Want to see a great dancing bird? :) Check out our friend Ty, the African Grey, and if you have a minute, be sure to vote for him in the Bird Channel Dance Off! Click here to see the video, and Ty is #2.

In other news, my mom ended up having a ruptured disc in her back, but is recuperating from her surgery pretty well. It's wonderful to see her able to walk around without excrutiating pain after two months of that!

I haven't posted any pictures of my creations here lately, so here is a photo of a custom bracelet that I recently finished. More photos of this order can be seen in my Flickr album as well!

BUDDI

2004-2008

It is with tears that I write this sad entry - we've lost our dear doggie friend Buddi. He was almost part of the family and we all loved him so very much. Sadly, he suffered from a fast growing brain tumor. Buddi was such  wonderful dog, and quite a fighter to put up with so many treatments, his family did everything for him. It's been a long and difficult battle. He was let go yesterday and is at peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family as they grieve his loss.

Teddy, Maisie, Maggie and I will forever miss you Buddi!

I wanted to let everyone know about an online auction that will be held from June 25th through July 2nd to benefit the evacuated animals of the devastating Cedar Rapids flood. The website is located at: www.iowafloodreliefauction.com  - please stop by and view the photos and stories of the many people and pets affected by the flood.

Over 40 vendors and artisans have donated items, and all proceeds will go to the "Friends of the Animal Shelter Fund", which has been set up to help these pets. I am happy to be able to participate in this worthwhile cause and have donated the Congo Grey bracelet shown below as well as a light switch plate, so I hope you will go visit the auction, bid high, and help the animals in need! (If you aren't looking to purchase anything, but would like to show your support, you can make monetary donations through the links on the website or by sending in a check to the foundation.)

Thank you!

It is hard to believe my little baby is already six years old! Kaleena (nicknamed Kiki in case you were wondering) is such a cuddlebug and sweetheart - although she wasn't much into having a party today as she is back to being in egg laying mode. However, she take a little time out to have some of her "bird-day cake" that her grandma made especially for her today! (THANKS MOM!!!) It was quite a hit!