Have I told you lately that I love Lee? I do. I was recently selected by Lee to be a “Fit Ambassador”, and what a cool gig this is. I get to try out product, tell you all about it, and GIVE YOU FREE STUFF. Wee! It works for me.

I have to tell you, when I first received these Colorwashed Khakis, I was a little concerned. You know when you hold up a pair of pants on a hanger and you think “um, no.”? Yes, well that’s what I kinda thought when I took them out of the box.

But wait! NO WAY, they slid on like a glove! They’re 97% cotton, 3% spandex, but you’d think they were more like stretchy cotton microfiber, they are so soft. Super light, too, which I love. Within about 15 minutes of wearing them, they relaxed and had a really cozy broken in feel.

They sit lower on the waist but not TOO low. They’re a little long, and have a nice wide leg which is super flattering for people well endowed in the thigh area. (ahem. Memememe!) The boot cut makes it really easy to give ’em a couple of rolls up and call them capri’s, too!

Okay so on to the good stuff, which I know you’re waiting for. You want a pair now, don’t you? Oh, yes you do. These come in some really pretty spring colors – here they are:

Cocoa, Jade Green, Riviera Blue, Strawberry, Sunlight Yellow, White
They’re also available in the following sizes:

Misses: 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16
Petites: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14 (colors may vary)
Plus: 16, 18, 20, 22

Though you do NOT choose the color or size right now – you tell me that after you win a pair.

ENTER TO WIN A PAIR!

 

Want a pair of your own? Just leave a comment (valid e-mail addy and at least your first name, please). Want to increase your chances? Here are a few ways to do that – please leave additional comments for each additional entry:

1. Subscribe to my blog via e-mail or via RSS. (if you’re already subscribed, THANK YOU! You will need to choose another method to earn extra entries.)
2. If you commented on this post, you get an extra entry. Leave another comment that indicates you replied to that post (and, if you’re html savvy, grab the link to your comment as well).
3. Tweet it (1 entry per day, link to the tweet)
4. Mention it in your FaceBook status w/link (1 entry per day)
5. Mention it on your blog and link back here. (1 entry per day)
6. Become my fan on Facebook! (1 entry)
7. Become a fan of Lee Jeans on Facebook! (1 entry)
8. Click here and send this to a friend! (one entry per e-mail sent, must use this link – independent e-mails can’t be verified, sorry.)

Open to Ladies only who reside in the US and Canada – (International entries are welcome but will incur shipping charges.)

Please be sure to leave a separate comment for each extra entry, as I’ll draw using random numbers from comments.

Comments will close on April 30th (by 8pm) and I’ll draw 10 winners on May 1st.

Good luck!!

 

Patti Shaffer, aka “Mrs. P”, passed away on Easter Sunday after her battle with cancer.

She was my friend, and I loved her dearly.

I met Patti back when I first started blogging on LiveJournal, in 2003. She found me through a fellow artist, Carrie Hawks. I adored her at once.

Patti was my first official “fan” – she supported my work, encouraged my art and bought everything I created that she could afford. She became a trusted and loyal friend during my husband’s deployment to Iraq. We spent hours on the phone together talking about any and every topic that came up. I painted for her, we shared stories and a love for animals and nature. She and I clicked, and she had a special place in my heart.

Patti gave her time and heart to all animals; her passion evident in the time she poured into Cats Are People Too. She wrote to me and shared photos of cats that she rescued and could not bear to part with. I remember Emvie, an adorable little kitten who was thrown out of a moving vehicle and left for dead. She was trying to choose a name, and I thought “moving violation” – and MV – Emvie, was named. Through Patti, I donated paintings to help CAPT in their fundraising efforts.

Patti ran and maintained their website – and set up a donation page through JustGive.org. Please, if you’re inclined, send them a donation so they can continue their rescue work.

When her husband called yesterday with the sad news, my heart just broke. For her family, for her friends, for those cherished animals that she rescued, adored and nurtured back to health – my thoughts and prayers are with everyone whose life Patti touched with her incredibly giving, loving spirit.

Patti impacted my life in a profound way, and I am so honored to have had the opportunity to know her and call her my friend.

May she rest in peace.

My good friend Pam gave me an interesting and extremely flattering award yesterday, the Zombie Chicken.

Now, in standard fashion, I am flattered and honored that anyone in their right or wrong mind would think of me when dishing out any kind of blogger-created award.

Usually, I bookmark the award and have every good intention of paying it forward, but… uh… well, as many of you know, I am full of good intentions.

Pam, however, dished out a heaping helping of guilt and pressure along with the award. Ahem. Get this.

I know from experience that waiting to post awards is never good; I end up losing them and the blogger from which they originated.

Aaak! You mean, I have to not only graciously receive my award (for which I am humbled and thankful. Every time.) but if I don’t pay it forward, karma bites me in the butt? Butt…. Butt…. I have other posts to publish! And stuff! And things! Aw crud. Okay. Just for you, Pam. And those who I may have lost (have I lost you?) because of my failure to pay it forward:

The rules of the zombie chicken say…

“The blogger who receives this award believes in the Tao of the zombie chicken – excellence, grace and persistence in all situations, even in the midst of a zombie apocalypse. These amazing bloggers regularly produce content so remarkable that their readers would brave a raving pack of zombie chickens just to be able to read their inspiring words. As a recipient of this world-renowned award, you now have the task of passing it on to at least 5 other worthy bloggers. Do not risk the wrath of the zombie chickens by choosing unwisely or not choosing at all…”

Now, I know a bunch of excellent, graceful and persistent bloggers who regularly produce remarkable content. I don’t, however, know what the heck a zombie apocalypse is. I’m also not sure I’m intimidated by a wrath of zombie chickens. But I’ll play along, because the artwork is cute. And if you drew that? You deserve an award, too. I’m also not sure how I’m going to limit my list to 5, so pardon me, Zombie Chickens, if I exceed my limit.

Without question, Pam herself is deserving of the award. I love her blog, I love the way she thinks, and I also love her dogs.

Sarcasmom is always an enjoyable read. YellowRose is thoughtful and inspiring. Usedtobeme is consistently introspective and personal. Mir’s blog will suck you in and never, ever spit you out. Lisa’s Chaos is just beautiful. Melissa is fun and creative, June is kind and nature loving kindred spirit, Melissa @ Inspired Room and Laura make me feel at one with my inner home-makeover cravings, and Pricilla has to be my newest, most favorite blogging critter.

Is that more than five? Oh well.

I have seen a lot of blogs and bloggers come and go, and while I know that we’re all here because we crave interaction, I also know that the amount of time I interact with others is always limited. I wish for more, but it just doesn’t happen. I always hope that you all know that I love you and appreciate you and that if I had more time to give to each of you, I most certainly would.

For each of you who make the time or take the time for me, I appreciate you and hope that though my gestures may be small, you know that they’re packed with a punch.

I pray you all have a blessed Easter, and enjoy your weekend!

Quintin, our Quaker Parrot, has recently taken to lying on his back in the palm of Catybug’s hand. He typically holds his head and occasionally “sucks his thumb” as well. When I saw this shot, though, I could totally relate to the “ohhhhh I have a headache” look on him!

I’ve recently come across a news story about how a Quaker Parrot named Willie saved the life of a young girl who had choked on her breakfast while her sitter was in another room. They’re such amazing and smart little birds!

Quintin, though, he just makes me want to take a few Advil and schedule in some nappy time.

When she was young, she had dreams. In her dreams, she was hardworking, successful, and organized.

In her reality, she was at the bottom of the totem pole. Unknown, she was shoved back down at every attempt to reach up, and get out.

With a lot of effort, she began a slow climb from up out of the shadows. Each rung of the ladder presented its own unique challenge; a new battle with herself to decide if this was high enough, or if she should continue ascending to another level.

At times, she felt melancholy. Consumed by the voices of negativity that welled up from deep within her. Like zombies in a pit, they grabbed at her feet to bring her back down into that place, the place where everyone reminded her she wasn’t worthy, she wasn’t good enough, and she didn’t know how.

Those times were the hardest for her. The nothingness swept through her mind, clouded her spirit and drained the life from her usually bright eyes. The battle raged on within, while those around her seemed to slowly back away, as if they felt it drawing them in, too.

Still, she fought on. She held on tightly to the small rays of light that filtered in through the darkness. She prayed. She knew, ultimately, that she would win this battle, just as she’d won those before, because the hand she reaches up to, the hand that is always reaching down to her, would be within her grasp soon.

In the dark, she closes her eyes and sees where she wants to be. Where she knows she’s meant to be. She can feel warmth on her face, and as she opens her eyes she feels a sense of peace rush over her as she’s lifted from that place again.

I’ve been fighting off sinusitis/rhinitis /pharyngitis (aka a COLD) for a couple of weeks now. Let me tell you, nothing can halt my productivity as quickly as inflamed sinuses! I’m on my second round of antibiotics with only 2 days remaining, and also? At my wits end. I have gone through at least 3 boxes of Kleenex, a full bottle of Afrin (which, btw, you’re not supposed to use for more than 3 days, and HELLO why don’t they make this thing easier to squeeze when you get down to half a bottle?!), and my head. MY HEAD. The pressure behind my eyes and just on my brain in general makes me constantly hazy and sleepy. I have stuff to do, dont-chya-know, and blowing my nose this much was *never* on the list.

Have I mentioned Pink Eye yet? No? Well it has also been an unwelcome guest in my home over the last couple of weeks, and my little one is also on her second round of eyedrops.

All this while spring is springing! Birds are chirping! Crocus are Blooming! Sparrows are Nesting!!! Things! Are! So! Exciting! and I am looking out my window like a droid, mumbling “mmmmmrffh, heh, so priiiiiddy *drool* hurmmmmm *blows* fllllllnnnngleh”. Oh yes, it’s quite a sight.

Now that you’ve captured a mental image you’ll not soon erase, I should mention that I’m not wearing a housecoat.

So. There’s that – and also, my completely lame attempt at social networking. Twitter? WTH is your function? Because I am confused. I get a half-dozen new followers a day, people who *never* say anything to me other than a quick DM when I follow them back (because I’m nice like that) to thank me and promptly direct me to their *insert sales pitch here* to which I quickly reply with a click of the “unfollow” button. 818 followers, and when I tweet? No replies. Not even from the people I am @’ing. Seriously? Okay so here’s a little summary of me on Twitter:

Me

: Talks to myself in front of 818 people

Me

: LOL’s (to myself, in private)

Me

: Replies @ other twitterers tweets which they twatted and I thought were twitiful.

Me

: Wants to @ myself so I don’t feel so alone

Me

: *hears crickets chirping*

Me

: Talks to myself a few more times

Me

: Giddy that the few gems I love so much actually flipped past page 2, saw my tweet and replied to me

Me

: Leaves Twitter before excitement and joy subsides

And there you have it. You too could have 818 people not-really-follow-you! Join today!

Oh my, I just realized I don’t have a pretty picture to show you today. Let me rectify that immediately.

There. That’s better. I just shot that photo, so I’m bloggin’ *live* from my garden, in my dining room, er, um, nevermind.

OOOOHHH and I have to tell you – if you’re completely out of shape? You should Buy this DVD. Why? Because you don’t really know what it’s like to be The Biggest Loser until you can’t finish the first 4 minutes without crying like a baby. I have a whole new respect for the people on that show. Seriously! Jillian kicked my butt and I’m pretty sure that while I paused the video to go sob quietly into a towel in the bathroom, she was shaking her head and throwing her hands up in a fit of frustration.

Admittedly, I’ve made it a little farther since my first attempt. I will just leave it at that for now.

Yesterday, I decided the girls and I would have a No TV/Computer evening. We worked on homework, talked, prepared dinner, talked some more, took a walk, shot some hoops, made some fruit smoothies, talked some more, and went to bed. It was peaceful, enjoyable, and I need to do that more often.

I love it all. Really. I really never get sick, so for me – this is just terribly inconvenient and reminds me that I need to eat more broccoli. I would love for the fog to lift, but perhaps this is just God’s way of telling me to chill out. I’ve completed 18 projects in the first 10 weeks of the year (not counting random site support tasks), so it’s *possible* that I’m putting a little more pressure on myself than necessary and it’s wearing on my immune system. I’m reminded to get up and move, take time with my daughters, and enjoy the renewing of the earth. Breathe in, breathe out, and work smarter.

What about you? How’s your year going so far?

Don’t forget to enter to win a custom portrait in my weekly giveaway!!

A few hours remaining in this weeks Custom Portrait Giveaway, share a photo and a story of your pet, that’s all you need to enter to win my weekly giveaway! I’ll choose the winner and draw a 5×7 pencil portrait and post it on Monday. Easy peasy – click here to enter this week!

I do encourage all entrants to keep trying – there are still 42 weeks left in the year, 42 more chances to win – so don’t give up!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Don’t forget that there’s only one day remaining to own a teenie tiny original painting of a cute little imaginary creature! Snairy’s auction ends tomorrow, Saturday, March 7. My second ACEO – absolutely a great investment for you art collectors! It’s definitely going to a new home – the question is – will it be yours?

Just thought I’d share what I hear when I get up in the morning. Mr. Cardinal is still out there singing up a storm!

Don’t forget to enter to win a custom portrait in my weekly giveaway!!

I’ve been continually verbally assaulted with birthday wishes and greetings from friends and family on Facebook today. Don’t you feel sorry for me? No? Well good. Because DANG if there’s a place on the internet where you feel really special on your b-day, Facebook is IT!! I just want to make a hot cup of cocoa and stare at my wall for a few hours. It’s that nice.

38. The big three-eight. What’s the big deal? Honestly, the older I get, the farther away from “old” I feel. The years may be whizzing right past me, and I might not remember your name, but darnit I’m always going to be 16 in my head. So what do you do on your 38th birthday? Appreciate the people who take the time to pop in on your day, have a piece of cake, and smile.

So this is me, smiling at you. Thanks for popping by.

And while you’re here, I’ll show you what I’ve been finalizing the last couple of days. This is a custom illustration of Ruby, a beautiful mixed breed pooch wearing a scarf. It’s in the proofing stage so there may be some tweaking but I have to say – Adobe Illustrator rocks so much. I previously drew my doodles in using PSP using my Wacom and the paintbrush tool. This time I used Adobe’s pen tool to piece the dog together in a hundred or so different shapes – and I love the pen tool! I can definitely see getting much more accomplished in the way of illustrating using AI in the future. Very cool.

Hope you’re staying warm – the polar bears are almost finished with the igloo they’ve been building in my back yard. I’ve got to run to the store to get some salmon. (Translation: It’s -40 something degrees here. I think everyone who lives in an area with these kinds of winters should automatically qualify for disability checks from the state for being mentally impaired. There. I said it.)