Roo

This is a very difficult and heavy post for me to compose.

I've been putting it off but fact is that if I don't do it, I'll continue not wanting to blog.

I'll continue with this numb feeling & not wanting to say out loud that...

Our Roo Boo is gone...
He passed away on January 26th at 10:05pm

Our handsome Roo has had to leave us and has flown away to be with his Ella Luna.

He passed away just as he lived his life, peacefully, gently & with giant strength & beauty.

We miss him like mad...he was an amazing rabbit and an amazing friend...a real solid soul.

He left us just a short 8 months after Ella Luna passed away...
I am not ashamed to admit that Ella and he were the apples of my eye...
so it's been a really rough year to see two of my best & favourite babies go.

I send out to the universe, a big thanks to our Jaks, for becoming buddies with Roo

and giving our big boy lots of snuggles & kisses during some of his last months.

Love to our Teela too, for being understanding that our boy needed few but gentle visits from her.

Also, thanks to our best friend Maria, she was Roo's Auntie & she spent lots of time stretched out on the floor with him, when he was well & when he was sick, he really grew to love her.

And to my mom & dad, who never left our house without giving Roo a pet first.

But mostly I thank my Jonathan...

whose shoulder I constantly soaked, whose strength & gentleness soothed my torn heart &

who helped me bolster myself up to be the best mom I could be to Roo in his final days.

He hung on as long as he could.  Our giant Chinchilla, our 12 pound baby...he had an enormous spirit.

We got the hypercalcemia disease under control & his bladder emptied of calcium and sediment

within a week of diligent & patient work but apparently this was just a 'surface' problem.

He started falling over at the beginning of December not because of the bladder issue

but because he was suffering from spinal/neurological degenerative disease.

Apparently 9 years old is very old for a large bunny like him.

Over just a few quick weeks, he lost of the use of his back legs then his front legs.

So I put him in a giant basket and never left his side...(that's why I was away for 1.5 months)

I carted him around the house with me from room to room.  He even slept in the bed with us.

He had to have assisted feedings 4 times a day for over a month, he wouldn't give up, so either did we.

I am so grateful that the last week or so of his life was very sunny,

so he spent alot of time napping away in the sunlight which he always loved...our sweet boy.

Right up to the end he was smothering my face with a million kisses...

seriously I think I got over a million kisses from this precious precious heart.

Near the end he couldn't hold his head up, he didnt' want to eat...and well it was the hardest decision to

help him pass right up until the moment we knew it was the right thing to do.

He went surrounded by immense love, with sweet words whispered in his ear & encircled in our arms.

I still can't believe my boy is gone.

He was a best friend and one of thee most special rabbits I've ever had the honour of being a mama too.

I'll miss him every single day until the end of my time.

I fall asleep every night with visions of him and Ella bouncing around together somewhere wonderful.

And whenever I start to fall apart, I quickly remember Roo's grace & strength & utter sweetness

and I remember that he was extremely happy in his 9 year life.

Every time I take a nap, I think of our boy....because boy he LOVED to nap our handsome boy....

and every time I hear a snore, I will smile & think of him again because oh boy did he snore our boy.

I will go forward with his strength now part of my strength & I will always always feel

blessed and grateful that I was the one who found him in a park so many years ago...

one of the best days of my life.

Miss you baby....miss you so so much...thank you for all that you were and will forever be.

Play Lightly

Wow, a brand new year of blogging ahead of me once again.  Exciting.

I think it's a good idea to start things off with a brand new illustration.

This one is called "Play Lightly" and is pretty much all Prismacolour on paper.

It's been a long & very cold winter so a dose of colour & summer-time dreaming is in order I think.

I have much to share with you.  I really hope you will join me often over this new year.

I promise, as always, to share the best & most positive of my unique self, here on my beloved blog.

The First Edition of 2013

My first 'official' post of 2013 is being posted tomorrow on February 1st.

But, I wanted to hop in to let you know that the very first newsletter of 2013 has just been sent out.

If it's not already awaiting you in your inbox then just click here to view it.

So I'll see you all tomorrow right?....get ready for a dose of warming colour.

Back Real Soon

Hi Everyone...

The holidays and the long break which I granted myself were much needed, lovely, crazy & very sad.

We have very recently had to say goodbye to our wonderful boy Roo...it's been very hard.

I just wanted to let you know that I'll be back to blogging very soon

February 1st to be exact...I am anxious to see where this new year of blogging takes me.

Until then...stay cozy, happy, inspired, kind and warm...brrrr.

Happy Holidays

Wow, it's been quite a year.

The buns and I thank all of you for supporting our beloved blog.

I am hopping in quickly to let you all know that
I am beginning my holidays now.

I'll be away for blogging for a few weeks...

My honey & I start our holidays tomorrow for 2 weeks...

then I will be back into the studio part-time BUT I won't be back to blogging until February.
(But I will be using Twitter still, so if you want quick updates you can check in with me there.)

I look forward to refilling my creative well.

And after 4+ years of blogging it's nice to know that all of you lovelies who visit me here

will be here when I return....it so fills my heart with warmth and gratitude for you all.

I know 2013 will be full & exciting and that this beloved blog of mine will continue

to record & witness amazing abundance & beauty.

I can't wait to continue in the sharing with all of you shining souls.

Before I go, I must ask that you all send us good wishes & healing energies for our Roo is sick.

He's been sick for 3 weeks, at first we thought it was just a sore leg, then a sore hock but

on Monday after rushing him to the doctors we found out that we are
dealing with 'Hypercalcemia disease', so we've been pretty stressed & scared and
though it's not looking like the holidays will be what we planned or the restful period that we need,
I look forward to uninterrupted time to take care of our boy and to having
Jonathan home 24/7 because he so centers & calms me in the middle of my fears and stresses.

You all know me...the world all but halts to a stop when one of my long-earred babes is not well.

Also, more time for our newest sweet addition is going to be lovely...

though she's nicely settled already truth be told, ha ha.

So as Roo naps in the bedroom and Teela munches away on a big pile of hay and as

 Jin and Jaks are cozied up together watching a winter storm from their window bench
and the house sparkles with Christmas cheer,

We are wishing you and yours the loveliest of Holidays...

See you in the New Year.

XXOO  Mandy, Jonathan, Roo, Jinny, Jaks and Teela XXOO



Teela

We are SO excited and head over heels in love,
And happily announce the addition of a new family member...

We have adopted a new little girl from the shelter.

We've named her Teela.

She is just over 1 year old.

We rescued her a week ago today & she fits perfectly into our little family already.

She's a tiny little babe weighing under 4 pounds...
her nickname at the moment is 'Tiny Teela', ha ha, for she's the smallest rabbit we've ever had.

She has a voracious appetite...We've never seen a rabbit eat hay like this girl, holy smokes.
And water too, we've never had a bun drink so much water either.

She's so lovely & sweet.
She loves cuddles and snuggles.
She's very smart and very clean, we are super happy with her potty habits.
And she's seemed to have settled into her new home really easily and very quickly.
I don't think that the arrival of a new babe in our lives has ever felt quite this easy or relaxed...
not since our Ella Luna anyhow.
(the 'La' part of her name is indeed in homage to our foo foo Ella.)

The only thing, which we've never dealt with before,
is that she has a super serious fear of being picked up...
Many rabbits don't like to be picked up but they either get used to it or tolerate it if done properly.
I don't know what's happened to this little sweetie to give her such a serious fear...poor girl...
It sure will make any vet visits and nail trimming very interesting/stressful!

We are in the chaotic/fun/precious time right now of learning each others routine,
and just spending oodles of time with her to make her feel super loved and safe.
I admit I am pretty much just spending my days going between all the buns & getting little else done,
but I also admit that I don't mind this bunny-full routine one little bit...it fills my heart beautifully.

So now you know one reason why I've been absent from blogging, ha ha.

I'll be posting about my very first shelter visit soon...it was a hard but very positive experience.
And, we can't thank the shelter, her caregivers there, or her adoption agent Kimberly enough.



Happy Day For My Honey

Things have been slightly chaotic around here...more on that later.

But today I had to hop in for a post because...

Today my amazing honey turns 37.

This guy of mine deserves the biggest of big birthday bashes...

but every year he prefers to pass his special day quietly with just his family.

So a couple of awesome birthday gifts are awaiting to be unwrapped...

A homemade lasagna will be lovingly made and a red velvet cheese cake will be enjoyed.

The bunnies are ready to sing happy birthday to the best bunny daddy ever.

It'll be a good day.



But today will be hard for us too.

For today our Ella Luna would have been 9...

We always celebrated her birthday on Jonathan's birthday.

So, I can't let today go by without sending a Happy birthday to our angel in the beyond...

we miss you every day baby girl.

And Happy Happy birthday to my honey.

Love ya babe.

Jinster Gets Snugs

 

Every year the rabbits have to get used to the new winter season & not being outside half as much.

They can get abit bored...Jin seems more prone to it then the other buns.

So we're snuggling her up more on the couch when we watch movies

or like in this photo, when I am stitching away.

She goes & sits at Jonathan's computer desk to keep her dad some long-eared company.
She gets extra blankets to play with.
Extra boxes to enjoy...Jonathan moves the box configuration around daily which keeps her happy.

For any bunny parents out there?? Do your hon buns get bored during the long months of winter???

Novembers Edition

The buns and I have been hard at work today

(even with a screaming migraine)

to make sure that the November Bijou's Whimsy newsletter edition still went out on time...



Haven't received it directly to your email box nice and convenient like???

Then do sign up right here.

Or send your name & email address to MandySaile@BijousWhimsy.com

Thanks Everyone,  have a wonderful weekend...see you all on Monday.

On My Desk

I am working away on this coloured pencil...
....and I can't wait to finish her up and show you.



P.S.  My November Newsletter gets mailed out very soon.
If you would like tor recieve it in your email box just sign up right here.
or send your email address to MandySaile@BijousWhimsy.com

Mama's Helper

I have a little helper with the vacuuming today...
How cute is my boy, oh my goodness, ha ha...

He doesn't realize that he's one of three reasons why I have to vacuum so often...
shhhh....we won't tell him.



The days have been quiet...snow has fallen & we're blanketed in white.

Things are moving slowly these last few days for I've been under the weather &

have had to rest up my wrist and a bad crink in my neck...

but my oh my how cozy the studio feels in the winter...ahhhhh.

Toronto With My Munchkin

A few weeks back Jonathan & I took my niece to Toronto for 3 days.

We had a complete & utter ball.  I can't resist sharing some photos here on my blog of course.

We stayed with my best friend Judit & her fam.
It was great for me to have my niece get to know my 2nd family.  She was a star with their 2.5 year old.

We started the busy 3 day adventure with the Toronto zoo.
I took over 1000 photos!
I have something special planned for all the animal ones so I won't show you those ones quite yet!

 We went on a ferry...

We spent a whole super fun & tiring day playing about, biking around
& enjoying a festival area on the Center Island...

We took Karly to the C.N. Tower & for a stroll through the tallest buildings of the city...

 



We took her to my old stomping grounds, to see where her Auntie went to college, at OCAD...

 

We took her on the subway several times and to the Rainforest Cafe...

 

and of course for some shopping at the Yorkdale mall...

She's already getting too busy to spend time with her Auntie...she's growing so fast.
Special times with each other like this are more important & precious then ever.

She counted over 18 'first-time' things over the 3 days, ha ha...
First time on a subway, first time at the CN Tower, first time on an escalator...fun fun fun.

I don't want kids of my own but I LOVE being an Auntie
& I LOVE LOVE LOVE this little Munchkin of mine. She's so special.

Interested in a few more shots from our city adventure?  Just check out my Flickr photo stream.

Cabbriel

Whiles the golden sun set in my upstairs studio

and with a honeyed blueberry tea and sweet bunnies napped near my feet,

I finished up this new little painting.



Here's how he came about...

Do you want to help me name him???

Ideas anyone??? just put your suggestions in the comments section.

........

P.S.  Well just a few names were suggested...Moon Glow, Clover, Aussie, Aurora...
But I like the name my friend Aline suggested 'Cabbriel'...so I'll go with that, it suits him I think.

Prints of 'Cabbriel'  will be available in my Etsy shop soon.

Bunnies On Stairs

Sometimes Jinny & Jaks have no interest in their yard...

They just spend the whole time going up and down the steps...

Up & Down, Up & Down, Up & Down.

And then they never fail to stop and look right at you to say

"Ta-Da..did you see what I just did..."



I could watch them go up and down up and down up and down all day long, ha ha.
They are such special little creatures.
I am lucky to share my life with bunnies.

35

 It's been a year to stretch my heart & soul.

To continue to grow & learn with relish.

To toughen up yet remain my open-eyed tender self.

To fall down repeatedly & to get back up.

To ease up on myself & to be gentle with self expectations.

To more easily accept my physical & mental limitations.

To live abundantly & creatively

& to not feel bad about all of the amazing stuff.

To honour my sensitive heart.

To survive a broken heart.

To stand more surely behind the decisions which I know are so very right for me.

I can admit that really like who I am.

I can gladly say that I love my own company.

I am can be proud of the ferocity with which I love.

I can be so very proud of all of my passion.

I can see that I am learning who I am more and more every single year.

I can rest in knowing that I am constantly moving towards being the person I dream to be.

I can love my creativity proudly.

I can finally embrace my own talent without reserve.

I can allow magic and joy and immense love to soak into the very center of my bones.

I can very bravely offer my heart over & over again even when it's rejected again & again.
I can scream from the roof-tops  I am Unique and know it's true.

Today I turn 35
I am going to celebrate all that I am.

Fergus Fennel

He prefers to swim where it's really quite cold,

for he says the cold cold water helps keep his colours bright & his brain sharp as a tack.

Though he admits that the top hat does nothing for warmth, it's all just for show.

Everyone, meet my newest finned friend...

Fergus Fennel

He is done in coloured pencil on an acrylic painted canvas with a ribbon.

I know many of you like to see the progression of my artwork so I snapped a few shots along the way.

(Mind you some are taken during daytime studio hours & some at night time...you can tell which is which!)

Prints of him are already in my shop.

Thanks so much for swimming along for a visit today.

I myself am in the studio finishing off a green & blue bunny and starting in on a new rabbit lady, yayyy.

Have an excellent & most wonderful day.



Spark & Inspire

I always find it nerve-wracking to be interviewed whether it be for radio, tv, blogs or newspapers.

I know I have to be honest and very candid, that's the only way I'll be 100% happy with my responses.

There's always the worry that your saying the wrong thing or are instigating a negative response.

But I am so honoured to be one of the artists and business owners interviewed for

 "Spark & Inspire" by Robin Norgren

An inspiring and uplifting collection of insight & wisdom

'To Spark Your Business and Inspire Your Soul"

It's the very first book I've been interviewed for.  I can't wait to get my own copy.

 It’s now available for The Kindle

& in paperback.

Why Can't Everyone Just Get Along

Sometimes I just feel like shouting out "Why can't everyone just get along..."

Bonding rabbits is not often an easy feat, it requires patience, alot of time & a few tricks as well.

 

Jinny & Roo aren't super fans of each other yet, Jin is a very territorial rabbit unfortunately.
Jaks and Roo were fast friends on the other hand.  Bonding two males is always easiest.
Jaks does a wonderful job of splitting his time between Jin & Roo...
it's so cute & I feel so proud of him. 

They do have their good days were all three of them get along swimmingly though,
especially on those rainy weekends where all 5 of us cuddle up in bed with a movie marathon.

It's so very lovely & nourishing to the heart to see them all cuddled up & kissy together.

We feel ready to go to the shelter and bring more babies home now....

but we're also not wanting to break up the current progress with Jin, Jaks & Roo.
Our bunnies don't go in cages, we don't believe in that within our little rabbity household
and the house is already mostly claimed by these three right now.
 

It's feeling like a tricky mix of just going for it & not wanting to upset the present equilibrium.
Who would think having a house full of bunnies could be so complicated, ha ha!

Well, it's the weekend, it's been a very busy few weeks and I must admit I am looking forward to nothing more then some of that sweet-bunnies-on-the-bed-with-movies time...ahhh it'll be good.

What are your weekend plans?

Octobers Newsletter in November

My October newsletter has just been mailed out.

It's a day late, sorry about that but head pain derails all the best laid plans,
(this is where the 'accute' part of my migraines plays in...for this morning I felt great).



You can view it right here.

and if your not already signed up to receive my newsletters, please do so right here.
Hope you enjoy...cause I sure do love creating them.

Mac & Cheese Soup

It's a rainy and gloomy day...
And my head doesn't hurt, ahhhhh it feels so good not to have a sore head, ha ha.
After I get my October newsletter out, I am giving myself the rest of the day off.
It's the perfect day after all to get all cozy, crack open a great book or pop on a favourite movie

and to settle in with a nice big bowl of comforting soup...

Mac and Cheese Soup



To Make:

Cook up 3 shallots, 1 big carrot & 1 celery stock, all chopped up in abit of olive oil.

Add a pinch of pepper and salt.

When cooked thoroughly blend all of this up and add to your pot.

Then you'll add 33/4 cups of vegetable soup stock

11/4 cups of milk

6 ounces of Cheddar cheese

1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese

1/4 of all-purpose flour (add when the rest of it is hot, add slowly and stir constantly till mixed in).

Add in 4 ounces of already cooked macaroni.

Heat all of this up nice & slowly and cook for maybe 10-15 minutes.

Then serve in your favourite bowls piping hot but not before

adding thick pieces of baguette & fresh tomato slices on top of the soup.

It's perhaps not all that healthy, ha ha ha but for rainy days it sure is yummy.

Enjoy & have a wonderfully snug as a happy bug cozy day...I am sure you deserve it too.