The Stowaway

stow⋅a⋅way 
noun: a person who hides aboard a ship or airplane in order to obtain free transportation or elude pursuers.

Up until now, my sister's dog Charlie hasn't shown a whole a lot of clever ingenuity - which is most definitely a trait of the Italian Greyhound breed. We just assumed he was more the lover, not the fighter type. In fact, my dad likes to say my Iggy Lexus is the smart and mean one and Charlie is the dumb and sweet one. That characterization rang true until Charlie did something very mischievous this past weekend...

Laurie was packing up her car for a little road trip. She was only going to be gone one day, but that one day was clearly too long for Charlie, who is quite attached to his new mommy. As Laurie finished packing the car, she went back in the house to say goodbye. She called for him several times but he never came to her - which is very unCharlie. She went back outside and called his name some more, but there was still no sign of Charlie. She was just about to really panic when she noticed two little eyes peering out from the TRUNK of her car!

Our clever Charlie had climbed in on his own accord and made himself a little bed amidst all the bags and clutter. He was apparently going along for the ride, no matter what his momma said!

And since Laurie is the budding photographer (she was actually on her way to a photo shoot), she whipped out her camera and snapped these priceless images!

Welcome to the party, Charlie! We were wondering when you were going to show up!

PK

P.S. Lexus says now that you've shown some backbone and outsmarted the humans, you can be her boyfriend.

Spring Has Sprung!

I love springtime. I always have. I love how every living thing seems to perk up and open its eyes simultaneously. Not to mention, springtime also signals that warmer weather is on its way. So even if we're not pulling out the flip-flops just yet, you know it's only a matter of time.

All last week on the Paper Crafts Connection blog, we were promoting our latest special issue Stamp It! Cards. Lots of fun, lots of free giveaways. Since last Friday marked the first day of spring, I had everyone leave a comment telling me their favorite spring-inspired quote.

Here's a few of my favorites:

"Spring makes me feel all flowery inside." ~Alyssa, age 5

"A bird doesn’t sing because it has an answer, it sings because it has a song." ~Maya Angelou

"The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day he created Spring." ~Bern Williams

"No winter lasts forever; no spring skips its turn." ~Hal Borland

“Close your eyes and do not peek, and I’ll rub spring across your cheek. Smooth as satin, soft and sleek, close your eyes and do not peek.” ~Eileen Fisher

And here's a few of my favorite springtime photos:

Holly and I at the Dallas Arboretum, March 2006.

Posing in front of my favorite flower, the yellow rose of Texas, Washington, D.C, 2006

My cousin's daughter McCall sitting in a field of Texas bluebonnets, April 2007

Celebrating my girlfriends' birthdays last spring (From left: me, Ann, Jeana and Andrea). Since Ann and Andrea share the same birthday (April 12), we all went to dinner to celebrate. Don't we look all spring-y in our pastel outfits?

Here's to lovely spring!
PK

Look Who's 30, Flirty and Fabulous!

Happy birthday to our little St. Patty's baby who doesn't look a day over 28...well, maybe 29!

For each petal on the shamrock.
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.

Hope you've enjoyed your walk down memory lane!
Love, PK

Best Birthday Card Ever!

My sister Laurie has always had fun with her Hallmark greeting cards. I think she inherits this gift from my Dad. He's been known to stock up on discounted cards and then send them out on random occasions like half birthdays, June 25 (the other Christmas) and the ever exciting Tuesday.

So when my sister's card arrived this week, I couldn't wait to open up the envelope. Would it congratulate me on my recent adoption of a third world baby or pat me on my back for my successful completion of menopause. (I kid you not, we've covered both of these in the past!)

Luckily, she actually got the occasion right this time - my birthday. And while I appreciate the sweet and sappy cards from my Mom and Grandma, there's nothing like getting a card that makes you laugh so hard you almost wet yourself. I'll let you be the judge...

Inside: "Wishing you a great big happy birthday."

Maybe it isn't P.I.M.P. (Pee-in-my-pants) funny, but it sure struck a cord with me. Perhaps it's because I envision myself saying this one day. Considering I just went through menopause, it will be here before you know it!

Thanks for the belly laugh, Lou!
PK