This picture is from my phone so it's a little grainy.
Alley Alli is back. One of our neighbors saw her last night and let Tamara know. Tame went to the same spot with the intension to camp there is she had to... it didn't take long. Alley found her way back and into Tamara's arms. I was driving home when Tamara called me and I headed to the store to give Alley a big hug. Perhaps ran a stop; the cop that pulled me over said I did. I told him that I slowed down; the cop said that if the sign said slow down I wouldn't get a ticket. Oh well worth it. I don't care. Well I care but I care more for that crazy cat.
I can not begin to express the angst that has consumed us. I was dreading having to go to the store tomorrow with no Alley.
THANK YOU TO ALL OF OUR ZINNIA FRIENDS, FAMILY AND COMMUNITY FOR YOUR POSITIVE THOUGHTS, PRAYERS, CROSSED FINGER AND TOES. It worked... I can sleep.

As of this right now, no sign of Alli

Cross your fingers... we need your help

Alli decided to go for an extended walk tonight just before Joey closed up for the night. She has never gone on an "extended" stroll before and we are worried sick about her. A few people walking by said they saw her but we can't find her. I was there this evening and now Tamara and Javier are there and will be there for her when she decides to come back.
In the meantime, please cross your fingers that she doesn't get crazy lost.

I will keep you posted.

In case you haven't heard there is a new "day". You know like, Mother's Day, Friendship Day... This Saturday, November 27th is the very first ever, "SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY". It's actually a great idea. A few years ago Cyber Monday became 'day' so why not one for us, the small businesses. It's true, we have been hit by the economy and we appreciate all the support that you, our friend and customer give us. This Saturday is a great idea and I hope it really becomes an annual 'day'.

I found the following at while doing some research about Small Business Saturday on a the website; greenandsave.com and I couldn't have said it better:
This year in between Black Friday and Cyber Monday there will be Small Business Saturday. Shopping at local retailers is a great way to support your local economy and this year American Express is launching a nationwide effort to spur business for small merchants on Saturday, November 27^th.
“Small business is the engine of job creation in the US economy,” said Mr. Chenault, chairman and chief executive officer, American Express. “It is also among the sectors hardest hit by the recession. By spreading the word about Small Business Saturday, we can help raise awareness about the critical role small businesses play in cities and towns across the country at a time when they need support the most.”


Stop by on Saturday and enjoy fancy cider and homemade cookies while shopping for the treasures you need this holiday season. Remember we carry gifts, doo-dads and supplies for the crafter in all if us. If you get stuck or you are unsure how to make something or use a product be sure to allow us to assist you, Tamara, Joe and I will do our best to help you.

It is our wish that you have a Happy Thanksgiving and hope see you soon.

Struggles of the year...

Holiday music.... hummm. I was driving to work earlier this week and I accidentally found the radio station that starts playing Christmas music way too early, ya that station. I thought they didn't start playing those ‘oh so festive’ tunes until Thanksgiving. Whyyyy! Who likes Christmas music this early?

Any hoodle my point...
Yesterday morning Tamara and I were opening the store and she turned, she starts her iPod. It’s Christmas music, AAAAAAAHHHHH! She's one of them I groaned and told her that it was way too early, customers would leave; I tried everything to make her stop. I gave in when I realized that she had a fun selection of music, like the Chipmunks. Tam and I were humming and singing along, there were four or five customers that were singing, too. Ha ha on me, perhaps it's not too early. I remember listening to the Chipmunks Christmas music when I was a kid... in Spanish. Did you know they speak Spanish?
This might be a little funnier if I've shared the dream I had a while back where I was talking to squirrels. When I shared that with Ross he asked me what we were talking about and I realized the squirrel and I were not speaking English, I spoke squirrel. When he asked what that sounded like, a weird sound came out of my mouth that I have not been able to do again since. I guess if I speak 'squirrel’ then chipmunks can speak English.

Here we go... the holidays are here. Yikes! At Zinnia we are excited about our Holiday theme. The store looks like we just moved in, there are boxes everywhere. We took down the Cirque de Bizarre art, packed up the Halloween goodies and brought out our Christmas magic. Oh ya, with all this going on, the stories open and busy preparing the gallery.
Since you are reading this you obviously care, I will share a few pictures for those of you who live too far to make it in. Our theme is... wait for, "An Illustrated Christmas". What does that mean? The entire back ground and most of the props will be drawn. Drawn on the wall, the furniture and on foam core. The pictures below will give an idea of what have been up to.

Joey gets started with a wreath that will hang over the mantle.

I think Tamara is drawing the window that
Oprah is always looking out of.
(Get it? Okay side note. When Oprah is moved she pauses and gazes
out into the distance. I'd like to think she is looking out a window.
Okay never mind, moving right along.)

Ta Da! I think it looks like a giant coloring book

Check out the black cord to the lights on the window...
yes, that is drawn.

The front window looks super cool. The drapes and table cloth are drawings on foam core. The presents are also drawing but I don't like them... I like real presents. Ha ha.

For now, that's all I can share. I hope that you all have a creative and warm holiday season.