A Challenge.....

As a follower of Murakami on Facebook, I came across this reading challenge for the new year. I have to admit, I have only read two of the author's novels, 'A Wild Sheep Chase' and 'Kafka on the Shore'. However, they were so wonderful that I found myself following the author on my social network of choice.


After such a great experience with the two Murakami books I read, I decided to accept this challenge for the new year. Lucky for me, an individual who doesn't read more than 10 books per year, there are several levels of readership to consider. I am going to strive for the 'Sheep Man' level by reading 3 books. The first will be one which has been on my to-do list for some time, 'The Wind-up Bird Chronicles'. Any Murakami readers out there have any suggestions for the other two?

better than balloon boy....

....is balloon dog

This quick little fellow also likes to take a stab at balloon's water filled cousins:

An Ode to my Midwest Folks who Love Church's........

Cutest Wrap Ever

Traditionally, I have been a die-hard tissue wrapper when it comes to gifts. Tissue is cheap and when accessorized correctly, has an aesthetic that I love. This holiday season however, I strayed a bit from the norm. I was in Paper Source getting some (gasp!) paper goods, and I ran across this:

Needless to say, all of my gifts for friends and family thus far are wrapped and on on display under my tree wearing this cute print. It was one of those rare times that I was up sold. Dogs in holiday hats though....totally worth it!

Happy Holidays

Promise that a more substantial post will come soon. As evidenced by these pictures, I have been a bit busy. Holiday cheer has infiltrated the home. In fact, Frito and I took a walk to the Echo Park Animal Alliance's 'Photos with Santa' event for our furry friends. However, while I watched in amazement for a bit at all of the excitement, ten bucks was too much for a photo. More aptly, I had a bad feeling about being one of those folks who take photos of their pets with Santa. It seemed like a gateway drug of sorts to throwing a full fledged birthday party for my four legged pal.