30 November 2012

Eames and "Mama Cat"

Back in 2006, our wonderful cat, Eames, died of kidney failure from diabetes. He was really the sweetest and smartest cat I had ever known. We were, of course, devastated by his loss; but we decided to turn something sad into something less sad. As you know, Eames was the star of the first book Matt and I did together back in 2003. It's called "Mama Cat" and it's a story of what happens to cats after they die. I wrote it and Matt did the illustrations.

The year after Eames died, we made a substantial donation to the Arizona Humane Society by purchasing two trees for their Pulliam campus. The trees came with dedication plaques. We decided to do the plaque in the name of the book that featured our cat, and used one of the illustrations from the book.

As long-time members of the Arizona Humane Society, we receive their quarterly publication "Paw Prints." The winter edition has a little blurb about the value of gifts to the society. The blurb includes a photo of one of the plaques we did for one of our trees (see photograph). We were both quite surprised and pleased to see them use our plaque in their publication, and in being able to remember our wonderful cat, Eames. A few years ago we purchased two more trees, each with plaques for our current dog Aalto, and our current cat Eero (herself, a humane society rescue).

We are very proud of our continuing involvement with an organization that helps animals. Matt and I hope you will consider contributing to your own local animal organization this year.

There is a famous old saying that I love that says a society is defined by how it helps those who cannot help themselves. I like to think our society is defined by all those wonderful people who help animals either in a company way or a personal way. Animals enrich our lives. I can't imagine mine without them.

25 November 2012

Just in Time for the Holidays

Your letter to Santa is being delivered. You'll find this new original screenprint in blue or green at LitKids!

22 November 2012

Anniversary Present

For our 18th anniversary, Matt got me this super swell limited edition Adam Juresko giclee print for one of my favorite films! This rocks!

21 November 2012

Now It's 18!

And now for something a little different: Tomorrow is the 18th anniversary of when Matt and I met and started dating. We often get asked how we met, so Matt did this little drawing. Happy 18th, HBSP!

17 November 2012

A Lick of Paint, Indeed

Let me start out by saying I have no affiliation with Walgreens -- your neighborhood drug store -- other than shopping there on occasion.

Today we dropped in to the store near our house and what we found was a remodeled interior that blew my mind. We were only there for a few minutes but I kept saying "Wow! Look at what they've done!" The store went from stodgy old and dank to sparkling new and very 21st century. We didn't have our camera with us so I didn't get pictures, but I did find a photograph online that shows some of the changes. They have these gorgeous blue walls with white lettering, white walls with blue lettering, beige wood panels around the pharmacy, and these totally wicked hanging light fixtures. Wow! I was very impressed. (And Matt will tell you I'm not often or easily impressed.)

I couldn't find any details online about how many or which stores are being remodeled; but I certainly hope the store near you gets a facelift as great as this one!

10 November 2012

Killer Fish

Beware the giant killer fish at the Japanese Friendship Garden in downtown Phoenix. I barely escaped with my life! (You can just call me "Lefty" now...)

05 November 2012

Paperback Book Giveaway!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Sarah & Gerald by Christopher Geoffrey McPherson

Sarah & Gerald

by Christopher Geoffrey McPherson

Giveaway ends November 30, 2012.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win