Lesson of the Day: Good Lighting is Essential

In a consolidation effort, this entry was added from another blog on September 6, 2011.
We took Charlee to his first show this weekend.  I was so excited because I thought he looked really good.  I did concede that I have no idea what the judges would look for except what I had read online.  I counted toes, verified eye color, clipped toenails, checked his man parts to ensure everything was there and blew out his coat.  He would at least look pretty...and fluffy.  I printed off a rabbit show checklist I found online.  Thanks to whoever put that thing online because it was perfect! I made everyone at the house insane because I was so revved up for the show.  I apologize for that: I just wanted to make sure I had everything perfect.  Anyhow, I plopped Charlee in his little carrier and headed off the the show, family (and their bunnies) in tow.   Everyone was so nice in Austin.  They showed us where to go and what paperwork to fill out.  Even in line, we found kind folks ready to help out.  Rabbit people are so nice!

And of course, Sasha and John were there with their little chocolate EAs.  I had those things on my mind ever since Sasha mentioned them at the State Show last month.  I could not resist and bought their last little doe which we named Hershey.  James bought her for K, so she'd have a bunny to show as well.  Of course, I will keep her and care for her and pretty much consider her mine because K does not like animals in her house.  K then coined the phrase "grandbunny"...a rabbit she can cuddle and then return to someone else who is responsible for care and upbringing.  

At the show, Sasha and family were so gracious.  They really took time to help me.  I obviously had much to learn about grooming these little guys.  Sasha taught me how to turn the rabbits over and brush out their legs so the whole bunny looks like a fluffy ball.  Charlee was not pleased, but he was a good sport.  I spent most of the day trying to drag every bit of rabbit info out of Sasha, John, and Sasha's mom.  It was nice to be able to talk to someone who had rabbits like me.  And, most of all, to see their rabbits in real life.  They were so patient.  By the way, our little bunny from Sasha did quite well at the table.  She placed first in her class in both shows.  What a wonderful start!

But it wasn't all wine and roses....

The judges' table held my only disappointment of the day.  Show A:  Charlee was DQ'd for a white toenail.  How did I not see that?  Both James and I looked at all his little toenails.  Rats!  Immediately, we were called for Show B:  Charlee was DQ'd again....for white toenails.  I was sad for Charlee, although he seemed unphased.  On the up side, he got great comments otherwise.  I was still a bit skeptical about the toenails (because I always know best haha), although two very experienced judges apparently felt otherwise.  We had looked at those toenails at the house.  Every site I visited about rabbit show preparations said check for DQs (toenails included) and we did.  I pulled his fur back and held his paw up in the revealing sunlight.  Ugh!  There it was it bright daylight....a shiny, white toenail.  It was so glaringly obvious that I just looked at James and say, "I think we need new lightbulbs."  

Charlee and Biggles out in the sun...where I should have looked at Charlee's toenails.  

OK, so it's been a while...

I have been busy. Yes, I have still been writing, but not on the computer. I confess that I haven't been writing everyday. I daydream about rabbits, mostly. Rabbits and relationships. I'll explain more about that later. For now, I will just catch up.
There are 4 rabbits living here now. Elizabeth got a baby Netherland Dwarf to show. My stepson got an older Mini-Rex, also to show. I have taken over Mr. Biggles and Charlee (Like I didn't see that coming and gave it a big ol' bear hug). I'm pretty sure everyone knew that was what I wanted anyway. I just wish all those other rabbits were English Angoras.
I am gearing up for a big class load this summer. I am trying to hurry up and graduate so James can graduate at his own pace. I should be close to graduation by spring. It all depends on financial aid.
I have been to see Mr. Miyagi once. I produced mediocre drawings indicative of the time spent on them and bought an igloo doghouse for his strays. I have not been back, but I try to "see" everything with an artistic eye. I want to be ready. I will not show up with crap again.
Also, I quit worrying so much about what I'm supposed to be doing. I enjoy James' company, help the kids, and care for the bunnies. Life is good. I have instructed God that if he has anything else in mind for me, he will have to roll out a red carpet for me to notice. I am confidant that he will do so. That is his way with me.

Green in Killeen

I went to the City of Killeen's Composting Class this week, mostly to receive the free composter.  I had originally signed up month's ago and was thrilled to receive my confirmation.  About 15 other residents and I sat through the 2 hour class focused on composting and "green" practices.  Expecting the dry lecture classes often become, I was pleasantly surprised by the information given by class instructor, Peter D.  Mr. D is the head of the Killeen's Recycling Center and is full of interesting information regarding composting and gardening.    I got great tips about everything from where in our area to get mulch to which tomato varieties grow best in our clay-bound, alkaline soil.  So at 8pm, I left the Avenue F facility with composter in hand and an unexpected surprise...master gardener, Bert Whitehead's book "___"(won in the door prize drawings).  I encourage everyone to attend this free class in Killeen.  Information is available on the City of Killeen website, under Residents/Recycling.  It was definitely worth the composter.  

Draw! I tell you!

I have been disappointed in myself. I have not been drawing lately...like I should. I am going to see Mr. Miyagi today, weather permitting, and I am dissatisfied with the quantity of drawings I have made. Yes, I had an RA flare or two; yes, I had the flu; yes, I babysit a 2 year old all day; BUT....doggone it! This is important to me and I haven't done it! Now get off your ass, Kel.

My Son Is Reading A Book!

My oldest daughter, K, got me hooked. "Ishmael" was required reading for one of her CJ classes. Living out of town at the time, she called to tell me she had just read the best book ever. I filed that info into "cool stuff to know and use at a later date," promising myself to pick up a copy. Two years later, fate would have K and her two little ones moving in with us. As we were unpacking her boxes she pulled out her used copy of Ishmael. Violla! I was happy to begin reading and I must say that the book blew my mind. Not because the ideas within were so enlightening, but because the ideas were so mine. I felt a little invaded, as if I had been mind-melded by Daniel Quinn...and he hadn't asked. How rude! But most of all, I felt vindicated. Someone out there felt as I did. I gave this book to my Mom for her birthday and I have practically shoved it down the throat of anyone who would listen. I bought the audiobook for the men in my life who do not like to read. My Hubby begrudgingly listened to 20 minutes before falling asleep. I suggest it every evening, but Futurama wins out every night. I was dismayed. Yesterday morning my "today's educational system has killed my love of reading, unless it is video game format" 21 year old asked if I still had that book I was trying to get everyone to read. He took it to work with him. He quoted it on his Facebook status. In my mind I shouted, "YES!"