Phoenix & Dragon Wings

Kitty Fix - Happy Two Year Anniversary

2011-06-27T12:21:00.000-07:00

Today is Hansel's Two Year Anniversary in his forever home....and forever loved!!!

Kitty Fix

2011-05-11T10:14:00.000-07:00

No Mr. Sun today...

730 Days and Still Counting....

2011-04-27T15:12:00.000-07:00

From the moment we brought her home two years ago....

...not a day goes by without a smile.

We hope Gretel loves her forever home as much as we love our forever kitty....730 days of smiles and still counting!

Spring Baking

2011-04-24T12:53:00.000-07:00

Fairy Fruit Pie

Egg Pops

Dragonfly Nest

Easter Kitty Fix - Bunnies!

2011-04-24T12:19:00.001-07:00

I am sorry but....

...the white bunny must go!

The blue one too.

Excuse me, but does anybody but me notice that somebody put a pink bunny in my basket?!?

Bunny Massacre of 2011

Kitty Fix - The Birthday Boy

2011-04-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

I am very delinquent in posting Hansel's birthday photos as it was 3/21...really shouldn't have b-day's on baking nights.

The nonchalant birthday boy.

I just have a feeling the Nugget's are getting more attention than I am.

Wonder what it could be?

Oh, thank you Aunt Pamie, not sure what it is, but I am sure I am going to love it.

Grandma, thank you, thank you...

...for my, er, Hansel's new bumble bee toy!!!

KItty Fix - Mr. Regal

2011-03-15T06:04:00.000-07:00

That's right, we don't call him Mr. Regal for nothing.....

Kitty Fix - Golf Expo

2011-03-07T10:40:00.001-08:00

Checking out the booty from the Golf Expo....though definitely not golfing weather in Colorado today.

Obviously those shoes are quite stinky, must be why they were on sale for only $.99!

Strawberry Cheesecake

2011-02-27T15:00:00.000-08:00

My first attempt at baking a cheesecake. Actually this was back on 2/4, just now getting around to posting about it...not sure how it already got to be March already.

Kitty FIx - They Say It's Your Birthday

2011-02-23T10:49:00.001-08:00

...and we're going to have a good time!!!

Should have been two candles, but we could only squeeze in one....

Good stuff!!!

Thank you Aunt Pamie for my fancy black feathers...

What did Grandma get me?

Oh, a blue feather toy, thank you, thank you, I LOVE it!!!

Are you sure it is infused with catnip?

More feather toys...my favorite!

Ah yes, it was a good haul.

Happy Birthday to our sweet little Gretel!!!

National Love Your Pet Day

2011-02-21T10:30:00.001-08:00

Lots of hugs, ear scratches, chin and belly rubs (treats too!!) to our furry four-legged friends!!!!

Much love to our adorable duo Hansel & Gretel....

...and much love to the extended tail-wagging and purring famly, LaKeit, Tasha, Nugget and Macie.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Happy Holidays

2010-12-24T14:21:00.001-08:00

Wishing all of you a purrfect holiday!

Holiday Art Sale

2010-12-06T09:51:00.000-08:00

We had a great time Friday and Saturday at the first annual Holiday Art Sale at the Bean Plant Studio in Greeley, CO. A HUGE thank you to Susan Smallwood Herold the resident artist and owner for putting on this festive event showcasing the creativity of local artists.

The snack table with quite the yummy spread....

And of course artists do it right in that there were TWO snack tables.

The Friday night crowd enjoying and discussing the art (Regina Dutka paintings look stunning on the far wall).

Cassandra Flower's beautiful gourds.

Lisa Blank's gorgeous jewelry and hands down wins the prize for most elegant display.

Regina Dutka's holiday ornaments and guess what...some glow-in-the-dark! How incredibly cool!!!

Elizabeth Herold McGee adorable greeting cards.

Part of the All Us All the Time display of aprons, tees, prints, and tote bags. Where Lisa wins most elegant prize, we hands down win the prize for most stuff ;).

More t-shirts.

All Us All the Time Greeting Cards and Magnets.

Oh yes, more All Us All the Time t-shirts along with felted ornaments, Willow May children's books and the Edible Raven Magazines.

Thanks Mom & Dad for coming and supporting your dynamic duo...

An alien head.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Bag Lady

2010-11-30T05:05:00.000-08:00

Weekly Kitty Fix - An Eclectic Mix

2010-11-23T13:28:00.001-08:00

Weekly Kitty Fix - Gretel Time

2010-11-15T14:57:00.001-08:00

Here is Gretel next to her one of her human heating pads....

Weekly Kitty Fix - Fiendish Felines

2010-10-29T15:05:00.001-07:00

That's right, I have a pumpkin collar...

..as well as a mean looking bandana...

Oh, but I have a bandana too!

And a pumpkin collar.

Which I look adorably cute in.

But I also look very cute!

I've come to drink your blood...or steal your kitty nip...bwa ha ha ha....meow.

Weekly Kitty Fix - A Chilly Night

2010-10-19T07:42:00.001-07:00

...but a warm lap.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Sous Cat

2010-10-12T20:59:00.000-07:00

Something doesn't smell fishy.

Are you sure we don't need to add some tuna?

I think they need some kitty nip.

Yes, definitely need kitty nip...

Weekly Kitty Fix - The Hansel

2010-09-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

More in the series titled "I'm The Hansel."

Weekly Kitty Fix - The Gretel

2010-09-21T19:40:00.001-07:00

THE GRETEL

Weekly Kitty Fix - Day 3

2010-09-14T05:22:00.000-07:00

Then on Day 3 of Cuddling...I believe someone is over it and wants her basket back to herself.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Cuddling

2010-09-07T06:17:00.000-07:00

Believe it or not these were taken on two different mornings. Or in other words, it was back to back days of Hansel & Gretel cuddling.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Office Assistant Part 2

2010-08-31T05:33:00.000-07:00

Boy, it must be really exhausting work being my assistant.

Kitty Fix - Office Assistants

2010-08-24T04:53:00.000-07:00

It is so hard to find good office assistants, especially when it comes to filing....

Weekly Kitty Fix - Sleeping Beauties

2010-08-17T19:51:00.001-07:00

Mushrooms

2010-08-12T13:25:00.001-07:00

My Mom took my sister and I on a hike last weekend on the...mushroom trail.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Musical Chairs

2010-08-10T05:16:00.000-07:00

I guess if I want to work at my desk again, I will have to get another chair...

Sister Vacay - Day 3

2010-08-06T18:04:00.001-07:00

The last of the Sister Vacay photos, who knew I could stretch the 3 days across three months to get posted.

The first ones are of Clint Coffee Shop in Breckenridge where we got a very tasty hummus and pepper wrap. The last ones are the view from our balcony....sigh, how quickly it ended.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Still Fit

2010-08-03T20:51:00.000-07:00

Well I be darn, they both still fit..

Weekly Kitty Fix - String Toy

2010-07-27T06:44:00.001-07:00

I think one needs to ask themselves why one is not playing string toy with me...

Sister Vacay - Day 2

2010-07-23T13:40:00.000-07:00

At this rate it will be next summer by the time I get all of our sister vacay photos posted. I swear, summer days are at least 5 hours less than other days of the year.

This first one is another one from Day 1 of the Sister Vacay on our visit to the Dillon Cemetery. Can't believe I forgot to do the Woodman of the World grave. Ever since we did the article on them for our Tale of the Tombs, we find at least one in every cemetery we have visited:

On Day 2 of the Sister Vacay we went to Frisco. Their main street is filled with cute little shops and cafe and only a few blocks, which made it perfect for a morning stroll. Of course we had to start our day with our morning lattes. When I did a Google search before our trip of coffee shops in Frisco, Abbey's Coffee came up. There was no picture of the shop but it resonated with me because one of my sister's beagle's name is Abby, but in no way thought they coffee place was named after a puppy, because that would just be too big of a coincidence. Well guess what? IT WAS named for their puppy and by far our FAVORITE coffee spot of the trip, good coffee and great folks. In fact we even had to go back the next day to begin our story boarding of Issue #2 of the Edible Raven (okay, we even stopped there on Day 4 on our way back home). Can't go wrong with lattes and puppies.

After we strolled main street of Frisco, we found a nice cafe where we ordered black bean, pepper and hummus wraps for our picnic at the Breckenridge Cemetery. How excited were we that right inside the gates of the cemetery was a picnic table waiting for us? Very excited.

The Breckenridge Cemetery appears to be much older than the Dillon one we visited the previous day (and still not the one we can remember from vacationing in Colorado as kids). Besides being set amongst the lodge pole pines, it was interesting because there were several fenced in small plots and they didn't necessarily appear to be family plots. They also had one section for just Masons, unfortunately my picture of the fancy entrance way to that section did not turn out. Then at the back of the cemetery they just had several small metal stakes that barely peaked over the tall grasses. We are guessing that these were old pioneer graves who did not have any family in the area or left to identify them or were never identified in the first place. We are also guessing that this was not the original resting place for them but had to be relocated due to flooding in the cemetery. We also were fascinated by all the fire rings in a densely wooded section also at the back of the cemetery. We were guessing it must be quite the happening place after dark...

Another Woodman of the World, you can read about their history on the web page, Tale of the Tombs. I will have to get these additional pictures added to the Woodman collection.

After our cemetery jaunt we went back to our condo and collapsed for the evening. Yes, we are true party animals.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Catnap

2010-07-20T21:31:00.000-07:00

Being a kitty is such exhausting work....

Weekly Kitty Fix - Sun Roses

2010-07-13T05:38:00.000-07:00

When you have kitties, everything comes out smelling like a rose (or in this case sun roses)

Weekend in the Mountains

2010-07-12T11:08:00.001-07:00

Lakeit after a hard game of chuck and chase

Tasha decking it after her evening walk to the trail head.

Sunset at the trail head.

More sunset at the trail head.

Playing around with Photoshop.

Sister Vacation - Day 1

2010-07-09T15:29:00.000-07:00

Last month my sister and I took a 3-day jaunt up to Breckenridge to celebrate her birthday while recharging the creative engines.

We had an absolute blast and now it is time to bore you with my vacation photos. I know, I know, they don't hold a candle to kitty pictures, but if you will oblige...

DAY 1 OF SISTER VACAY

We are always on the look out for Ravens for our Wednesday Edible Raven Post. Also, we come from an avid family of golfers, so was this kismet or what?

It took us 2 hours to reach the small mountain town of Dillon, and I think you know the only thing we had in mind...

Here is Kula's Coffee in Dillon Colorado

Ah, that really hit the spot.

We come from a long line of cemetery walkers on my Mom's side. Can still remember picnicking on the the stones with Grannie and my Great Aunt Helen. Several years ago, my sister, Mom & I can remember going to a cemetery that was basically went up the side of a mountain and the stones were weaved between the lodge-pole pines. It didn't have many older graves, and quite a few were of young folks that had past on in the early 1970's. We could have sworn that was the Dillon Cemetery, but as soon as my sister and I turned down the road we knew it wasn't the one we were remembering. So now we have a little mystery on where on earth was that cemetery on the mountain side? Meanwhile though, we did take a gander through Dillon's. It too does not have many older graves, but can definitely tell it was a pioneer cemetery with its layout. They did have some unique markers.

And yes, that is an alien head.

We then went on to Breckenridge. We had some time to kill before we could check into our condo, so how about some more coffee? You bet! And as you can see, the Kava Coffee Shop Baristas are a bit more flamboyant than the one you will find at Amazing Origins at Isis, Tues-Thurs.

After we checked in and nourished ourselves, we went for an evening walk to the Breckenridge Art District. We passed this motorcycle on the way.

Here is who rides in the side car.

I am closing DAY 1 OF SISTER VACAY with a few sculptures we stumbled upon in the Art District. The creative juices were starting to boil...

Weekly Kitty Fix - A Heck of a Weekend

2010-07-06T07:07:00.001-07:00

Taking it easy after the electricfying holiday weekend.

Weekly Kitty Post - A Happy Year

2010-06-29T13:22:00.001-07:00

Oh, how quickly they grow...and grow.

Happy 1 Year Anniversary in his forever home to our BIG boy Hansel!

Weekly Kitty Fix - The Big Dream

2010-06-22T13:09:00.000-07:00

Living large and sleeping even larger.

Summer Solstice Fun

2010-06-18T21:43:00.001-07:00

I meant to do this post this morning, but somehow it got to be night. No idea how that happened?!?

Isis Bookstore will be having their Summer Solstice Psychic Fair tomorrow with fencing, readings, belly dancing, partay, and more. And of course while you are there, indulge in some Amazing Origins. I think the featured brew will be Bali coffee, but it doesn't matter as all the roasts truly are, yes, amazing. I also hear there will be some vanilla shortbread and home-made oreo cookies to go with that great cup of coffee. Hope to see you there.

Weekly Kitty Fix - While on Vacay

2010-06-15T05:00:00.000-07:00

My sister and I took off last week for 3-days of creativity in the mountains last week and my husband had to take over the kitty photo detail. I think he did a pretty good job.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Going on Vacation

2010-06-08T08:29:00.000-07:00

What? You are leaving us to go with Aunt Pamie for 3 Days to the mountains?!?

"Oh, that simply won't do."

Zazzle Tie Sale

2010-06-05T08:54:00.001-07:00

TIES! Can't believe I didn't see that one coming. 40% off all ties today only on Zazzle, Use Code: DADDYTIEDEAL. All Us All the Time Zazzle Store.

Zazzle Mug Sale

2010-06-04T14:49:00.000-07:00

Boy, Zazzle is on a roll this week with the sales. Today it is $3 off all mugs, Use Code: DADDYMUGDEAL. Lots of choices for designs and then have different colors and sizes of mugs to choose from including travel mugs. All Us All the Time store on Zazzle.

Zazzle T-shirt Sale

2010-06-03T14:45:00.000-07:00

Just got the Zazzle Newsletter and they are having a sale $4 off all t-shirts, TODAY ONLY, Use Code: DADDYTEEDEAL. My sister went with Cargo Bird and I ended up the Dream Shirt, but it was a hard decision between it, Finn the Cat and Little Bird. So many awesome designs to choose from at the All Us All the Time Zazzle Store, if you need a cool tee, please go take a look...and get $4 off.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Holiday Weekend

2010-06-01T07:09:00.000-07:00

Taking it easy on the holiday weekend...

P.S. One of these days I may need to get a bigger basket.

Edible Raven on Zazzle

2010-05-31T10:17:00.000-07:00

They haven't made their official announcement yet, but All Us All the Time has created a store on Zazzle, and today you can get their designer aprons for 30% off and posters for 50% off, which includes art work for the Edible Raven. Use code MEMORIALSALE. I will be placing my order soon.

Happy Memorial Day!

Isis Books & Gifts 30th Anniversary & Amazing Origins Coffee Grand Opening

2010-05-28T10:27:00.000-07:00

Just an FYI if you are from or going to be in Denver this weekend and looking for something amazingly fun to do this Saturday. Head on over to Isis Books & Gifts for their 30th Anniversary Party and Fair. There will be a psychic fair, belly dancing and refreshments. Also, the Grand Opening of Amazing Origins Coffee Shop, where owner Jeff Miles roasts his own amazing brews. All amazingly good stuff!

Win a Free Copy of the Edible Raven Contest

2010-05-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

The Edible Raven Magazine is having a contest to win a free copy of their debut issue, The Curious Debut. All you have to do is leave a comment on the Edible Raven blog or on Facebook, which you prefer, Ravens or Owls.

Tough decision as I find both to be magestically eerie.

Mucumber McGee and the Lunch Lady’s Liver by Patrick Loehr

2010-05-27T09:32:00.001-07:00

Patrick Loehr was at this year’s Denver ComicFest. A really nice guy even asked about our Edible Raven T-shirts. My sister got a book of his illustrations and I got his children’s book, Mucumber McGee and the Lunch Lady’s Liver. I will confess I got it because of the back cover design with the upside down black umbrellas and the raven perched in the tree. The story is about Mucumber McGee arriving late for lunch and the only thing left is the mysterious lunch lady’s liver dish. It’s a very cute tale with great illustrations.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Hansel

2010-05-25T04:30:00.000-07:00

I call this series, "That's right, I am The Hansel."

Did Someone Call the Doctor for Coffee?

2010-05-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

My sister sent me this and if we had a studio, oh yeah, this would so be in it!

The Dalek Espresso Maker

Thirteen O’Clock by James Stimson

2010-05-20T14:48:00.000-07:00

I will confess I bought this one solely for the illustrations and the title of the book. My imagination ran wild with all the things that could take place during the Thirteen hour of the day. In this particular book, thirteen o’clock is a rhythmic time to play with words that are displayed in a very artful way surrounded by whimsy imagery.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Cat's NOT out of the Bag

2010-05-18T09:28:00.001-07:00

Wonder what Mom & Dad got me from Natural Grocers

The bag appears to be moving, that can't be good

Oh yeah, I am definitely going to have to start monitoring their shopping

I don't know what you mean? I'm 100% Naturally Sweet.

Neil Gaiman on Hypothetical Library

2010-05-17T10:12:00.000-07:00

Stumbled upon this on Facebook and Publisher's Weekly. The Hypothetical Library is a blog where imaginary book covers get designed for actual authors. This week they are featuring one of my favorite writers, Neil Gaiman, and his imaginary book, If You Read This Book The World Will End.

What a fun concept, my sister and I would excel at coming up with designing book covers for hypothetical books. Definitely one of those, wish we would have thought of that. Well actually in the Divine Library story published in the Edible Raven, I guess we kind of did.

Any way, If interested in this imaginary tale, you can read about it at the Hypothetical Library.

My Sister's Alien Head

2010-05-14T05:38:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pictures I took of the Alien Head my sister brought up with her this past weekend to my folks' cabin up in the mountain, as one does when one's sister brings her Alien Head up to the mountains.

Alien Head at Trail Head

Alien Head on Rock with Cheese Puff

Alien Head by Gnome's Door

Alien Head Taking it Easy

Book Five of The Dresden Files: Death Masks by Jim Butcher

2010-05-13T05:49:00.000-07:00

If the Shroud of Turin was stolen I think it is quite obvious on who you would call to get it back. That’s right, Harry Dresden – Wizard. A representative from the Vatican, Father Vincent, contacts Dresden to help them locate the stolen Shroud of Turin, which they believe, has been taken to Chicago. Could this be related to the headless and mutilated corpses that he has been asked by the SI detectives to help identify? And who or should I say what is also after the Shroud and appears to want Dresden dead?

Then if that is not enough to deal with, there is also that pesky little duel to the death with the Red Court Vampire Duke to end the war between the vampires and wizards. Oh, I should also probably mention that Harry's ex-girlfriend and the new man in her life show up on his doorstep. In other words just the typical non-stop action adventure can’t put down Dresden File book.

I just love the Harry Dresden character. Probably because I too have the attitude that it doesn’t matter how bad, dark and bleak it gets...it can always get worse. On to book 6.

Edible Raven Blog

2010-05-12T12:53:00.001-07:00

Can't remember if I have mentioned or not about the Edible Raven Blog, part of the magazine project that my sister and I are working on. It is a quirky blog that posts cool things about and/or with Ravens on Wednesday's and then every Friday does a superstition post. It can be a fun couple minute diversion for the day and the eye-candy is fantastic as seen in the example below. If you have time, we would love for you to come and check it out.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Frig Cats

2010-05-11T08:38:00.001-07:00

What do you keep on top of your refrigerator?

Now, have you thought on how we get down from here?

Happy Mother's Day

2010-05-10T13:55:00.001-07:00

Does our Mom love us or what when it comes to accommodating her daughters' whims with showing off her Mother's Day gift.

Thanks for being such a great sport (and LaKeit too).

We love you Mom!

Mouse Guard Winter 1152 by David Petersen

2010-05-04T13:09:00.001-07:00

Winter 1152 starts off where Fall 1152 ended. The fall confrontation with the enemy left the Mouse Territories unprepared for winter with no food or medicine. While securing supplies and allies, the group of best guard mice becomes separated. Kenzie, Saxon and Sadie fall down a tunnel into an abandon weasel empire, Darkheather, while Lieam and Celanawe are left behind to find their way back to Lockenhaven on their own. While the one group of guards tries to find their way out of the underground death labyrinth, the other two end up fending off a great horn owl. Meanwhile not all is well in Lockenhaven as it is discovered another traitor is amongst them.

The illustrations are amazing, definitely a 5-star for eye-candy.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Sleeping Kitties

2010-05-04T12:15:00.001-07:00

See Aunt Pamie. I can be cute and adorable when I am asleep...cuddled up next to my sister.

MagCloud Sale

2010-05-03T14:27:00.001-07:00

The Curious Curse wanted to remind me to everyone that MagCloud's 25% off sale is still going on through 05/09, Promo Code MOM. Besides the Edible Raven, there are literary, art, lifestyle, fashion, gardening, photography and a whole gamut of other cool publications. Warning, browsing can be addictive.

Poem In Your Pocket Day

2010-04-29T09:06:00.000-07:00

Today is Poem In Your Pocket Day where you carry around a poem in your pocket to share with friends. You can read more about it at Poets.org.

I can't decide which one I want in my pocket, The Raven by Poe or Winkin, Blinkin', and Nod, or Hat by Silverstein, Instructions by Gaiman or perhaps A Bowl of Dead Birds by Catman.

Fables Volume 12: The Dark Ages by Bill Willingham

2010-04-29T04:56:00.000-07:00

With the Adversary defeated the Fables can now freely choose where and how they want to live their new peaceful lives. Yeah right, think again. The war had left the homelands in ruins and through the pillaging a new evil force has been released. This new villain makes the Adversary look like a fuzzy bunny. Supernatural and paranormal powers always trump those of magical wooden soldiers. It looks like it could get very grim for the Fables and us mundanes.

I found this one on the aftermath of the war far more brutal than volume 11 on the war itself. A very harsh storyline with Boy Blue and then with Kay cutting his eyes out. Both gave me the heebie jeebies.

MagCloud Sale

2010-04-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

MagCloud is having a Mother's Day sale were you can get up to 25% off the full-priced magazines through 5/9. I am just sure Mom's would love to get the Edible Raven with two fun reads, a recipe, puzzle, a beautifully illustrated poem, and a chance to enter a contest to win art inspired prizes. All that in one magazine. Promo code: MOM

Almost as good as zombie jewelry ;).

Weekly Kitty Fix - 365 Days of Smiles...and counting

2010-04-27T09:50:00.000-07:00

A year ago today Gretel chose us for her forever home. Ever since she came into our home not a day has gone by where we did not smile. An enormous thank you to the Buddy Center Dumb Friends League for 365 days of smiles...and counting.

Happy Earth Day

2010-04-22T05:28:00.000-07:00

In memory of our faithful companion who always wanted "meow-t" to enjoy mother nature.

Fables Volume 11: War and Pieces by Bill Willingham

2010-04-21T10:13:00.000-07:00

In this volume we finally come to the battle between the Fables and the Adversary who took over their Homelands. There is no such thing as a fairy-tale war, and this is no exception. I enjoyed the story of Cinderella trying to rescue Pinocchio. I tell you she is one tough cookie. I think she and my favorite Wizard, Harry Dresden, could do some serious damage together.

The war is over, but another chapter is just beginning.

P.S. Loved the sketchbook and illustration gallery at the end, 5-star eye-candy

Edible Raven Magazine

2010-04-20T10:06:00.000-07:00

It's here! The Edible Raven magazine is now on MagCloud. The two stories, The Curious Curse and The Divine Library, will hopefully be a fun read, a little nonsense diversion for the day. They are definitely influenced by my favorite writer Edward Gorey.

A 5-Star rating for the Edible Raven's eye-candy. The illustrations by Pamela McCarville are fantastic. I love the one of the Curse in the hearse with Finn sitting on a stack of pies. Then I need every single knick-knack in the Divine Library to decorate my office. Talk about inspiration. I love them and see something new every time I look at those library shelves.

We already have two stories worked up for issue #2 and started to storyboard them this past weekend. I am psyched!!

Would love for you to take a look at Edible Raven Issue #1, A Curious Debut, on MagCloud. At MagCloud you can preview the magazine and if you would like, also follow it.

YEA!!!!

Hellboy Volume 9: The Wild Hunt by Mike Mignola

2010-04-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was so excited when I saw that there was a new Hellboy volume out and I was not disappointed. The story starts out with the Giants of London awakening followed by the Queen of Blood, who of course wants to destroy all humanity. We see how past characters and mythology start to tie together and then Mignola adds in a King Arthur twist that was most excellent. Can’t wait until volume 10.

P.S. Also enjoyed the Duncan Fegredo gallery at the end of the book and his “Wow, gorgeous...Why?”

Weekly Kitty Fix - My Orange

2010-04-13T05:12:00.000-07:00

That's right, it is my orange and don't even think about taking it.

Book Four of The Dresden Files: Summer Knight by Jim Butcher

2010-04-08T15:08:00.000-07:00

Not a good time for our favorite wizard detective. His girl friend has left town to deal with an identity crisis, the Red Court of vampires wants his head, and the white council is all too eager to deliver it to them. Just when it seemed things could not get worse, the Winter Knight is murdered and the Winter Queen of Faerie comes to Dresden to figure out who-dun-it. As it turns out, you don’t really have a choice when a Queen of Faerie offers you a job, you take it. No pressure though. If Dresden can’t figure out who killed the knight, it only means his death. Oh, and did I mention he only had a couple of days to figure it out?

We have trolls, assassin ghouls, tree creatures, changelings and that is just in the Walmart parking lot. I really enjoyed this one with the two realms of the faerie world, Winter and Summer as well as the thought of these worlds being underneath our cities in subway tunnels or on hotel rooftops.

Weekly Kitty Fix - Sinks Part 2

2010-04-06T13:00:00.000-07:00

Last week's kitty fix highlighted Hansel and Gretel's bathroom sink installation skills and this week's shows that they also excel at putting in kitchen sinks.

I'm not sure on this side, do you think there is enough room Hansel?

Hmmm, I don't recall being able to see down here before.

Oh yeah, plenty of room.

Things going okay down there Dad?

What do you mean this is going to delay dinner?!?

This is going to be much easier to drink from.

Are you sure we can't eat now?

Just making sure things are going okay down there.

I tell you, home improvements are exhausting!

Fables Volume 10: The Good Prince by Bill Willingham

2010-04-01T09:03:00.000-07:00

Don’t hold me to it because perhaps I overlooked a demise of a Fable or two in the 228 pages, but this may be the first in the series where we don’t flat wipe out 20 of them during the duration of the graphic novel. Fables Volume 10: The Good Prince centers around Flycatcher, the janitor prince, regaining his memory of the execution of his family. With the assistance of the Forsworn Knight and other Fable Ghosts, Flycatcher makes his way back into the Homelands where he must defeat the Adversaries forces in order to create a sanctuary for the Fables and provide a strategic advantage for Fabletown in the upcoming war.

I enjoyed this volume because he was a good prince. It was nice for once to wear rose color glasses and live in a world for awhile where peaceful happy endings existed. Sometimes you just need that.

2010-03-31T05:17:00.000-07:00

If you celebrate Easter and need some last minute gift tags for your Easter baskets, All Us All the Time has some free printable bunny gift tags. They are reproduced watercolor paintings that Pamela McCarville painted, illustrator of the Edible Raven. I think they are pretty cute, you can find them here at All Us All the Time's Free Printable Gift Tag Page. Happy Spring!

Weekly Kitty Fix - Sinks Part 1

2010-03-30T05:29:00.000-07:00

My husband was on vacation last week, but we dubbed it a sinkation with the replacing of two bathroom sinks along with one kitchen sink in addition to a few other home improvement projects.

As you can see though, he had lots of great help.

I am not sure about this piece over here, what do you think?

I'll hold it down while you fit it in.

Hmmm, I think I might like it more without the sink.

Okay, here is what needs to happen now.

Just having a little trouble reaching it down here.

Alright, now we just need to push it a little to the right.

Next week Sinkation Part 2....The Kitchen.

Cool Purple T-Shirt with a Raven

2010-03-29T13:46:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post to let you know today is the last day to enter to win a cool purple t-shirt with a raven. Remember, Mother's Day is just around the corner and nothing says I Love You Mom, more than a purple t-shirt with a raven.

Head on over to All Us All the Time on Facebook for more details.

Another sneak peak of The Divine Library

2010-03-29T10:38:00.001-07:00

Getting very excited for the launch of the Edible Raven magazine which is now just weeks away vs. months. Here is the first page of The Divine Library, love the illustrations! Perhaps not on this page but there are some unusual titles on the shelves of this stylish library, especially in Science Fiction.

Edible Raven T-Shirt

2010-03-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

All Us All the Time, the publisher of the Edible Raven magazine, is having a Pre-launch Contest where you win yourself an Edible Raven T-Shirt (I know I am prejudice, but I think they are pretty darn cool).

Just go to their event page on Facebook, RSVP that you are attending their contest (no physical attendance required), then leave a comment on that page naming either your favorite Edward Gorey Story, Neil Gaiman book, or Tim Burton movie. A winner will then be drawn on Tuesday morning, 3/30, naming the lucky recipient of the cool purple t-shirt with a raven on it. The contest runs through midnight 3/29.

It sounds like they are getting close for the release of the first edition of the Edible Raven magazine (available through MagCloud), with stories from yours truly, Icats Nitram and another voice in my head, Iris T. Catman, featuring awesome eye candy from Pamela McCarville. Getting so excited!!!

Fables Volume 9: Sons of Empire by Bill Willingham

2010-03-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Fables Volume 9: Sons of Empire, by Bill Willingham, contains several stories as the Fables face an inevitable war against the Adversary. The Adversary, who is still keeping his identity hidden from masses of the Homeland, calls a meeting with his highest-ranking officials to plan the best strategy to not only defeat the Fables but also the mundane along with them. We also learn the back-story of Hansel and Gretel. Let’s just say not the sibling love that we are use to in other stories.

Another main story is Bigby and Snow taking the cubs to celebrate Christmas with Grandpa North Wind. Then at the end there are a handful of short humorous stories answering burning questions up to this point. As with all the past volumes, 5 out of 5 stars for the illustrations.

Weekly Kitty Fix - The Birthday Boy

2010-03-23T08:31:00.001-07:00

It was my birthday this past Sunday. I am a big boy now, 1 year old. My Mommy and Daddy went to a pet boutique store that just opened in our neighborhood, Ritzy Rover (I am pretending Rover is a cat's name), and got me some really cool kitty toys. It was a good day.

I got a boogie mat...

and a sparkle toy...

and a fuzzy toy...

I really like my fuzzy toy...

then a mousy...

oh boy! another fuzzy toy...

and then kitty treats, but they made me share with my sister...

Also THANK YOU Grandma for my Fancy Feast Appetizers!

I Like That Party Hat!

2010-03-19T10:57:00.000-07:00

I think I drove my sister batty when I was little making her read Go Dog Go! to me over and over and over again. Perhaps somewhere deep down in her subconscious that is where the inspiration come from for her latest illy posted on the Edible Raven Blog today. Let's just say, it is one mad hat.

Check it out if you want on the Edible Raven Blog.

Book Three of The Dresden Files: Grave Peril by Jim Butcher

2010-03-18T05:33:00.000-07:00

After the first two books I was like there is absolutely no way that Jim Butcher can put poor our poor wizard, Harry Dresden, through anymore abuse and near death experiences without, well, just killing him. Needless to say, I was wrong. I am not sure we even make it through a dozen pages before ghosts start hurtling the wizard through the air into a fiery inferno. Good stuff.

In Grave Peril, ghosts are haunting amok in Chicago. But what has the supernatural world in such a dangerous tizzy? And why does it seem like Harry’s friends are their targets? Who or what is behind opening the door between our world and the nevernever and torturing the spirits? Dresden has never encountered this sort of paranormal activity in all his years of sleuthing, but unless he can figure it out, this nightmare will literally consume him. Oh, did I mention there were also vampires? Because yes, lots and lots and lots of vampires.

To say this mystery is a fast-paced thrilling adventure would be a grave understatement.

Weekly Kitty Fix

2010-03-16T08:17:00.001-07:00

"Sigh..."

"I believe I specifically asked for no foam."

Another Edible Raven Sneak Peek

2010-03-15T13:44:00.000-07:00

Here is another sneak peek from the Edible Raven magazine due out soon. This peek is the title page of The Divine Library, a story written by one of the other voices in my head, Iris T. Catman, the one that doesn’t talk to me in rhyme.

This story is for those who not only love reading books, but love to have their shelves stuffed end to end with collections of them to have at their finger tips when need be. My sister is one of such people and I will never forget the email she sent me with the image of the new trend of color coordinating your books with the message in all caps “HOW THE HELL AM I SUPPOSE TO FIND MY BOOKS!”

Then shortly after I read an article in a decorating column on how to dress up your book shelves by not only color coordinating your books, but also by stacking them in different geometric shapes or putting them on the shelf backwards. Again, I am sure very stylish, that is unless you want to find American Gods by Neil Gaiman but it ended up as part of the base of your middle shelf’s book octagon sculpture.

When I finished reading the article a glimmer of a story popped in my head and remained there, well, for over a year before Iris decided to allow it to come out. It is basically a short nonsensical story about an interior designer allowed to run loose in a library, though decorators may actually find it more of a how-to book and true book lovers may view it more as a horror story.

Oh, and the illys my sister created to accompany the story are out of this world, both figuratively and literally.

A Series of Unfortunate Events, Book the Ninth, The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket

2010-03-11T04:54:00.000-08:00

I saw a write-up on Lemony Snicket that likened him to Edward Gorey, my all-time favorite author, so I decided to check out one of Mr. Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events.

**Spoiler Alert**

I feel I must first point out where there were a series of unfortunate events in this story; there were no unfortunate demises of children unlike the 26 in The Gashlycrumb Tinies by Edward Gorey. However, even though I did not find Mr. Snicket’s style at all like Edward Gorey’s, I still highly enjoyed his book and sense of humor.

Of course when starting a series it makes sense to start with Book 1, but as we know, I rarely make sense, thus I started with Book 9, The Carnivorous Carnival. The serious of unfortunate events are those experienced by the Baudelaire orphans told by Lemony Snicket who has been researching and recording their ill-fated and disastrous lives. This particular archive of the children’s saga finds them at a run down carnival trying to keep hidden from their arch enemy Count Olaf and his misfit troupe while trying to find out the secrets of Madame Lulu’s crystal ball while also trying to avoid a pit of annoyed and starving lions.

I’m hooked. But, I would though recommend starting with book 1. Obviously I was able to follow along with no problem as Mr. Snicket does an excellent job with getting you up to speed with the unfortunate events to this point, but in doing so, I know the suspense won’t be quite as great when I go back and read the previous 8 books. Oh, and if you don’t like books that end on a HUGE cliff hanger, then this one might not be the one for you.

Weekly Kitty Fix

2010-03-09T14:00:00.001-08:00

An Eclectic Mix

Sneak Peek - The Edible Raven

2010-03-08T13:08:00.000-08:00

Here is a sneak peek of the title page for one of my stories being published in the Edible Raven magazine, which will be out in a few weeks.

The idea came from a journal page my sister did called “Closet of Curious Toys.” I emailed her that not only did I love her sketch but that would be a neat title for a book. She emailed me back that for some reason another title popped into her head she thought would make a cool book title, The Curious Curse.

For some reason that title resonated with me and kept rattling around in the back of my head. Then one day taking a shower, a line came to me about a Curious Curse, a total nonsensical line, that rhymed. Over the next few days when showering or brushing my teeth, a few more, uh, let’s say interesting lines came to me to where I finally felt I would be able to extract them from the head to the paper.

I definitely feel I was influenced by Edward Gorey’s Doubtful Guest in writing this short, nonsense, a bit on the odd side (okay maybe a lot on the odd side) tale of a Curious Curse’s visit to a town. Once I had a rough draft completed I sent it off to my sister and it seemed to amuse her and thus, the first story of the Edible Raven took flight.

This is from the title page of The Curious Curse, for more sneak peeks of the story you can visit the Edible Raven website.

A Colorful Career

2010-03-05T10:14:00.000-08:00

I stumbled upon this in the OnceWritten.com Newsletter. It is from Career Path and tells you what professions you may be suited for based on your color preferences. Thought it was an interesting approach and a good Friday diversion. Here you go if you want to check it out.

http://tinyurl.com/5mlka3

Odd and the Frost Giants by Neil Gaiman

2010-03-04T12:48:00.000-08:00

I am not that familiar with Norse mythology but got interested after reading American Gods by Neil Gaiman. This book is a far less intense adventure with the gods along with a boy named Odd and Frost Giants. Though I suppose Frost Giants can be somewhat intense. I stumbled upon an article in the School Library Journal where Neil Gaiman talks about writing Odd and the Frost Giants for World Book Day if any one else is interested:

http://tinyurl.com/yac93th

Weekly Kitty Fix

2010-03-02T12:54:00.000-08:00

We got this pet bed for them for Christmas. It first started out by my desk, then was taken out to the living room and placed by the couch, on the couch, by the chair, by another chair, then up to the bedroom by the bed, but they had absolutely NOTHING to do with. On a last ditch effort, I threw it on the landing. I think I may be on to something...

I don't know what took you so long.

Hatter M – Mad with Wonder – Volume Two by Frank Beddor with Liz Cavalier illustrated by Sami Makkonen

2010-02-25T05:47:00.000-08:00

In Volume Two, Hatter M – Mad with Wonder, we continue to follow Hatter Madigan’s search for the princess of Wonderland, Alyss. This time the glow takes us to America in the Civil War Era. Like Volume One, 5-stars for illustrations and graphic set-up, great eye-candy. Also like Volume One, it starts out a little slow and takes a while to get back to the meat of the story. I think I almost found Hatter M Institute for Paranormal Travel back section more fascinating than the story, but when it hits the selves, I will be picking up Volume 3.

Weekly Kitty Fix

2010-02-23T08:24:00.001-08:00

Even though the birthday started out kind of rough hiding behind the washing machine all morning, I think it ended up okay.

Happy Birthday Edward Gorey

2010-02-22T09:13:00.000-08:00

Today is Edward Gorey's Birthday, one of my all time favorite writers and illustrators. Because as you know, "A is for Amy who fell down the stairs" and "B is for Basil assaulted by bears."

Illustration courtesy of the fine folks from the Edible Raven.

Happy Birthday Gretel

2010-02-20T11:38:00.000-08:00

Happy 1st Birthday to our little girl...

Hatter M – The Looking Glass Wars – Volume One by Frank Beddor with Liz Cavalier illustrated by Ben Templesmith

2010-02-18T05:32:00.000-08:00

I had just finished reading Alice and Wonderland when I saw this book, Hatter M The Looking Glass Wars Volume One in the Graphic Novel Reporter newsletter. I was intrigued on what twist they would do on the original story and from the cover; it also looked like great eye-candy.

The premise for the story is great. In this version we have Hatter Madigan, who is a loyal bodyguard to Queen Genevieve (the White Queen) and one of the fierce blades men of the Royal Wonderland Millinery. He wears a magical hat that is just as deadly as his blades. Queen Genevieve’s palace is under attack by Queen Redd and her forces. Queen Redd is Genevieve’s sister, who of course wants to off everyone’s head. To save her child, Princess Alyss, Queen Genevieve orders Hatter Madigan to take the little girl to the world on the other side of the looking glass keeping her hidden from the evil Queen Redd. However in transporting through the portal, Hatter M becomes separated from Alyss. Now in a strange world he must find the little girl before darker forces do and then find their way back to Wonderland before Queen Redd destroys it. The only thing he has to go by is his sixth sense of being able to see imagination’s glow and hoping that light will lead him to Alyss. However, he soon finds that imagination in this world is a precious sought out commodity with a high price tag and that dark imagination also exists.

Again, loving the premise, especially that we have a glowing imagination ora, but I will admit I thought the story started out a bit disjointed and hard to follow. I also found myself wanting more story and less sword fighting. I haven’t read Frank Beddor’s books, The Looking Glass Wars and Seeing Redd, and reading them might provide a better reference point for the graphic novels. But with that said, I am hooked and will be moving on to Volume Two.

I also found interesting the introduction and back section of the book from the Hatter M Institute for Paranormal Travel, a mixture of fact and fiction, or is it? Ben Templesmith’s illustrations were luscious as well as the book’s set up. A 5-star for eye-candy.

Weekly Kitty Fix

2010-02-16T08:16:00.000-08:00

Even though Valentine's is over, here are a few more shots of sweethearts.

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T10:11:00.000-08:00

Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

2010-02-11T04:47:00.000-08:00

I will confess, I read this because of the upcoming Tim Burton’s presentation of Alice in Wonderland that should be hitting theaters next month (can’t wait!!). I am very curious to see his interpretation because where the Mad Hatter is only in one chapter plus a few pages in the book, considering who is playing him in the movie, I can’t help but think the Mad Hat will be playing a much bigger role.