smallish things

I am delighting in small things lately. One of which is the upcoming arrival of my very first nephew. To say I am excited, would be a gross understatement. So, I won't say it...I am going to, however, show you the invitations I made for a shower we are having in honor of his mum.
Here's something you may not know, or care to know... I love quotes. Not insurance quotes, people's quotes. I keep a collection filed meticulously under "quotes", and I can loose myself for minutes at a time (I read quite fast) reading through them.

Here's something else you may not know or care to know... I keep quotes of people I know, not just dead people or poets or politicians. I have a rather large section, in the "quote" file dedicated to my sister Jules. I am sure those of you who know her, know that she does & says the most hilarious things. She also says the most thought provoking and meaningful things. She actually has the best variety of all my quotables.

So, I used two quotes on the invitation, because more is...well...more!

Another small thing I have delighted in lately is Rudy. Rudy is my elfish cousin who answers to many names. It was her birthday recently and I finally saw her in person to give her the gifts I had slaved and giggled over whilst making.

To understand my giggling you need to understand that she and her friendboy found this indescribable painting of a poodle at a garage sale and somehow knew that it was intended for only one person...me.

Unfortunately, I have expressed to my sweet elf-cousin my prejudice towards little dogs and poodles in particular. (No, I am not going to explain myself because it will bring up dark painful memories that I prefer to deal with on a couch surrounded by a counselor and lot's of "how does that make you feel" questions. All you need to know is I loathe them). For those of you who share my aversion to these beloved (really?) creatures, you may want to cover your eyes...

This is me & the first painting I received from said elf-cuz
This is me & the second painting I received
I like to think that I am gifted at mimmicking, and I now have a whole series of photos where I am trying to perfectly mimmick these painted pooches.
The purpose? you may ask.
Ah well, yes, all will be revealed. I might respond

I found this great old phone at the thrift store. I bought it, brought it home, and spent an afternoon cleaning & photographing it.
I also found a superb little do-it-yourself keepsake necklace at Michael's, and decided to share my appreciation of Rudy's thoughtful gifts with some birthday gifts of my own...

side one
side two
It's scary how people can start looking like the things they hate....er, I mean own.
I was so pleased with how they turned out. And I am pretty sure Rudy will wear the necklace, and, thinking fondly of me, will call me on her poodle-cuz telephone.