft. For our first batch of Cafe Latte a scoop of ground coffee beans was added to the top layer. Not only does the soap smell heavenly, its a bit more abrasive than oatmeal and great for the rough spots on your heels. I use it every morning.

We bought a couple of molds, but have discovered that we prefer the rustic look and style of handcut soap. The bars are large and slightly over 4 ounces. We've also been experimenting with recycled plastic containers and have discovered some unconventional shapes for soap bars but its been fun.

If you read this and would like to try our "Slippery Soap" (named by 3 year-old Matthew), let me know and we'll send you one postage free. That's a savings of $2.00. And 10% of the purchase price will be donated to an animal charity as are all of LolaLynn's sales.

Yikes! Stripes! Dubi's got 'em!

2009-09-13T20:48:00.005-04:00

Like my stripes? How about a belly rub. I've clean myself up so, my fur is soft and fluffy.

(We haven't been around for a month. Lots going on. But we're happy to be back.)

C A T erpillar

2009-08-13T17:21:00.006-04:00

We discovered a new species of caterpillar in Astoria today. I can't wait to see what kind of a butterfly emerges.

Mancat Monday by Dubi

2009-08-10T12:34:00.021-04:00

Hey! Dubi man-cat-in-training here to report on my weekend activities. On Saturday Mom disturbed my nap to have our pictures taken together in front of one of her paintings for a Vicki Diane Treasury on Etsy . I did my best but MOM it was naptime and World Cat Day besides! I read on several blogs that cats can do what they want on World Cat Day. Kareltje slept all day and Dobby, Tasha and Franklin refused, and rightfully so, to pose for pictures.

She also took pictures with Sophia. I told Mom that Sophia is experienced at appearing on Etsy and she should use Sophia's photos. Mom said Sophia's were just too silly! If you ask me I think Sophie knew how to get out of this deal by not cooperating.

Next year when I a grown mancat I will sleep all day on August 8th. Mom said that'll work because next year it falls on a Sunday and you're suppose to rest all day anyway. Whatever, Mom.

World Cat Day

2009-08-08T09:05:00.016-04:00

August 8th is World Cat Day and I thought it would be fun to share some pictures of the cats that light up the world of some of our friends and family.

First up are cousin Joy's kitties from New Jersey: Charlie with his the electric personality and sweet Bonnie.

And our friend, Pixie from Manhattan, has shared some of her amazing photos with us: daughter Gaby and kitties Raven and Glaren.

" All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great and small,
`All things wise and wonderful: The Lord God made them all."

Cecil Frances Alexander. 1848

Thanks for sharing your pictures Joy and Pixie. And happy World Cat Day to all of our cat friends and friends of cats. Cats have certainly filled our lives with many beautiful moments and we give thanks for this wonderful gift.

Mancat Monday by Dubi

2009-08-03T02:54:00.005-04:00

In one end and out the other!

Brave Dubi, mancat-in-training, reporting in on my weekend activities. I showed Sophia how to go through the tube.

The Bath

2009-07-31T00:00:00.001-04:00

Sophia decided to give Dubi a bath. Of course, she decided to do that on top of the freshly folded laundry. Bath courtesy of Sophia - clean towels courtesy of moi!

Sophie "ignores" Dubi

2009-07-29T21:35:00.015-04:00

Sophie has developed a new habit. Every morning she lays in the doorway between the living room and kitchen and swishes her tail back and forth.

Dubi loves it and has a great time trying to catch Sophia's tail.

The whole time Sophia just "ignores" Dubi..

Brown Tabby Urban Sea Glass Pendant

2009-07-29T08:51:00.003-04:00

The newest "Urban Sea Glass" item in my Etsy shop is a piece of deep amber sea glass attached to an antique silver plated cat charm. I'm very pleased with the result and welcome your comments.

Mancat Monday by Dubi

2009-07-27T02:22:00.001-04:00

The other day some of the "grandkids" came to visit. They are minature versions of big people like my Dad. The one they call "Little Tiger" - no resemblance to me- did nothing but sleep,eat and cry. The bigger one ran around the house with the belt of my Mom's bathrobe. As hard as I tried I couldn't catch him and get it back for her. Its hard work taking care of the "grandkids" but its all apart of a day in the life of a mancat-in-training. (Or so they tell me.)

Mancat Monday by Dubi

2009-07-20T01:00:00.002-04:00

"Boycat Dubi" here. Its hard work being a "mancat-in-training." Last week Dad put me in the back window and said, "You're in charge." We got a new garage roof and since I had the best view, I supervised the whole job. I must have done o.k. because when it was done Mom and Dad said, "Good boy, Dubi" and gave me some of my favorite food. If the rewards are always this good, maybe I'll get the hang of this mancat thing.

Happy Birthday Christine

2009-07-18T05:14:00.006-04:00

Happy Birthday to Christine, our daughter-in-law. Matthew calls her "Auntine" - his contraction for Auntie Christine. The picture above is of Christine holding Isaac last year when she and Joel went to meet him for the first time.

When Christine was looking for a craft to do, Joel bought her a book on knitting and as they say, the rest is history. Her work is so beautiful that you'd never know she taught herself to knit only 5 years ago.

Happy birthday, Christine. We look forward to celebrating with you and are proud to have you as the other Mrs. Hanousek.

Friends Friday

2009-07-16T09:06:00.029-04:00

We got an award from our friend WindandHoney the other day. WindandHoney is a fellow member of EFA (Etsy for Animals) and a collage artist. She also has some amazing drawings and paintings in her shop. She has a beautiful ACEO called "The Princess" that reminds me of Dotty.

The Premio Meme Award didn't come with an explanation but I suspect its a tool to encourage us to share a bit about ourselves so that others will get to know us a little better. I'm game.

Now that I've accepted the award, I need to tell you 7 little known facts about myself.

1. My hobby: travelling

2. My favoite city to visit in the US: San Francisco

3. My favorite city to visit abroad: Prague

4. 2nd favorite city: Venice

5. I'd move to Hawaii in a heart beat but its too far from our kids and grandkids.

6. I grow raspberries in my sunny little plot of a garden. Yum!

7. My favorite meal: Puttanesca (w.o. the anchovies). My Italian friends think this is hilarious.

And, as requested, I pass on this award to 7 other bloggers whose blogs I enjoy: BeadedTail , Dragon House of Yuen , KARELTJE en ikke !!! , Linda G. Jones Blog , Little Studio Photography and Jewellery , MidnightRabbits Vegan World , and Mishkat .

Mancat Monday by Dubi

2009-07-13T01:00:00.002-04:00

Well my carefree kitten days lasted all of 1 week. Now I've been told I have to come up with a story every week for something called "ManCat Monday." I'm only a "BoyCat" and that's a big job, but I'll try.

I'm a brown tabby and was born on April 1 - no fooling. Mom tells EVERYONE that she loves my big ears and the dot on my nose. I know that's not true - its because I have sharp needle like claws and a high squeaky voice.

Signing off, Dubi.

(Hey, Mom, how'd I do?)

We've Got Names!

2009-07-11T21:11:00.019-04:00

After a day without a name, Little Tiger, will be called Josef Xavier Monge. Josef as a tribute to his great grandmother and Xavier in honor of his great grandfather.

The little tiger kitten has been named "Dubi." We know what a dooby is but "Dubi" is short for Dubinski who is a hockey player and it is also the name of a village in the Czech Republic.

See you all on Mancat Monday. We have a mancat in residence now. Dubi, that is, not Josef who was formerly known as Little Tiger.

Welcome Little Tiger

2009-07-09T22:25:00.010-04:00

For those who are familiar with my blog I promised to tell you more about our new kitten. Guess what? He's been pre-empted by our new grandson! Baby Monge was born today at 3:21PM and weighed in at 6lbs 12oz. He doesn't have a name yet but Matthew called him "Little Tiger" while he was in utero. No kidding.

New Kid on the Block

2009-07-07T22:52:00.008-04:00

Well here he is! TA! DA! Sophia's little brother is here. He's 3 month's old and just adorable.

Of c64rse he's a3ready 14s0*ed 6n the 2eyb6ard 6f 0y c60*4ter and 0essed 5t 4*. (translation: Of course, he's already jumped on the keyboard of my computer and messed it up.) So, I can't write too much more.

When I get the iss4es w5th my keyboard resolved, I'll tell you about h5s name cho5ces.

Six Degrees of Separation to Obama

2009-07-07T06:00:00.005-04:00

Only six degrees of separation between me and President Obama yesterday. Or is it 5? Help me count: From me to daughter, Deborah, to her husband, Justin, to his brother, Peter, to his son, Misha, to President Obama.

The photo was taken by Mariana Lenkova Neisuler, Misha's mom. Peter and Mariana work for the U.S. Government, live in Moscow and were on hand to welcome the president and 1st lady on their historic visit to the Russian capital.

Happy Birthday Justin

2009-07-06T06:00:00.001-04:00

Today is our son-in-law, Justin's, birthday. Justin is the husband of daughter Deborah, father of Isaac, one of the human pets of Berlioz, Joni and Mimby and an all around good guy. Have a great day Justin! Don't forget to invite Tigger to the par-tay.

An Amazing Animal Audio Slideshow

2009-07-04T09:11:00.018-04:00

Have a great weekend everyone. Enjoy the July 4th holiday if you live in the states and be safe.

My friend, Christina, posted a link to the following slide show on her Facebook page. Its amazing and I want to share it with all of my animal loving friends.

Play, Spirit, and Character SoundSeen: Animals at Play with Stuart Brown and Norbert Rosing [Speak Source: speakingoffaith.publicradio.org

The above polar bear is a card created by mvegan5 of Etsy for Animals

Thanks Kim!

2009-07-01T12:41:00.001-04:00

Our friend, Kim has given us the "One Lovely Blog Award." Thank you Kim. We'll pass it along but many of those on our list are on your's.

Kim has two beautiful etsy shops: MidnightRabbits and Veganessa. Both Sophia and I are big fans. I love her bags; Sophia loves her catnip toys.

Featured on "Knit 1 for the Road"

2009-06-30T03:00:00.000-04:00

Margaret Nock of "Knit one for the Road" has featured LolaLynn in her blog. She asks great questions. Besides talking about my shop on Etsy, I was able to include information about the Etsy street team I belong to: Etsy for Animals.

Thanks Margaret for the interview!

KNIT 1 FOR THE ROAD: Fun, easy, portable patterns, awesome tips for staying motivated with your projects, and how-to info. A "GO TO" book for the knitter on the move! On Amazon.com and Kindle.

Isaac goes in circles

2009-06-29T07:00:00.000-04:00

I hope this link works for you. Our daughter sent us the cutest video of Isaac: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e53LN3YX5iM Sure to bring a smile to your face.

Sorry, Sophia

2009-06-26T21:41:00.000-04:00

" I refuse to look at you!"

Please forgive Sophia's little tantrum. She is very disappointed that Oreo has been adopted by another family and won't be coming to live with us. I met Oreo before our recent vacation and didn't want to take him home knowing we'd be away during the "getting-to-know-you period." I told the people at the vet's office we'd take him home after our return but if someone else was interested that's ok - he needs a home now.

Oreo was so darn cute I'm not surprised he was adopted. He has a new home and that's great - but not for us. I'm disappointed too, Sophia. But I know there is a kitty out there that needs a home and we'll continue to look.

International Box Day

2009-06-19T09:00:00.000-04:00

Am I glad that Maggy and Romeo thought this up! I took these photos of Sophia the last time I gave her a box to play in and have been waiting for an opportune time to post them. She always anticpates the flash because of the red eye light that goes on a few seconds before it and squints or turns away. The last photo was taken in natural light without the flash - a beautiful result after all of the avoidance antics.

Happy Birthday Joel

2009-06-16T07:28:00.000-04:00

Happy Birthday to Joel, our son and middle child. He's pictured here with his wife, Christine and nephews, Matthew and Issac. Everyone says that the nephews look like Joel. The kids adore him and one day he'll be a great father - he's always been a great son.

Cat Inspired

2009-06-15T05:00:00.000-04:00

"Beach Kitty" was inspired by Rebekah's Japanese cat, Gumi. When Beka lived in Yokohama, Gumi miraculously turned up during "typhoon #17." He was beat up and cut and looked like a grey kitten. Some of her students helped her find a veternarian and then with the translation.

What a surprise to find such beautiful deep auburn fur under all that dirt. He has a little knob on the end of his tail and looks like all of the other toms that inhabit Maita, a suburb of Yokohama.

Gumi is fully Americanized now and hangs out with all of the other surfer cats at nearby Jones Beach.

A Year in Review - Isaac is a year old.

2009-06-10T05:00:00.000-04:00

1 day old

1 1/2 months old

3 months old

5 months old

7 months old

9 months old

11 1/2 months old

Oh, Isaac, how quickly you have grown! I am so thankful that I was able to take every one of these photos and be with you many times through out the past year. Love you, Your Lola.

Tie-dye T-shirts

2009-06-09T03:00:00.000-04:00

Yes, they really are tie-dye t-shirts like the ones the hippies wore back in the late sixties/early seventies. I knew that those skills would come in handy one day. When I started teaching everyone wanted to make tie-dye everything, so I learned how to fold and tie the knots and some how worked it into the cirriculum without breaking the budget. Tie-dye is having a comeback of sorts and when I did a craft fair 2 months ago, I thought I'd make up a few in children sizes to see how they'd go over. Believe it or not they became the best seller of the day. I'm off to a church fair this Saturday and thought I'd make some more to take along.

My new Brother?

2009-06-08T09:52:00.000-04:00

We have been busy "interviewing" new friends for Sophia and we are very excited about Oreo. I would have brought him home last week but Bill and I are going away for 10 days. When we get home we will call the vet and see if he is still available and if so, he comes home ASAP. Not only is he charming and very friendly, you can see he is also VERY handsome .

Welcome June

2009-06-01T07:41:00.000-04:00

My regular readers know that May was a bit of a challenge for me. I'm looking forward to some "bright" spots in June. And to start it off, I'm sharing some pictures of Isaac from our weekend together. Hope you have a great day.

In SanFrancisco

2009-05-22T23:19:00.000-04:00

I'm in San Francisco taking care of Isaac while Deborah and Justin attend a wedding in Alaska over the weekend. Isaac will be a year old in just a matter of weeks (June 10) and as you can see, he's adorable even on a bad hair day!

Good-bye to our beautiful Miss Blue Eyes

2009-05-21T19:44:00.000-04:00

I can hardly believe it! I'm still in shock and crying my eyes out. We took Dotty for a follow-up appointment on Tuesday and now she's gone over the Rainbow Bridge.

When we took her to the vet on May 1 the doctor felt a lump and said, "Could be stool. We'll do bloods and recheck in 3 weeks." The bloods came back OK and Dotty seemed fine. But over the weekend she developed a "worried look." We took her Tuesday and the doctors felt that the lump was now a large mass.

They x-rayed her chest: heart and lungs were clear. Did bloods which were fine. When they did surgery they found a huge tumor and another one just starting in her intestines and one in her lymph nodes. We decided that we'd give Dotty the best shot and the doctor went ahead to remove the tumors. She made it through the operation but never came out of recovery.

Dotty was a very special girl. She and her brother, Spotty, were originally my brother's companions. He rescued them and doted on them for the remaining 2 years of his life. My brother died in 1997 and in those 2 years when he was very ill, Spotty and Dotty brought him tons of love and joy. My husband, Bill, calls them "minister cats" because they had a special mission and purpose for their lives. When Henry passed their mission continued as they became the link between Henry and those of us who still haven't gotten over loosing him.

Please join with me today in giving thanks for her life and that of Spotty who left us last summer. Today I know there's a big party going on in heaven as Henry hugs and holds his babies tight.

Birthday Girl and Boy

2009-05-19T07:50:00.000-04:00

Today is Matthew's third birthday. Wow, the time really zipped by. His mom, Rebekah, celebrated her birthday this past Sunday (May 17). She's not telling her age. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, cuties.

The Parents

2009-05-18T21:36:00.001-04:00

You may have noticed that I haven't been posting as much as usual. Well, that's because my parents, who live in New Jersey, have been ill. My sister, Susan, also lives in NJ and has been doing most of the running, but Bill and I have tried to fill in whenever we can.

My dad (89) developed a really bad staph infection on both legs by scratching itchy, dry skin - you know how it gets during the winter. The doctor describes my mom's (86) problems as "cabin fever" plus she got really anxious and worried over my father's legs especially when the doctor started talking about putting him in the hospital. As it turns out he didn't have to, but instead, was scheduled for 4 sessions of hydrotherapy a week as an outpatient for 6 weeks. Thankfully, he has healed quickly. Next, we take Mom to a gerontologist to see what's really up with her.

BTW, if you're in the neighborhood in October, my dad invites you to his 90th birthday party :)

Photo: September 2005 with Christine, Joel, Justin and Deborah

Max the Magnificent

2009-05-12T03:00:00.000-04:00

I found a picture of Max among my digital stash and just had to post it. He was Yogi's brother and Sophia's best friend. Max had a sweet spirit and was a wonderful boy.

Clay Day - Daisy Bowl

2009-05-07T03:00:00.000-04:00

This bowl started out as a slab of clay rolled out on a piece of burlap. Using a plate with a 9 inch diameter as a pattern, the slab was stamped with a daisy, cut out and then draped over a plastic container until leather hard. After the first firing it was glazed and then fired again. The background glaze is called "freckled brown." Its a base of a gold with an antiquing effect that runs from deep red to brown.

A Perfect Fit

2009-05-05T07:28:00.000-04:00

Most of you are going "Awww" by now, but Sophia is protesting the fact that I wanted to take care of my needs before feeding her.

Our visit to the V.E.T.

2009-05-02T15:58:00.000-04:00

Sophia couldn't wait for the supposed adventure and walked right into the carrier. Dotty didn't put up a fight as long as she got the blue carrier, you know the one that matches her eyes.They were very good in the car. They only asked a few times, "Are we there yet?"

The result: They both got rabies shots (required by NY state even though they don't go outside). Dotty had a blood work up because of her age. And we talked to the doctor about getting a new brother or sister for Sophia. She's been really bored lately and we know she misses Sam. Even as old and sick as he was the 2 of them ran around and had the greatest time. So we thought a little friend might be in order. Dr. Debbie agrees and since Sophia needs to lose a pound, having a playmate would help achieve that goal.

They were such good girls that they got an extra portion of their favorite food when we got home and lots of hugs and cuddles all afternoon.

Its that time of the year

2009-05-01T03:00:00.000-04:00

If we don't look too thrilled its because we go to the vet's today. We'll give you a full blown report later on.

My cat inspired me - Cubist Kitty Bleu

2009-04-28T03:00:00.000-04:00

This is Joni, the tortie of the family. She lives in San Francisco with Deborah, Justin and Isaac. She has plenty of tortitude.

I don't even know if Deborah and Justin know this, but she was the inspiration for "Cubist Kitty Bleu." I did an outline of her and began painting it in very tortiful colors but decided instead to make it geometric and blue.

2009-04-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

We'll be away this week. See you soon!

An award from Anya and Kareltje

2009-04-19T19:03:00.000-04:00

Thank you Anya and Kareltje for our award. Kareltje and his cat mom, Anya, are new friends of ours from the Netherlands.

* As a dedication for those who love blogging activity and love to encourage friendships through blogging.

* To seek the reasons why we all love blogging!

* Put the award in one post as soon as you receive it

* Don’t forget to mention the person who gives you the award.

* Answer the award’s question by writing the reason why you love blogging.

* Tag and distribute the award to as many people as you like.* Don’t forget to notify the award receivers and put their links in your post.

Bill and I love to travel and blogging is an extension of our quest to learn about people in different parts of the world. For instance, Anya's daugther did the "Kennedy Mars - Sittard" last week in the Netherlands. Even though the idea of the march was created when JFK was president of the USA, I'd never heard of it but now I know.

I also love hearing about other's pets. We follow the antics of Tasha, Franklin and Dobby (Sophia's boyfriend) in Virginia and now we have a handsome Dutch kitty to read about. That seems very fitting since we live in New York City (New Amsterdam).

Kary in Massachusetts has raised funds for pitbull rescue and Annette in Scotland is involved in bunny rescue. It warms the soul hearing about these good people and how they help animals - an antidote to all the negative news we get through the media.

Sophia and I nominate:

Mishkat - USA, Kary - USA, and Annette - Scotland.

Clay Day - Pots of the Li People

2009-04-16T09:32:00.000-04:00

These photos were taken at the Li Cultural Village on the island of Hainan, the second largest Chinese island off of mainland China if you count Taiwan as the first. These clay pots were used to brew beer. At first I thought they were to store rice. Then I couldn't help thinking that if we were in Korea they would be used to age kim chee. I have lingering memories of the "kim chee making parties" at the church and the curing of the kim chee behind the educational center in glass jars about the size of these pots. (For those who aren't familiar with kim chee, I call it Korean saurkraut - with a difference: hot spices.)

I don't know which photo I like best: the one in sepia tones or the one with a hint of color. Since this scene is suppose to take us back to the way the Li people lived in the past, I suppose the first photo gives that old time feeling and is more appropriate to the subject matter. But I can't help but appreciate the zip the red cloth adds to the 2nd photo.

My Cat Inspired Me Day - Yogi

2009-04-14T09:40:00.000-04:00

Yogi's about 18 years old, isn't very active and spends her days either sleeping near the radiator or sitting on Bill's lap while he works at the computer, so its hard to get photos of her. The greatest pictures I have of her were before I had a digital camera and I have no means of scanning them in. Eventually, I hope to get a converter that transfers negatives and slides to the computer.

A few things about Yogi:

1. Yogi and her brother, Max, were abandoned on the doorstep of the Animal Medical Center in NYC because they were Manx kittens with imperfect Manx tails. She has a hooked tail and her nickname is "Hook". Max had a puff of hair where a proper Manx tail should have been.

2. Yogi and Max were the cutest kittens ever. And I mean that. I've seen lots of kittens and they are always adorable but these little guys were cuter than all the rest. Because of their extra long hind legs, they could jump from the floor to 5 feet in the air as if they were on springs. They were more like bunnies than kittens. In fact Manx cats are also referred to as "bunny cats."

3. As she grew older she would jump unannounced onto Bill's shoulder. He very often had scratch marks on his back but Bill has always wanted a parrot and Yogi sitting on his shoulders was the next best thing. Bill would grimmace as her claws dug into his skin, but never discouraged her. Its hard for her to jump now, because of a possible mini stroke. And she is almost completely blind but she manages to get around. I try to keep her pathway clear and we have a gate at the top of the stairs.

By the way, Max was Sophia's best friend. As a kitten, she warmed up to him immediately. He pretended not to like it but when no one was looking his maternal instincts kicked in. We lost Max in November of '07 and still miss him.

Monday Mornings- Flowers, flowers, flowers and cute kids!

2009-04-13T03:00:00.000-04:00

Just because its Friday - Good Friday

2009-04-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

" When the woes of life overtake me,

Hopes deceive, and fears annoy,

Never shall the cross forsake me,

Lo! it glows with peace and joy."

John Bowring, 1849

Have a Blessed Easter!

Clay Day

2009-04-09T03:00:00.000-04:00

These bowls are so much fun to make. I made a dozen or so pairs to be sold in my etsy shop. I sold 2 pairs and then decided they were too expensive to ship. They are 4 inches wide with an indent on the bottom so a small votive candle can be placed there. Of course, they can be used for others things.

I would love to glaze them in bright floral colors to make them look like poppies but the red and orange glazes are not always lead free. Sooner or later I will find glazes that will get the effect for which I'm looking . Everything is a work in progress.

Clay Day

2009-04-02T08:19:00.001-04:00

The one thing I love about the Czech Republic is all of the craft shops. Art, music, poetry and prose are so much apart of the Bohemian psyche (hence the word "bohemian" to describe artsy types) that handmade crafts are everywhere. We saw these wonderful angels adorning the doorway to a pottery shop in Cesky Krumlov.

"On the Spot" - Dotty Tells All

2009-03-31T06:40:00.000-04:00

(To my friend Tasha - here's back at you honey)

Our friends Mishkat, Dobby, Tasha and Franklin have kindly nominated us for many awards. The most recent one being "The Lemonade Award". We thank our friends and apologize for not passing it along, as the bloggers we know to have cats are pretty much the same bloggers who Mishkat and her gang know.

What I'd like to do is something else I've seen on Mishkat's blog - all her cats confess their weaknesses, quirks and deep, dark secrets. Today I've put Dotty "On the Spot" to tell all. Well, almost all. "Some things a lady keeps to herself," Dotty purrs in a hushed, discrete tone.

But here are things that Dotty wants to share:

1. My full name is Dotty von der Osten Sanchez Hanousek.

2. I love to eat white things: whipped cream, sour cream, cream cheese, yogurt AND toilet paper. This is a sure fire way of gettting Lynn out of bed at 6 AM to feed me.

3. I own a tiara. Everyone says I look like the Fancy Feast cat. Personally, I think I look more like Zga Zga, darling.

P.S. Dotty's brother was named Spotty. He'd love to see his sister humiliate herslf in public, so the name of this post is in his honor.

Visions of Cesky Krumlov - a World Heritage site in the Czech Republic

2009-03-29T21:07:00.000-04:00

Amazingly, the sun dial was accurate: 10:50 AM AND there were no less than a dozen Hanouseks/Hanouskovas in the local phonebook.

See ya!

2009-03-23T03:00:00.000-04:00

Off for a week. Will return March 30th. Be good.

Just because it's Friday - that's why!

2009-03-20T03:00:00.000-04:00

I really like this one. Use 3% Hydrogen Peroxide for getting rid of that pesky mildew on the bathroom tiles. I apply it with an old toothbrush and rinse well. Mop up spills quickly as hydrogen peroxide can cause fading.

Have a nice weekend.

Clay Day

2009-03-19T03:00:00.000-04:00

This little plant holder was made from an scrap of clay left from making another piece. The slab had been rolled out on burlap and I loved the texture so much I just folded it over, sealed the seams, put a hole center top and decided it would make a great pocket to tuck an air plant into. I really love the background glaze called "herb garden" and the way it fits in the small space between the porch windows.

Center Stage: Art and Artists that Capture the Imagination - "Athena and the Owl"

2009-03-18T03:00:00.000-04:00

When I saw this sculpture by Laurence Broderick, I couldn't take my eyss off of it. You can feel the love that Athena has for the owl. And in this shot the owl takes on a heart shape.

I snapped a picture of it, placed it on a notecard and entered it in the EFA's February Challenge, 2008: "For the Love of Animals." I don't how to access that post, but you can catch the more recent monthly challenges on the "EFA - Artists Helping Animals" blog.

My Cat Inspired Me Day - Jeremiah

2009-03-17T03:00:00.000-04:00

I guess I could say that this was my first cat inspired painting. It was done when we lived in Brooklyn many years ago. Jeremiah was our first kitty ever. I have loads of photos of him but no way to scan them into the computer (that's a future project). He was a brown tabby with long fur and a fluffy tail. Absolutely gorgeous.

This painting may have been the last that I completed in oils. While living in Brooklyn I developed allergies and using turpentine became intolerable. I've since learned to work with acrylic paint, but may give a go with the oil paints that can be mixed with water.

Spring!

2009-03-16T03:00:00.000-04:00

MONDAY MORNINGS - no words, just pictures because we know its hard to get into it on Mondays.

Just because it's Friday - that's why!

2009-03-13T03:00:00.000-04:00

There's a new commercial on TV that starts out, "Stinky, stinky, stinky!" The solution to this ongoing garbage can problem, of course, is their new improved garbage bags. Here's a green and cheap way of accomplishing the same thing without spending a hefty price to line your garbage can.

Sprinkle a liberal amount of baking soda into the kitchen trash can before putting in a new bag. "Sprinkle, sprinkle, sprinkle."

Got a green tip that's also easy on the purse strings? Tell me about it. If I publish it, I send you a LolaLynn ACEO as a "thank you."

Have a great weekend. See you Monday.

Thursday is Clay Day

2009-03-12T03:00:00.000-04:00

Last Thursday I shared my "pinch pot" collection. When I started the fall semester of pottery, Rebekah said, "No more pinch pots, Mom." Ever obedient (hey, wait, I'm the mother), I took up the challenge and started working with slabs and coils. "Daisy Ring" is made from a circular slab and daisy cookie cutter shapes attached around the edges. The secret is to line a plastic bowl with damp paper towels and to use it to support the clay slabs and cut outs as they are carefully put together.

Center Stage: Art and Artists that Capture the Imagination

2009-03-11T03:00:00.000-04:00

While on a recent trip to the Caribbean, Bill and I had the happenstance to meet Ruby Bute. Ruby lives and creates on the island St. Maarten/St. Martin. Besides being a prolific painter and poet, she has dedicated herself to introducing the children of her island home to the arts. A warm affection for the people of this tiny island exudes from her canvases as she depicts the island life a la "S'Maatin".

My Cat Inspired Me Day - Dotty the Luvbug

2009-03-10T03:00:00.000-04:00

This ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals - always 2.5" by 3.5") was inspired by our beautiful white cat, Dotty. Dotty has gorgeous blue eyes and is the only one of our cats that lets Matthew pet her.

"Dotty the Luvbug" was the second ACEO I did for the "mini challenge" with my EFA friends. Its the first one that I posted in my shop. I just love the rich, vibrant colors and of course, Dotty!