Boo To You

It's that time of year folks! It's the haunting season! Yes, Halloween is nearly here. Time for costume parties, hayrides, trick-or-treating, and haunted houses. This year, Casey and I are contributing to the festivities. The 501st Legion, Southern Outpost is participating at Nashville Zoo's Ghouls at Grassmere. We are all going out to entertain the kids with our costumes. The group has done this several times before, and it's a hit with the kids. I'm just hoping that it will be a little bit warmer tonight. Casey's a bit worried about freezing his cod piece off! So if you're close by and need a way to entertain your little Star Wars fan, come on out and say "hey".

Surreal Dreams

Have you ever had one of those dreams, where you just knew that you were going to have a good day? I had one of those last night. I have ALWAYS been a very vivid dreamer. It's rare that I ever have a night that I don't recall having at least one dream. Here's a little information about my dreaming habits:

1. I DO dream in color.

2. Most of my dreams include at least one person, friend, or family member that has passed away.

3. For some reason, this has NEVER upset me in any way.

4. I consider it like a visit with these people.

5. I dream a lot in a skewed perception. By this I mean I may dream that I'm at a school, but it may look very much like a restaurant or something of that nature.

6. I have an old superstition that says if you tell your dream before breakfast, it will come true. If I tell anyone a dream, depending on the outcome of said dream, I choose very consciously whether to tell it before or after breakfast.

7. Casey and I spend a lot of time on the ride to work discussing our previous night's dreams.

8. I VERY rarely have nightmares.

9. I have often tried to prolong a good dream.

10. There are many, many times that in my sleep that I realize I'm dreaming.

With that said, I will tell you about last night's dream. It was a rare case, where the dream played out logically. I dreamed that I had the rare opportunity to meet the main stars of Star Wars (this probably comes from running around in costume with my friends so much). All of them were there, with the exception of Mark Hamill. I got to meet Carrie Fisher (who was extremely nice) and get her autograph. The big thrill was meeting Harrision Ford! You see Harrision Ford has been a long time hero of mine. During my childhood whether he was playing Han Solo or Indiana Jones, it was all the same to me. He was ten feet tall and could conqour the world! So in this dream, I was quite excited. I don't remember all of the exact details, but he was also extrememly nice and spoke with me for quite a while. He also autographed some of my stuff. The only drawback in the dream? I remember thinking, "I'm meeting Harrison Ford, and no one has a camera!!" I had met both of these stars and didn't even think to bring a camera to get pictures!! It was just one of those warm fuzzy dreams. You know the kind where you just wake up happy. Usually when I have this kind of dream, I have a good day. Today has been pretty normal so far. I'm just waiting to see what will happen.

Back To Normal

Life is getting back to normal. I do find myself at times wondering what on earth to do with myself. It seems that I function best, when I'm a busy person. It's very hard for me to just sit and relax. Even with the Pet Day project, I found myself in a reading streak. It really helped to take the edge off at night. My friend Kim, suggested that I read Twilight by Stephenie Meyer. It's Young Adult fiction. Let me tell you, they certainly don't write YA fiction like they used to!! These ain't no Nancy Drew books, if you get my drift.

For months, I let Twilight sit on my desk at work and gather dust. I was too busy reading Star Wars novels, or other stuff. One day, Kim comes in and tells me, "I think I have some new motivation to get you to read that book! The author is coming to Davis-Kidd in Nashville, and I've booked us for the special pre-signing party with the author!" At that specific time, I just happened to be without reading material, so I took it home and gave it a whirl. Let me tell you, once I started, I just couldn't put it down. Here's the plot according to Amazon.

Amazon.com

"Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat."

As Shakespeare knew, love burns high when thwarted by obstacles. In Twilight, an exquisite fantasy by Stephenie Meyer, readers discover a pair of lovers who are supremely star-crossed. Bella adores beautiful Edward, and he returns her love. But Edward is having a hard time controlling the blood lust she arouses in him, because--he's a vampire. At any moment, the intensity of their passion could drive him to kill her, and he agonizes over the danger. But, Bella would rather be dead than part from Edward, so she risks her life to stay near him, and the novel burns with the erotic tension of their dangerous and necessarily chaste relationship.

Meyer has achieved quite a feat by making this scenario completely human and believable. She begins with a familiar YA premise (the new kid in school), and lulls us into thinking this will be just another realistic young adult novel. Bella has come to the small town of Forks on the gloomy Olympic Peninsula to be with her father. At school, she wonders about a group of five remarkably beautiful teens, who sit together in the cafeteria but never eat. As she grows to know, and then love, Edward, she learns their secret. They are all rescued vampires, part of a family headed by saintly Carlisle, who has inspired them to renounce human prey. For Edward's sake they welcome Bella, but when a roving group of tracker vampires fixates on her, the family is drawn into a desperate pursuit to protect the fragile human in their midst. The precision and delicacy of Meyer's writing lifts this wonderful novel beyond the limitations of the horror genre to a place among the best of YA fiction. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell

Needless to say, I'm now a HUGE Stephenie Meyer fan. Lucky for me, as soon as I finished, the sequel came out, New Moon. Every bit, just as good!!

Now, I'm just eagerly waiting for the Davis-Kidd "I Love Edward Cullen" Party and book signing. In case any of you take a chance and read this, there are four books planned in the series, so far. Thanks, Kim. I owe you one!

Recovering

I'm finally getting all caught up on my sleep and other regular things. Celebration Pet Day was this past Saturday. I spent last Thursday through Saturday running around like a mad woman. Our event went off REALLY well. We had a big crowd. All of the people seemed to have a great time. The 501st Legion troop went over really good too! The weather was perfect and cooperated with us. It wasn't too hot or too cool. Check out the links below for some photos taken by friends of mine: The 501st Southern Outpost troop. and cute doggy photos here. I'll be back later with a lot more details.

What Really Matters

I, again, apologize for not hanging around lately. These are the last few days before Celebration Pet Day, and I'm swamped answering e-mails, questions, running errands, and making last minute preperations. I just had to write today and let you all know about something TRULY amazing!!

One of my dearest childhood friends, woke up one morning at four years of age completely deaf. The specialists never did figure out an exact explanation as to why this occurred. Eventually, she recovered about 20% hearing in one ear. Last summer, she discovered that what little hearing she had left was degrading and would eventually be completely gone. She did A LOT of research, consulted a surgeon, and was deemed a candidate for cochlear implant surgery. She and the surgeon decided to do the implant surgery on the ear that had no hearing at all. After months and months of paperwork, testing, insurance wrangling, and prepartion, she underwent surgery on September 11th. After nearly one month of healing, she went to have her implant activated yesterday. All of us, friends and family alike, were holding our breath waiting for the results. I am SO VERY HAPPY to report, that she is hearing!!! She said that she feels it mostly, like sonic booms. Apparently, that's a very good sign. When she went to take a nap yesterday, she moved some hangers that fell against some lightbulbs and heard a "tink"!! She also said that she can hear her fingers tapping on the keyboard and the sound of her voice!! Now, she really has to work at retraining her brain to recognize different sounds. I cannot tell you all how VERY HAPPY I am for her!!!!!!!! I love this girl beyond belief, and I wanted so very badly for this surgery to be as successful as she did. When I read her recount of yesterday's events, I think I nearly gave Casey a heart attack! I ran around the house screaming and jumping up and down like a mad woman. Then, the tears just started and haven't stopped since. I can barely tell anyone else for looking like a blubbering idiot! I did manage to get myself together and call to leave her a message by phone (she still hasn't regained the ability to hear a telephone conversation yet), after completely forgetting her number, only to call her Dad and speak with him first (what a fruitloop I am).

I am still truly amazed at modern medicine! It's at times like these, that I am brought to a screeching halt to realize what a lucky person I am and how much that God has blessed me. Through his works, all things are possible. It's just up to us to keep the faith. I'm just so very greatful that things are progressing so well for her. I can't wait to see what the next few days and months bring her.

Relax....

Casey and I were on the go yesterday, as soon as we got off from work. A million things to do to get ready for Celebration Pet Day. It's the one week countdown. I do feel more comfortable this year, than I did this time last year. We managed to get new flyers out to 16 out of 33 businesses. We're going to finish up the list tonight. We started distributing flyers WAY early, but people keep taking them for information. There are some places that we've replinshed four or five times!! I'm just going to take that as a good sign.

. I know that I've said before that I "live, breath, eat, and sleep" this event until the day after it's over. This year, the nightmares have at least started at a later date. I've had two really bad ones over this event so far. The first was that it stormed all day for the event. I'm not talking about little storms either. I'm talking tornadic activity. It was a disaster. Last night's was about our Star Wars Meet and Greet. I had all the guys from the 501st Legion, Southern Outpost there and ready for the event. The time came and went and only five or so kids came. It was such a disappointment. I hope that these are just manifestations of my stressed out brain, and not a sign that I'm clairvoyant or anything. Our event is going to be SO good this year. We've got lots of vendors and other animals rescues coming, our Star Wars Meet and Greet, our pet show, agility, animal info programs, and some mighty good food (all homecooked by my very own sweetie, Casey). I just hope that folks in town will come out and give it a chance.

Shelter Dogs

October is "Adopt A Shelter Dog Month". National, regional, and local humane/shelter groups are giving every dog his day in the month of October. If you're searching for the perfect canine companion, please consider adopting a shelter dog. Shelters have all kinds of dogs from pure bred to mutts to senior dogs. You're best friend is waiting for you there!! Visit the ASPCA's Adopt a Shelter Dog page today!! They have all kinds of neat stuff for dog lovers. They have t-shirts, dog care tip sheets, training sheets, contests, books, and more!!

Down In the Hips

Sorry that I was away for a few days. It was completely unplanned. Bear has been having some hip problems on and off during the last part of the summer. He would have his good days and bad days. The vet, Casey, and I suspected arthritis and the vet told us to just watch him for a bit. So, we made plans to get him on some good glucosamine tablets. Anyway last Wednesday morning, he was really bad. He wouldn't hardly get up at all and when he did, he wouldn't put weight on his back right leg at all. Casey and I decided it was time for another vet visit. We loaded him up and away we went to the vet's. They did x-rays, while Casey and I killed time. That was a terribly agonizing hour for me. He had lost about half a pound, and that REALLY worried me. He's only 5, so arthritis is a little unusual at his age. We got back to the office and got the diagnosis. VERY bad osteoarthritis in both of his back hips, with the right being worse. The vet didn't feel that he was at the point of total hip replacement yet, so we went home with a couple of prescriptions. The vet prescribed Previcox (a pain and anti-imflamatory med) for his "bad" days only. He also prescribed the same medication that my friend, Pennie, had recommended a couple months back, Cosequin DS. I'm happy to report that Bear is feeling MUCH better. He's down playing and back to being his "crazy schipperke" self. I know that a lot of this is due to the Previcox, and he may change next week after his dosage drops off. I do have faith that the Cosequin DS will really kick in after a few weeks. I've really heard good stuff about that medication. Everyone keep your fingers crossed.

Good Fun!

We had such a great time trooping the Ice Cream Social last night. We managed to attract a rather large crowd, so I hope they got some excellent donations. All the kids were so excited! See when the kids get really excited, it's infectious. I find myself being excited with them. It's a rare chance to remember what it felt like being a kid. I know that most people refer to us costumers as nerds or geeks, but it's about so much more than the costume. Yes we dress in plastic and run around like idiots, but it's always to raise money for a charity or to fulfill a child's wish, or to raise money for hard working organizations that helps LOTS of people. There's a great film being put together called Heart of An Empire.

The film documents the 501st Legion and its members. It shows us doing what we do best and why we do it. Watch the trailer below:

Get this video and more at MySpace.com

Hopefully, I'll have some pics up soon of last night's events.

For A Good Cause

Tonight Casey and I are donning our armor for a good cause.

Today, after work, we are heading out to Franklin to the Cold Stone Creamery to meet up with members of the 501st Legion, Southern Outpost. We are trooping the 5th Annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social for the Make a Wish Foundation. Here's the scoop on the event:

To cap off this special month, please join us for the 5th Annual World’s Largest Ice Cream Social at participating Cold Stone Creamery locations nationwide, a special night to join together and share the simple pleasures of life with a FREE ice cream, family activities and good-natured fun. Search our site for a location near you. On September 28th from 5:00 - 8:00pm, guests will be treated to a serving of Cole’s Creation*. In exchange for the free Creation, customers are encouraged to make donations to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

So if any of you are close enough, and you wish to see Casey and me get our "nerd" on, head on over. Be sure to say "hi" to us. I'll be an Imperial Officer:

Casey will be a Snowtrooper. We'll be at the Mallory Lane & Frazier Drive location.

Happy Endings!

I just love it, when what I do helps create a happy ending!! My humane association helped a lost basset hound named Jeb. Jeb had a REALLY bad eye condition and no home. Imagine my suprise today, when I was casually browsing my own hometown newspaper, the Times-Gazette, and the front page featured Jeb's story! I'm absolutely ecstatic!! Go HERE to read his story and happy ending.

Saturday Smiles

I know some of these may have already made the rounds, but I still LOVE 'EM. They always make me smile. Who says dogs aren't smart? Everyone have a great weekend!

On My Reading List

I just got my daily e-mail update from the ASPCA. I found a new book that I just have to add to my reading list. It's called Shelter Dogs by Traer Scott.

Here's the information as listed by the ASPCA.

While volunteering at shelters, photographer Traer Scott was asked to take photos of the dogs she was working with for records and Internet adoption sites. As her files grew, Scott realized that many of the dogs whose photos she had in her archives never made it out of the shelter alive. “I found that no matter what, I couldn’t bring myself to delete their photos, which were in some cases the only record of their existence,” she says. A few months later, Scott began to create the beautiful, honest portraits that make up Shelter Dogs.

The 96-page book features 50 dogs, their souls and spirits revealed through Scott’s images. The author included notes explaining how each dog came to the shelter and what eventually happened to him or her. As important as it is beautiful, Shelter Dogs is a must for anyone who cares about animals—and anyone who’s ever been to a shelter. Quite simply, we love this book.

Jam Packed

Pet day is on the horizon. My days have turned into endless phone calls, reading e-mails, sending e-mails, trips to the post office, distributing flyers, and organizing meetings. Last year, I fielded so many phone calls that my cell minute overage boosted Cingular's stock value for the month of May. I KNEW that it would be this way, I just forgot HOW it would be. I liken it to the way a mother forgets labor pains (even though I've never had children). Unfortunately I've been so busy trying to get our event blog, Celebration Pet Day, up and going, that I've totally neglected this one. It's about this time into every event, I throw up my hands and say, "next year someone else gets to lead the charge!" Then, as time passes, I forget and recharge. I'm ready to tackle the world again.

I WILL have to say that this year has by far been the easiest. I have the most wonderful committee helping me this year. Each one has their area of expertise and takes care of those details. This leaves me to take care of loose ends, recruit vendors, and promote, promote, promote. So I need to say a very special thanks to Elaine, Jennie, Mary Jo, Kimberly, Reagan, Diane, and Kitty. You've made my job easy this year!!

I just want to end my post today with this poem. It's why I do what I do.

WITH MY EYES

My prayer tonight is for all who

lie down in chains and cages.

Alone and afraid on

a concrete floor.

Soundless screams behind

the clang of metal.

Locked in rooms

most will never see.

I feel their fear arise in my soul

Ancient yet new...

A primal flame burning against

the walls of my heart.

I want to scream an endless note,

Loud and true:

Clubbed.

Forgotten.

Dismembered.

Forgotten.

Gassed.

Forgotten.

Beaten.

Forgotten.

Burned.

Forgotten.

Electrocuted.

Forgotten.

Abandoned.

Forgotten.

Poisoned.

Forgotten.

Skinned.

Forgotten.

Shot.

Forgotten.

Caged.

Forgotten.

Shackled.

Forgotten.

Murdered.

Forgotten.

And with my eyes,

they will be seen.

With my voice,

they will be heard.

With my hands,

they will know comfort.

With my action,

they will be free.

Dear God, fill their oppressors

with mercy and empathy.

Dear God, instill compassion

where there is apathy.

Replace horror with grace.

Bloodshed with healing.

Restore all humans and animals

to their natural place.

Liberate all humans and animals

from greed, violence and hate.

So that tonight and evermore,

ALL may lie down to sleep

unchained

uncaged

free.

AMEN

By Brenda Shoss, Kinship Circle 2005

"And let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do not grow weary."

Galatians 6:9

Keep the faith.

On A Roll....

A local friend and fellow blogger, John Carney, has really "hit the ball over the wall" for our new Celebration Pet Day blog. He was nice enough to give it some space in the online edition of our local newspaper, The Times-Gazette, as well as a bit in the print edition! Just since it's creation, the hit count has been unbelievable!! It sure is helping to get the word out to the community. I've already updated it a couple of times today. There is new pet photo contest information, as well as a call for additional vendors and pet rescues!! The local community has really put forth an effort to support our event, and I appreciate it SO very much!! Thanks John, for the help!!

My New Blog Project

Everyone, please take a minute to visit my newly created blog for my humane association's pet day. I'd really appreciate it. It has all of the programming information, humane information, and sponsors. More is being added daily. Please let me know what you all think and suggestions. THANKS!!

Celebration Pet Day Blog

Let's Go Krogering!

I just received my e-mail update from the ASPCA. Kroger stores and P & G brands are partnering to help homeless pets. Here's the info:

This fall, Kroger Stores and P&G are partnering with the ASPCA to make life better for homeless animals. Pet lovers can support the program by purchasing P&G brands at Kroger and its participating affiliates, King Soopers, Fry’s, Smiths, QFC, City Market and Gerbes. For every $10 purchase of Iams dog and cat food, Febreze, Swiffer or Bounce made from September 17 through October 14, 10 percent of net retail sales will be donated to the ASPCA—up to a total donation of $50,000. For more information, look for coupons and details in your local Kroger circular or visit http://www.aspca.org/helppets.

It sounds like a great way to help animals and get your shopping done at the same time!! Now, where's my grocery list?

1 Month and Counting....

Today is September 14. Celebration Pet Day is exactly 1 month away!!! Today marks not only my internal countdown, but also the heaving, crushing weight that is punching my chest down. My life is quickly becoming meetings, dog training, trips to the post office, and endless phonecalls. So far, the event is coming together great. Now, I just hope that we have folks to come out and enjoy the day. It's funny really. I ALWAYS worry about attendance. Shelbyville is a funny, little town. One year there is a HUGE turnout. The next year, nobody shows up. I'm hoping that this will turn out to be a good year. Our programs are looking good. The 501st Legion, Southern Outpost meet and greet is looking good. Our pet show now has 26 classes. We have goats coming, miniature horses coming, vendors, other area rescues, and agility dogs. I'm just crossing my fingers that the thing is successful!!

Speaking Of....

I managed to cripple myself this weekend. I was out with the dogs on Sunday morning. I was walking down my mother's sidewalk (she lives next door), and managed to stump my foot against the landscape beam. After much bleeding and a loose pinky nail, I ended up hobbling for the rest of the weekend. On Sunday, my foot was blue, and I was aching in the bridge of my foot. I really thought I had broken something. Yesterday, wasn't too comfortable either. Finally, this morning I got up and my foot looks and feels more like a foot. I think I just jammed it badly.

One of my best friends, Jennifer, had a cochlear implant yesterday. Jennifer lost most her hearing, when she was just 4 years old. I wish her the very best!! I hope her results are wonderful!!!

There's a new kitty blog at there that you all should visit. It's the life of Finn Mac Cool and my friend Zinia. There are great pics and stories. Go say "hello" and tell them I sent ya!!

Kitten Love

As promised, here are some shots of the new kittens. We've now got names for all of them. Everyone have a great weekend!

Isabella and Zoie

Isabella

Obi Wan

Obi Wan and Fergie.

Napping kittens.