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

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!

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I love Summer!

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!

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

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!

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!

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!

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