{AMAZING} The Dog Who Ran Away for Four Years & Then Came Home

It can be hard to think of good things when Monday rolls around, so I thought I’d try to put myself in the right frame of mind and start the week off with remembering things I am grateful for. This week, I’d like to talk about Otis, my pug, the dog who ran away for four years and then came home.


 Otis, the pug, ran away in Tallahassee, summer of 2003, while I was in Ireland going to school. He was just a puppy at a year old. His partner in crime, Pac the Great Dane, and he had dug a hole under the fence and one day it was big enough for him to squeeze through and off he went on his adventure. Pac was left behind, covered in dust & too big to fit through the hole. We did everything we could think of to find him, but nothing ever came of it. After almost a year, I finally started taking his fliers down and stopped running ads in the paper. My husband and I had to move to another city, 8 hours away, and I let go of the thought of finding him. When I sold my car in 2006, it was then that I threw away the "LOST" fliers in my trunk.

Saturday, June 30th 2007, my husband and I were at our friend’s house when an 850 (Tallahassee area code) number called me. I still have an 850 cell number, so I get a lot of misplaced calls and I usually ignore them. I had nothing else to do, so I answered. The woman on the phone introduced herself as being from Animal Control, asked me if I was Rachel (insert my maiden last name here) and when I answered "Yes", she continued on to tell me she had my dog and if I could come pick him up, that would be great. I couldn't understand how Pac, the Great Dane, could have escaped from our current apartment. The apartment is on the 2nd floor with enclosed windows and just the front door. I asked her to repeat herself & she told me, "I'm from the Tallahassee Animal Control and we scanned your dog, Otis, and his microchip had your information. Do you want to come and pick him up?"



At this point, I was making crazy noises and my husband and friend were thinking something awful had happened. I told them both that they found Otis and wanted us to come pick him up. They both started flipping out immediately. The woman from animal control couldn't understand why I was crying, and asked if we didn't want him anymore, and I had to let her know that we lost him FOUR years ago and thought we'd never see him again! She was as much in disbelief as me and relayed this information to the woman who found Otis.

I then went into my friend’s office area and got the whole story from the woman who found Otis. She said her son saw Otis wandering around near Tallahassee Community College, with no collar on, and brought him home. They put ads in the paper and on Craigslist, but no one responded. They already had four dogs and just could not keep Otis, so they took him to the shelter. The shelter scanned him, found my info in his microchip, and the rest is history!

Once I explained that we lived in a city that is a five hour drive away and couldn't make it to the shelter in Tallahassee before they closed (it was 4:00pm), the woman who found Otis offered to meet us halfway. Otherwise, the shelter would have had to board him and we wouldn't be able to get him until Monday. My husband and I agreed immediately and within 15 minutes, we were in the car heading to the halfway meeting point. It was the longest two and a half hours of my life, but we met the boy who found Otis at Sonny's.


 Poor Otis was so over-excited and hot that all he did was make this awful pug breathing noise, which concerned my husband and I. Within minutes of having him in the car, it was obvious this was Otis and he also knew it was us. We gave him some ice and his breathing got better. My husband and I were both overwhelmed and it seemed so unreal.

He’s been home for three years now and it has been wonderful having him home. We joke all the time and make up stories of his travels, giving him nicknames and such to explain where he was for four years. Unfortunately, he and our other dog, Pac the Great Dane, don’t really get along now. We have two males who want to be the dominant one. A couple fights have occurred, Otis lost an eye (which is easy with pugs), and now they live separate lives. We are working with them both on training and trying to coincide together, but it is very slow going. It’s not a perfect reunion but it works nonetheless.

There is not a day that goes by that I don’t look at him and think I cannot believe we have him back. Just amazing. He’s “The Dog Who Ran Away for Four Years and Then Came Home”.


 If we keep this up, he'll run away again

{WISH LIST WEDNESDAY} #2 Ummmm, Yes Please!

Here we go again! Hope these wonderful finds help you in some EARLY and well-deserved Christmas shopping.

Alls Well That Ends Well - Shakespeare Print - SmallAlign Center

I found this artist's work at the Globe Theater while visiting London and fell in love. I have always adored Shakespeare and found her work to be so endearing and wonderful in it's depiction of Shakespeare's works.

Tall/Skinny (9.5x20) Fabric Covered Magnet Board - Black Mini Muse
Tall/Skinny Fabric Covered Magnet Board by Steel Dreaming Designs

Hello, it's damask, so of course I am going to like it. Can you imagine three of these side by side with all of your wonderful photos, memos, postcards, etc? I think that would look great in an office or family room.

Pillow Design by Joom

I love the pink hummingbird on this pillow. The bright of the pink against the crisp of the white is great. Don't stop here though, there are so many more bold & beautifully colored pillows in her Etsy shop.

Baby Minnie or Mickey Mouse Crocheted Hat by KinleyAsh

I love Disney. Love it. This is just so obviously awesome, words can't say. I can hear the "Awwwwwwwwww!" from here.

Sunflower Clock - Canary Wood by KRT Woodworking

I absolutely adore sunflowers and having one year-round is a great idea. I am usually late to everything, so this is a visually gratifying way to be reminded I need to get a move on!

Insulated Lunch Purse - Going Places by The Patty Pan Shop

Got the travel bug? Well, if all you can afford right now is the currently popular staycation, why not tote this along with you to work everyday to help make lunch less monotonous? Have passport - will travel & EAT!

Organic Strawberry Face Scrub by Herbolution

Yum - this has got to sound like the best smelling face scrub but it's not only yummy but has very beneficial qualities as a great cleanser for acne. Nix the chemicals yet still get the benefits, that sounds like a good idea!

Lego Style Building Block Soap by A Breath of French Air

Young and "grown" kids alike love lego's. Why not add some fun to the boring handwashing time with these brightly colored soaps and (BONUS!) they come in different scents like Lime, Pearberry, Orange, Grapefruit, Cotton Candy, Popcorn, Coconut, Lemon, Apple, Lime.

Blue Filigree Necklace by Cara Scarlett

Some girls are all about shoes, purses, makeup, and more. This girl? Lovely, individual, you won't find other people wearing it JEWELRY. The stone on this necklace caught my eye immediately.

Mystery Garden Ruffle Wristlet by Murwati

Ok, I know I just said I'm not really a purse girl but this is too cute. I think that ruffle adds the perfect pop of color.

Beach Breezes Shea Butter Soap by Bella Sapone

I have to support other local Brevard Etsy sellers, and Bella Sapone is one of them. Her soap's blend of "Bergamot & Cyclamen with touches of Jasmine & Lily of the Valley & hints of Cedar Wood, Sandalwood & musk" sounds like the perfect beach scent. If you miss the ocean, this is a great take home option. Plus, one side of the bar is covered dead sea salts for those rough patches.


{SNEAK PREVIEW} Photo Greeting Cards

I thought I'd give a little taste (aka sneak preview) of the greeting cards I have been working on. Some of these are actually from an offline order (thanks MOM!) after I sent a text picture of one of the cards I was working on.

Some notes on these: The greeting card photos are hand mounted, not directly printed onto the card, with a background and envelope liner to match. They are available in white or cream. All of my photos can be made into greeting cards.

Hope you all enjoy!








And some fun with the leftover scraps!


Guess what's next?!? POSTCARDS! Stay tuned. . . . .

{QUIZ} What's Your Creative Style?


One of my favorite blogs, How About Orange, posted a link to this quiz from Pyschologies magazine, allowing you to find out "What's Your Creative Style"?

How About Orange Post: What's Your Creative Style


My results: You communicate through creativity
"You think of art as a means of reaching out to others but, at the same time, you use it as a shield to some extent. It’s a way of participating in society, in a community. It’s the way you communicate with others and the way they can communicate with you. Seen in this light, creativity provides the basic materials to build a bridge between you and other people, so you can’t think of it as something that lies outside your relationship with others. You like the attention and good opinion of others. When you show people what you’ve made — a birthday cake, or a piece of music you’ve written — it’s your baby, so you are very sensitive about any criticism. You need to be able to distance yourself from the result, and allow others to enjoy it and feel part of it, without it reflecting on you alone. Your creativity allows you (or would allow you) to feel part of the world. You’ve got an inner exhibitionist and you think that this strengthens your relationships. What you really want is for others to see the good in you. You prefer to get on the stage than stay in the wings analysing your inner life (although you do that, too). So let the show begin, but make sure your life doesn’t depend on the applause."
I have to admit - it's dead on. I didn't think it would be but the part about wanting others to see the good in you, yup that's me to a T, in my normal life, 100%.

Take it yourself and tell me, do your results seem right for you?

{WISH LIST WEDNESDAY} #1 You Kidding? Fill 'Er Up!

I thought I'd begin a Wednesday tradition of showing the coolest "I want it, want it, want it, puh-lease" items I have been finding while trolling the internet. Mostly, they will come from Etsy, but there are some other random finds out there. Everything here inspires awe in me at the amount of talent and creativity out there in the world. Can you believe people made these items all with their own hands?!? Awesome.

Now, time to spread the love.

angel with heart - ONE handpainted watercolor notecard
Angel With Heart, handpainted watercolor notecard, by Happy Day Studio

Isn't she just the most precious little thing? I worked with this artist on a custom item, although I can't feature it here because it is a SURPRISE for someone else, and it turned out wonderfully.
Geisha Gem Purse Hook - Aquarium - A Handcut Glass and Japanese Chiyogami Purse or Bag Hanger - Foldable. Portable. Adorable.
Geisha Gem Purse Hook "Aquarium" by GamiWorks
So practical and I love that she offers multiple choices on the paper you can have featured in the purse hook, so you can make it "individual" to you. I love these little fishies.
I cannot believe these are handmade. Her other items are absolutely beautiful as well - coming all the way from Jakarta, Indonesia.
You're Cooler Than a Mixed Tape Note Cards (set of 8)
You're Cooler Than a Mixed Tape Note Cards (set of 8) by Dawn Correspondence

I can totally remember sitting by my radio for hours waiting for the perfect song to be played so I could record it and get my mixed tape together of my favorite songs. This card puts it perfectly.


GORGEOUS Petti Tutu Pettitutu For Baby or Toddler FULL dress Many Colors To Choose From... Up To 24 Months
Petti Tutu Pettitutu For Baby or Toddler by Teddy's Tiny TutusCome on, do I really have to say anything. Doesn't this just melt your heart?!?
hey little mister tie and suspenders applique on american apparel cotton tee
Hey Little Mister Tie and Suspenders Applique on American Apparel Cotton Tee by Mimi Loves Sookie

Gotta represent the boys ! Little Man can now have his own fancy tee. Can you imagine a matching dad and son shirt set? I think it sounds awesome but I wonder if dad would feel the same.

Tiffany Inspired Jewelry Box Swarovski Earrings
Tiffany Inspired Jewelry Box Swarovski Earrings by A Bead On A Wire

They look like beautiful gifts boxes for your ears. I think the hearts at the bottom are a really nice detail.

I love tea, although I have never tried loose leaf tea. I would love to start with this - the blend sounds really yummy with green tea, dandelion root, ginger root, fennel, wild yam, sage, and spearmint. If it helps me lose some weight or get my metabolism going - ALL THE BETTER!

DOG WASH Naturally Deodorizing and Insect Repelling Pet Shampoo
Dog Wash Naturally Deodorizing and Insect Repelling Pet Shampoo by B.Noel Aromatics

My little pug is allergic to everything. He even eats Vegan dog food. I think this is a fantastic idea, especially since dogs are so much more sensitive to certain smells and when we douse them in chemicals, I would imagine it's bothersome.


Well, that's all for this week. Hope this was some good window (OR REAL) shopping for you.


Ladybugs as coasters? Perfect! She also does other coaster shapes and all are really cool.

{ABOUT ME} 25 Random Facts About My Art & Me

  • For my entire life, I have been drawn to photographs over other forms of art.
  • Only recently have I started to appreciate painting, and it all began with this:


  • My motto? Color, color, and more color. I am highly drawn to brilliantly colorful and dynamic photos, no matter the subject matter.
  • My camera broke recently and it has forced me to finally edit the bajillions of photos I have already taken…..
  • …..now, how much editing have I actually accomplished? Not even enough to make a dent.
  • I am the most typical Aquarius possible. I change everything all the time and if things have gotten a little too consistent, I change it up again. As a result, I hop around from project to project. It makes it hard to follow through to completion.
    I let myself get overwhelmed by the final goal. As a result, I have a hard time taking it step by step. That's why photography works so well for me. If I get too wrapped up in the details, I miss the shot. I just have to do it already. Rip off the band-aid, so to speak.
  • For being a photographer, I have to be honest and admit I've still not picked up my professional wedding photos. I have been married for five years.
  • The top five musicians that really get my creative juices flowing are: Sarah McLachlan, Tori Amos, U2, Janelle Monae (she is a highly rated recent addition), and Guster. In other words, music I can sing my head off while listening to. Anything else that is along those musical genres works perfectly.
  • I went to school in England, Ireland, and spent some time in Belgium and I brought disposable cameras with me which resulted in horribly low-quality pictures. I regret not bringing a better camera with me all the time.
  • If it weren't for my husband, my photos would still be sitting on the memory card. He is my biggest fan and encourages me every step of the way.
  • My technical skills for taking a photo are very shaky. I have a lot to learn. I couldn't begin to expound on f-stop/aperture/white balance, etc.
    I am, to the core of my being, right-brained. At work we even took a personality profiling to determine this and I was told I was off the chart "C": Interpersonal thinking - Key words : kinesthetic, emotional, spiritual, sensory, feeling. Preferred activities : listening to and expressing ideas, looking for personal meaning, sensory input, and group interaction.

    Somehow, I ended up at a job where typically everyone is very left-brained, analytical, and detail-oriented. I have no idea how this happened.
  • Other than photography, reading is my most favorite thing in the entire universe. Not even kidding, I am ALWAYS carrying a book. I have several in my trunk, just in case. I have done this since I was a child and even used to read at the dinner table but my parents put a stop to that. They thought it best I interact with real live human beings every once in awhile.
  • If I am getting too wrapped up and stressed out (which I am really good at doing to myself – remember, I overwhelm myself by looking at the forest and not the trees), it's time to watch something awesomely funny like Community, Big Bang Theory, Friends, 30 Rock, etc. Anything to just make me chill out and laugh my head off.
  • It is only within the last six months that I have actually learned to cook. Before then, I made whatever came out of a box or ate whatever was in a drive thru. I stopped eating meat in March 2010 (dabbled in it throughout February) and realized I had to learn how to cook for myself or I would be living off of French fries. Cooking has only increased my creative capacity. I can't believe I didn't learn how to do this sooner.
  • What made me become a vegetarian? This book:
  • Growing up, I wanted to be a professional dancer, singer, and actress. You wouldn't catch me on stage now (I am terrified now to sing in front of people), but until I was about 20 I was a major performer.
  • I applied to go to Film School but wasn't accepted. I got a degree in International Affairs instead. Close leap, right? HA!
  • I have been around artistic people my entire life and nothing gets me more annoyed than an "elitist" artist.
  • I believe, to the core of my being, that generosity, reciprocity, and pushing your boundaries makes you a better representative of human kind.
  • I've been nicknamed "Fez" or "Foreign Kid" as I grew up overseas of the USA and living in the Middle East. I feel being aware of the world's diversity and appreciating its differences enhances my art.
  • I will never forget the day someone saw me carrying my Arabic book, a week after 9/11 happened, and spat on me, calling me a traitor. I keep that memory in my heart to remind myself why I am who I am. I want to increase the spatial boundaries of everyone I meet so their world can be more loving and caring, like mine.
  • It makes me very happy when someone sees my photographs and it make them smile. It feels like I am spreading joy in a way that can reach more people than just me alone.

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