Ruby Tuesday - Anniversary Greetings!

It's hard to believe it's 3 years since friend BJ 'virtually' tossed her Ruby Red Rose wedding bouquet across the 'pond' to me, in the hope that me catching it would bring now retired pilot Little Buddy & I finally together!
It was a lovely thought - it didn't work but I'll never forget the gesture.

I've no rose photograph to share today to celebrate her & Bob's anniversary but an appropriately decorated cake instead... A very Happy Anniversary to you both!

Two Fer Tuesday - The Postlady Knocked!

Okay, Sir Woodstock Bear has already given his take on these events, this is mine.
Still in my dressing gown, that new cosy blue one - first my front door bell rings, then there's a repeated ratter-tat-tat.

My postlady stands there and after wishing me Happy New Year, presents me with a bundle of cards, a packet & a parcel.

It was the most mail I received in one go pre & post Christmas but Greetings no matter how late are always welcome if heartfelt, the clutch of Las Vegas postcards I'm not so sure of about any more.

Seeing the name on the parcel, BJ, I turned my attention to it first.

Hence Woodsock & I coming to blows - LOL, as it's US Customs Declaration read 'Toy Bear'!

Yet, as it turned out, we each had a gift, this was mine...Here she is on my Christmas Tree...I just adore my Friendship Angel, cradling her puppy - Thank-you again BJ!

Moving onto my other post - a packet from my cousin.

Two Canadian Calendars emerged, not personally chosen ones but complementary freebie's sent to the farm by the Saskatchewan Co-Op and Dodge's Credit Union - the latter one is a photographic delight mind.

They were accompanied, not by a card or a hand written note but a typed round robin Christmas letter, telling of a successful harvest & more oil wells being drilled.

Guess, I sound ungrateful, after all, it is the thought that's meant to count, so I will quickly move on and send my Thanks to all my friends who sent me Holiday Greetings whether by snail-mail or email.

Wedding Anniversary Greetings to BJ & 'Hubby'!

It's hard to believe it's two years since my good friend BJ 'got' her good man & a companion worthy of her.

Here's wishing you & your Bob, a very Happy Anniversary!

Re my choice of Artwork - the Red Rose is in remembrance of BJ's bridal bouquet.

The actual stained glass piece is made by Glass Images & appropriately hails from Texas!

A Postcard from JR Territory!

From the late 1970's, through the Eighties I watched every week on TV the eventful life of the Ewing family.
The show 'Dallas' & the Southfork Ranch, Texas - were as familiar to me as any UK soap opera was.
It's hard to believe the exploits of JR, Sue-Ellen, Bobby Ewing & co, filled the small screen for 13 years & 365 episodes!
But, they did & I remember them all well - the conniving of JR, his 'shootings', the power dressing of Sue Ellen, the Bobby 'shower incident', the many complicated love affairs - guess, I'm a sad case!
So, was thrilled when my friend BJ with her family Marigold & Pansy, on their recent trip to Dallas, the city to see friend Cee Cee, another blog contact - revisited again the homestead where the series was filmed & she, BJ posted about HERE!
Receiving this postcard from all four of them this very morning, was the icing on the cake...It's especially sweet, as we all plan - well, certainly hope too, meet in the city of Dallas next year, when they, will just have to repeat the Southfork tour for 'little old me'!

Double Trouble - Trans-Atlantic Buddies!

The ardent blogger me, is trying to restrict herself to just one post a day - some hope!!!

Fairly new blog contact/friend Martha is hosting a second, if trial meme.
This one, is for her 11 year old wanna-be photographer & blogger son, who spotted she had many photo's in her archives showing pairs of subjects in a single shot.
Hence, Double Trouble was born.
It's first outing last Tuesday, saw only a couple of players!
So, I thought this week I'd contribute & help encourage a young spirit.
And, maybe some of my friends will feel likewise - no pressure but...!

When I returned home yesterday, I found a note from my Post-Lady, saying I'd received a parcel during my absence & she'd hidden it, in one of my many Re-Cycling Bins!
Mmmm!
Thankfully, the Dustbin Men hadn't discovered it & recycled it else where!!!
I quickly broke into my package and out escaped these two...Beanie Babies, Sam & Jack, are a belated birthday gift from BJ, who knows my love of Teddy Bears well.
Just adore them, as they epitomise our trans-Atlantic friendship perfectly.

Saturday Photo Hunters - Book(s)!

The prompt, this week from host tnchick suited me fine!
Books, despite early reading difficulties as child, have always been important to me.
My very first job was in Dreamingspires, as a trainee book-seller no less!
And, every room of my house, except the bathroom - the damp, not being good for them, has shelves crammed with books.
My eclectic collection, includes hardback & paperback fiction, Cook & Wine books, glossy Travel guides & factual tombs on every subject from Antiques, Birds, Follies, History, Teddy Bears & Trivia and Dictionaries!!!
Many of these books are cherished processions, as bare personal greetings from my Mother & close friends re Birthdays, Christmas etc!
However, there is only one book, that carries such a treasured hand written note, as well as an actual printed acknowledgement inside the fly-leaf from it's author B J Roan ...How did I achieve this surprising tribute?
Through, a friendship started via a 'Comment'!

Back in January 2007, I'd only been blogging for a few weeks, when purely by chance - i.e. by hitting the random 'Next blog' button, I came across a fascinating short story on the site Serendipity.
I was immediately impressed & responded enthusiastically.
Yes, in those early days I was a keen commenter!
And, so began, what has turned into a very close, genuine & rewarding, I think, life long friendship with BJ.
Initially, she posted her short stories, and I commented & critiqued them, as one of her sole readers.
We soon started exchanging regular emails.
However, when she asked me for a 'prompt' for a story idea, I was both surprised & flattered.
It was Derby Day, one of the most prestigious horse race meetings in the UK, & I'd been cheering on, personality plus winning jockey Frankie Dettori, a favourite of mine.
That day he'd ridden in Emerald Green racing silks, rather than his more usual Galdofi brilliant Blue colours!
I relayed my thoughts to BJ, she subsequently wrote the lovely story, 'Winning Silks'.
Later that Summer, when special Airedale, Oscar suddenly died, tragically young, knowing BJ's love of dogs - I asked her to write a story in his memory - her deeply touching tribute, 'Oscars Next Adventure' caused many a tear to be shed in the DWB community.
August, saw BJ's wedding day & happily married, she 'virtually' threw me her bridal bouquet!
And, naturally, a hilarious story in the form of 'The Runaway Bouquet' followed.
It recounts how the red roses made their way across the Atlantic to Dreamingspires, to re-unite Little Buddy & I, due to the mis-adventures of a ferret called Wicket - LOL!
And, yet, another request for a 'prompt', months later, caught me with a large goblet of red wine to hand!
I came up with -"The glass was half empty, or again, was it, half full"
Boy, did my personal blog-diary entries come home to roost!
She wrote 'The Wine Dog', all about Azure & her friends that included Nick, @ that time my wine guru, Jeannie & Little Buddy!!!
So, when BJ celebrated her first blog anniversary - I wrote...
"One day, very soon, I hope to see your short stories published.
And, nobody will be prouder than me to read them in book form."
Well, that day came in April last year, which is why the story's I've mentioned, are no longer to be found on Serendipity, as they are now officially published, along with a host of other delightful tales!
When I received my own complementary copy of 'The Apple Tree' I was ecstatic.
And, that was before, I discovered the personally signed, oh so kind, dedication "Without your encouragement, this book wouldn't exist."
And, the printed one, "A huge thank-you to all my loyal readers, especially Blue. I am most grateful."
I was & still am, deeply touched, that she believes I made a difference to her writing career.
BJ is a born author, she writes from the heart; some of her tales are dark, others romantic, they're frequently funny, often deeply touching & always a 'darn good read'.

She, is now busy editing her second volume of short stories for publication & describes it as a massive undertaking.
I know it will be worth the effort & can't waited see what is included in this book.
My personal wish is for 'Stranger on the Shore'.
She is free to use my image to illustrate it too!
I know many Internet friends already follow & know BJ, through her photography blog Rubbish By Roan.
However, if you haven't checked out Serendipity - go read a.s.a.p, - you don't know what you are missing!

Happy Birthday BJ!

Looking for an appropriate & special image for my talented writer friend BJ, I came across the above delightful doggy portrait.
To me, it has an uncanny resemblance to her beloved Willie!
The painting in acrylics, is simply entitled 'Blue Dog Green' and is by a self-taught artist, whose art blog is studio-middle.

Have a wonderful Birthday BJ!

First Comments etc!

Re reading my post yesterday, re my blog Anniversary I find it didn't go quite to plan.
I allowed myself to get side tracked - nothing new!
And, the kind comments & Congratulations on my two years of blogging, mean I can't delete & start again
So, this a Postscript, saying what I originally meant too.

As, I said, my friend Wilma was my very first; infact, my only blog contact.
The first weeks in Blogland were quiet, extremely quiet.
Till, another personal known Prairelander Queen of Halloween, joined in.
But then, following Wilma's advice, plus the warning about what I might find; I hit the random 'Next Blog' button.
As she said, I discovered Commercial blogs, Soft & Hard Porn and just Odd, very odd sites.
Those, I quickly move on from.
However, amongst the dross was GOLD.
By this, I mean I accidentally landed on Serendipity - home of short stories by BJ.
The mutual commenting started.
I gave her story prompts, she sent me her 'virtual 'wedding bouquet, we e-mailed, the link grew & grew - we are now solid life long friends.
For those who follow me but not her - go read her latest tale - 'The Golden Carousel'.
It has delightful, revengeful, links to my recent Photo Hunters post re HATS!

Doing the same random 'Next Blog' surfing, it took me a while to expand my circle of friends.
I did it eventually, because I came across Miss Nuggett, a beagle who blogged.
We two, started exchanging comments & through her I discovered, for me the blog changing DWB site.
Doing, 'Paw it Forward' I happened on the late, lamented Oscar.
He made me LOL big time, I commented & his Katy responded.
Then, Jackson, my fav. WFT, started blogging, I was on his case asap via Oscar, and we quickly became firm friends in both the virtual & real world.
It took me many, many months of posting [and commenting I might add] to expand my blogger circle & they were all DWB 'ers too.
Only after, a change of direction re Blog No 2 'Behind Kyanites Door' when I started posting my photographs, did new non-doggy contacts come my way.
Participating in the daily Photo memes, which I love, has certainly made me view my world in much more detail.
I now never leave home without my camera - snap away constantly.
The only down side, being having broadened my blogging horizons, I opened myself to a 'Comment' world, bigger & broader than DWB, & one I can't/ don't want to live up to.

Anyway, the whole point of this second rambling post, is to acknowledge that, despite the tone of my earlier Anniversary post, I enjoy my blogging, couldn't imagine life without now.
I consider myself LUCKY, as my early friends are still there, and many, many others have joined them, including my 'Neice & Nephew' Molly & Taffy.
For one, who honestly wonders about her people skills more & more, I feel blessed.

Perfect Pressies!

Although, Christmas '08 now a distant memory - apart from my Tree, which remains, very much still up; I thought I would showcase a few of my wonderfully presents.

On Christmas Eve, I treated myself - well - why not!
Went along to the special market on that day and found a 'lost soul' needing rescuing to a warm loving home.

This is Woodstock, he's an adorable Antique Bear made of genuine Mohair & hails from the near by village of that name...He's real faded, stained leather pads & a jointed head that's more than a little wonky - so, added a collar with bell for support.
Look @ this face, who couldn't love him??? ...
Molly & Taffy and their hoomans & I, didn't exchange our gifts till my Derbyshire visit after Christmas.

It was fun doing so, under their pine tree with a classy Teddybear Santa on top...The pups made short thrift of parcel unwrapping...I was very soon offered Taffy's squeaky toy gift back to play with - he's such a brown noser...Then, it was my turn - who does this eco-friendly bag remind you off??? ...And, as friend H & I are both Bear Nutcases, she knew she was on a winner with this cute Crystal guy with his balloon.
But boy, was he differcult to photo...



















Now, back in October, I did the Pay it Forward thing; but, as I sent to six friends instead of the three suggested, BJ kindly included me in her gift sending.
My parcel arrived just after the Holiday and though not an actual Christmas Tree Ornament, I've hung it there to photo...This delightful piece called 'Eternal Blue' is an original Ne'Qwa Art design by artist Peggy Abrams.
It's truly fascinating, because this is an example of an ancient, centuries old, technique of reverse hand painting on the inside of a mouth blown glass bauble!
The details is amazing...I will treasure 'Her' - now, just need to find the right spot to hang this unusual piece of 'home decor', so I can enjoy it all year long.
I've eaten my other goodies, that included a gift box of luscious Lemon Biscuits, home-made Lemon Curd & Earls Grey Teabags from Pussycat Paul & family, and to die for Dark Chocolate Cherry Liqueurs!
And, in a couple of weeks time, I will enjoy an amazing Ice Dance Theatre Show - 'Cirque de Glace' performed by the Russian All Stars, courtesy of Little Buddies financial gift.
I consider I did exceptionally well this year!

Bright Cards on a Dark Day!

Today's been on of those particularly grey, grim, cold damp days, that epitomises an English Winter.
However, for me it's been brighten by post, glorious post!
Now procrastinator me, still has to complete her Christmas Card List, let alone write her cards.
But, good friends are away ahead of me.

This delightful & oh, so appropriate 'Buddy' card came from Wilma... She's the cat lover & knows my doggy preference well!
I love it!

Samantha and adorable Border Collies, Holly & Zac sent me a photo of their winsome selves...Plus, this terrific card sold on the behalf of the International Sheep Dog Society...It's by a favourite animal artist of mine too; Pollyanna Pickering & is called 'Working the Fields'.

And, Simba, had his own cards designed as befits a King...Doesn't he make a cute Santa?
Just want to plant a kiss on his little black nose!

My mail didn't stop there, two colourful postcards arrived from BJ, with the note "Next time... meet you there?"
Oh, yes please!
I'd love to do a Judy Garland & meet her in St Louis, Louis...Both cards show the Gateway Arch, a magnificent 630 feet monument that's a symbol of the fact that the city is the gateway to the West!

I also, mustn't forget a postcard received earlier in the week, from closer to home!
Hollowhound Marvin & his Jeannie remembered my love of books & Book Shops.
This one's in Scotland's Capital cities Old Town...So, to ALL of you a huge THANKS for thinking of me and with such special cards!

A PicassieO inspired new meme for Thursday!

It's apparent, very sad as it is, that I desperately need some sort of theme, photo or otherwise each morning to get my blogging juices flowing.
That's why I set up my own meme "Favourite Things Thursday" on my previous blog.
But, I don't want to go back there, so have been toying with various new idea's.
My mind, was finally made up this morning when my post arrived.
The theme has to revolve around COLOUR.
Today, it's the MANY BRIGHT COLOURS of PiCassieO!

As I'm using the delightfully fun & colourful painting "Pete's Fairy" created by Cassie, for my 'My True Colours' blog header, I decided the other week, I'd like to own an actual print of the image.
I visited her gallery store @ Cafepress.com but didn't find what I wanted, so emailed friend Beth direct.
The dear girl replied instantly, that in recognition for my continued support for her & Cassie's work, she'd be delighted send me complementary print, if I wouldn't mind paying the postage as they are both struggling artists!
I readily agreed, it was a great deal!
Now, I suspect that not many of you, are unaware that the ART in question, is the incredible creation of an Airedale, cleverly colour enhanced by her artist owner!
Yep, that's the incredible truth.
I absolutely love the idea & the results!
Beth wrote this on their first ever PicassieO blog post back in 2007...
"My Airedale Cassie had been painting the windows for years before I finally became aware of her talent.
One sunny afternoon last year I was looking out of one of her favorite "canvases" upstairs and was amazed at what she'd done with that big nose of hers!
There were graceful spirals, swirls, and waves that were beautifully free and well-executed, all in response to whatever she saw outside, like deer!
I finally figured out how to get the images on paper (good digital camera and Photoshop) and have been playing with "PiCassieO" works for some time now.
Her "brushwork" is a real marvel: how does she make those lovely marks with that her nose of hers?
It's always a treat to see what she'll do next!
She paints with a joy and freedom that I envy.
It is a privilege to be her interpreter."

Now, I've been admiring these creations for a quite a while!
Laughed @ many, been made incredulous by some, marveled @ most & delighted in the especially Blue & colourful ones.
Well, I do like abstracts & particularly Picasso's!
Anyway, today my very personal print 'flew in' & safely landed due to 'fairy magic', and here it is...Tinkerbelle - Opps!
Sorry, we can't call her that because of Disney Copyright, just needs a mount & simple frame.
She'll then, grace my homes wall & remind me of all, that's good about blog friendships!
Many, many thanks to both Cassie & Beth.

Now, just on the off chance, that anyone else wants to participate in 'True Colours Thursday', I'll list the chosen colour for NEXT WEEKS post here.
It's my friend BJ of Rubbish by Roan & Serendipity 's favourite colour - GREEN.
Guess it's my way of a not very subltle hint that she should play along too!!!