aura2000

Welcome 2012

2012-01-11T05:07:00.001-05:00

Wishing all of you a very happy New Year!

May you enjoy good health and energy!
May you experience good times in the company of loved ones!
May kindness and compassion inspire your actions!
And may love and and peace find a permanent home in your heart!

And don't forget to get yourself some new calendars for the new year!

Time to send Season's Greetings!

2011-11-23T04:05:00.001-05:00

A tradition that makes us think of each other again - at least, once a year... and while we can't send everybody a gift, we still can send them a real paper card, which is so much more like a gift than any electronic greeting card, and as much as I prefer emails over snail mail, I admit that Christmas is a time when I see things a little differently ;-)

Below a collection of cards from My Store at Greeting Card Universe:

I also have photo cards where you can insert your own picture. In my other store at Zazzle you also find different card sizes and matching stamps. And if you don't find the right card in my collection: GCU has a lot more great artists with great cards!

Personalized Presents

2011-11-22T03:38:00.001-05:00

Maybe you know it only too well... sometimes it just seems like we run out of inspiritation what present to buy when there's a birthday coming up, an anniversary, graduation, or whatever... and most of all: christmas! And the more we really want to show how much we care about that special person, the harder it sometimes gets to find an appropriate gift, as we really don't want it to look like a "stopgap present"!

Find some suggestions in my Squidoo lens "Personalized Presents"

My Christmas Shop 2011 is open!

2011-11-09T07:13:00.000-05:00

In my little Christmas Shop you find lots of gifts for your loved ones that you can personalize to let them know how special they are to you. And of course, you also find greeting cards, postcards, photocards and stamps to send them your Holiday Greetings.

The image below is interactive - so just move your cursor over the image to see numerous little dots appear (they might just need a little time to load, depending on your connection), that are links you can click on to check out items.

So come on in and take a look around without any obligation! I'm happy to meet you and help you get the right present... so don't hesitate to ask me if you want anything in a different color, or on a different item, or with a special text - of course, at no extra charge!

How about some music to get into the christmas mood..?

Autumn

2011-09-24T16:37:00.000-04:00

Not that I like saying good bye to summer, but the calendar leaves no doubt that it's autumn again... days are getting shorter and nights are getting longer, and nature starts to make it a little easier for me by dressing up in the most colorful clothes, like you can see in the video below, showing photos I took in fall 2008 during a trip to beautiful Colorado:

And of course, all that color insipres me to create autumn stuff (just move your mouse over the image ;-)

And here's a whole carousel full of autumn stuff you might like:

Who's afraid of no Ghosts..?

2011-09-22T08:12:00.000-04:00

To be honest, I'm not into scary experiences at all. While visiting a friend in San Diego, I joined the Halloween celebrations in the gaslamp quarter, but I had no desire to visit the Whaley House in Old San Diego (one of the most haunted houses in the U.S.), except for taking some photos from the outside.

And during a short trip across the border, it was a little strange to watch the Mexicans prepare for "El Dia de los Muertos" (Day of the Dead), celebrated the day after Halloween, just like the german equivalent (which I was familiar with), but with a lot more fun, music and colors... skeletons dressed up in all kinds of costumes, people celebrating on the gravesites and setting up altars for their deceased ones.
Go to my Squidoo lens "Ghost Time" to read on!

Check out my Halloween Greeting Cards and more Halloween stuff

More blogs about ghosts by my fellow GCU artists:
Spirit Orbs with Whiskers Betty Matsumoto-Schuch
Halloween Blog Carnival  Cindy Johns
We Only Thought We Wanted a Séance Denise Beverly
Ghosts and Goblins and Witches, Oh My!  Richard Skelley
Haunted House Halloween Party Invitations  Catherine Sherman
The Haunting of Parnell House Janet Palaggi

Life without Cats...?!? (a Love Story)

2011-07-06T10:22:00.000-04:00

I just can't imagine life without cats. For all of my life it was a neverending source of joy, helping little kittens being born (many of them right in my lap ;-) ... raising them with all my love... teaching them how to use a litter box or a scratching post... teaching them how to purr by purring myself (yes, I can ;-) ...watching them play (favorite game of a whole litter: horse stampede, favorite game of a lonely kitten: getting scared of its own reflection in the mirror)... watching them grow up and turn into very unique personalities, some of which were more non-judgmental friends to me than most humans. A purring cat in my lap helps me relax when stressed out... the worried expression in a cat's face when I'm sad can dry my tears and turn a smile on my face... they keep me warm in bed (though it does not even take the six of them that I once had, to warm my permanently cold feet ;-) and even all those cat-slaloms in the morning, stumbling with sleepy eyes across more cats than I actually own ;-) or their lying in clairvoyant manner on whatever I'm going to use, including my laptop (yep, that's Mousy on the right, and it looks like I'll have to finish that paragraph later ;-) or cats completely wrapped up in toilet paper (or my curtains)... all this can make me smile... and sometimes even lough out loud... and I'm sure that all cat people know exactly what I'm talking about!

Click here to read the rest

I love Summer!

2011-05-24T03:28:00.000-04:00

Maybe it's because I'm born in Summer, but I just love this time of the year... nature provides everything in abundance, and there's so much to enjoy outdoors, like sports, barbecues, picknicks, travel or just hanging out at the beach...

Get ready...

Why not treat yourself with a big beach bag, or beach shoes with your name

If you like barbecues or fishing, get yourself an apron, a binder for your recipes, or some coasters for your BBQ party:

...and have some invitations ready to send to your friends - or send them directly from GreetingCardUniverse:


Of course, you can also send your vacation greetings through GCU


Read more blogs about SUMMERTIME, AND THE LIVING IS EASY:
Summertime Food ‘n Fun by Janet Lee Designs
Summertime at Greeting Card Universe by Floating Lemons
Summertime Flowers and Fruit by It’s a Beautiful World
Summer Celestial Events and Art by Sun at Night Studios
Discontent for Summers Past by What Dreams May Come
Summertime and the Living Is Easy by Naquiaya’s Cards
Is Summer Almost Here? by Shelley’s Card Creations
Summertime by Painted Cottage
Summertime, Meet the Breed by DogBreedz
Summertime Grilling by Sheryl Kasper Card Store
Summertime and the Kids’ Education Goes Out the Door? by Card Art From the Heart
Summertime and the Living Is Easy by Dragonfire Graphics
Ah Sweet Blessed Summertime by Salon of Art
Summertime, Summertime, Sum, Sum, Sum, Summertime by DB Visual Arts
Summertime and the Living Is Easy by Cherie’s Arts ‘N Crafts

Show Mom your appreciation on Mother's Day!

2011-04-26T04:24:00.000-04:00

In most countries, including the United States, Germany, and many other, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday in May (this year it's May 8).

Being a mother myself, I was always more delighted by some small presents that were created from the heart, than anything expensive und unpersonal. Of course, not all of us are dedicated crafters, but still there are options to make a gift a little more personal, like a recipe-binder with Mom's name on it:

Or her personal star on the Walk of Fame on an iPad case:

And how about very special greeting card...
...like one that shows a photo of her kid(s), or a very personal text that I'm happy to customize for you at no extra cost - just send your photo or text wishes to aura2000[at]gmx.net

Or maybe just a funny card for a Mom that likes horses, or a cute one for a cat lover... or one in your mother's language (what a nice ambiguity ;-)

Lights out for EARTH HOUR

2011-03-25T04:47:00.000-04:00

8:30 PM your time, Saturday 26 March 2011

Join this worldwide sustainability movement with millions of people participating, and turn off the lights for one hour, like global landmarks such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, CN Tower in Toronto, Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, and Rome's Colosseum, all standing in darkness, as symbols of hope for a cause that grows more urgent by the hour.

Hey kids, wanna create a Virtual Lantern for Earth Hour?

Earth Hour 2011: It's time to go beyond the hour

Remember February 14 is Valentine's Day!

2011-01-20T02:38:00.000-05:00

Take advantage of this opportunity to show people you care... not only your significant other, but friends, family... just anybody! Believe me, nobody will be offended, but chances are you make their day ;-)

Reflecting on all those ways to say I love you, I created the design below (OK - there wasn't room enough to show all 100 ;-) and by clicking it you can check out even more Valentine's gifts:

Or click HERE to send a (paper) greeting card directly to someone!

Happy Winter Solstice!

2010-12-21T03:09:00.000-05:00

This is the longest night of the year... but the good news is: from now on, days are getting longer again (except when you're in the southern hemisphere). And with the meaning of this kind of re-birth theme, Winter Solstice was celebrated by almost all cultures in history, though it has many different names, like Yule or Jul, as it's called by Wiccans / Pagans.

But also the Native Americans had Winter Solstice rites, like the Chumash, who historically inhabit central and southern coastal regions of California. Their solstice celebration lasted several days. Winter was symbolized by the color white, the Eagle, who represented the pride and strength of man, and the Bear, representing the strength of Mother Earth. The Eagle with its great vision observes the land, and if it sees danger, warns the Bear, who protects the land; no other creature is stronger.
To learn more about the Chumash, check out: Chumash Indian Life

Below an art print I created in honor of the Chumash people:

Chumash Winter Solstice

My little Christmas Store is open!

2010-11-29T13:27:00.000-05:00

Check out my virtual Christmas Store to get great personal gift ideas for the holidays!

September 21 is Int. Day of Peace

2010-08-16T04:40:00.000-04:00

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. (Albert Einstein)

The Concept of War is outdated. (The Dalai Lama)

Check out the offical website for the International Day of Peace and Peace one Day

Hundreds of schools and communities worldwide are planting Pinwheels for Peace

Help make this world a more peaceful place!

Spread the news...

by sending people a real (paper) greeting card for just $2.79 at Greeting Card Universe

Show your attitude!

Shop for various items (like t-shirts, mugs and a lot more) showing peace-designs at my Zazzle-shop

April 22 is Earth Day!

2010-04-16T06:08:00.000-04:00

40th Anniversary this year
Forty years after the first Earth Day, the world is in greater peril than ever. While climate change is the greatest challenge of our time, it also presents the greatest opportunity – an unprecedented opportunity to build a healthy, prosperous, clean energy economy now and for the future. Earth Day 2010 can be a turning point to advance climate policy, energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Earth Day Network is galvanizing millions who make personal commitments to sustainability. Earth Day 2010 is a pivotal opportunity for individuals, corporations and governments to join together and create a global green economy. Join the more than one billion people in 190 countries that are taking action for Earth Day.

Send a greeting card to celebrate Earth Day (with matching postage)

Or get other items to show that you're a responsible citizen of Planet Earth

Send Easter greetings to friends and family

2010-03-20T05:25:00.000-04:00

Easter is one of those days to get back in touch with our loved ones to let them know that you think about them.

Check out my Easter stuff at Zazzle and get 41% off when you order 20 or more greeting cards!

Or send cards from GreetingCardUniverse

Vote for Mousy at the HumaneSociety PhotoContest

2010-01-30T05:37:00.000-05:00

"Mousy"

Valentine's Day is coming up

2010-01-17T04:30:00.000-05:00

Valentine's Day is a holiday celebrated on February 14 by many people throughout the world. It is the traditional day on which lovers express their love for each other by sending Valentine's cards or giving presents. But of course, you can send Valentine's greetings not only to your lover or spouse, but anybody you appreciate in your life: parents, friends, relatives, teachers, etc.!

Need a greeting card or a gift..? Check out my Valentine's collection:

The U.S. Greeting Card Association estimates that approximately one billion valentines are sent each year worldwide, making the day the second largest card-sending holiday of the year, behind Christmas. The association estimates that men spend on average twice as much money as women.

You don't even need to go to a store and write something yourself... just send a real (paper) Valentine's card for just $2.79 directly from Greeting Card Universe

Say Thanks to the Cats in Your Life at Thanksgiving!

2009-11-24T08:55:00.000-05:00

I can't imagine life without cats... for all my life, it brought most joy to me watching little kittens grow and play... and later become great personalities that were more reliable friends to me than most humans. A purring cat in my lap helps me relax when stressed out... the worried expression in a cat's face can dry my tears... they keep me warm in bed... and even all those cat-slaloms in the morning, stepping over more cats than I thought I own with my eyes still sleepy, or their consequently lying on whatever I would like to use (including the computer keyboard), or their tearing up the toilet paper once again, all this can make me smile... and sometimes even lough out loud...

Thanksgiving is a time of being grateful for whatever we appreciate in our lives... and with no doubts I would like to say thanks to all the cats that have lightened up my life in the past, in the present, and hopefully in the future...

If you want to pay tribute to the special cats in your life, as well, you can make your own post to the Thanksgiving Gallery at AlleyCatAllies and donate to protect the lives of cats.

But of course, you're also welcome to check out my Gifts for CatLovers (like you and me ;-) by clicking the image below!

Bring Halloween back to Lahaina

2009-10-25T07:12:00.000-04:00

Halloween in Lahaina always was a big event with 30,000 residents and visitors wearing their best costumes every year (lots of photos at Lahainahalloween.com).

Front Street, the famous Lahaina Street that runs along the ocean, is no longer closed to vehicles. The Halloween Costume Contest used to be held in Banyan Tree Park, which is located in the heart of Lahaina. BUT, this year the booths and costume events will not be held. All costume contests will be held inside of the various restaurants and bars in the area.

Kama'aina:

Should the streets be closed in Lahaina?
You can make the difference! Is it a safety issue? They just had a meeting about it today with Lahaina Town Merchants...
The MPD has the right to shut down the road.
Show your support.
If you are concerned please speak up at the Lahaina Civic Center Monday October 26th!
It's dangerous with that many people coming to Lahaina trying to walk those narrow sidewalks with open traffic! There is no way they can hold that kind of foot traffic...Maui Police Town Hall Meeting Lahaina

And if you're interested in a Halloween t-shirt Hawaiian style, why don't you check mine out ;-)

October 16 is National Feral Cat Day

2009-10-14T05:46:00.000-04:00

Every year, on October 16th, caring individuals reach out to others with the message that feral cats are healthy and happy outdoors and that Trap-Neuter-Return improves cats' lives.

Learn more about National Feral Cat Day and how you can help at Alley Cat Allies

Make a donation to Alley Cat Allies in honor of feral cats to help make an even greater impact this year

This is my cat Mousy.
You like the outdoors..? So does she.
Help Feral Cats live healthy, happy lives in their outdoor homes, too, by clicking one of the above links!
(And by the way, you can also click Mousy to check out my cat-stuff at Zazzle ;-)

September 21 is International Day of Peace

2009-09-12T07:17:00.000-04:00

Peace cannot be kept by force; it can only be achieved by understanding. (Albert Einstein)

Help make this world a more peaceful place!

Spread the news...

by sending people a real (paper) greeting card for just $2.79 at Greeting Card Universe

Show your attitude!

Shop for various items (like t-shirts, mugs and a lot more) showing peace-designs at my zazzle-shop (see box below) where everything is customizable:

Or check out another peace design on even more items, like watches, jewelry, USB drives and much more (see slide below) at ArtsNow

The Concept of War is outdated. (The Dalai Lama)

My favorite music style? Slack Key!

2009-08-08T03:02:00.000-04:00

In case you never heard about it: Slack Key is a Hawaiian kind of guitar picking which also includes a special way of tuning the strings. Having played in a band myself in the past, I really love this uplifting, as well as relaxing music... and I was very lucky to experience two more Slack Key concerts on my last trip around the beautiful islands of Hawai'i...

The first was a concert of my favorite group, Hapa, at Casanova's in Makawao on Maui, after I had already seen them live at the Maui MACC in 2006. The second was one of Doug & Sandy McMaster's Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar & Ukulele concerts at the Community Center in beautiful Hanalei on Kauai. Their mixture of music and story-telling is a quite soothing experience (not only for a rainy afternoon in rainbowland ;-)

Visit their website http://www.mcmasterslackkey.com/ where you can not only learn more about that kind of music, but also how to play it... or to listen and buy their awarded CDs and more...

And don't forget to check out my designs at zazzle for merchandising Doug & Sandy (no, they didn't ask me to - it's just because I'm a fan :-)

Nice design for all those girls in ballet class :-)

2009-08-04T03:50:00.000-04:00

Need a gift for a young woman or girl that is a classical ballet enthusiast? A t-shirt..? A ballet shoe for walking on mundane grounds ;-) or a mug to keep the coffee hot during rehearsals..? Maybe you want to check them all out...

Created a design for (my fellow ;-) Leo's

2009-07-21T09:34:00.001-04:00

Leo is supposed to be generous, warmhearted, creative, enthusiastic, broad-minded, expansive, faithful and loving - but on the dark side, as well, pompous, patronizing, bossy, interfering, dogmatic and intolerant.
Well, given the fact that I'm a Leo myself ;-) I can confirm that this isn't correct for everyone - though there might be some truth, as well...

My Leo design contains all elements that this sun sign is connected with: