Our new puppy Gracie has found a very clever way to recycle water when she can’t hold it in her cheeks..you see she’s teething BEARY much and has a temporary “dribble lip”

Her solution…the latest in gardening gadgets…..the Chow Watering Can!!!!

Ok, now for the cool panda stuff!! Check out my latest design on T’s , mugs, and cards!! WOWZA this looks great on pretty much everything I put it on and is EARTH DAY GREEN to boot!!!

CLICK THE PHOTOS TO BRING YOU TO MY ZAZZLE STORE . THERE ARE MANY NEW PANDA AND MOONBEAR ITEMS GOING UP IN THE NEXT TWO WEEKS!!

CHILLIN’ panda card by electra_cute

CHILLIN’ panda coffee mug by electra_cute

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We are back from our trip to the panda and moonbear centers in China as well as a wonderful warm side trip in Thailand and I have so much to tell I hardly know where to start.  If you have been following along on my blog at  http://graffitigossip.com you know all about the panda I chose for our next group  adoption via PANDAS INTERNATIONAL….a stunning (formerly) wild panda named Bai Xue

ABOVE: ME HAVING MY PHOTO TAKEN WITH “WU JUN” WHO IS TAI SHANS NEW NEIGHBOR

I chose Bai Xue for her unmistakable black “beauty mark” on her muzzle and her history of being a wild child, as she was the panda who disappeared from the panda center she was at for 5  years, then miraculously returned!!  Just one look at her Bifengxia clay dipped bum and you know this girl marches to the beat of a different drummer.  How endearing can one panda get….and to top it off she is a wonderful mommy at the age or 20 years it is estimated

ABOVE: A photo of our new adoption gal Bai Xue I took on February 8, 2010

SEE THE VIDEO BELOW OF BAI XUE I DID LAST WEEK HIGHLIGHTING THE PHOTOS AND VIDEO I TOOK OF HER  IN FEBRUARY

CLICK HERE TO GO DIRECTLY TO YOUTUBE TO SEE THE VIDEO LARGER AND IN HIGH DEFINITION

I have so much to tell you about all the pandas, moonbears and elephants we met along the way,  but this update is  for our beautiful Bai Xue, who is asking  for your help in completing this group adoption, as we still need 250.00 of the 500.00 required by Pandas International to finalize the sponsorship of our girl

OUR ADOPTION DEN INCLUDES THE FOLLOWING MEMBERS SO FAR:

Eunice Messer    Wendy Bouzid         David Keen         Bonnie Young       Diana Hillygus

Lori  Love        Lois Dubs                        Patricia Markby                 Stephanie Smith

Above: another  photo taken on our visit in February 2010

I decided to extend the deadline until APRIL 1, 2010 and you may easily pay 25.00 or more for your adoption pledge via Paypal or a check or money order

For Paypal, use the CHIPIN widget in the right hand column on the PANDARAZZI BLOG….CLICK HERE

—————————————————————————————————————–

OR SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER MADE OUT TO PANDAS INTERNATIONAL TO:

Sandra Miller

818 SW 3rd Ave #226

Portland , OR.   97204

WHERE DOES MY ADOPTION MONEY GO??????  CLICK HERE FOR MUCH MORE INFORMATION

ABOVE: Bai Xue and one of her 2008 cubs.  Photo by Pandas International

Regardless of how you choose to pay, each of the contributors will be receiving a downloadable panda artwork I designed just for our group with a value of 45.00.  You may print this artwork as cards or a make a framed print for your own use ,as a thank you from me for your generosity and caring .

This very special panda art design  will not be sold anywhere at any time, so it will be a collectors item.  I will reveal the design  as soon as our adoption is finalized.

ABOVE: PHOTO BY PANDAS INTERNATIONAL OF ONE OF BAI XUES 2008 CUBS

ABOVE: 2008 CUB OF BAI XUE…PANDAS INTERNATIONAL PHOTO

ABOVE: 2008 BAI XUE CUBBIE…PHOTO COURTESY PANDAS INTERNATIONAL

Thank you all so very much for your  support of the group adoptions at PANDARAZZI. My dream is to  continue to be able to provide a way to help others be a part of these unique adoptions  of the China pandas by making then affordable for all who wish to participate.   A 500.00 adoption can be out of reach for many caring panda people who would love to be involved. Being part of the “adoption den” you really see your donation dollars in action!!

By providing a platform at PANDARAZZI where we all can shake down our piggy banks and pool our resources  as a team , we all benefit from one anothers involvement in in turn help each panda we sponsor with plentiful bamboo, medications, round the clock TLC by the nannies and keepers.  Not to mention the AWESOME updates and photos which Carrie and the Bifengxia photographers provide us during the course of the year!!j

BAI XUE SENDS HER PANDA LUV AND THANKS YOU ..XIE XIE !!!!!!

Hugs, Sandra Miller

http://pandarazzi.com

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As if being a part of our amazing journey as an armchair tourist isn’t adventure enough……think what a lasting memory you can give to yourself or a loved one for Valentines Day or Chinese New Year by being a part of our YIN YANG TOUR GROUP PANDA ADOPTION !!

In cooperation with PANDAS INTERNATIONAL and Bifengxia Panda Base in China, and our incredible adoption coordinator Carrie Phillips, I am proud to offer this exciting opportunity to a very special group of individuals (thats you guys…my blog readers!)

We will SHARE in the one year adoption of not only a panda………but a panda you will be meeting on our visit to Bifengxia on February 8, 2010 (7th China time) via this blog. What a perfect way to help this endangered species and be a part of a $500.00 adoption that can be out of reach for many in this economy..AND you are getting a bonus virtual vacation to China and Thailand to boot!!!

Each person donating a minimum of $25.00 USD will receive an adoption certificate from Pandas International and be listed on my website under the adoptions tab at PANDARAZZI MAGAZINE

As she always does, Carrie will be sending us updates as she gets them from the Bifengxia Panda Base

OUR DEADLINE FOR RAISING $500.00 IS MARCH 1, 2010

In the event we go over 500.00 we will apply that towards the same pandas care.

PANDAS INTERNATIONAL PHOTO

DONATE 25.00 OR MORE VIA PAYPAL ANY WHERE YOU SEE THIS CHIPIN WIDGET ON MY BLOG..FUNDS GO DIRECTLY TO PANDAS INTERNATIONAL AND ARE TAX DEDUCTABLE .

NON PAYPAL USERS CAN SEND YOUR CHECK OR MONEY ORDER TO ME BY MARCH 1. 2010

Please make your check out to PANDAS INTERNATIONAL

Send to: Sandra Miller

818 SW 3rd Ave #226

Portland, Oregon, 97204

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ANY SUPPORT YOU CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THIS EXCITING PROJECT.

PARTICIPATION IN THIS GROUP ADOPTION IS NOT AT ALL REQUIRED TO ENJOY AND PARTICIPATE IN THE TRAVELBLOGUE. THIS IS JUST A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY FOR THOSE WHO ARE WANTING AN EXTRA SPECIAL “MEMENTO” OF THEIR VIRTUAL CHINA TRIP

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CLICK HERE TO GO TO GRAFFITI GOSSIP TO SIGN UP FOR UPDATES

If you are not sure you are  subscribed, simply enter your email address in the upper right column and click to “subscribe”.  The system will tell you if you are already a subscriber OR will send you an email to verify your subscription if you are a new subscriber

ALSO..TAKE NOTE OF THE NEW QUICK REFERENCE WIDGET HERE  AT PANDARAZZI AT THE TOP OF  THE RIGHT HAND COLUMN .  YOU HAVE DIRECT ACCESS TO THE AUDIO , VIDEO AND TRAVEL BLOG POSTS FROM ONE CONVENIENT LOCATION.

ITS ALWAYS BEST TO SIGN UP AT GRAFFITIGOSSIP.COM IF YOU WOULD LIKE EMAIL UPDATES FROM THE ANIMAL CENTERS BUT THE WIDGET HERE IS HANDY TOO.

IT LOOKS LIKE THIS

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ABOVE IS XIAO HUA ..THE WOOD TRIBE CUB (CHINESE GIVEN NAME IS “YOU YOU”)

After a call to renew our Adoption tribe cubs from Carrie at Pandas International, I put out the word and we were able to collect 510.00 from the various adoptees in all 4 tribes to renew one of the cubbies!! In this economy and especially  over the holidays , I was THRILLED to say the least that we were able to collect enough for even ONE!!

Thank you so much for your quick response  my friends!!  The cub I chose to renew was the Wood Tribe cub based on thinking she was still going to stay at Bifengxia while I am visiting China…but lo and behold the entire LOT of Bifengxia cubs…10 of them have been chosen to go to Shanghai for the World Expo.  They recently arrived at their new home and are doing great!! See the video and info below.  ALL 4 of your cubs are in Shanghai

AND STAY TUNED TO GRAFFITIGOSSIP.COM

for tons of info coming up about my upcoming China /Thailand Journey in Early February!!

A HUGE THANK YOU TO CARRIE AND TOBI AT PANDAS INTERNATIONAL for all your work on these group adoptions.

ANOTHER FANTASTIC NEWS REPORT ON THE BABIES IS HERE WITH  XIAO HUA IN HERE SOMEWHERE

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE SECOND VIDEO

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ABOVE IS MY FIRST EBAY ITEM DEDICATED TO THE PANDAS…CLICK PHOTO TO SEE MORE

Hello panda friends!! I am pleased to announce my newest venture using Ebay to spread the word about Pandas and the wonderful work PANDAS INTERNATIONAL  is doing to protect and educate the public about this precious endangered species!!

Every time you see this banner at the top of any of my EBAY AUCTIONS OR BUY IT NOW ITEMS  (or see the little gold and blue ribbon in the search listings by the title of the item) I will be donating the specified percentage of that sale or auction to PANDAS INTERNATIONAL via the Ebay Giving Works charitible listing program.

Ebay sends my donations to the charities directly through Mission Fish which certainly helps with the bookeeping!  Yippie! That translates to  a lot more time for artwork!!!

Some auctions and Buy it Now items I will donate 10% ( reminding myself I need to eat too..lol) and other items I will be able to offer up to 100% of the sale to this incredible charity.  Again , the amount I am donating will be listed right on that Pandas International banner on the auction listing.

And dont forget about this beauty on Ebay right now!! She closes in a few short hours!!  I will be putting 10% towards the PI donations as well but it will be paid directly at the end of the year as part of my larger donation to PI

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE AUCTION WHICH CLOSES

(Nov 19, 200917:00:25 PST)

CLICK HERE TO SEE THIS BATIK CHOW PUPPY PRINT ON EBAY AS A “BUY IT NOW”

And keep in mind that not all items going towards Endangered Species are Panda items.  This particular  Chow print is also part of my donation program with many more items to come in the weeks ahead!

THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF OUR DEAR PANDAS

AND PANDAS INTERNATIONAL!!

2008 ADOPTION TRIBE MEMBERS….LOOK FOR AN EMAIL THIS WEEK ABOUT OUR CUBBIES

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I’m not sure how many of my Pandarazzi followers are bead collectors, or jewelry makers, or have friends who would appreciate my travel finds, but if you haven’t been following my GRAFFITI GOSSIP blog, I didnt’ want to leave anyone here out of the loop!!!

This Sunday I am having a LIVE online BEAD AND PENDANT  TRUNK SHOW to raise money to foster another elephant in Chiang Mai Thailand!! I’m so excited I can hardly stand it!  This show is the first of it’s kind that I have done and will be a grand experiment  and I guarantee a lot of fun!!

Read much more about the show at GRAFFITI GOSSIP by clicking HERE

If you are wanting to be involved in the fostering but not really interested in beads or pendants, you can donate what you can via the CHIPIN widget on this LINK and I will include you in the sponsorship list!!!

I hope you all are doing well and looking forward to a fabulous Thanksgiving!!! Even in these trying times we all have so much to be thankful for.  I for one am so grateful for my family and friends ……..you all are the lights of my life and the fuel that keeps me going day to day.  THANK you for your continued friendship and generous support of all my wild endeavors!!!!

THIS VIDEO  HAS AUDIO SO TURN IT UP!!! WOO HOO!!!

Above is the preview I did of some of the beads in the show as well as a taste of the elephant fostering “mission”I am determined to accomplish

I would LOVE to see you all on Sunday whether or not you are in the buying frame of mind!! Lets all have an Ellie partay!!

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MING BOUQUET sling shoulder bag

I spoke with Suzanne  at Pandas International last week and we had a nice talk.  After I got off the phone it occured to me I really need to start putting aside money again for the pandas, and the most urgent need right now is still for bamboo bucks to get those groves replanted for the wild pandas.  Without adequate bamboo supply the few wild pandas left  will have tough go of it!!!

FROM THE PANDAS INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE

Pandas International has been asked by the China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda (CCRCGP) to spearhead a drive to replant the bamboo destroyed by the earthquake. The planting and harvesting will be done by local farmers who will benefit economically from the project. A recent study by the Chinese Academy of Science has found through the use of satellite images that in the specific area studied, 354 square kilometers, 23% of the panda’s habitat was “converted to bare land.” Lead author, Weihua Xu, also believes that “about 60% of the Giant Panda population was affected to some extent.”

The CCRCGP scientists, with the aid of transferred, experienced Wolong farmers, will begin growing, transplanting, and caring for thousands of bamboo seedlings throughout areas near Gengda Town.  As the three species of bamboo mature and spread, both wild and captive Pandas will again have plentiful nourishment. The cost to replant on acre of bamboo is approximately $ 4,500.00 USD.

LADY CUB AND LADYBUG long handle bucket bag

Realizing how tight most of our budgets are right now, I know it’s hard to send in cash to charities unless there is truly some extra left over at the end of the month.  With the holidays coming I was trying to figure out the best way to give a little without  breaking the bank myself.

BOO BABY long handle bucket bag

I’m saving for my trip to Chengdu in February and need to put aside every spare bit, but I know I can manage to donate  a bit of my income from panda art sales over this holiday gift buying season.  If you all are looking for some special and unique items  to give your panda loving friends, please consider a gift that does double duty.

MING BOUQUET long handle bucket bag

I am DONATINGg $5.00 from each of my new designer  panda handbags which I am offering on my website,  from now until Chinese New Year  2010…THE YEAR OF THE TIGER (which falls on Valentines day as well)  My friend Gayle and I will be in Chengdu at that time  to visit all our cubbies at Biefengxia as well as the moonbears at AAF!!!  In some cases I may even be able to throw in a few extra bamboo bucks and will add that to the tally

CUBBIE BLISS long handle bucket bag

Many of the above panda designs are selling very fast and some only have one or 2 left in the edition .  I just introduced them last week and want to thank you all for the wonderful feedback and reception to this new designer handbag endeavor of mine.  I hope those of you who purchased your bags get years and years of enjoyment and compliments from them.  I have already put aside my donation from your purchased bags to go to PI at the end of the year.

I’ll be posting a tally up here soon so we can all keep track of the Bamboo Bucks together!!!

MING BOUQUET convertible backpack

BOO BABY womens leather wallet

LADYCUB AND LADYBUG womens leather wallet

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CLICK IMAGE ABOVE TO READ MORE ABOUT SUZANNES NOMINATION

We all know who she is…we all adore her passion and committment to the pandas…..now we need to put our love for Suzanne Braden and the incredible work she does via PANDAS INTERNATIONAL on priority level TODAY!!!

ANIMAL PLANET has chosen Suzanne Braden as one of 10 nominess for ANIMAL PLANET HERO OF THE YEAR!!!  This translates to one of the highest honors possible for those working in animal welfare and charity work, as well as a $10,000.00 prize !!!

Please help us win this award for Suzanne by voting today at the Animal Planet site!!

THE VOTE STARTS TODAY!!!

TODAY TODAY… TODAY!!!

CLICK HERE TO GO DIRECTLY TO THE VOTING PAGE

“The People’s Choice voting will begin at 12:01 AM ET September 14, 2009 and will end at 11:59 PM ET September 27, 2009. Limit one vote per person/email address per day.” Just wanted to let you know that voting lasts past today and you can vote often, but only once per day.

Thank you all so much for your help and cross your fingers she wins!!!!  Congratulations Suzanne on this incredible honor!!

From all of us at  http://pandarazzi.com

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If you all remember last year, I went to DC in July for Taishans 3rd Birthday Bash at the National Zoo.  Well it’s hard to believe ayear has gone by already and now Tai is the big FOUR!!!

Thanks to one of Tai’s biggest fan s, OSITO_TAI@ FLICKR   ( of MANY in the PANDAS UNLIMITED den of panda groupees)

for sharing these  beautiful images of Tai on his special day!!!

AND SPECIAL APPRECIATION TO CAROLETTA1 FOR TAKING THESE ADORABLE VIDEOS OF THE CELEBRATION.. THE ONE BELOW IS THE LAST IN A SERIES OF 3. YOU CAN GO TO THE VIDEO PAGE TO SEE THE OTHERS.

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