Why Did Brian Have to Die?

Update as of 12/6 GREAT NEWS: Brian Is Coming Back to Family Guy. The logline for the December 15th episode reads, "Stewie devises a master plan to get the one and only thing he wants for Christmas.” Vulture

Thank you Seth, there is a Santa Claus!
---------------------------------------------------------------
Seth, Seth, oh why Seth did you choose to kill Brian?

You were the divine creator, who I guess had the divine right to determine when Brian's prime time was up.

Brian lived quite a different canine life than most dogs and he persevered! Let's see...alcoholism, cigarettes, fast women, peeing in the house, a stint at rehab, kidnapping, protesting for Gay Rights, an illegitimate child -- and always putting up with Baby Stewie's antics. Brian Griffin was a role model for all dogs and most humans.

Rumors are flying, is there a new dog in town? Was Seth too busy to do Brian's voice overs? Was it better to have the family dog die than someone else in the Griffin household? What about one of the neighbors, Peter's buddies? Or the mayor?  

Brian was 14 yrs old or 98 in dog years. He looked great for his age and we just weren't prepared for the elderly pup to get hit by a car of all things. That reminds me, Brian had a Prius before they were cool, didn't he Peter? 

R.I.P. Brian Griffin -- you will be missed by many. A toast to you at the Rainbow Bridge...

Angry & Sad, Sad & Angry: A Fabulous Event Starring Lisa Marie Presley

Last night, went to see Lisa Marie Presley and her band perform at the Natick Center for the Arts. Parked in front of the converted firehouse were two huge trailers with Tennessee plates so I knew she had arrived. Lisa Marie lost her voice the night before but that didn't faze her rocking performance. From time to time, she needed to inhale mentholated warm water for her sinuses and wipe her face with a black towel. She and the band were all dressed in black. Three of the five band mates adorned black top hats. The mad hatter with feathers in his cap and a black topcoat ala Alice in Wonderland turned out to be her musical producer/husband Michael Lockwood (and father of their twin daughters). The drummer was originally from Boston. 

A doll on the piano, a snoopy dog close to the microphone and a Hello Kitty joined onstage too (likely good luck tokens from the twins). Lisa Marie had her mother's beauty and her father's voice. Even the "Thank You" after each song, she just forgot the "Kindly" at the end that her famous king of a father said after all of his songs.

Lisa Marie claimed her songs have always been about the same things -- "angry and sad and sad and angry" -- I wondered why such a talented singer and songwriter with fame, fortune, four children and the daughter of Elvis Presley would be so troubled emotionally...the reasons become apparent in her songs -- each deliberate word written, sung from the soul.

LMP stamped equipment & musical instruments at the show:

From Wikipedia

Lisa Marie Presley (born February 1, 1968) is an American singer-songwriter. She is the only child of singer/actor Elvis Presley.

As sole heir to Elvis' estate, Presley is the owner of Graceland, the Memphis mansion where her father lived, now a major tourist attraction. She has conducted a long career in the music business and has issued several albums and videos. Her work as vocalist and lyricist has ranged across country, blues and folk.

Presley has been married four times. In 1988, she married musician Danny Keough, with whom she had a daughter and a son. She was then married to pop singer Michael Jackson and briefly to actor Nicolas Cage, before marrying music producer Michael Lockwood, with whom she has twin girls. In 2010, they moved to Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, United Kingdom.

From Lisa Marie's Website:

Taken as a whole, Storm & Grace is a unflinchingly honest piece of work from this songwriter, who, though known for her tough frankness, has managed to create a tender, consoling thread that runs throughout the album. "Weary" may concern a relationship that didn't work out, but it is suffused with a genuine warmth, as Presley sings: "I will always love you/you can move on, dear."

For Presley, the album's conciliatory theme grew out of wanting to have peace in her life after a period of turmoil and letting go of what no longer suited her. "There were a few years there where everything around me had fallen apart," she says. "All the things that had become my foundation were gone and I had to shed a lot of skin. I found myself really vulnerable afterward and that's what birthed the album's vibe. It's me without any attitude or anger at a time of rediscovery."

The Center for the Arts in Natick, MA  ...early Monday morning on January 13, 1874, 10 years after the Civil War...this fateful morning before sunrise, Natick's worst tragedy was about to unfold with a devastating fire. 

And many years later, after a $2.2M restoration where horses once lived and drove the firemen, a center for the arts now lives.

The venue today: great seats from anywhere, exposed brick, intimate lighting, amazing sound system!

Lisa Marie Presley was in the building! And so, Elvis lives on...

Cherished Saints : Unbreakable Bonds: Unconditional Love

Cherished Saints : Unbreakable Bonds: Unconditional Love: GREAT NEWS! as of November 22, Jeffrey & Jermaine will be adopted!

Cherished Saints : Unbreakable Bonds: Unconditional Love

Cherished Saints : Unbreakable Bonds: Unconditional Love: Please help 2 dog brothers, one who is blind, fine their forever home together this holiday season.

Yoga & Two Monks

Tonight, during yoga class, my instructor Diane told us a version of this story. It truly had a message about "letting go" which is so hard for many of us. I wanted to see where this story came from, so went to Google. Apparently, the story of Two Monks and a Woman is a very well known Zen story. So here goes: 

Two monks were making a pilgrimage to venerate the relics of a great Saint. During the course of their journey, they came to a river where they met a beautiful young woman -- an apparently worldly creature, dressed in expensive finery and with her hair done up in the latest fashion. She was afraid of the current and afraid of ruining her lovely clothing, so asked the brothers if they might carry her across the river. 

The younger and more exacting of the brothers was offended at the very idea and turned away with an attitude of disgust. The older brother didn't hesitate, and quickly picked the woman up on his shoulders, carried her across the river, and set her down on the other side. She thanked him and went on her way, and the brother waded back through the waters. 

The monks resumed their walk, the older one in perfect equanimity and enjoying the beautiful countryside, while the younger one grew more and more brooding and distracted, so much so that he could keep his silence no longer and suddenly burst out, "Brother, we are taught to avoid contact with women, and there you were, not just touching a woman, but carrying her on your shoulders!" 

The older monk looked at the younger with a loving, pitiful smile and said, "Brother, I set her down on the other side of the river; you are still carrying her."

Hot yoga has become my favorite workout. A cleanse of body and mind, each instructor has their way of making a class unique. Whether it be the order of poses and flows, music or not (I always prefer music), some practice with the class while others demonstrate poses, they may start and end class with one, three or no Ohms, a story or message -- each class and instructor are special. No two are ever alike. 

Kind of like the two monks.

Etsy: I still love you but...

Lots of media coverage has identified MANY unhappy Etsy sellers due to recent changes made to Etsy's definition of "Handmade" items. Now sellers can use manufacturers in creating their items. It goes against the sentiment held by handmade artisans and designers. And so, the definition of "Handmade' is truly in the eye of the beholder.

Etsy Guidelines:

Handmade items are designed and created by the shops that sell them. Because transparency matters on Etsy, we ask sellers to list shop members and share information about manufacturers involved in creating their items. Reselling an item you were not involved in creating is not allowed in our handmade category. 

Their Mission does not mention the "H" word:
Etsy is a marketplace where people around the world connect to buy and sell unique goods. Our mission is to re-imagine commerce in ways that build a more fulfilling and lasting world.

Here's a great discussion with guest experts on Etsy's policy change: 

       Why Handmade Might Not Mean What You Think via HuffPost Live 11/19/13


Sites like Ruby Lane, Zibbet, ArtFire and even eBay have been competing with Etsy, luring prior and current Etsy shop owners. In my eye, Etsy is still the place I want to be. My items fall under the vintage category for Cherished Saints. The "Etsy Police" forced me to re-categorize the "Tell Your Story" sterling silver charm ribbon necklaces in my original shop, Bunny Green Jeans to "Supplies" rather than "Handmade" two years ago. Since then, my shop sales have declined dramatically. And Etsy has made new policies.

Cowgirl Junkies

Obsessed with cowboy boots?

Cowboy boots have become a staple of mine for years now. I have six pairs and my first ones are my all time favorite. Broken in to fit perfectly. Great with jeans, skirts and dresses. Casual or dressy occasions, they are totally appropriate in my style book.

My favorite and only brand I wear? Old Gringo 

Last pair I bought: Milagros

Old Gringo's are not inexpensive -- but, they're worth it. Some great sources for deals:

• Old Gringo Facebook Sales
• 6pm.com 
• eBay.com 
• Zappos.com
• Amazon.com

Great holiday gift idea for that special cowgirl on your shopping list. Because a girl can never have too many pairs of Old Gringo boots.

A Songbird Sings: Robin Lane

Looking Back & Giving Back

While watching an episode of Chronicle on July 25th, I was amazed with the "Ballad of Robin Lane". Robin was a rock 'n roll icon from the 1980's. I remembered her band, The Chartbusters and listened about her life since and up to her recent non-profit organization, songbirdsings.org which is focused on helping those suffering from trauma. Whether it be abuse, PTSD, incarceration or exploitation and other forms of trauma, the organization wants to help -- one song at a time by providing support systems and music therapy.

I contacted Robin via Facebook to let her know that I loved the episode and asked how I could help. Fundraising is the best way to support this non-profit. So I set up a donation page at Fundraise.com. I donated $100 and my mother, Lorraine donated $50. Additionally, I am selling four $30 PRAY IT FORWARD necklaces on Cherished Saints, where $10 profit from each sale will go to Robin's organization.

Robin has been busy promoting Songbird Sings with public appearances and performances -- and her CD, "A Woman's Life". Consider making a donation this holiday season or purchase Robin's CD -- to make a difference and to give back by helping others that have suffered major trauma in their lives.

Robin Lane ROCKS!

Background on Robin Lane direct from Wikipedia:

Robin Lane (born 1947, Los Angeles, California) is an American rock singer and songwriter. Her band, Robin Lane & the Chartbusters, released three albums on Warner Bros. Records in the early 1980s, and was best known for its single "When Things Go Wrong".

Robin Lane grew up in Los Angeles. Her father was Ken Lane, songwriter and pianist for Dean Martin; her mother was a model. While in her teens, Robin began singing and performing in folk-rock clubs in southern California. From 1968 to 1970 she was married to future Police lead guitarist Andy Summers. In 1969, she sang backing vocals on the song "Round & Round" on Neil Young's album Everybody Knows This Is Nowhere. In the 1970s, Lane moved to eastern Pennsylvania and then to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where her musical interests turned from folk-rock to a harder sound influenced by the growing punk rock and New Wave genres.

In 1978, Lane formed the Chartbusters with Asa Brebner and Leroy Radcliffe (of The Modern Lovers), Scott Baerenwald and Tim Jackson. She had signed with Private Stock Records, which shortly afterward went out of business. After Jerry Wexler saw a Chartbusters show, however, he signed the band to Warner Brothers. Their first album, Robin Lane & the Chartbusters (1980) featured the singles "When Things Go Wrong" and "Why Do You Tell Lies?", earned favorable reviews, and received widespread airplay; the music video for "When Things Go Wrong" was the 11th song shown on MTV's first American broadcast day, August 1, 1981. The band had two more releases on Warner, the EP "5 Live" (1980) and "Imitation Life" (1981). The limited commercial success of these records, combined with business disputes and Lane's desire to have a child, led to the breakup of the Chartbusters in 1983.

Lane continued writing and recording music, and released the independent EP "Heart Connection" (1984), the self-produced cassette In Concert (1989), and the full-length Catbird Seat (1995). She co-wrote the song "Wishing On Telstar" for the 1991 Susanna Hoffs album When You're a Boy.

In 2001, Lane and several of the Chartbusters regrouped for two reunion concerts, and decided to continue recording and performing; they released "Piece of Mind" in 2003. Since then, Lane has moved to western Massachusetts, where she works with the Turners Falls, Massachusetts Women's Resource Center, using music therapy to aid survivors of abuse.

Background from the website of Songbird Sings:

The Mission of Songbird Sings

It is the mission of Songbird Sings to transform those silenced by domestic violence, sexual exploitation, post traumatic stress disorder, childhood abuse, war, and incarceration, enabling them to give voice to their experiences and emotions. Through songwriting and creative collaboration, participants find the key to their own healing, developing inner strength and resilience as they come to trust themselves and others, while building support systems between those with a shared history of trauma. 

Future goals:  To create a nation-wide network of accredited instructors to offer Songbird Sings songwriting and recording workshops for trauma survivors.

Unbreakable Bonds: Unconditional Love

GREAT NEWS;  as of November 22, Jeffrey & Jermaine will be adopted!

Just stumbled across two Facebook posts about unbreakable bonds -- the first, between two dog brothers -- one is blind. And the second, a video of two newborns being bathed. 

Whether the bond is between animals, humans or animals and humans; it's that unconditional love that transcends species. Love is LOVE.

The unbreakable bond between two canine brothers -- Jeffrey & Jermaine

"Pictures are worth a thousand words, but this one might just leave you speechless. Earlier we posted a picture of Jeffrey, who is blind, and his brother Jermaine, who has dedicated his life to be Jeffrey’s loyal guide dog. Here they are as they sleep, holding on to each other. The unconditional love and devotion these two dogs show is positively inspirational. Jeffrey and Jermaine are STILL waiting at shelter Operation Ava in Philadelphia for their hero to come rescue them! Please open your heart and home to them! For more information or adoption inquiries, please contact Operation Ava at (215) 240-1240 or visit their website 

www.operationava.org."

 

Comment from 11/21/13 Mary Davidson

10:16 PM

These two dogs still waiting on a new home. Please someone help rescue them. They are at a home in Philadelphia. You can find them at this website http://www.operationava.org/. Please help them by keeping them together forever. They depend on each other and they are probably so afraid they will never find a home better then the one that they have now. Please help these babies to a new life. I wish I could so much it hurts!!

The unbreakable bond between two newborn twins

                                                      Via YouTube by Thalasso Bain Bébé Jumeaux - Twin Baby Bath

Blessed with Friends from a Lifetime

Last night, I met up with three friends of thirty years for a reunion dinner (our third this year). Over the years, our lives have changed. Jobs (we all met at UPS back in the 80's), marriages, kids, dating and relationships -- but we've stayed in touch in one way or another, sometimes not as often as we'd like. But -- there remains a strong bond of friendship between us -- and a history.

It's rare though, in this day and age for key friendships to transcend time. It's a special bond that can't be broken as we always pick up where we left off. It's catching up on current events in each other's lives, reminiscing on the past and talking about taking a trip to Europe together. And we laugh and we laugh.

This digital world makes staying in touch so much easier since our friendships began in the days before email, computers, smartphones and Facebook. I am thankful and feel blessed to have these amazing friends in my life -- then, now and as we grow older.

Reminds me of a quote by one of my favorite artists (and name of one of my Savannah's) Georgia O'Keefe.

Georgia O'Keefe once said, "Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time - like to have a friend takes time".

And that it does -- TIME to have and to keep a friend.

Seller Spotlight: Josie & Perri

Etsy offers unique, vintage, handcrafted items from artisans around the world. Some of my favorite Etsians sell vintage medals too. I just purchased a gorgeous vintage, silver medal from Joan -- who is the artisan and visionary behind Josie & Perri. 


Josie and Perri offers a collection of handcrafted jewelry featuring vintage and antique religious medals and more. Some have been hand-selected in France. The charms, medals and crosses are often added to hand designed chains with pearls and gem stone beads. The prices are amazingly low for such quality designs. Great gifts to consider this Holiday Season and truly one-of-a-kind!


                                                                            Blessed Virgin Mary Necklace

Saint Joan Necklace

Vintage Theda Marcasite Cross with Pale Rose Tourmaline

Sterling Silver Miraculous Medal Necklace

Protection Medals for Cherished Pets: Saints Francis & Benedict

What are you getting your favorite pet for the holidays?

My top recommendation in sterling silver -- for the spiritual pet (each of my cats wear this one from Waxing Poetic):

Waxing Poetic's "SAINT FRANCIS" HEAVENLY HELPERS CHARM

As a pet owner of three exotic cats -- a Bengal and two Savannahs, I love putting charms and medals on their collars. Here's Grace Kelly, my 6 yr old Savannah posing with her medal collection.

And for pet owners who are looking for a lower cost, not necessarily sterling silver protection medal, Cherished Saints offers three versions on stainless steel split rings:

Saint Francis "Pray for Us"

Saint Francis "Bless & Protect my Pet"

Saint Benedict -- Protect My Pet from Evil

HISTORY LESSON:

Saint Francis of Assisi was a poor little man who astounded and inspired the Church by taking the gospel literally — not in a narrow fundamentalist sense, but by actually following all that Jesus said and did, joyfully, without limit and without a mite of self-importance. Serious illness brought the young Francis to see the emptiness of his frolicking life as leader of Assisi's youth. Prayer—lengthy and difficult — led him to a self-emptying like that of Christ, climaxed by embracing a leper he met on the road. It symbolized his complete obedience to what he had heard in prayer: "Francis! Everything you have loved and desired in the flesh it is your duty to despise and hate, if you wish to know my will. And when you have begun this, all that now seems sweet and lovely to you will become intolerable and bitter, but all that you used to avoid will turn itself to great sweetness and exceeding joy." From the cross in the neglected field-chapel of San Damiano, Christ told him, "Francis, go out and build up my house, for it is nearly falling down." Francis became the totally poor and humble workman.

On the front of the medal is Saint Benedict holding a cross in his right hand, the object of his devotion, and in the left his rule for monasteries. In the back is a poisoned cup, in reference to the legend of Benedict, which explains that hostile monks attempted to poison him: the cup containing poisoned wine shattered when the saint made the sign of the cross over it (and a raven carried away a poisoned loaf of bread). Above the cup are the words Crux sancti patris Benedicti ("The Cross of our holy father Benedict").  Surrounding the figure of Saint Benedict are the words Eius in obitu nostro praesentia muniamur! ("May we be strengthened by his presence in the hour of our death"), since he was always regarded by the Benedictines as the patron of a happy death. On the back is a cross, containing the letters C S S M L - N D S M D, initials of the words Crux sacra sit mihi lux! Non draco sit mihi dux! ("May the holy cross be my light! May the dragon never be my overlord!").Surrounding the back of the medal are the letters V R S N S M V - S M Q L I V B, in reference to Vade retro satana: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! ("Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!") and finally, located at the top is the word PAX which means "peace".

A Tale of Two Saints: Anthony & Christopher

Saint Anthony and Saint Christoper are two major protectors so I was thrilled when I came upon this amazing two-sided sterling vintage medal.

Saint Anthony & Saint Christopher Double Protection

HISTORY LESSON: 

There is perhaps no more loved and admired saint in the Catholic Church than Saint Anthony of Padua, a Doctor of the Church. Though his work was in Italy, he was born in Portugal. He first joined the Augustinian Order and then left it and joined the Franciscan Order in 1221, when he was 26 years old. The reason he became a Franciscan was because of the death of the five Franciscan protomartyrs -- St. Bernard, St. Peter, St. Otho, St. Accursius, and St. Adjutus -- who shed their blood for the Catholic Faith in the year 1220, in Morocco, in North Africa, and whose headless and mutilated bodies had been brought to St. Anthony’s monastery on their way back for burial.  St. Anthony became a Franciscan in the hope of shedding his own blood and becoming a martyr. He lived only ten years after joining the Franciscan Order.

Saint Christopher died a martyr in Lycia in 251 A.D. during the reign of Decius, a Roman Emperor who conducted the first systematic persecution of Christians. Very little is known about Christopher's life, but many legends have developed around his name.  One of the most popular legends describes the saint as a tall man of tremendous strength who made a living carrying people across a raging river. One day his passenger was a child who grew so heavy as they crossed the river that he feared they would both drown. Christopher was amazed that one so mighty as himself could be overcome by one so small. The child then revealed that he was Christ, and the heaviness was caused by the weight of the world which he bore. The name "Christopher" means "Christ-bearer," and it is no surprise that he is often depicted as carrying a child, who, in turn, is carrying a globe.  It was a common medieval custom to place a large mural of the saint opposite the south door of the church, in belief that the sight of it would safeguard the passer-by from accident that day. In modern times, St. Christopher is considered to be the patron saint of travelers, especially of motorists. St. Christopher is listed among the "Auxiliary Saints", or the Fourteen Holy Helpers, venerated for the efficacy of their prayers in time of need. His feast day, July 25, was dropped from the Roman Calendar of 1969, but may be observed locally, or in churches which bear his name.

First Blog: Greetings from Cherished Saints

Cherished Saints is a collection of silver religious saints and icons, new and vintage from France, Italy and other worldly places. 

It all began when I started my own personal collections of medals for necklaces and bracelets. And now I search for them everywhere. 

My favorites are engraved with names and dates from previous owners, lifetimes ago.

This blog will share information about Patron Saints, religious medals, jewelry, design, shopping, pets, horses, cowboy boots, chit chat and more.  Hope you'll join me in the discussions!

Rachelle