The Rules

I found this letter on craigslist recently when I was posting some items. I love this. Makes you wonder why someone would actually take time to compose a letter to his dogs though. PS This Shiba Inu is my dream dog and hopefully to be a member of our household before tooo long. Does it get cuter than this? Dear Dogs of Mine, It seems that lately things have gotten a smidge slack around here. I feel it is time to remind you of the rules that heretofore we have operated under. You are both cute dogs, but your continued cuteness in no way negates our previous agreement. Let me remind you of a few details of this agreement.

1. In exchange for room and board, you are to guard the kingdom. That would be guarding the kingdom from any and all bad guys, robbers, serial killers, etc. Feel free to bark maniacally at any of those that should appear in the yard. Guarding the kingdom does NOT include barking maniacally at bunnies, squirrels, cows, sheep and invisible things that only you can see, especially between the hours of 5am (when I stumble out of bed to let you out) and 8am (when I actually have to be out of bed to get to work). (And let me take a moment here to remind you that the pizza guy is a potential bad guy. He is not your friend. Just because he comes bearing food does not allow him free and easy access to the kingdom. He is potentially way more dangerous than the bunnies that you threaten to tear limb from limb.)

2. All of the stuff that lives in the toy basket is yours. Everything else is mine. Yours includes squeaky balls, random bones, partially unstuffed stuffed animals and chew ropes. Mine includes any and all shoes on the floor (especially the expensive leather ones), underwear that missed the hamper, bras, socks, dishtowels, the remote, the cell phone, the legs of my grandmother's antique chair and the vacuum. Did I mention shoes? ALL the shoes are mine. They come in pairs, not quads, for a reason.

3. The cat gets to sleep on the bed. You do not. You each weigh 50 pounds. The cat weighs 12. You sleep smack dab in the middle of the bed with all four feet spread out covering approximately 12 square feet apiece. The cat sleeps in a neat little ball covering about 2 square feet. The cat does not bring fleas into the house. You do. You, dogs, will never be allowed to sleep on the bed. Quit sneaking up when you think I'm not looking. Your 50 pounds of dogginess negates your stealth superpowers. I know you are up there!!

4. Speaking of the cat- when he hunkers down into that little mound, lays his ears back, squints his eyes and growls way back in his chest, HE IS NOT A HAPPY KITTY. Leave him alone. He does not want to play with you. What he wants to do is poke your eyes out and shread the skin around your face. He can do that, you know. Five of his 6 ends are really sharp and pointy. He has previously shown very little restraint. Clearly he enjoys smacking you upside the head with a paw full of claws. Do not aggrevate him. When he takes your head off after you have cornered him, I will let him. You have been forewarned.

5. The cat is mean. He will lead you down a path to destruction. He likes to tear around the house winding you up. He does this knowingly and intentionally. When you chase him, I will only yell at you for careening into walls and furniture. He knows this. Quit falling for it.

6. If you find something in the garbage can, assume that I intend for it to be there. Platic tampon shells are not chew toys. Don't eat them.

7. Also not for doggy consumption- anything you find in the litter box. This is why you no longer get to kiss me.

8. You are allowed to sleep on the furniture. You are not allowed to eat the furniture.

9. Yes, I have to leave every day to go to work. No, you cannot go with me. That's why there are two of you, so you can entertain each other. The cat gets to stay in the house. You both have to stay outside while I'm gone. The cat does not chew things up. You do. Quit whining about it. Your porch is air-conditioned. It's just like inside the house minus the sofa. If you'd quit chewing up dog beds, it would be just like inside the house. You have made your own proverbial bed by destroying two very expensive dog cushions.

10. I have opposable thumbs. This is why I get to be in charge. I can open cans, doors, and bags of treats. I am the only one in the house that can operate the hose sprayer. I'm also the only one with a driver's license and a car. I win. Being cute is no match for opposable thumbs.

While I in no way wish to suppress your rightful dogginess, I feel that these very simple guidelines will allow us to continue to co-exist in peaceful harmony. Please know though, that should you choose to continue in willful violation of these rules, I WILL PUT THE CAT IN CHARGE. He has just been itching for a position in management.

Much thanks, The Human

Branching out

I've decided to branch out and try something other than t-shirts. I've started with bibs. Not a big reach, but something new. I'm also currently creating silkscreened pillows and bithday invitation postcards. Like I don't have enough on my plate. What is it with Type A personalities? Actually, I'm not a Type A personality, just lots of nervous energy. Can't sleep. This is the first bib that I made. I like it but I'm thinking that it needs to have a thicker font. Shannon from pinkdixie told me that she just received her Skull and Crossbones t-shirt and her daughter is very happy with it. That makes me happy. I now have Hip Kid t-shirt from California to Spain. That's kind of cool.

Photography 101

I apologize in advance for the photographs that I will be forcing on you in the next 10 weeks. My Photography class started last week. The first assignment was supposed to be "easy". You know just go out and take photographs of what you like. But no flash, manual only. Ok, that's the deal. It is a photography class. In the last week I've taken some of the worst photographys I've ever seen. Hopefully in the next 10 weeks they will improve.
I am kind of happy with these though, I can see Shel and Ella's personalities. It was a busy weekend. We had our fireplace wood delivered. Between Martin, Shelby and I it was stacked in no time. I would say that the next picture of my fireplace will be one with a roaring fire, but I really hope not. I am just so not ready for winter. I hate it. It's ok up until December and then I am ready for July. I made some t-shirts in anticipation of the Etsy Showcase tomorrow. I made this one. I also made one in pink with a yellow crystal that I loved. But I gave it to Ella. Hopefully, I can have another one finished by tomororw.

2 Etsy Treasuries

Wow, I opened up Etsy this morning and was pleasantly surprised to see that I'm in 2 treasuries (here and here). Being in a treasury is always good exposure, especially now that the Christmas buying frenzy is upon us. Yup, you read it here first. I thought that I was on the ball having bought one present already, but I was on an Etsy forum yesterday and some people are nearly done!!! Yikes! My Type A personality is kicking in. Need to go shopping.... I just want to mention that for those of you who buy presents for your best friend (your dog) and you live in Montreal (especially the Monkland Village area), check out my friend Monica's Le Doggie Bag Cafe. She carries some great stuff for your pooch and you can get some good eats there too. Tell Monica that Suzanne sent you and don't forget to scratch Horatio behind the ears (her beautiful dog).

No woman is an island

What's with the title? I really have no idea. Do I have anything to blog about tonight? Yeah sure. Usually great stuff and inspiration comes to me in the middle of the night when I'm trying to get some sleep, but am up tossing and turning about one thing or another.
Really I don't have a lot to bitch about, but I can always find something. I was reading an article on the weekend about creating life lists or not. I've never had a life list, but have thought about it and meant to create one, but have always been too busy actually having a life to create a life list. But if I did create a life list, it would be something like this:

1. Hike to base camp with my husband.
2. Sleep in a tree house in Africa.
3. Travel through parts of Europe on a houseboat for several months.
4. Win a spelling bee. OK, this one will never happen.
5. Build a dream vacation home on the ocean in Nova Scotia with a large guest house for all my friends to come and spend summers.
6. Become a better swimmer.
7. Create a successful t-shirt business.
8. Learn to drive a standard car without grinding the brakes and my teeth.
9. Ride in a hot air balloon.
10. Sleep withMeet Jon Bon Jovi.

I think that's 10. I have a friend who has created a passion map for herself. Shd did it years ago and meets regularly with her freak mentor to go through her passion map. Although, I will give credit where credit is due. She is one of the most focused people I have ever met and her new environmental bag company is doing very well. So maybe there is something to all this shit focusing.
My photography class starts tomorrow. I am excited, but all I can think about is how I'm going to not get to put Shel to bed and we can't read the next chapter of Harry Potter. We are only on book 2 and I have to say it is getting kind of scary. After tonight's chapter, we had to talk about something else to put away the scary thoughts. Spooky. If it gets progressively scarier, I don't know if I can read it.
Confession: I had to sleep with the lights on for a week after I saw Ghostbusters. Let's face it, I'm a bit of a wimp.
Sorry for the rambling, but felt like talking.

and the winner is.....

The winner of the Hip Kid skull and crossbones t-shirt is Shannon Carroll of Pink Dixie. Congratulations Shannon and thanks to everyone for playing and all your kind words.
Shannon, please convo me through Etsy for the t-shirt size and your address.
Thanks and have a great weekend everyone.

Suzanne

xx

Tsurfer

As you know I have an Etsy store. But Etsy is more than just a place to sell or shop, it is a real community. And every now and then you meet a complete stranger who goes out of their way to help you out in some way. It puts my faith back into humanity and makes me glad that I found Etsy.
Recently, when I was trying to populate my store on Kaboodle, an etsy seller known as, Tsurfer, really came to my rescue.
This is a recent conversation I had with her. And go ahead, check out a store of a great Etsy seller.

1. Where did the name TSurfer originate?
   Back in the late 90's when computers just started being in the homes and auction sites started up my boy friend (now husband) at the time came up with it. T cause a lot of people call me that because my first name starts with it and I would surf the net a lot. So presto came Tsurfer.
2. What is your real name?
   Teresa Swift.
3. How long have you been a crafter?
   I started sewing when I was a teen and then about in the late 80's crafting in my area started to be a thing to do and sell. So I started to make everything from wood to dry flower arrangements.

4. How long have you been a member of Etsy?
   May 2006.
5. I've noticed that you're quite a successful seller (with quite a variety of crafts), but your store is currently empty, are you taking a hiatus or are you creating more stock?
   I had a sale not to long ago and want to try some new stuff. Plus was waiting for my etsy bill. Its hard on the budget when that gets up to high. I have listed some new items just today.
6. What is it you like about Etsy?
   All the great people I have come across on the threads. I now can say I have a lot of friends all over the world. Now it doesn't get any better then that :)
7. Tell me a little bit about yourself and your crafts.
   I'm a very shy person really and I think thats why I do all different types of craft. I love crafting. Its like art there is no true way of doing it cause it is part of you. So your never wrong in how it comes out.
8. I actually found you through the Etsy forums, do you participate a lot in the forums?
   Oh yes their every day and just started to get BnR treasuries to help everyone get sales.
9. You were incredibly helpful to me when I contacted you, and you didn't even know me. Do you find that the majority of Etsyians embody this spirit?
   Yes I believe they do. I love to help anyone that needs it anyway and I know a lot of the people on etsy are the same way. I have seen it plus have ask for help to.
10. Any last words?
    I'm so happy you found me and asked about kaboodle. Now I have another great etsy person to talk with. Also thank you so much for putting me in your blog. I have never been in anyones blog before and it is very exciting that you offered to do it. I wish you and everyone in etsy a lot of sales and a lot of fun.

Tsurfer's stores can be found here: www.tsurfer.ecrater.com
www.tsurfer.etsy.com
www.bluejay.com/Tsurfer

It's cold out tonight

A few days ago it was 34C. The last couple of nights there's been a cold chill in the air. It definitely feels like fall. We went biking along the Canal Lachine today. The leaves were falling. There was a certain je ne sais quoi in the air. We stopped for hot dogs and ice cream. One of the last vestiges of summer. We didn't quite finish our usual route, the threat of rain turned us back. I think this is becoming our Sunday ritual. I love it. We love it. My god, does it get more beautiful than this.

Remember the house that I am obsessed with? They put a weathervane on their balcony today. I don't know if it is on its way to the roof or not, it looks great where it is. If you look closely you can see it between the house and the new extension. I must have this house. It is my dream house. Tomorrow is Labor Day. At least it is for me. Last weekend was the official Canadian Labor Day, but I had to work due to a software deadline and we are all taking tomorrow off instead. I am looking forward to doing the following (ok I'm simple folk, it doesn't take much to excite me):

1. Leisurely taking my son to school and not worrying about how much time I spend in front of the school chatting with the other moms.
2. Going pajama and sock shopping for my son. He's grown out of all his pjs.
3. Silkscreening
4. Updating my blog.
5. Baking an apple pie and more blueberry muffins (using local Quebec blueberries) from my mom's incredible recipe. Anyone I grew up with will know this recipe well.
6. Doing sfa (if you need a translation please email me).

I have to be careful that I actually take him to school in the morning and don't phone in for a wellness day. When I'm home and he's in school I'm incredibly lonely. Hope y'all have an incredible week. I will be posting an interview with an Etsy seller who absolutely embodies the spirit of Etsy this week here on my blog. My first interview - yeah!

Contest

Ok, I've been threatening to have a give away for a while, but now it is the time. For whatever reason this t-shirt has not sold on my Etsy store. Interestingly enough, it is the t-shirt that I get the most requests for from children. And when they outgrow it they ask for a larger size. I silkscreen a skull and crossbones on a tee and put googly eyes on the skull. It is a fabulous t-shirt. So in honor of the fact that I have not sold any on Etsy I am going to have a give away for this t-shirt. You can pick either a size 2 or a size 4. I am not sure of the colors yet as I am just putting my fall order in for tees. But enough to say that it will be gorgeous and you can specify if it is for a boy or girl.
So nothing to do. No skill testing question. Just either leave me a comment here or email me at hipkidtshirts@yahoo.com. I will have a draw on Sept. 14 and the first name I pull wins. I will ship anywhere in the world. So have fun!

Real Estate

I've been thinking a lot about real estate lately. I don't like living in the same place for very long. We've been in our house for 3 years and I'm starting to get the itch. The problem is the traffic around our city. We are so limited because the husband works off the island and traffic to and from island is horrific. Anyway, a few blogs back I wrote about the houses that are located along the Lachine Canal. There has been one that I've had my eye on and it seems that someone has also had their eye on it. Renovations have been started on it and now I'm TOTALLY in love with this house. I have to have it. This has to be my next house, traffic be damned.

This is our house, which we really love, but it is getting time to move on. I haven't quite told the husband this, maybe I'll leave it as a surprise.

All summer I have been taking photos like mad, but now that I am about to start a photography course I have no desire to take pictures. The well is dry. Hopefully the desire will come back. I love taking pictures, but want more control. The husband bought me a Canon Rebel XTi for Christmas and now it is time to reign in the beast and learn how to use it. I think that I do take pretty good pictures, but it needs to be refined. My etsy store needs some really great new photos. I've been thinking about using real models for the t-shirts and I think this is the way to go.
I have to say that one thing that disappoints me about some blogs is the use of magazine photos. I will go to blogs and think wow look at these photos only to find out that they are from a magazine. I would so much rather see pictures that are you. I don't need to see a magazine life.

Best Friends

Everyone should have a friendship like this at least once in their life.