Cute, happy cartoon kangaroo indulging in what kangaroos are famous for: bouncing about. All products are fully customizable. Special offers and discounts apply.

See more at

Cheerful Madness!! online shop

Cheerful Madness!! online shop UK

Cheerful Madness!! online shop Canada

Cheerful Madness!! online shop Australia

Cheerful Madness!! online shop New Zealand

Cheerful Madness!! online shop France

Cheerful Madness!! online shop Spain

Cheerful Madness!! online shop Germany

Cheerful Madness!! online shop Portugal

Cheerful Madness!! online shop Brazil

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo T-Shirt by Lioness_Graphics
Make a customized tee shirt online at Zazzle

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo Women T-Shirt by Lioness_Graphics
Browse more Cartoon T-Shirts

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo Children T-Shirt by Lioness_Graphics
Browse Cartoon T-Shirts

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo Baby by Lioness_Graphics
View other Cartoon T-Shirts

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo Sticker by Lioness_Graphics
See more Cartoon Stickers

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo Keychain by Lioness_Graphics
Keychains made at zazzle.com

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo Button Badge by Lioness_Graphics
Design custom buttons on zazzle

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo Postage Stamp by Lioness_Graphics
Browse more Cartoon Postage

Cute Happy Cartoon Kangaroo Greeting Card by Lioness_Graphics
Browse more Cartoon Cards

Link

I just ate a sandwich, it was quite a delightful treat, though it would have been tastier had it been shaped like the face of Jesus.

Today, we celebrate Thanksgiving.  Thanksgiving- a holiday which we’re told was initially celebrated by the Pilgrims and the Indians to give thanks for bountiful harvests.  Today, Thanksgiving is typically a celebration with friends and family where we stuff ourselves full of turkey and other delicious food till we’re in a food coma.  Damn that tryptophan.  Those still awake watch football or plan where they’re going for the Black Friday deals.

Over the last few days, I’ve been contemplating and reflecting over the things that I am thankful for this year.  Some times sarcasm creeps– what can you be thankful for when your world is turned upside down and you’ve lived through the darkest, loneliest, saddest times you’ve ever been through.  I’ve then given myself a mental pep talk.  After several days of  thinking, I’ve found some light in the darkness.

Basically 2009 has just plain sucked since February.  Life was so good before February- I had a husband whom I loved dearly and we were such a happy family with our new son.  Everybody was healthy.  Life was good.

Then along came February and the stage IV diagnosis, followed by our fight and culminating in our lost battle.

But through it all there are things to be thankful for.

Nathaniel.  I have a wonderful easy going delightful son.  He is a pleasure to be around and his growth and development is nothing short of amazing to witness.

John got to be a father and he was a great one.  Some men never have the opportunity to become fathers.  Of the ones that do, not all of them are great.  John enjoyed fatherhood as much as he physically could through his illness.  Mentally it gave him a reason to fight and a reason to live that stretched beyond self.  John loved his boy so much.  He told me that Nathaniel’s laughter was his most favorite sound.

I had a great marriage and was married to a wonderful man.  I’ve been able to experience true love.  There are lots of people who can’t say that.  I have enough wonderful memories to hopefully last a lifetime.

John’s illness has taught me to stand up for what is right and to fight for those you love and to pick up the pieces and carry on.  The Mary of years past, wouldn’t have stood up to the well known and credentialed doctor and told him that we weren’t done fighting and if he was, then he could be forever referred to by name as “the doctor that gave up on daddy and the doctor who let daddy die.”  The doctors and nurses have other patients and rooms to visit.  The patient has one life.  Sometimes you have to stand up for those you love and insist on the best treatment for your loved one.  In the end maybe the outcome isn’t the most important thing, but rather how you life the life you have and the memories that you leave.  We’ve all been born and we’ll all die… really it’s the parts in the middle that we need to really make count!

John’s death has left me with a hole in my heart- grief, heartache, and loneliness like nothing else I’ve ever experienced.  But, I’m getting through it… not over it, but through it.  Some days are like walking through a nice grassy meadow with the sun warmly shining.  Others are like fighting my way through thick mud and slipping, sliding, falling, and getting up and pushing on.  The sun rises.  The sun sets.  Life goes on.  If I choose to live life or not, it still continues- better to enjoy it while I can.  Nathaniel, the horses, and the cats have kept me going.  They all need me and they all love me.  I’m working or re-building my life.  It won’t ever be the same or the happy home and strong fortress that it was with the three of us, but we’re making it.  It’s not always easy, it’s not always pretty, and it certainly isn’t always clean, but we’re making it…. one day at a time.  Life goes on.  We never know how short or long our life will be.  To me it only makes sense to enjoy it to it’s fullest and be happy as best you can.

For some reason, John’s death has chilled me out more and I don’t usually get upset over the little stuff.  In the end, the little things don’t matter.  It’s the big picture.  I just want to relax and enjoy simple pleasures- hug my kid, ride my horses, take a walk, pet the critters, and just enjoy life.  I’m very fortunate that I can do all of those things without even leaving Leaky Creek!  I love my farm, my house, my horses, my cats, and my son.  I truly feel like there is something else out there beyond our realm.  I do think that John has given me signs.  It’s reassuring and gives me an inner peace that I need.  Attending church has been helpful.  I used to fear dying terribly.  After I held John’s hand as he died, my fear left.  Someday, I’m sure we’ll be together again… as long as he doesn’t hook up with some hot angel in the meantime…

Annapolis Fire Department.  They were absolutely amazing during John’s illness and they (along with Community Fire Company of Rising Sun) made his funeral a fitting tribute to a wonderful man and amazing firefighter.  AFD did so many wonderful things that I know I can’t mention all of them.  They covered John’s shifts, so he received full pay.  They allowed him to retire on disability.  They came to visit him in the hospital and were there for his 2nd round of IL2 treatments at 6 AM & 10 PM.  They transformed our half bath into full bath with a shower that John could use.  Sometimes when you’re sick… the ability to get clean just means so much.  Sadly, John was only able to use his shower a few times, but it was very much appreciated!    AFD built a ramp, so we could get the wheelchair in and out easily.  They mowed our grass and did assorted maintenance jobs.  They went with us to many doctor’s visits so I didn’t have to worry about driving on little sleep or in unpredictable traffic.  They sent meals.  They held a fundraiser in Annapolis.  They participated in Team Smitty for the LiveStrong Challenge.  In, short, they took care of their brother.  John truly worked for a topnotch organization.  He loved working there and they loved him, too.  I miss them.

I’m thankful to the wonderful medical personnel that we encountered… from the friendly, familiar faces on the ambulance, to the caring hospital nurses, to our beloved home health nurses, and every smiling caring face in between.

I am thankful to the friends and family who have supported us and were there for John, Nathaniel, and myself.  During times of crisis, you find out who your true friends are.  Sometimes they are who you think they are… sometimes they’re different people.  I  have been very fortunate that no matter how alone I feel, I am not without friends to support me.  Some friendships have strengthened and I’ve even found new friends.  A simple phone call can make all the difference in the world.  Many people have also helped me out with everything from mowing grass, to checking car brakes, to babysitting, to installing ceiling fans, to watching Nathaniel while I got some equine therapy… and just being there when I needed to talk, needed a hug, or needed a shoulder to cry on.  This Thanksgiving, I’ve received so many invitations- thanks to everybody who thought about my boy and me and knew that we might not have a place to go.

I also have the world’s best babysitter.  I can’t tell you how amazing she has been with my son and how much I enjoy and value her friendship.  We’ve known each other since elementary school, but had lost touch through the years.  Facebook re-united us and I consider her to be one of my best friends, now.  We share conversations, hugs, and tears.  There is nothing like having the piece of mind that my son is being cared for as if her were part of her family.  Nathaniel helped carve his first pumpkin and made his first art project with them.  Her daughter is like a sister to him.  Nathaniel adores her husband and I think it is important for Nathaniel to  have a good male role model in his life.  I can go to work and have no concerns and no worries… to quote the credit card commercials.. “Peace of mind– priceless.”   I know John would approve.

I also hope that I can do some things in memory of John to help fight melanoma and fight cancer.  I don’t want his death to be in vain.  Skin cancer can kill.  We need more melanoma awareness and much, much more research.  I’d love to do a memorial bike ride, since he loved to cycle.

So, even in what has been the worst year in my 34 year life, there are things to be thankful for.  Happy Thanksgiving everybody.  Hug your spouse.  Hug your kid(s).  Pet the critters.  Eat up and watch some football.  And if you get a chance before the food coma sets in take at least a brief moment to remember what you’re thankful for.

This one turned out just like I wanted it.

Though I did have a hard time not putting roses on it!

 I saw that! No drooling!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of doing Kara and Chelsea’s senior photos. Kara had to be rescheduled at least 3 times due to either inclement weather or illness. I think it was for the best as yesterday was another beautiful fall day. It was more like spring actually with temps in the 60’s. Our original plan was to go to downtown Concord and do an urban session, but Kara’s folks have a great piece of property with a variety of settings and the light was just fantastic yesterday too! I have been friend’s with Kara’s parents for 25 years! I don’t know how time flies so fast! The girls were an absolute delight to photograph yesterday, they were game for anything, and they knew how to work the camera. I particularly loved their “fierce” look, and Tyra would be proud! These 2 kept me laughing the whole time with their antics, my biggest problem with this session is the amount of pictures I took and how to get them down to a manageable number since there are so many great ones to choose from. Enjoy these 2 delightful young ladies! Larger gallery on my fanpage

We enjoyed our dinner. The conversations had were flitty and delightful. We skimmed over countless topics and picked a bone or two before moving onto the next one. I had not realized just how much we had all drifted away since I became preoccupied with something else until the party tonight. But, that’s not all.

A friend of mine (possibly the dearest of all) by the name of Utterson has become increasingly concerned with my welfare recently. He has reason to be alarmed, I know, but I could not help but feel anger rushing to my temples. I am quite sure I hid my frustration and anger successfully, but even so, it may have been detected. Utterson is a sharp man and I have always respected him. He interrogated me on a sore subject: my “friend” Mr. Hyde. I could not tell him the truth, so this is what I said:

“My good Utterson, this is very good of you; this is downright good of you, and I cannot find words to thank you in. I believe you fully; I would trust you before any man alive-ay, before myself, if I could make the choice; but indeed it isn’t what you fancy; it is not so bad as that; and just to put your good heart at rest, I will tell you one thing: the moment I choose, I can be rid of Mr. Hyde. I give you my hand upon that; and I thank you again and again; and I want to add one little word, Utterson, that I’m sure you’ll take in good part: this is a private matter, and I beg of you to let it sleep” (Stevenson 26).

I was touched by his concern, truly I was, and he did not appear taken aback in the least, which I was pleased to see. I was determined to put my foot down – in a nice way – and I believe that I did just that. Someday I will tell him about Mr. Hyde.

Harris – After dying in late 2006, fans of hip hop thought the genre, nay – the lifestyle, would never be the same again.  Thankfully for the bereaved, DJ Neil Harris returns with his brand new album of revolutionary hip hop ‘I Am The Resurrection And The Life’.  Come forth Lazarus..

Taking inspiration from nobody but himself, Jesus and a love/hate relationship with rap music, Harris has perfectly carved out a delicious blend of all 3 to serve unto the masses-in-wait.  The album delves deeper into the soul of this enigmatic maestro of the decks than ever before, revealing darker, harsher tones than on ‘DJ Neil Harris RIP’, but a ray of light escapes through the cracks of the sacred tomb, a ray of light – a ray of hope..

1. DJ Neil Harris – I Am The Ressurection And The Life (4:58)
2. DJ Neil Harris – DJ Neil Harrus (1:04)
3. DJ Neil Harris – Damascus (3:16)
4. DJ Neil Harris – No Animal (2:56)
5. DJ Neil Harris – Flying Carpet (3:18)
6. DJ Neil Harris – Unremarkable (1:58)
7. DJ Neil Harris – Pete (0:45)
8. DJ Neil Harris – I’m Hot (3:44)
9. DJ Neil Harris – The Bus (1:30)
10. DJ Neil Harris – Fungus (2:45)
11. DJ Neil Harris – Judas (2:11)
12. DJ Neil Harris – Circus (2:24)
13. DJ Neil Harris – Neilus (4:05)
14. DJ Neil Harris – Jesus (3:54)
15. DJ Neil Harris – Ressurect Us, Harrus, Harris (0:52)

Download: http://www.multiupload.com/H9Z3XBJ364

My Life in France by Julia Child with Alex Prud’homme, published by Alfred A. Knopf

photo: Paul Child

I waited six weeks to receive an email from the Vancouver Public Library that the book I had reserved was waiting for me at my local library around the corner. I was in luck–it was a Thursday night, which meant the  library was open late. I could nip out before dinner and grab my precious object tout de suite.

Running all the way, I enthused to the librarian about my excited anticipation to read Julia Child’s already iconic biography, My Life in France. From the first page I knew I would not be disappointed. I’m half way through, and already mourning the event I know is coming––when I reach the final page.

Ms. Childs’ engaging story of her journey to becoming herself through her love of French cooking, and her descriptions of an American woman living in France in the 1950’s is an entertaining and delightful read.

Here is an excerpt describing a philosophy on cooking the lowly scramble egg by Chef Bugnard, one of her instructors at the Cordon Bleu cooking school:

His eggs were always perfect, and although he must have made this dish several thousand times, he always took great pride and pleasure in this performance. Bugnard insisted that one pay attention, learn the correct technique, and that one enjoy one’s cooking––”Yes, Madame Scheeld, fun!” he’d say “Joy!”

I am not the most adept of cooks; though I love eating, I’m the type who can make a decent meal when called upon, but most of my artistic energy goes into work in the studio. Reading My Life in France has me thinking that maybe I should sign up for that cooking course; I might actually enjoy myself.

Go, go at once, dear reader, and get yourself a copy of this wonderful book.

The Italian Farmhouse is situated in an old farmhouse on about 43 acres of land and converted into a delightful Italian restaurant. Great Italian food including fresh pasta, heavenly salads, thin crust pizza baked in a wood burning brick oven plus traditional meat and seafood dishes. The atmosphere and vista are worthy of Italy itself.

Q1. First of all, thank you for your time with TDI. You have been living in Portland for several years now. What do you think about the working environment in the U.S. compared to Mexico?

I moved from one of the biggest cities of the world to a small, green and quiet place in the U.S. So the difference is huge and for sure living on this tranquil environment was a key to start my artistic work.
You know living in a big city usually you have just the time to wake up, run over to the job and get back at night exhausted and with just one thing on your mind, get to sleep…

In Portland my lifestyle is such more relaxed and I have more time to use my mind for the creation, maybe now I’m not embedded in the world of beautiful colors and shapes that Mexico offers but all that is archived on my memory and my blood and I use them as inspiration sources to create my work.

Q2. We can always see Mexican elements in your creations. How does your culture background affect your works?

As I told you in the first question I grew up surrounded for these visual elements, I’m convinced as an immigrant person once you leave your culture and your country after a few years there is a big nostalgic feeling that makes you to value more those elements related to your roots, as a visual artist you cannot avoid this call and it will flow naturally, sometimes even without noticed it.

Q3. You have keep your unique style all through your creations, would you experiment with other new styles in the future?

Well I’m convinced that the style it doesn’t make it just it evolves and gradually will change, sometimes more than others but the creation process is always an exploration and experimentation journey. Is nice to feel that you have a distinguish artistic style but also is amazing to discover and try new ways. I’m happy doing what I’m doing right know but who knows? Maybe tomorrow I would love to do something totally different, I’m not close at all to the change.

Q4. What messages do you want to deliver through your artworks?

My work is spontaneous, free and not pretentious, for me art is more about beauty and happiness and that is what my work is about even when I illustrate dark themes I like to create a happy and colorful atmosphere around it. So, maybe if there is any message behind a piece created by me this would be a positive thought at the end.

Q5. What tools do you usually use when creating a work? How do you combine different tools when creating a piece?

To me is essential the use of paper and pencil, I need to sketch out the basic idea first. Then I re-draw the piece in Illustrator with my trusty Wacom tablet and add all the textures and colors in Photoshop, even that most of my work is digital I like to keep and analogue perspective so I produce a lot of my own textures with artistic materials as acrylics and water colors that later I will scan to applied them digitally. I think my process is sort of an analogue-digital collage.

Q6. Your works are recognized by many artists and fans, do you have any long-term goal you want to achieve?

I’m so thrilled about what I’m doing these days, I’m so lucky to be recognized for doing artwork and illustration and I would love to keep doing it for many, many more years. Fortunately or unfortunately I’m not an strategic-methodist person who likes to plan every step in my life I like to be surprised by the unknown so will see what else is there for discover and get amazed in this incredible adventure. Thank you so much for this interview.

Happy Birthday

I’ve been in a crabby mood all day. Things just haven’t been going according to plan. But I just received a piece of news that has made me a bit more cheerier. A Panera is opening in our building on Wednesday. Delightful. And possibly very bad news for my wallet.

Of course all the mice are happy, it’s made of cheese!

Link

As we stretch our Southern roots, IceMilk Aprons is excited to announce the launch of our line of heirloom aprons on the West coast.

The delightful Magpie, located in Morgan Hill, California, will be the first Gourmet Retailer we announce West of the Mississippi. With a thoughtfully unique product mix, founder Michelle Matz is welcoming and engaging from our first conversation. She spends her time finding things that cannot be found elsewhere, to provide her customers with a truly individual experience in the charming California store.

We are happily overwhelmed to be across the country and settled into our new Gourmet Retailer home at Magpie. Another great reason to go back to California for a visit real soon.

________________________

Magpie
17505 Monterey Road
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
408.779.4594

Today’s joke is inspired by true life events…

Two GIANT dogs meet each other in a park and begin to strike up a conversation.
“Woof!” says the first one
“Arf!” replies the second
“Aroooow!” the first exaplins
“I wish you’d stop ‘hounding’ me” the second responds
“haha” laughs the first “You really are a delightful friend”

Then they both leave together

“Give me an occupation Miss Dashwood, or I shall run mad!“

And here’s your dose of WTF for this sunny Monday, August 17:

Longhaul Farm’s wood fired Friday evening BBQ is absolutely terrific. Everyone loves the great food and delightful rural atmosphere. The Farm has just introduced a “½ price off second meal of equal or lesser value”. Now you can experience delicious food, friendly service and charming rural atmosphere and save money.

Well, yesterday was eventful. I spent most of my Thursday in the delightful company of this young lady, Miss Kitty Lea. She was absolutely lovely and, I must say, just a little bit sexy too!

It wasn’t just for my perverted pleasure that I was hanging out with her, the Castle Greyskullz boys and I were filming some long-awaited naughty-ness for Channel Jackov. Lu left me in charge of the entire days shoot as she is so busy but I think I just about managed to pull it off. Kitty was amazing and withstood an whole morning of me throwing water at her in public, which led to a lot of inadvertent ‘Carry On’ moments when I asked her if she was wet or said sorry for getting her too wet… so childish. But Kitty got her own back on me good and proper by force-feeding me fruit and throwing a bucket of water over my head in Hoxton Square! However, I can’t complain that it wasn’t all deserved.

So I just want to say a big thank you to Kitty for being so good about everything and you can catch her on “Jack TV” in the weeks to come…