Meet Hayley

I'm an Auntie again! Meet the newest member of our family, Hayley; my brother Gary & sister-in-law Katy's new baby girl. Isn't this just the cutest birth announcement photo? (He's a drummer....) Happy Monday, everyone! -CS ^..^

It's Raining Cats and Corgis out there...

Why is it that the day I make an appointment to have my hair cut, it usually rains? (insert big sigh here....) Shayne, my hairdresser, does such a fantastic job, especially considering I usually resemble Medusa when I walk in. Then I have to go out to my car and it gets so poofy. The rain and humidity combination just release the beast that is my hair, no matter what product we put in or how I try and cover it with a rain jacket. Now now, I know it doesn't affect the state of the union or anything, but just once or twice I'd love to have my hair look like it does when I leave the salon for a few hours. What, do I need to start checking the Farmer's Almanac before I make an appointment? Geez.....


Anyway, I hope the rain lets up soon. The wind and rain keep me thinking about and praying for everyone that was in hurricane Ike's path. Tomorrow is Mayflower's Fall Match being held in Windsor, CT. Details are up on the web site. We are having a conformation match, obedience, rally, Canine Good Citizen test and a fluffy exhibition. Mari Carroll and Judy Pilat are chairing the match. There is a pavillion which we've all squished beneath in the rain before; but the park is so nice, I hope it dries up a bit so we can spread out and not have muddy wet Corgis. See you there? -CS ^..^

Nie Nie Benefit Sale Today!

Friday Afteroon update: First, Second, Third and Fourth batch of items is all but gone. (hurray! everything was sold in like 2 minutes? whoa...you guys are fast!) Morgan will restock the shop this weekend, probably for the final time and on Monday at 7 PM PST, 10 PM EST, the shop will be open and ready to go again. The response was overwhelmingly wonderful to help this family, so she had to extend it a few days to get everything listed. I hope she will take a long nap after all of this is done! Morgan mentioned that my items will be in the Friday sale so if you have ever been inclined to buy one, here's a chance to help a good cause! ***update: my items sold out, but many other artists' and crafters' lovely items will be available on Monday evening. Remember to stop by the sale today to benefit Stephanie and Christian Nielson who were seriously injured and burned in a plane crash last month. 100% of the proceeds will go straight to their care and recovery. There are some really nice items being offered in the sale. I sent over 2 signed prints (Corgi Tea In the Rose Garden and Corgi Mad Scientists) and two miniature signed framed hedgehog prints (Hedgie Fashionista). All of these items are under $20 each, and bonus? Rachele Call has generously donated a free CD of her inspirational music to everyone who purchases an item from the sale. The sale will begin at 10:00 AM PST today. Morgan is working very hard to get everything listed. See you at the sale! Bless your hearts for helping to move some of the clouds away to let the sun shine again for this family in need. Have a happy day! -CS ^..^

"I hate to see it go"

Those were the words of Yogi Berra when asked about the demolition of Yankee Stadium. "I hate to see it go" he said on his TV interview. Tonight the Yankees played the last game that will ever be played in the house that Ruth built. My husband was teary eyed and while watching the game on TV; it was apparent he wasn't the only one. He said "my grandfather took my father, my father took me, I took my son...a lot of memories at that ball park." There were so many touching moments tonight; watching the players and the old timers scooping up dirt from the field and putting it into paper cups and rubbing it on their uniforms; watching Julia, Babe Ruth's daughter throw out the first pitch. After winning the game, Derek Jeter gave a very lovely little speech and a tribute to all of the fans. He said that the Yankees are all about memories and tradition and he hopes that everyone will carry those memories and traditions to the new stadium and pass them on to future generations. I think that he expressed so wonderfully what my husband and so many are feeling. I'm sure the new stadium across the street will be fantastic and luxurious. But still, as for the old stadium, I'm with Yogi. I hate to see it go. -CS ^..^

p.s. There will be a new Christmas Corgi Original Art update this week! I've been busy working on some fun new pieces....stay tuned!

*photo of Babe Ruth from Encarta

Why I can't sleep at night....

I wish The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson didn't have to be on so darn late at night/early in the morning (12:30 ish EST) because it is seriously contributing to my lack of sleep. He just cracks me up. Oh I can make all kinds of excuses as to why I'm up so late....a Corgi needs to go out again....I forgot to shut off the computer....did I leave the garage door open?....honey did you hear a noise?.....but really it is to watch Craig Ferguson. You can watch some clips from his shows here on his website but fair warning, you too may soon be making those late night excuses. One of these days I will have to learn to program my dvd recorder like a normal person. Until then, extra strong coffee in the morning will have to do. -CS ^..^

(p.s. Note to the cheeky monkey: oh yes, we are in awe of your incredible cuteness)

etsy love for a good cause

Visit Morgan Moore for details on an upcoming sale to benefit Nie Nie's recovery.

The Barn Blessing

On Saturday, Reinwood Corgis had a Barn Blessing and Blessing of the Animals in celebration and thanksgiving for Mary Elizabeth's new barn. The Reverend Larry David McCormick (known throughout Corgidom as Father Mack) performed the absolutely lovely ceremony; assisted by Mary Elizabeth, my daughter Laura and myself. We were joined by family members and friends (well, those who were not at dog shows and agility trials!) and we had a delicious potluck lunch in the barn. Mack blessed the barn and all of those present, human, equine, canine, etc...enlightened us with a wonderful homily and lead us in prayer. A good time was had by all! Here are a few photos of the special day at Windcrest Acres. Thank you so much, Father Mack, for making the day one we will always cherish. God Bless us, Everyone!-CS ^..^

Corgi people are the best!

Zak, Sue, Chloe and Toy the Corgi

I have been so blessed over the years to have met so many wonderful people through my artwork and through having Corgis. I can't even begin to tell you all of the warm fuzzies I get when someone tells me how something I've created has become a part of their lives every day or for their holiday traditions each year. I cherish every email, note and photo that has come my way over the years. I especially love the Corgi photos! All of them mean so much to me. Corgi people are the best! There is something about being an animal lover, especially a Corgi lover that makes us kindred spirits I think. We understand each other. We know that when we walk in the door our zany Corgis are going to great us as enthusiastically as Dino on the Flintstones. We know the cuteness of the Corgi lying on its back with its four short little legs in the air coaxing a tummy rub. We know that little frog-legged Corgi splat. And, no matter what kind of dog or cat you may have, we all know that look that says, 'I love you.' (Now feed me!) Yesterday I received the nicest bunch of photos and a little video clip from the wonderful McTurk family in Australia: Grant, Sue, Zak, Chloe and Toy their Corgi. Thanks so much, you guys are the best!

(**Note: if my blog music is playing, just scroll down to the red playlist box on the left of the blog and hit the pause button to turn off the music until the video clip is done.)


Oooh...yes, one more thing? Tanya over at Sunday Baker pointed out a fun new feature here on Blogger, the Followers List. I just added it to my sidebar. Just click on the link and add yourself! I love knowing who pops in to say hello, and as Tanya said, I do appreciate everyone who takes time to visit during their busy day. I think I will have a little Followers Giveaway surprise as well once we have enough little pictures up there! Have a happy day everyone! -CS ^..^

My AeroGarden

Every time I've seen an ad for this little hydroponic wonder, I have wanted one for my very own. How many times in the middle of Winter I've wished for easy access to fresh herbs to cook with (translation: NOT having to drive to the market and hope they are there...) For my birthday last month, my wish came true. My parents surprised me with my own little AeroGarden. It is really, really easy to maintain so far. You simply assemble the unit (not difficult) carefully pop in the grow-lights, put the seed pods in their little holes, add water; add nutrient tablets which are provided with each growing kit and plug it in. You keep the little pods covered with the provided clear covers until they sprout. I'm growing the kitchen herb kit; Italian Basil, Purple Basil, Parsley, Chives, Dill, Mint and Thyme. Thyme seeds were substituted for Cilantro in my kit. I planted the garden on August 12, and you can see in the photo what they look like now. Each pod tells you in how many days you can expect the seeds to sprout. The light from the garden is VERY bright. You can set it to turn on and off in case the garden light is close enough to disturb your sleep. We usually leave a night-light on, but now we don't need it because the grow-lights are more than enough. I am tempted to get another one (in white or silver) because I'm thinking about growing either the cherry tomatoes or strawberries. I've read both positive and negative reviews from people who have tried them so I'm trying to resist until I see how successful I am with my first attempt. The parsley is growing the slowest. The only real problem we've had is that the cats like to eat the chives! I think I will need to plant some catnip in a little pot and put it next to the AeroGarden so hopefully they will choose that instead. Skittles loves to hang out under the warm grow-lights. Batgirl has come to kiss him goodnight.-CS ^..^