A State of Mind

Alegria, means "jubilation" in Spanish and refers to a state of mind and mood in the highly entertaining Cirque du Soleil show. For my birthday in May, I received tickets to this show. Hubby and I went into 'the city' (Toronto) this afternoon, saw the show, loved it and then went to one of our daughter's for dessert and coffee. A super afternoon and a great way to end the Canadian long holiday weekend. Note: if you have never been to a Cirque du Soleil show, do yourself a favour and get tickets. Sheer entertainment!

Speaking of jubilation......

HAPPY July 4th to all my US friends!

Maybe not feeling 'jubilant', but feeling lucky?

Check out Julie's blog, My Curious Teaparty, for a visual treat and a chance to win one of three separate fabulous pieces of art from this talented artist.

Still feeling lucky - and charitable? Well....

...the very talented Abi Monroe has an art doll giveaway with a twist!
Please check out Abi's blog to get the particulars on this giveaway to benefit the Abilene Animal Rescue group.

And, we all know how giving makes one feel JUBILANT! My friend Linda from Nun of A Kind created delightful angel ornaments to sell in her Etsy shop with 100% of the proceeds going towards the Victorian Order of Nurses.

Please visit Linda's blog to read the heartwarming story that led to the creation of these adorable little angel ornies. Then visit her website or her Etsy shop to purchase a single ornament or a set of 4. I purchased a set of 4 and they are wonderful - will look lovely on the tree or attached to a gift or card for the holidays (or any occasion).

Lastly (for today) I would like to thank the very creative and talented Lynn Stevens from Trash to Treasure Art for bestowing the
Beautiful Blogger Award on me. Lynn thank you SO much!

One of the rules of this award is to list ten things about me, so here we go........

1. I'm addicted to red seedless grapes (this has replaced my addiction to chocolate.
2. I'm a very tactile person - I HAVE to touch things.
3. I'm fascinated by eagles, owls, bats and dragonflies (but I'm terrified of flying in a plane)
4. The heat and humidity of the summer just doesn't do it for me ..give me a brisk autumn day.
5. I collect (and occasionally sell) antique and vintage clothing.
6. I loathe gardening
7. I'm a sop - an amazing show, picture, commercial, etc., will choke me up.
8. I'm a nighthawk and don't like sleeping.
9. Chronological age doesn't mean anything to me (I was, am and will remain 25).
10. I have a passion for history and nostalgia (in which case the 25 years old does not apply).

Because I know a lot more than 10 beautiful bloggers, there is no way that I can pick between everyone to pass this award on to. If you wish, please grab this award for your blog. You ARE beautiful!

♥

A Couple of Giveaways.....

Giveaways are so much fun to enter, and even more fun when you win!

The first giveaway that I found this week is offered by Nicole, of Mealy Monster Land. She is offering one of her monster mushroom men...........

Go to this post on Nicole's blog and follow her instructions. While
there, check out her other very cool, whimsical monster creations. Nicole has appealing creepy monster dolls, mini monsters, ornies and more!

The second giveaway is from Pamela of Catching the Moon: Weaving My Life. Pamela's blog offer is for a teeny, tiny horsehair basket. This is amazing in its minature perfection.

Her blog post is here, and all you have to do is follow her instructions.

Pamela is multi talented, which is quickly seen in a fast perusal of her Etsy site. She offers jewelry, minis, and the most fantastic sculpted baskets!

Have fun and enter blog giveaways! You always come out a winner, because you discover some wonderful art and bloggers along the way!

~ Gifts and Tags ~

Gifts

I have dismal luck at winning give-aways on blogs, however in the last couple of weeks my luck has improved! The first item I

won was a charming tussy-mussy from Tristan Robin Blakeman, that I blogged about in April.

The main thing I like about winning giveaways is the fact that the goodies that arrive are always such a wonderful surprise. They are items made from the imagination and hands of the giver, and are always unique and an item to treasure. I had two such items arrive in my mail yesterday.

(google image)

The first item was a fabulous steampunk inspired heart pin created by the very talented Pattee at Odd-Dolls. I am fascinated with the whole steampunk genre and ideology and just love this!

My second wonderful piece to arrive yesterday was from Marie at My Little World and is a delightful two sided Halloween ornie. Love the painting on this and the crackle effect!

I'm thrilled with both my Tuesday gifts and thank Pattee and Marie so much!

On to Tags

I have been tagged by two awesome and talented fellow bloggers. Michelle, at The Studio at Crow Haven Farm and Caroline at Caroline's Crafts. Please visit their blogs for lots of fun stuff and info!

How the tagging works. First I mention and link to the blog(s) that have tagged me. I then have to list 6 items that make me happy, and lastly, tag six other bloggers and let them know that they are now "it".

Six Things that Make Me Happy

1. my family

2. my puppy and kitty

3. Autumn

4. playing with clay

5. the smell of old lace and peppermint

6. looking for vintage treasures

I Am Tagging

* Linda at Nun of a Kind

*Lezlei at Breath of Art

*Joanna at Joanna Thomas Art Dolls

*Renee at Circling My Head

*Joyce at Enchanted Productions by Joyce Stahl

*Jessica at Another Day Another Doll

My router has been giving me grief the past couple of days and I am so happy to have gotten through this post without it crapping out on me. Before I tempt the fates of internet connections, I will leave you all with a wish for a Happy Day and Evening!