The Festival of Lights
I can't believe Hanukkah starts tomorrow night; it's so early this year! The good thing about it's timing is that Aron gets to spend Hanukkah my family and then he goes to Georgia to spend Christmas with his family. I can't wait to eat some of my mom's delicious latkes!

My Monday Morning Asthma Attack
I know this is long, but trust me, it's worth the read!
I wish I had a photo to accompany this story, but sadly I don't... I needed to bring one of my cats, Miss Whitey, to work with me (at the vet clinic) for a recheck on her kidney and bladder stones. So, at 6 a.m., I chased my poor, scared kitty around the house until I caught her and threw her in the crate. When I went to pick up the crate to take it to my car, it was very heavy. Okay, not surprising since 1) she weighs 18.5 lbs, and 2) it was obscenely early in the morning. I managed to walk the crate (in the cold and dark) to my car and hoist it up onto the passenger seat. I almost had an asthma attack. Kinda odd since I usually can carry her crate without problem. Geez, I thought 1) they were gonna yell at and tease me at work for her gaining so much weight, and 2) my recent illness had really made me weak and flared up my asthma. I gently talked to Miss Whitey to try to calm her down as I drove on my way to work. A few blocks away, while at a red light, I noticed that her tail seemed to be puffed out at the end. Then I suddenly noticed an extra pair of eyes gleaming in the dark-- Rudy!

Yes, my very silly black cairn terrier, Rudy, had gotten in the crate before I had put Miss Whitey in it and hadn't made a sound since! After laughing at my stowaway, I realized why I had had such troubles carrying the crate- instead of 18.5 lbs, the crate had cargo weighing 36.5 lbs!!!

Conveniently, Rudy was also due for an exam and vaccine, so bringing him to work turned out to be useful. Then I had to call home and leave a message for Aron, letting him know that Rudy was with me (so he didn't have to worry when he came home at lunch and one of the dogs was mysteriously missing). I guess I need to thank Rudy for starting off my week with lots of laughter!

Whatta Week

As of today, I've been sick for 8 days (although it seems like much longer!). And of course it's at the worst possible time- when I had 2 shows to do (and still working at my full-time job). Thank goodness for my wonderful hubby, who did all the talking at my booth on Saturday b/c I had no voice! I had to just sit there and smile at customers. Luckily, on Sunday I started to get my voice back, although, even today it still isn't back to normal. I'm really sick of being sick!!! Hopefully, between antibiotics, acupuncture and custom herbs, and some days off work, I'll be better soon. I'm going to be so sad if I can't taste any of the delicious food on Thanksgiving.

Trick or Treat!



















Aron and I went out to hear my favorite band last night. It was the best Halloween I've had in a long time! I think I danced more than I ever have in one night. Although they didn't sing my very favorite song, they played lots of others I really like. And, I forgive them anyway b/c their costumes made up for it- they were Chippendales dancers! Aron and I were Hansel & Gretel and I think we were adorable. I can't believe he agreed to wear lederhosen!

Join the Revolution!
I think it's wonderful how hand-crafted goods are not only becoming more accepted, but even sought after and cherished.

"Buying handmade is better for people, better for the environment, and better for giving truly special and well-crafted gifts. The ascendancy of chain store culture and global manufacturing has left us all dressing, furnishing, and decorating alike. The connection between producer and consumer has been lost. Buying handmade helps them reconnect."

Top 5 reasons to buy indie!
1. Support small business owners who are doing what they love.
2. Own or give something unique & original.
3. Contribute to the arts.
4. Artists/crafters appreciate your business far more than corporations do.
5. Shopping indie is FUN!

Cute Overload!
A perk of working at a vet clinic: last weekend I got to pet sit these adorable puppies and their sweet mom! They just turned 7 weeks old last Thursday. Their mom was found running loose near the clinic and we never found an owner. When we went to spay her- surprise, she was pregnant! So some of us employees at the clinic have been taking care of Delores and her 5 babies until they're old enough to find forever homes. I really wish I could keep one of them (Benji, the one in the upper left corner, is my favorite). But, I'm already at maximum capacity when it comes to 4-legged kids. They're SO cuddly and tons of fun to watch play. It's been an amazing experience to watch them grow!

Busy as a Bee
I've recuperated from last weekend's Belmont Street Fair (it was tons of fun!) just in time for the Alberta Street Fair. This will be my last event for two months (until the holiday fairs). It looks like the weather will be perfect. I feel lucky to have had so many non-rainy weekends in Oregon!!

I love doing street fairs and seeing people enjoy my handmade goodies, but they're a lot of work. Loading the car and booth set-up and tear-down take a lot of time and energy. So a little vacation will be nice. Now's a great time to thank my hubby who helps me with my booth at every event. And, he rarely complains! It's wonderful to get to spend time together.

My favorite memory from the Belmont Street Fair:
a little girl walked up to me and asked, "Are you a teenager?" Surprised, I paused, laughed, and thanked her for the compliment. How flattering a comment for a 31 year old to hear!