Carrot Creek Boutique

Sunday Dreaming

2012-01-22T15:42:00.000-08:00

I'm already thinking about Spring. It's blustery here today, though I'm so happy we are finally getting rain. Aren't these flowers dreamy?

xo,

Kimberly

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January at Home

2012-01-07T17:41:00.000-08:00

I've been spending a lot of time at home lately. I look forward to January each year not only for a fresh start, but for a chance to get things back in order. A place for everything, and everything in it's place is my motto. Taking down the Christmas decorations makes things feel bare so I like to decorate for "Winter." Here are some photos that I hope you enjoy!

I painted my chalkboard red for the season and my niece came by and left a message!

One of my projects was to plant my planters out front. I chose cyclamen to last through the season.

As you can see, we've been having a lot of sun for January. In the center of the urns I placed an Italian cypress.

My bunny gets decorated each season. He just hauled in some wood for a fire! I think he needs sunglasses.

I added more of my favorite "Friendly Village" plates by Johnson Brothers around the mirror. They are each a scene from Winter, Spring, and Summer. I guess I need one for Fall...

My candle sconces are dressed in pine.

Allergies forced me to clean out my fireplace and put pine cones and a wire urn filled with greens in it instead. I have candles lit inside to make a warm glow. They smell great too.

Every year I send my dad on a pine cone hunt for me. I use them all around including the chandelier where I've nestled greens and cones. Thanks Dad!

I love decorating this cast iron bunny. Isn't he handsome? Of course, HE is wearing a bow, but I don't care.

I picked up some ivy at the grocery store because it was on sale. I think this lovely planter makes a nice home for it.

This bark-basket carried a gift of goodies for Christmas. I have to admit, I was more excited about it then the goodies.

My moss bunnies sit atop my bookcases flanked with pine cones and ivy topiaries.

Our sweet Victoria Valentine went to Heaven before Christmas and I've got her pictures all around me. I miss her so.

Our antique family Bibles with an appropriate sheep statue. I love this.

Another "Friendly Village" tiered piece sits on my table with eggs and pine cones. There is Vicitoria in the background again.

I threw this basket together with some leftovers. Makes a nice coffee table piece.

Here is my mantel. I love how wintery it looks.

Can you spot the bunny?

I love mercury glass. It's so pretty. I hope to find more someday at a bargain.

Part of organizing meant that I had to clean out my garage cabinets. I chose to store my serving pieces above the kitchen cabinets to make more room for less "pretty" things.

I also put pictures I took in Paris up there. There are a string of lights above each cabinet that lights everything up at night. I like this feature a lot. Simple Christmas lights.

Every mirror should reflect something lovely.

I hope my French is correct here. It's "The little rabbit cafe," and there is a little rabbit right there.


See? I put it on a teeny carrot plate. Aww, how cute :)

What do you do for your January home to make it cozy? I'd love to hear. Coming soon, gardening in January for a bargain!

Warm hugs to you and yours!
Kimberly

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New Art!

2011-12-05T18:01:00.000-08:00

I have been in the house for over a week with a terrible cough and cold. I think I may be turning a corner - hooray! What misery! I hope everyone else is well or at least cozy with all the necessary accoutrements if you happen to be sick.

Here is my latest painting available as cards, labels, stickers, and postage over at my card shop. Check for the daily holiday sales that are happening over there too!

There are several Christmas cards to choose from in my "Holiday Cards" section. Click on the image below and you'll be taken there. I think there are a few more sprinkled in their own sections as well, I am working on getting them all together. Enjoy!


"Behold, the Lamb" by Kimberly R. Hodge

Hopefully I can take some photos of my Christmas decorating and share them with you soon! Take care and snuggle with someone you love!

xo,
Kimberly

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A Proclamation of Thanksgiving

2011-11-19T17:05:00.000-08:00

Looking to Google for answers to one of my daily questions, I found an article that is worth sharing. The question of the moment was, "Why is Thanksgiving celebrated on a Thursday?" Google replied true to form with thousands of answers. But it was providential that I would select one that delved deeper into the meaning of Thanksgiving; deeper into our history as a nation and into the hearts and minds of those humble beginnings.

There were many different proclamations by our forefathers as to when we would celebrate Thanksgiving, but it was the explanation of why and and to whom we are thankful, not the when that truly struck me to the core; not because I didn't know it is about being thankful, but because the words so eloquently written were then executed as a community of people with a like-mindedness to honor the one and true God, humbly thanking and praising God from whom all blessings graciously and abundantly flow.

I hope you enjoy this excerpt as much as I did.
_____________________________

Jonathan Belcher was the colonial governor of Massachusetts and New Hampshire from 1730-1741, and governor of New Jersey from 1746 until the year of his death, 1757. In addition to serving these terms of office, Governor Belcher also founded the college now known as Princeton University. His goal was to promote knowledge of both good government and Christianity.
A draft text (with spelling modernized) of Governor Belcher's 1749 "Thursday in November" Thanksgiving Day Proclamation is given below:

    By His Excellency Jonathan Belcher Esqr. Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over His Majesty's Province of New Jersey and Territories thereon depending in America, Chancellor and Vice Admiral in the same & etc.
    A Proclamation for a public Thanksgiving taking into consideration the manifold blessings of Heaven to a sinful and unworthy people, in particular that it hath pleased Almighty God in much mercy to preserve the life of our most Gracious King and the rest of the Royal family, and to bless His Majesty's Councils and arms, by restoring a general peace among all the nations engaged in the late war. To continue our invaluable privileges both civil and sacred and that it hath pleased a Gracious God in many respects to smile on this Province, and not to punish us as our iniquities have deserved, to favor us with such a plentiful supply of rain after a sore distressing drought, and to grant the smiles of Providence upon the former and latter harvest, filling our hearts with food and gladness; which unmerited instances of the Divine Goodness call aloud for our public, humble and most grateful acknowledgments to the God of all our mercies.
    I have therefore thought fit with the advice of His Majesty's Council to appoint and I do hereby appoint Thursday the twenty third Day of November next to be religiously observed as a Day of Public thanksgiving and praise to the great name of God our most gracious and bountiful benefactor, hereby exhorting both ministers and people to join in a public and serious manner in offering up their devout and thankful acknowledgments to the God of all our mercies and at same time to offer up their humble and hearty supplications at the Throne of Grace for the advancement of the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ in the world and that his blessed Gospel may run and be glorified among all nations and in particular among the Original Natives of this land and for all in authority over us, particularly that the best of blessings may descend on our Gracious Sovereign King George, the Prince and Princess of Wales, The Duke, the Princesses the Royal Issue, and on every branch of this illustrious family that the Protestant Succession may abide before God forever, that this Province may ever be remembered of God for good, that He would mercifully heal our divisions, restore peace and tranquility, humble us for our sins, prevent the judgments we deserve, that He would incline us to lead quiet and peaceable lives in all godliness and honesty under the government placed over us, that He would graciously prevent the growth of sin and impiety, revive pure and undefiled religion and make us a people zealous of good works, and all servile labor is hereby strictly forbidden on said day.
    Given under my hand this fourteenth day of October Anno Dom 1749.
                                                                    J. BELCHER
    By His Excellency's Command.
        CHARLES READ Secretary.
            God save the King

(Courtesy http://www.belcherfoundation.org/thanksgiving_day.htm)

May you be blessed,
Kimberly

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Still Falling...

2011-11-17T17:27:00.000-08:00

First off, a new painting is on the way! More to come on that next week...

Secondly, I really dislike it when people assume that if you live in California you must live by the beach and have Palm trees in your back yard. Now we have had a somewhat odd year seasonally speaking, but I want to show you how we DO have four seasons here in Northern California and sometimes we are lucky enough to see them overlap into one another like a gorgeous tapestry.

My Tupelo tree that has weathered many wind storms and had it's top blown off of on more than one occasions just won't give up. It looks like it's on fire, the pictures don't convey it. It's a beauty.

A little birds nest is its crown. Good thing the top blew off to make room for it!

Late November and the leaves are JUST starting to fall.

A little blurry, but if you want year round color, plant some Nandinas. Bright red and orange all winter with red berries. Crisp bright green in the spring.

Crepe Myrtles have lovely color too. Mine are the all white variety which proves to be the hardiest, best shaped, and most insect resistant (as with most white blooming plants).

The fruitless Pear trees are turning a brilliant aubergine. Lovely.

I've forgotten the name of this deciduous plant that wears thorns under it's foliage, but it's a deep eggplant all summer, multicolored in the fall, and bare all winter. Spring brings green growth. Lovely little shrub.

Oh what's this? Yes, my Iceberg Roses are still blooming from a rose tree planted 14 years ago.

And so are my geraniums...they keep producing bright pink flowers.

Last spring I planted a variety of Japanese Maples. This one is fiery red.

Nandina berries. Be careful with these.


My Maple tree named "October Glory" or "Autumn Blaze" is a little slow to catch fire. It should be bright red soon. Better late than never.

I'll try to capture more if this weekend's storm doesn't blow the color away. I'm so blessed to live less than two hours from the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the Pacific Ocean, Napa Valley, and surrounded by beautiful foothills in either direction. Now who says California is just a beach and palm trees?

Enjoy your season, whatever it is bringing your way.

Joyfully,
Kimberly

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Falling In

2011-10-11T18:56:00.000-07:00

Okay, okay, I've been feeling guilty for not keeping up with my blog here, not to mention painting. I kept making excuses to myself and then finally settled on the best one of all: I don't need an excuse! No guilt allowed! If there is something you enjoy, don't put it on a "To Do" list or it quickly turns into a chore. When you feel inspired, you'll know. So please forgive me, and forgive yourself too for whatever it is you've been feeling guilty about.

Back to our regularly scheduled programming...

I'm always anxious for fall and this year is no exception. Harvest festivals, pumpkin patches, and great food just warms my soul. I scavenged through my stash in my garage to find things to sprinkle around the house and porch this weekend. I even bought a pumpkin pie. I guess you could say I'm ready to shut the door on summer and curl up in front of the fire.

The porch fall display. Simple and colorful. I got the idea for the chalkboard words from Pinterest.


I've had this little scarecrow for years and the more faded she gets, the better she looks. Lucky gal.

Just a simple wreath. Garland wrapped around a grapevine wreath.

My mantel, always a work in progress. I don't think I'm alone in saying that about a mantel.

I put the corn in a candle hurricane to keep it upright like a floral arrangement.

Moss in a wire vase topped with a cute pumpkin. I love the vine still attached.

Fall goodies are on the menu!

Oh yes, our new doggie! (Hmm, NO WONDER I've been busy.)

Very cool pumpkin stack! From a harvest festival we visited.

So hard to choose!

I hope you've been inspired to do a little a fall decorating! If you need more encouragement, visit my Pinterest boards and become a follower.

Until next time,

Kimberly

hop4joy!

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Paper AND Canvas Prints!

2011-09-16T17:39:00.000-07:00

I now have the ability to make paper and prints AND wrapped canvas prints through my Zazzle "hop4joy" Shop! AND, you can even CUSTOM frame them! Yay! It's so cool!

Here are examples of the paper and canvas options available:

Gloss Paper Print

Canvas Paper Print

.75" thickness Wrapped Canvas

1.5" Wrapped Canvas

2.5" Wrapped Canvas

I hope you enjoy these new options as much as I do! I'll be working on adding more of my designs to these items. Remember to let me know if there is something you would like designed that you don't see in the shop.

OH! I almost forgot....I can design iPad covers now too! Like this one....

iPad Case by hop4joy

Well that's it for now! Stay tuned as I'm sure there will be more to come.

xo,

Kimberly

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2011-09-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

My new 2012 calendar, "A Year in Carrot Creek" is ready! Yippee! It's a perfect gift!

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Pinterest Update

2011-07-31T21:28:00.000-07:00

I have been pinning to my bulletin boards left and right. I love it! I can catalog what I see while surfing the net, or repin from other's bulletin boards. It's a visual treat for your eyes. I love that I no longer have to worry where I saw something, I'm able to "pin" something right from my brower tool bar. Try it and let me know if you're as pinterested as I am. View my bulletin boards here: http://pinterest.com/hop4joy

P.S. I think the invitations have to do with using your Facebook login to join and maybe even server abilities. They have had a few overloads because I think they weren't prepared for such success. But be patient, they're quick to fix any server issues,
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Pinterested...

2011-07-09T22:18:00.000-07:00

"Pinterest is a place to catalog the things you love."

Lately I've been hearing a lot about Pinterest. It seems to be getting a lot of attention from fellow cyber-dwellers. You have to be "invited" so to speak. Basically you sign up and they put you on a waiting list. I'm not sure if this is a gimmick, but my invitation arrived shortly after I was put on the waiting list. I haven't yet "pinned" anything for fear of feeling overwhelmed with my cyber to-do list. Maybe it'll help organize my thoughts and ideas, like they claim. If anyone else has used this, please share your experience! I would love to know before I get to pinning. I must admit, it sounds refreshing to view things beautiful, clever, and share-worthy all in one place and not forget where I saw them, as this is becoming a common occurrence in my life.

I'll put a "pin in it" and get back to you...

xo,
Kimberly

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Art 4 Joy Classes and more...

2011-07-06T16:54:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been awhile since I've posted here! As usual, I've kept myself busy. I have started Art 4 Joy classes to teach art to kids and to foster their creativity. Take a peek at my website that will give you all (I hope) the information.

Art-4-Joy.com

We had a great class today on COLOR! Mixing colors with paints and more. I'll rest for a few minutes and then start brain storming the next lesson...I just can't help myself.

I hope everyone had a happy and safe 4th of July. I made a special painting for the occasion. You can purchase cards at my card shop for next year's celebration, or celebrate your bunny's independence by being rescued from a bad situation.

Blank - Bun on the 4th of July by hop4joy

Enjoy the summer!

xo,
Kimberly

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The Canvas Above

2011-05-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

I view the sky like a canvas; painted daily with new colors and shapes. How wonderful our Creator is to bestow this gift of beauty upon us! If you don't already appreciate it daily, all you have to do is look UP!

A few views as I stepped out my front door to snap these photos.

I hope you are enjoying and appreciating this day.

xo,

Kimberly

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Spring [Blog] Break

2011-05-17T16:44:00.000-07:00

You guessed it, I fell in. I am on a sort of break. A break from blogging, painting, and being in my creative zone...indoors. I've been busy outdoors with the weather so nice here. However, its raining cats and dogs today, which is why I've taken the time to finally say hello to the blog world. I hope this finds you all well.

I have been trying to get my outside gardening completed before the summer heat settles in. Everything seems to be falling apart and needing attention around the house or yard; bushes overgrown, trees overcrowded, and I'm just plain overtired. It's frustrating. I know soon it'll all calm down and I'll be happy with the fruits of my labor. Until then...back to work.

xo,

Kimberly

I'm not the only one who is tired...

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Busy Bunny

2011-04-04T20:57:00.000-07:00

Between broken appliances and regular chores, I'm trying to make time for my creative side lately. Here are a few pictures of what has been happening at the Boutique.

Added another door hanger to the Etsy Shop!

Made a birthday flower basket for my mom...Spring is finally here!

A little close up...

Getting in quality time with my inspirations. How cute is Benjamin Bunny?? Q-T!!!!!

Finally finished a new painting! It'll be ready for prints very soon!

I have a lot more ideas brewing, so I hope you hop back and visit again.

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xo,

Kimberly

More New Products!

2011-03-26T12:41:00.000-07:00

I just listed these! I hope to make even more...stay tuned!

Mixed Media Original

Paper Weight

Until next time...

Kimberly

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New Products

2011-03-25T22:16:00.000-07:00

I've been working hard coming up with more products for my Etsy Shop. Here is a sneak peek of what I've been working on:

A Spring handmade card with my artwork on the front. There is even a package of seeds inside!

A paper weight with "Bun Voyage" inside!

There is another product coming but I have to finish it....I'm building the suspense!

These will be listed in my Etsy Shop hopefully tomorrow!

Until next time!

Kimberly

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Tickled Pink

2011-03-19T15:07:00.000-07:00

Those of us girlie-girls seem to crave pink in our lives. For me, I enjoy pink roses and get my fill that way. But I decided I need a bit more permanence to the pink in my life. Here's a little peek of how I've accomplished this:

I love this vintage inspired set. I couldn't be happier with it's 1950's chenille patchwork squares and trim surrounded by beds of pink roses and subtle pink ticking stripes. I raised the bed on risers and covered those with fabric (they were hideous black). This way I can get more storage underneath the bed for guests. Okay, I also feel like a kid again needing to "hop" up onto the bed!

This is my latest arrangement. I found the French-inspired wire urn at my new favorite store, Gracefully Vintage in Folsom's historic shopping district. I just love it! I put moss in the bottom to hold a vase in tightly. I filled the vase with pink roses, cut short and all the same length. Then I filled around the top of the urn with more moss and voila! I love unexpected ways to display flowers. Oh, and hopefully my hubby will oblige my pink needs by offering refills as needed - wink, wink.

McKenna is quite enjoying her new pink napping spot. Hey, move over!

******** OFFICE REORGANIZATION SNEAK PEEK! ********

Once AGAIN, I've embarked on trying to get it "right" with my studio/office area.

I decided to pull all of the inspiring and pretty creative objects OUT of the closet and where I can see them. Even if I don't make anything with them anytime soon, I really enjoy looking at them. I filled canning jars with ribbon cuttings, glitter, wooden fleur de lis, decorative bird eggs, words, and little "bunny tails" for projects.

There's more to share and hopefully inspire you, so come back and visit soon!

Hoppy Spring!

xo,

Kimberly

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Coming this Spring!

2011-03-03T10:55:00.000-08:00

Here is what I've been working on! I'm almost finished. This should be ready in time for Easter. It will be available as cards and postage for starters.

And by the way, happy March! Spring is almost here!

xo,

Kimberly

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Dream Garden

2011-02-25T19:09:00.000-08:00

If this were my garden, I might just sit in it all day and do nothing. Okay, maybe I'd read a book or magazine. I'd also love to have my bunnies hopping at my feet here! Oh, to dream...

This fountain must be the dream of every gardener and rabbit lover! I'm going to have to do some research and see if I can't find where these critters can be found.

Still enjoying my rabbit habit after all these years. I hope you are too!

xo,

Kimberly

LOVE to Decorate

2011-02-13T22:02:00.000-08:00

My love for decorating is in the air once again. I've been working on a new look for the great room. I thought I'd show some pictures of what I've been up to, as well as my Valentine's Day decor.


Have a heart! Mr. Bunny Butler always offers something new each season.

My new decor started with the NEED for new decor. Hand-me-down sofas had seen MUCH better days and I was just plain tired of looking at the same window treatments for 13 years (I am shocked I made it that far with them.) So the quest began for dog-proof, bunny-proof, and maybe most importantly, MAN-proof furniture. Alas, I purchased leather. Nothing quite says, "Welcome Home" like leather. I was seeking a cozy, den-like atmosphere with a more masculine appeal and this seemed to fit the bill. I found an elegant set in an espresso-brown finish.

In order to make the necessary changes in decor without spending a ton of money, re-purposing was a must. I spray painted my curtain rods and finials from a '90's Verdigris to an Old World Bronze. Simple enough, and only $5.99.

The white (as HGTV puts it, "outdated") fan was a bit out of place with the warmer atmosphere. It worked perfectly fine, so by all means, don't replace it if you have one like it. For another $5.99, paint it. This requires removing it and disassembling it, but it's not a hard task for a Saturday afternoon. Just be sure you let it dry over night before reassembling.

The blades actually have a paint treatment on them, making them slightly lighter. The rest is an Old World Bronze. And for those of you with the light fixture attached, put the glass shades in the dishwasher and voila! If you're afraid of your paint-treatment skills, blades can be replaced for around $25.

I'm still working on the room, gathering ideas and finishing touches. I have contemplated an area rug, only because of the animals have I restrained myself. Otherwise, it would be the perfect addition. I think when you decide to make darker colors your decorating palette, you really need to find other ways to lighten up. Mirrors, mirrors, and more mirrors! I don't have a lot of wall space so even a mirrored picture frame helps. Lighting is also a must. I have seven light sources in this small room. Illumination is key.

Be careful when accessorizing not to use too many flat, or dull surfaced items. A nice mixture makes things interesting. Add crystals, a glass vase, or ceramic plates to get some light bouncing around. I'm still working on this. It not only helps lighten things up, but it says that a woman lives there too.

And of course, my favorite instant room freshener is FLOWERS! I can't get enough. I will take the real variety any day, but that can be expensive so when I find great looking fake flowers, I buy them! These winter months can seem long without them.


So far... it reminds me of a sepia toned photograph with splashes of color.

I layer blankets and pillows to add texture and softness to the furniture; another thing that is a must with leather furniture. I look forward to visiting my local Pottery Barn for more of these items, or inspiration to find some cheaper elsewhere!

You can't have a masculine, leather clad room without some herringbone pattern. This is the blanket that drapes my husbands leather chair and ottoman, where he gets to sit (wink-wink). The rabbit cane was found in a tobacco shop. It was a must have! All we need now is a pipe and a smoking jacket...

One of my favorite plates. I displayed it on the mantel.

This cute guy sits in a child's chair I painted. It was light blue when I purchased it at a thrift store. I thought it needed some sophistication so I painted it black. I also painted a fleur-de-lis on the panel behind the bear's head.


Now he has a heart.


I love these fake geraniums. They came in these little jars and I love to sprinkle them around the room for a touch of color when there isn't any flowers blooming outside.

The sofa table behind the love seat was free from a friend. It had that early 90's white-washed look. I painted it cream and added a water-based brown stain with brush strokes. I love how it turned out. The only thing I don't like about it is that I can't see the entire piece! It has a beautiful X-beam structural design.

The "new" sofa table holds my favorite photos.

This old chest was moved in from the garage, sanded, and re-stained (roughly) to sit in front of the television. It's sole purpose was to block our Border Collie McKenna from jumping on the TV in an attempt to chase animals or children. The chess set was added as a further deterrent. So far, we have a TV watching dog who also plays chess. Not really, but we may be closer to that end.

The sign is rigged to fall and make noise hitting the chess pieces if she attacks the TV. Oh, and it's to make me think I'm living in the country.

Love birds.

An antique thrift store find from my hubby for Christmas. I placed a rose-ball in it's cup and sprinkled petals around it. It sits under a glass dome.

It's all slowly coming together. I'm sure the wall decor will be getting rearranged in the near future. Magazines and catalogs inspire me all the time so who knows what's next? Even when the trend is to "lighten up", whatever makes your house a home, it's the right move. My hubby loves it, and besides, isn't a man's home his castle? I guess that makes me the Decorating Queen. Until next time...

McKenna, it's your move...

Neat Necklaces

2011-02-09T15:43:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to let you all know what's new! I'm designing necklaces at my card shop. Now you can wear your love for rabbits every day or give one as a gift for a rabbit-lover you know. I'll be adding more soon. Here are a few available now:

Daisy's Day Out Necklace

Benjamin's Garden Necklace


Abby Necklace

Rosemary Rabbit Necklace

Strong Bonds

2011-01-14T22:08:00.000-08:00

Like many of us social creatures, rabbits also create strong bonds with each other. In fact, they can be so strongly bonded that when a rabbit loses it's mate, the other often follows. This happened with my first pair, Scout and Abby who passed away a month apart, Mother's Day and Father's Day, respectively.

When I was first a rabbit owner, over 15 years ago, I had no idea the complexity of putting rabbits together. They're cute, soft, and harmless, right? Or so I thought. Oddly enough my first coupling proved me right...until I added a third to make a trio. Fur FLEW. Those of you that are rabbit owners know this. Each time I added a bunny (never successfully bonding more than four at a time) to the mix, it was bunny mayhem once again. Those scissor sharp incisors, the strength of those back legs, and their unique ability to box is quite shocking. Especially for such darling critters. But underneath all their fluff is an extremely territorial nature. It's common to see bunnies that aren't neutered or spayed urinating, chinning objects to claim ownership, and of course marking every inch around them with a rabbit "treat." This behavior can start up again when you have more than one pair living near each other. Which is one of the reasons I embarked on bonding my two pairs this past week.

Most of us are willing to endure a bit of the bonding process in order to reach the other side...pure love and devotion. Some methods to this madness may seem a bit unorthodox, in fact my bunnies have been many places for their "counseling" sessions: the bathtub (empty of water), or the garage, the backyard, a kennel, and even a shopping cart ride together at Petsmart. And would you believe after all that, one of my bunnies still refuses to get along? There is apparently no "Scared Straight" program out there for Benjamin Bunny that I'm aware of. The good news is, he has a friend. This relationship has blossomed without incident since my friends came over a few years back and did tough-love bonding with a garden hose on a warm day. Benji and Victoria have been in love ever since.

Victoria Valentine and Benjamin Bunny

The amazing thing I learned from this bonding attempt is that Victoria has absolutely no problem at all with the other bunnies. For the first time ever, I have a mix-and-match bunny! She goes for a lunch date with Teddy and Daisy, then returns home to Benjamin. She even takes an afternoon stroll with Daisy while the boys nap (or wait anxiously for their return). In the rabbit world this is a bit odd, but really neat to see. Benjamin continues to have something against his neighbors, Teddy Bear and Daisy Mae. Perhaps he feels like the odd-man-out since he's not a Mini-Rex like all the others?

Daisy and Victoria sitting in front of the fire. I think they just want girl-time, like the rest of us gals.

So it seems that sometimes our bunnies know best. We can try to force things on our darling critters for our benefit, but nature has it's own program. So I will continue cleaning two litter boxes for the time being and give this group-bonding thing a break. I'm glad I attempted it though for Victoria's sake. I suppose for every recluse, there is a socialite... even in the rabbit world. Just when we think we understand it all, animals go and teach us more.

Hop 4 Joy!
Kimberly

P.S. There are excellent articles on bonding rabbits. Check out my "Hop Shop" for links. Educate yourself before trying to bond any animal. I've seen serious injuries to humans and rabbits...ouch, not to mention expensive!

Rabbit Habit

2011-01-13T19:57:00.000-08:00

Here are more items for your RABBIT HABIT!

There are so many talented folks out there!

Rabbits and Roses by Lesleysloft

Rabbit and Roses by Lesleysloft

Dutch bunny rabbit riding a horse by itsabunnything

2 Dutch rabbits mousepad by itsabunnything

Himilayan Canvas Print by itsabunnything

Colorful Bunny Mouse Pad (vertical) by artology

Yippee! Cute Cartoon Rabbits Greeting Note Card by zooogle

Hope you had fun!
xo,
Kimberly

"Love Buns" Contest!

2011-01-07T16:37:00.000-08:00

Let's see some of those "Love Buns" for this month's contest! In honor of Valentine's Day, post your cutest photo that fits this theme on our Facebook page! Be creative! The most "Likes" wins! The winner gets a spot in the Card Shop where the royalties from "Contest Winners" goes to Bunny Bunch S.P.C.R.! Contest ends February 1st, Midnight PST (So the winning photo can get in the shop before Valentine's Day)

Good luck!

*Please note that the winner may be asked to submit a better quality photo for printing purposes*

The Gift of Christmas

2010-12-27T20:43:00.000-08:00

I wanted to share with you a poem written by my mom.. I hope you enjoy it. - Kimberly

The Gift of Christmas

by Deborah Geller

When I think of Christmas day

I think of plans I need to lay;

Of cards to write and things to make

And gifts to buy; cookies to bake.

I think of decorating the house and tree,

Of kids and relatives to please.

Do I have enough wrapping, ribbons, and bows?

And I won't want to miss all the Christmas shows!

But when I've finally finished it all,

The season's tidings, the falderal,

I sit by the fire with a cup of tea

And I think of what it really means to me.

How many, many years ago

Before traditions could steal the show,

Our God, the Ruler and Maker of all,

Would send His Son to be born in a stall.

And from that stall He would suffer and die

On a cross intended for such as I

To fulfill the covenant with God and be

The Glorious Savior God planned for me.

He's brought me life and peace and grace

And someday I will see His face

And when I do I want so say,

"Thank you, Lord, for that first Christmas day!"