Unlikely Christmas Layout

This was probably the most fun I had with a layout in June.

Christmas in June Challenge at ACOT called for a monochromatic layout choosing traditional Christmas color.  One was allowed to use neutral colors and you could have a hint of the another traditional Christmas color.  You also had to have some sort of bling and the hostess of the challenge loved light strings.  I pulled my 2012 November Paper Bakery Scrapbook Kit "Street Lamp" out and when I saw the Classic Studio Calico Chain Paper I could imagine a Christmas Light Wall.  From there it was easy to select the papers and embellishments from the kit Added some washi tape, buttons and a Chic Tag from my stash and the layout came together quickly.  Then reached for Gold Ice, Cherry Ice and Diamond Stickles to fill in random circles on the Chain Paper.  Oh what fun!!!  Once dried I sealed the stickles with Glossy Accents.  Since it had buttons it also qualified for the Take 2 Challenge.

Yes Q and that's James' cat's name looks a bit Freaky!  Christmas Layout with a Halloween Layout Title.  FUN!

A Little Old and A Little New

I just couldn't resist buying my first papers from Prima!  I've always been a huge fan of their embellishments and especially their flowers.  When Craftsman hit ACOT it was a HAVE TO HAVE IT NOW response.  With a husband and son who love to work with their hands at either fixing and/or building things some of the gorgeous items just had to come to the house!  As I was going through the goodies when Craftsman arrived via USPS I dove right in as soon as I saw the 'Thank you' Wooden Ticket.  I turned to the internet inspiration and accidently stumbled upon Unscripted Sketches!!  Most who participate use the sketches for cards but don't be fooled they are perfect for layouts, too!  My take on Sketch #174!

Dear daughter promptly asked if she could have it in a round about way!  Of course you can use it, It's what I make them for!!!

I also love Laurie hosts the Rewind Challenge at A Cherry on Top.  I just didn't have time to work on the August Trends and Techniques Challenge!  What a great way to get a challenge qualified for another by Rewinding the Clock!!!  The challenge called for using something Polaroidish in your layout!  What better then to have a real Polaroid photo!  I used the Crate Paper Brunch Line....a little dated but the first line I fell in love outside of Creative Memories and I haven't looked back!

Today I say a prayer for the families and friends of those lost in the 9/11 attacks and to hope no other generation has to experience and attack like Pearl Harbor or 9/11 again.

Billboards

Thank you to Troy and Stacy, Advocates for Agriculture, for another great find to read. The OpEd written by Megan Daum is a must read if you live in a urban area or are just removed from agriculture. Megan writes as a columnist for the LA Times and her column for today, Animal rights, writ to large? Well written but ultimately I agree with Troy she falls short on understanding the big picture. My response is to add she fell just short of doing her research on Animal Rights Lobby Groups like HSUS & PETA. Like any politician, Wayne Pacelle is good at just leaving out information when asked by the press. She even drew the wrong conclusion of HSUS being a 'The Humane Society is a mainstream anti-cruelty and animal-shelter organization.' Wrong they are a lobbying group only. I don't have to add any more as she got an ear full in the comments to her blog. The comment left by dogmom is the best:

'Your statement that HSUS is a "mainstream" and "animal shelter organization is totally incorrect but it is what Wayne Pacelle wants everyone to believe. HSUS does not own or operate a single shelter on its own and does not regularly give money to local animal shelters. In contrast, the ASPCA in New York operates a state of the art shelter and low cost animal hospital and helps local shelters all over the US. I know, because I am on the board of an East Coast shelter that is getting $ and expertise from ASPCA. HSUS charged us $6,000 for a "consultation" that produced a nothing but boilerplate report. Worthless, just like HSUS!'

Submitted by: dogmom

6:25 AM PDT, July 16, 2009

'Nuff said'

Kim

In Support of Animal Abuse? Not Me!!!

Can My Pet Be a Vegan Like Me?

Pet Owners and Veterinarians Divided Over Vegan Diets for Pets

By Ki Mae Heussner and John Berman
April 8, 2009

In a country bred on burgers and bacon, it's hard enough for vegans to defend their meat-free diets. Imagine the scrutiny they face when they decide that their pets should go veg-only, too.

Should animals be denied meat, fish, dairy and poultry?

For the longest time, Ari Moore, 28, and her partner, wrestled with the idea of adopting cats. Committed vegans, the couple wasn't sure they could adequately square their ethical beliefs with a cat's nutritional needs.

But after research and conversations with other vegan cat owners, about four years ago, the pair decided to make the leap and adopted two homeless cats in Brooklyn, N.Y., neighborhood. Read More

I was so horrified by what I saw on Television I literally broke down in tears. It is the most egregious form of Animal Abuse I've ever seen and justified on National Television News. How could ABC do this? There was even a vet who agreed with a vegan diet provided certain provisions were done to protect the animals health. How could this vet do this? He is going against his oath! As an Agriculture Economics major I was also very interested in livestock and my pets. I took both courses, a total of six hours of Animal Nutrition. The very same courses the Vet Students at Texas A&M are required to take to become Vets. This was in 1986. Vet students are still required the same courses. It is just beyond me any Vet would even agree with changing a diet on our household pets.

The comment next to mine on the article from a vet was so sad. She treated a ferret who's vegetarian owner didn't understand her ferret was a carnivore. She stated the ferret was literally orange from the cantaloupe he was forced to eat.

I encourage you to read the entire article as it explains some of the problems associated with forcing a vegetarian diet onto our pets.

The greatest single argument I have is I can choose what diet I wish to eat. I choose a balanced diet including meat. I support the right of choice of vegans to choose the diet they wish to eat. A pet doesn't have that right of choice, we make it for them. This is wrong and abusive if you force them onto a diet that is not what nature intended for them to have. It's the most bigoted, abusive idea I've seen anyone espouse.

I've spent a great deal of time studying raw meat diets for dogs. These diets include plant foods for the dogs, too. I think it is a great way to feed your dogs.

I also would like you to read this post on Advocates for Agriculture. It is the true hidden agenda of HSUS: The Goals of HSUS. If you live in Ohio your the next state to go under the guns of HSUS in 2010.

Finally, I do not support other citizens of my country telling me and attacking me on the bases of my right to choose to be happy. Remember I have the right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I give this right to you. Return the favor.

Kim