Update about my cat, my computer, my shop and more...

Hello friends & fellow Catlanders -

I wanted to write to update and catch up on things with everyone about why I haven't been around lately as it's been a long time since I've been active here and other sites I frequent.

Reason being .... my computer died - again - and it was dead for quite awhile.
This is the 2nd time my computer has died this year. Really annoying to say the least!

But fortunately - and finally - I got it back up and working the other day. A-freakin'-MEN!

Also - my cat, Ms. Abbey, was very sick last weekend and had to go to the animal ER, so I've been spending most of my time taking care of her since she was released from the hospital. Though I'm very happy to report that she seems to be doing better so far. Thank goodiness :)

But I'd like to ask of my close friends - please keep Abbey in your thoughts and/or prayers, and to send her positive vibes, so that she will recover quickly and that she won't have to go back to the animal ER again as she's not 100% better just yet. Thanks sooooo much everyone!

Below is a sweet and funny photo I took of Ms. Abbey about a week before she got sick. I caught her on top of my art desk again. She likes to check out all my supplies and watch the neighbors two cute pups (as they do with her - I call Abbey and my neighbor's dogs - "window friends") but Abbey especially enjoys scenting the tops of my paint brushes and colored pencils. I liked this photo and thought she looked adorable - so I wanted to share it here for you to all see...

Abbey feeling crafty and looking so cute and happy on top of my art desk

(As much as Abbey likes to check out my art and craft supplies - I always keep anything that could be dangerous - such as paint, varnishes, razors, etc... safely away from her in the desk drawers!)

In better news .... I've also been a bit extra busy these days because my brother is getting married soon, so I've been attending lots of pre-wedding events (and birthday parties too for family members and friends) It's been a very happy and exciting time - but a busy time too.
I'm sure in the future I'll post photos from these events, and of course, of "The Big Day" too!!

Also.... I wanted to post about the latest news regarding my Etsy shop,
"Jane Diamond Designs"
For those who may not already know - I have temporarily closed down my shop since the economy has been hitting me really hard personally (as it is with most people I know to some degree or another) and my money is so tight right now. All my listings and re-listings at Etsy were adding up, along with buying materials for new items for my shop. Combined that with my finances being in a crunch outside of Etsy, everything was just getting really difficult to get by in general money wise. So I took time off of Etsy to get my finances in better order.

But - as soon as I do re-open my shop, I will be sure to announce it here!
As of now - I'm thinking I'll probably re-open my shop in August or September. And I'm thinking of possibly opening a whole new shop altogether because I'm wanting to expand the types of items I create and sell. As of now - my idea for a new shop would be to continue to sell all of the feline themed items that I'm known for - like my cat painting prints, ACEO's, handmade catnip toys, pendant necklaces, etc... but then also adding new items with more variety of different animals, themes and styles. But whether I re-open my shop - or open up a brand new one - I will let you all know here as soon as I do. I'm really looking forward to getting back to work at Etsy since I miss it so much! I already have some Victorian style Halloween Cat themed items I will be listing - like this festive feline ACEO that I made:

"Happy Halloween" - black cat ACEO
by Jane Diamond Designs

so definitely keep an eye out for that and more fun Halloween feline goodies from yours truly!

Lastly - since my computer died - I have a lot of catching up to do.
Like with the Etsy forums, the Etsy street teams blogs and message boards for
"Etsy For Animals" (aka EFA) and "Vegan Etsy", Flickr, Myspace and replying back to all your comments here at my blog. Thanks so much for your comments that you have posted here - I have read them all - just haven't had a chance to reply back yet. I also need to catch up with my convos, PM's, emails and more... so I hope you all understand why it will take me a bit longer than usual to reply back.

It's been soooo frustrating having all these problems with my computer, in part because I fall so behind with everything going on - but I will reply back to everyone soon and am looking very forward to catching up with all my friends, and your furry families, too :)

Til later...

Many cheers and best wishes from Catland,

- Jane

Farm Sanctuary needs your help!

** Double Your Gift
& a Member will Match your Donations until July 1st **

As most people know, one of my favorite animal sanctuaries is "Farm Sanctuary".
I have much love, respect, support and admiration for them - for their endless dedication in helping our precious and beautiful farm animals friends by rescuing them and providing them with a care-free, happy, loving and safe home!

I received the following info from Farm Sanctuary, and wanted to add it to my blog in hopes of bringing more attention to the help that they need!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Farm Sanctuary’s New York Shelter is in need of urgent repairs and infrastructure upgrades to ensure the safety of the animals who call it home. For several years, we have done everything possible to get by with minor repairs and maintenance—even as the number of rescued animals has continued to climb.

But we cannot go another season without significant repairs. To keep the animals safe we must address these maintenance issues and protect these sweet beings in need of our care. We have received estimates that it will cost upwards of $200,000 to complete these urgent projects. So, on behalf of the sanctuary residents, we ask for your help.

Thankfully, a dedicated, longtime Farm Sanctuary supporter has generously agreed to MATCH all contributions made by July 1 up to $25,000. That means you have a unique opportunity to make your gift go twice as far for the animals who call the sanctuary home! For every $1 you donate online, Farm Sanctuary receives $2.

For more info please visit our blog or click here:
http: / / action. farmsanctuary. org/ site/ MessageViewer? em_id=10761.0

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

While my money is really tight right now due to the poor economy, I will be donating what I can to this cause. And for those of you who may be in a similar financial situation, yet still want to help, if you can't donate a lot of money (as cliche' as it sounds) I truly believe that every little bit counts! And with your donations being doubled by a Farm Sanctuary member, that will be even more helpful to the repairs and maintenance needed there, and in turn, to the animals that reside there too!!

For more info about Farm Sanctuary, go to:
http://www.farmsanctuary.org/

I hope you can help me help Farm Sanctuary in any way you are able to!

And ...
look for my upcoming posts here regarding updates about my Etsy shop, precious little lambs, view some new fun fotos, and much more...

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

My Etsy shop update & Video of the Week

Hello friends -

I wanted to post that I'm on vacation until May 10th, but decided to keep my shop open. As it's stated in my shop info:
"Any items purchased prior to April 25th have already been shipped out. And any items purchased from now until may 10th, will be shipped out after May 10th upon my return."

I am very happy to say that since my last post here, I sold my pendant necklace of "Cinci the Cow" (see more info and the photo of it in my post below this one - thanks :) Proceeds from that sale will benefit the animals at Farm Sanctuary - my very favorite farm sanctuary that I hold in high regards and respect for all they do to help animals. And an additional 10% will to towards the "Etsy For Animals" (aka EFA) charity of the month too!!

While everyone knows that cats are my favorite animals (in case you haven't noticed by now ;)

I love all animals and have always adored farm animals, especially goats, so it always makes me feel good that I can help Farm Sanctuary through my handmade goodies I create and sell - as well as for "Harmony House", a no-kill cagless Cat Shelter that I do commissioned cat artwork for, and the EFA charities through my work at Etsy!

And speaking of Farm Sanctuary - my video of the week features two of Farm Sanctuary's newest residents at their New York location - Fiona the pig and Jack the goat. I saw this video the other day and these two cuties just melted my heart. So I wanted to share this video here. It's wonderful and makes me smile to see just how happy Fiona and Jack are at their new home. And how adorable is Jack's sweater? This video is soooo precious - I hope you all enjoy it as much as I do ....


For more info on Farm Sanctuary, please go to:

www.farmsanctuary.org

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Another Update, New Etsy Items & Video of the Week

'Ello Everyone -

Again, it's been quite awhile since I've updated my blog. I'm sorry I've been so behind with replying back your comments here, but I wanted to let you guys know that the main reason is because my computer is having a lot of major problems! I actually started writing this post several days ago and it's taken me that time just to complete it.

Lately, my computer keeps booting me off and freezing up on me. I wish I had a dime for every time this has happened cause I could probably retire off of that - seriously! There's been soooo many times I've had to re-boot my computer around 4 or 5 times just to access the internet - and then times I do get on the internet, it boots me off or freezes up, often as fast as within just 30 seconds. It's also running really slow. Basically - it doesn't work about 98% of the time.

This is the same exact problem I had with my old computer before it eventually crashed and died - and now the same thing is happening with my new computer.

Suffice to say it's been very annoying and frustrating, especially since my job at my Etsy shop is solely done on-line, including the photos for the items I sell at my shop.

And it's also why I've been behind with my feedback and convos there - as well as other places I frequent on the net - like my e-mails, this blog, Flickr, myspace, the Etsy forums and several of the Etsy message boards and blogs of teams that I'm a member of, animal charities, shelters and sanctuaries that I work for and/or donate to - plus much more......

Hopefully I will get my computer fixed soon so that I can reply back to all my friends here, at Etsy, and catch up with all my other favorite on-line activities.

I'm actually very surprised I've gotten this far in my post here without getting booted off

~~~~~~~~~

Though fortunately yesterday I was able to complete a listing at my Etsy shop. It's of a new necklace I made in honor and memory to "Cincinnati Freedom" - aka "Cinci". I had completed the necklace and posted it on Flickr awhile ago, but it wasn't until yesterday that i was finally able to list it.

I was very touched by Cinci's story and made a necklace featuring a beautiful photo of her. 20% of the proceeds from the sale of the necklace will go towards Farm Sanctuary - my very favorite farm sanctuary that I support through my work and donations.

Cinci was a very courageous cow who escaped a slaughterhouse by jumping a 6 foot fence! She was fortunately rescued 11 days later and from there, resided at farm Sanctuary where she finally had the safety, love and freedom that she sought and fought for! The amazing and compassionate people at Farm Sanctuary made Cinci feel right at home and she also bonded with the other cows there, forming close and tender friendships with them.

But tragically, 6 years later, Cinci was diagnosed with spinal cancer which spreads fast in cattle. While her passing was very sad and heartbreaking, Cinci's fellow cow friends kept close by her, watching over her, licking her and keeping her calm until she passed away.

So when I heard of her recent passing, I wanted to make this necklace in her honor and to also remind people of the importance of the will to live, courage, strength, freedom and love - something that all humans can relate to and strive for.

Below is a photo of the necklace featuring sweet "Cinci"

Handmade "Cincinnati Freedom" pendant necklace
proceeds go to Farm Sanctuary

I also have a couple new items in my shop as well that I hadn't posted in my blog here yet...

"Le Chat" - handmade and handsewn lavender sachet

Handmade and handsewn "Koi Fish" catnip toy!

To see these items above and much more in my shop, please go to:

http:///www.janediamond.etsy.com

Thank You!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Anyway - I hope you all understand why I haven't been as active on-line as I normally am - and I want to thank all of you for being so patient with me while my computer is being bipolar.

Lastly....

below is my video of the week - "It's No Good" by Depeche Mode

I've been in a Mode mood lately, loving their new single, "Wrong", and looking forward to the release of their new album, "Songs of the Universe", and tour too!

I love this song by Mode and the I think the video is really campy, cheeky and fun - enjoy!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Brief update

It's been quite awhile since I last posted here in my blog. Normally, I don't post or write too much about my personal life, but wanted to let my friends and fellow Catland readers know why I haven't been on-line as much lately.

As some of you already know, I had a concussion a few weeks ago, and since then, I've been really busy since going back and forth to my regular doctor and my new Neurologist to manage the pain since I was initially seen in the ER.

I have been getting better and better as everyday goes by, and for the most part, I feel pretty much recovered. But my doctors are keeping a closer eye on me since I had a concussion back in 1999 after a 2x4 fell off a building and landed on the right side of my head. That concussion was a lot worse than my recent one, but because the blow to my head from the 2x4 was so severe, it gave me a post concussion nerve disorder that I still deal with to this day. So I was afraid I'd get that nerve disorder on the left side now, but so far, it doesn't appear that's happened, thank goodness since that nerve condition is often debilitating since it's soooo painful.

Also... an old friend of mine, Rachel, recently passed away. So I've been trying to process and digest that. It came as a big shock since it seemed like one minute she was here and fine, and the next minute, gone. Obviously, I've been very very sad and heart broken about this, and miss Rachel already so much! I just can't make sense or understand it right now. I guess part of me is still in shock. She was a lovely person, inside and out, so caring and loving, and a very good friend to me, and I feel so sad that I'll never see her again.

The only thing that is of some comfort to me about her passing is I believe that she is now with our mutual and close friend, Tim, who passed away many years ago. I truly hope they are together in heaven, cause Rachel and I often talked about our memories of Tim and how much we missed him, so I'd like to think they are with each other again. In Rachel's memory (and Tim's too) here is of cute and fun photo of us around the time when we all first met - and a pretty photo of Rachel from last year.

From left to right - Rachel (RIP) Tim (aka Timmm - RIP) me, and Randy
during happier and care-free times!

Rachel in 2008 - RIP always my sweet dear friend

So due to those reasons, I've sort of been keeping to myself, taking it easy per doctors orders, and trying to deal with these issues the best I can. During this time, I've also been working on some new items for my shop that I hope to list soon. I've been working on some new catnip toys, and all my catnip toys (and sachets) are not only handmade, but also handsewn, and sewing has always been relaxing to me, so it's been helping me to relax and get my mind off things for awhile.

I feel bad that I'm sooo behind in my e-mails, feedback and convos at Etsy, but I've just been so emotionally and physically drained right now. But I'm sure once I feel better, I'll get back on track and have more time to reply back to everyone and also be more active with the groups, teams, message boards, websites, blogs and more, that I'm a member of.

In the meantime, I'm wishing all my friends well, with much love to you all!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Video of the Week - She Sells Sanctuary

Lots of catching up to do here at my blog, with new updates about my Etsy shop and my art in general, but I'm tired tonight and have a busy day ahead of me tomorrow, so I thought I'd post my video pick of the week -
"She Sells Sanctuary" by The Cult
off their album, "Love".

I'm choosing this because I've been listening it to more frequently these days, and it's one of my favorite songs to hula-hoop to as well.
"the world turns around"...

I also have fond memories of this song from back in the 80's when this first came out. There were two clubs that I hung out at back then, "McGreevy's" and "Medusa's", that had teen nights which catered to punk rock and new wave kids. Both clubs played this song a lot, it was a big hit with the kids in the underground music scene at the time. And I remember my friends and I (and everyone else for that matter) hitting the dance floor whenever they played this song. So it still has that nice warm nostalgic feeling for me when I play it. This song just never gets old to me. I still have it on vinyl when it first came out, and now in 2009 I have it on my iPod too!

Enjoy.....

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Cat Tats

Even to my own surprise - after all the years of being a huge cat lover (since I was a young girl) and all the years I've had tattoos (since I was 19 years old) it still surprises me that I don't have a tattoo of a cat!

I've always wanted one of course, but with all the beautiful cat designs out there, it's hard to know where to start and which design to pick.

Lately, I've been itching to get another tattoo - and obviously I want one of a cat. A cat tat is looooong over-due.

Some people get tattoos on a whim, but I think about mine for a long time before getting them. And I'm glad that I've always done it that way, since in retrospect, I can recall tattoos that I wanted in the past, that I'm really glad I don't have now.

Anyway, I've been looking for some designs of cats that appeal to me and wanted everyone's opinions on which one(s) you like, and which one(s) you think would look best on me. Keeping in mind though that the tattoos I already have are black and grey. Personally, I'm just not into colored tattoos, so keep in mind which one(s) do you feel would look best in black and grey.

I have narrowed my choices down to three cat designs, and I look forward to hearing your thoughts and opinions - thanks everyone!!!

3.) If I were to get the Louis Wain design pictured above, I would not have the text in it - just the cat, vases with flowers, and mice.

NUMBER 3 WON :) I STILL HAVE TO GET IT THOUGH

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

CALLING ALL KITTIES...

Do your cat(s) have "Jane Diamond Designs" catnip toys from my shop?

And do your cat(s) like to model?

If so - your cat could be a model by having their photo featured in a future listing at my Etsy shop! Their photo would be included the next time I re-list the same catnip toy like the one that your own cats have! Also, your cat's name will be credited (as well as your name if you like) in the information provided for the listing.

My cat, Ms. Abbey, posing with one of my handmade catnip toys!

She's such a fabulous feline model :)

you can find this image in my listings for my catnip toys

and your cat could be next!

So if you're interested in having your cat as a model for my shop, please send me your feline fotos via a convo at Etsy at:

http://www.janediamond.etsy.com

or at my e-mail address, which if you don't have, feel free to leave a comment here for it.

Thank you!

~~~~~~~~~

*** More of my Etsy shop updates and other posts about various things in my life coming soon! ***

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Video of the Week - Pride (in the name of love)

This is my pick for the video of the week -"Pride (in the name of love)" by u2

I've always loved this song and it's also meant a lot to me since it's about one of my biggest heros, Martin Luther King Jr.

He has been a hero of mine since I was about 12 years old, and has remained one of my biggest heros to this day!

Plus I thought it fitting as my video for the week since this past monday (the 19th) was Martin Luther King Jr. day.

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Delayed Update.....

I wanted to update my blog real quick to let all my friends know why I haven't been as active here, or the many other sites I frequent.

As some of you know, my dad was very sick for quite awhile and was in hospital - it was very serious, and also a scary and stressful time for my family, and for my dad too, obviously. But he's out of the hospital now, and is doing much better - thank goodness!

But then my precious 19 year old cat, Ms. Abbey, got very sick too and I had to take her to the ER. Since then, Abbey is also doing better, but still recovering - so I've been staying at home a lot, taking care of my sweet 'golden girl' ;)

And then my bi-polar computer started spazzing on out me - it didn't work half the time, and when it did - it would boot me off at random times - until it finally died. so annoying! So I've been without my computer for awhile now, adding to yet another reason why I haven't been on-line much (I'm currently writing this from a computer cafe) but I should get my computer fixed and back at home early next week. xx. So, thanks everyone for your understanding and patience regarding my current circumstances :)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

However, with all the stress over the past few months - not all was lost. I had a fuckin' fabulous, amazing, and crazy fun time at the ohGr show late last month!

In the future, I really want to make a separate post all about it, accompanied by the photos and videos I shot that night, cause it really was soooo amazinG - seriously. that show blew my freakin' mind!

But suffice to say for now, it was truly one of the best shows I've ever seen (which says a lot considering just how many shows I've seen in my life) and I was sooo happy that night that my face actually hurt from smiling so much. I also took tons of photos and videos before, during and after the show which I'm still hoping to post soon here and my Flickr page. But in the meantime, here's a photo that my friend Miche took of me with my Dlovely friend Ogre after the show.

<3>

Ogre + I - huGsville - 2008

Til later....
Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Hello everyone! It's been quite awhile since I last wrote here in my blog. Mostly due to personal reasons and being so busy in many aspects of my life.

But now that things are starting to feel a little less overwhelming, I wanted to post my thoughts about animal rights relating to Thanksgiving....

 

 With Thanksgiving approaching, I find myself thinking about what I am thankful and grateful for. And I'm looking forward to a home cooked meal and being with my family and friends.

However, I can't help but also think of the millions of turkeys that will be tortured, abused and eventually slaughtered at the hands of cold hearted "humans". I think of it every year. And sadly, the slaughter of turkeys does not just happen at Thanksgiving, it happens everyday, all around the world. Suffice to say I am thankful that I am a vegan and do not support the horrific and inhumane treatment that turkeys go through to ultimately become part of the traditional feast for Thanksgiving.

I recently came across this undercover video which documents the harsh realities of what goes on to turkeys behind the closed doors of factory farms (the video is posted below) Farms are often depicted as places where animals roam free in the sunshine and live happy carefree lives. Well, this couldn't be further from the truth! The video below shows "The Truth". The truth of what these factory farms do not want you to know about and do not want you to see!

This video is from PETA, an animal rights organization which some people do not support. However, if you watch any other footage similar to this one, from any other animal rights organizations, sadly - you won't see anything different. The same type of abuse and slaughter happens at factory farms, regardless of what organization is documenting it.

I want to warn you that this footage is very hard to watch. It is highly disturbing and truly heartbreaking. But "The Truth" needs to be seen and heard. Without it, you'd never see the struggles these birds have no choice but to put up with - no matter how hard they struggle - the brutal and horrific treatment they have to endure everyday - and you'd never hear their screams of pain, confusion and fright these animals go through as they are slaughtered without watching the video.

While I am adamant regarding my beliefs and support of animal rights, I am not a vegan who tries to convert other people into vegetarians or vegans. I don't force my personal beliefs and life style choices onto other people, but I am very open to talking about it if other people want to talk about it and/or have questions about it. And I'm also very open about it here since this is my personal blog that I use to express my feelings, thoughts and more, about a variety of things in my life...which is in part of why I'm writing about this here.

I do realize and respect that everyone has their own life, have their own feelings about animal rights, and have their own personal choices regarding what they eat. I also realize that even some people who love animals, eat meat or dairy due to medical or religious reasons.

But, I hope that whatever your stance is about animal rights, that you will watch this video, take it into consideration and give thought about what you see in this footage. Because I think it's safe to assume that whether you're vegan or not, most of us would agree that NO animals should be treated like this - ever!

I want to wish everyone a blessed and very Happy upcoming Thanksgiving!

And to my friends who are fellow vegans or vegetarians, keep up the fight for the love of our precious animal friends!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

World Farm Animals Day & other random updates

 

October 2nd is
WORLD FARM ANIMALS DAY
 

A time dedicated to exposing, mourning, and memorializing the needless suffering and slaughter of the more than 55 billion cows, pigs, turkeys, chickens, and other sentient land animals in the world's factory farms and slaughterhouses. It is a time for all to speak out against the atrocities and brutalization of animals raised for meat, eggs, and dairy.
The annual occasion is observed with activities in all 50 U.S. states and two dozen other countries. The date marks the birthday of ethical vegetarian Mahatma Gandhi.

~~~~~~

So with "World Farm Animals Day" coming up soon, me and many of the other talented, creative and compassionate members of the "Vegan Etsy" team will be supporting this day through our own Etsy shops!

Since I'm a huge animal lover, vegan and long-time supporter of animal rights, especially with a soft spot for farm animals (I love goats and llamas the most :) I really wanted to help out. So I will be having a special promotion at my Etsy shop.

"Cash" - a cute little lamb at Farm Sanctuary
Between October 1st and October 7th, I will be donating 20% from sales from all of my items (save for the commissioned items that I did exclusively for "Harmony House Cat Shelter") to Farm Sanctuary, my favorite farm animal organization. You can learn more about them at:
www.farmsancturay.org

I've been so busy working on new items for my shop lately, especially with Halloween coming up, but I'm going to try to squeeze in some other items that will feature the animals that are saved by, and are now living in happiness and freedom, at Farm Sanctuary. And from the items I make featuring the Farm Sanctuary animals, I will be donating 40% of those proceeds to Farm Sanctuary as well.

"Missy Elliott" - a very happy and hip (hop;) looking goat at Farm Sanctuary

So I will continue to be very busy with work, but it is well worth it to help the animals in need through the process!I hope you will stop by my shop, "Jane Diamond Designs", to help the farm animals of the world in need, and also to shop for cool cat handmade items that I created for you and your feline friends at:
www.janediamond.etsy.com

And to learn more about and/or join the "Vegan Etsy" team, founded by my sweet friend Molly, please go to:
http://www.veganetsy.etsy.com

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Also, I've been putting the finishing touches on my first "Cool Cat Customer of the Month" feature, and it will be posted within the first week of October. So for that month, the feature will be about my good friend Katie (aka "mishkat" at Etsy) and her cute kitties, so definitely keep an eye out for that! It's going to be a very fun and frisky feline feature :)

Well, gotta go back to work now to finish my items for my Etsy shop (I *finally* found my battery charger for my camera - YAY! - I had been looking for it for over 2 weeks now and was starting to think I had just lost it) so I'll be very busy not only finishing my new items, but also taking lots of pics to uploaded to my shop sooooon! So be sure to check out my shop at:
www.janediamond.etsy.com
in the next couple days to see all my new and cool items, thanks!

Til later...

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Video of the Week - Testure

My video for the week is a concert clip and music video for the song "Testure" by Skinny Puppy.

It's a very poignant and amazing anti-vivisection song - the lyrics are intense, raw and moving. And I personally find this song inspiring to me since I'm very against vivisection and all other forms of animal abuse.

This song had a strong impact on my life, prior to becoming a vegetarian (and now a vegan) when I saw this song performed live in 1989, it opened by eyes to the harsh realities of the abuse animals endure by the hands of "humans". During the performance of the song, Skinny Puppy used backing footage of various clips of animal abuse. I was shocked - it was very hard to watch, yet I couldn't turn away from it - cause I felt by watching the abuse that happens behind closed doors - in turn, a door opened in my heart for these animals, and it changed something deep down inside of me.

After that show, I became a strict vegetarian, immersed myself in education about animal rights, joined a local animal rights group and became very pro-active for the cause. And I never looked back, it changed my life to this very day, and I continue doing whatever I can to help end the inhumane and horrifying abuse our animals friends go through everyday!

Below the videos of "Testure", I included the lyrics to the song - very powerful, raw and moving, and I highly suggest to read them. I also added a photo that have the lyrics on it, and a picture of cEvin key and Nivek Ogre of Skinny Puppy!

"Testure" music video by Skinny Puppy




"Testure" concert footage - great quality!

*** Testure Lyrics ***

in nervous convulsion
crouches infant ape, trembling in mothers shit

cage eyes tear less, filled with contempt
clinic mask experiment with life and death

smell lingering noxious, mixed scent anxiety

omnipotent doctor grinds the cage door revealing

loves primal instinct taken away

the tiny face terrified

rant and rave, smash your head against the cage

vacuum clicks on high

conscious of the pain, pass off as humane

white coat seems so clean

most dirt bleached out of greed

force the point of habit, eyes burn in a rabbit

push the pain test button

spines cut!

trip mucous inflection, more die. pills each day

what goes around, comes back stronger

tap into the brain, break the skull again

smash price research rat, lab rent paid in flesh

more ill drug store sales sharpen the knife

emphasis on money, new disease everyday

end is seen and coming, research turns it's back to gain

crush the spine, genocide kitten drags its dead limb

continuing all suffering, it will come back and win

shock paralyse, turn trauma burns

out the will to live the lying

message 5 year genocide

1945 suicide vivisect VI

Skinny Puppy makes me smile :)
even while drenched in mud and fake blood

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Etsy Shop & Abbey Updates

As I mentioned in my last post, I've been working on some Halloween themed items and other kitty crafts for my Etsy shop - but I lost the battery charger for my camera, and even if I find it or buy a new one, now my photo shop program isn't working! Grrr. So I can't crop, resize and adjust colors to the photos even when I do get my camera working, so it may take me longer to list all my new items. I hope to get that resolved soon, cause I'm so frustrated right now about that, and am anxious to list my new items soon!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Before my camera died, I took come very cute pictures of my cat, Ms. Abbey, that I thought I'd share here. My cat Abbey is 18 years old (she will be 19 next month!) and is my 'mews' (muse ;) for most of my cat paintings. We've been together for a long time and I feel so blessed to have her in my life for so long. She is the sweetest cat ever, I know everyone says that about their cats, but she really is a fur angel. Abbey has even turned friends of mine who didn't like cats, into cat lovers who now have cats of their own. Abbey is so special and sweet, and I love her so very much!

Abbey sitting on my art desk

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Action shots - Abbey jumping from my art desk (right) to the couch

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Viva La Vegan and other updates...

It's been awhile since I've posted here at my blog. My computer monitor was dying a slow death. It would take me about 3 to 4 hours just to get on-line...if I was lucky - really annoying! But fortunately I got a new monitor, and all is working as it should. Now I'm busy trying to catch up on all my e-mails, convos, and my work that I do on-line.

So I've been behind in my updates and posts that I had mentioned here before. But still keep an eye out for my new "Cool Cat Customer of the Month" feature. The first feature will be about Katie (aka "Mishkat" at Etsy) and her beautiful cats that have lots of purrrrsonality and are also very cute photogenic kitties!

I've also been in the middle of working on some new items for my Etsy shop - some I have already posted, so be sure to check out the new catnip toys I have available now for your feline friends at:

http://www.janediamond.etsy.com

And I have more new items coming also coming to my shop soon - such a magnets, sachets, and Halloween themed items. Halloween has always been my favorite holiday and time of the year, so I feel very inspired by the upcoming autumn spooky season!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

In the meantime, I lucked out by getting a treasury at Etsy that I did for the Vegan Etsy team. Below is a direct link of the treasury I did, which I named "Viva La Vegan"!
http://www.etsy.com/treasury_list.php?room_id=4243

If the link doesn't work, below is a screen-shot of the treasury I did

I was really happy to get that treasury to help promote a team I'm so proud to be a member of, and pleased with how the actual treasury turned out - I liked all the variety of items I chose and the color scheme too, I thought it looked pretty :)

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Video of the Week - Viva la Revolution

"Viva la Revolution" by the Adicts is my pick for the video of the week cause I've been playing this song *a lot* lately.

The Adicts

And I'm sure it's been done, but if I was in a band, I'd love to do a cover of this song.

VIVA!!!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

I made the front page of Etsy!

While taking time off of work, several of my close friends at Etsy...Cyn, Katie, and Michele, informed me that my "October" cat ACEO made it to the front page of Etsy! This was the first time an item of mine was featured on the front page, so I was really excited about it. Unfortunately since I was taking time off, I didn't get to actually see it when it was up, but my friends took some screen shots of it, so I was happy to finally see it for myself, and it made for a nice early birthday surprise too. Check it out below...

Vegan Etsy theme front page!

My "October" cat ACEO is in the bottom right hand corner

Close up of my "October" cat ACEO

The theme of the front page featured items from members of the "Vegan Etsy" team, which I'm a proud member of! And along with the front page, was an article in the Etsy Storque, where Vegan Etsy was chosen as a featured team! You can learn more about this amazing and compassionate team by reading the article here: http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/spotlight/article/featured-etsy-team-vegan-etsy/2264/

And special thanks to Molly of "Emma's K9 Kitchen" for starting the Vegan Etsy team and bringing all the vegan artists and crafters of Etsy together! :)

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

An overdue update

So, as some of you may know, I took a vacation from my Etsy shop for awhile. I've had a lot of things going on here. I typically don't like to talk too much about my personal life in my blog, so I'll just say that the past couple of months have been really hard and challenging, mostly in emotional and physical aspects.

But the good news is I have re-opened my Etsy shop, and will be listing some new items soon I had been working on during my time off. I was planning on listing them earlier this month, but then I started having lots of problem with my computer, and then I was out of power for awhile due to the crazy storms and tornado activity that happened just a couple days ago in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs. So that's why I haven't been on-line as much these days.

The storms have now passed, and I'm hoping the same applies to the personal problems I've been having too.

In the meantime, look for some great kitty goodies coming soon to my Etsy shop, including more catnip toys for your feline friends and cat themed sachets for yourself!

Below are two samples of new items to come...

El Pajaro - Mexican Bingo Card - Handmade Catnip Toy

Savory Sushi - Handmade Catnip Toy

Also coming here soon will be a new feature in my blog called "Cool Cat Customer of the Month"! I wanted to feature the cats that own my handmade catnip toys from my shop. My friend Katie (aka 'Mishkat' at Etsy) will be the first to be featured, including stories and photos of her beautiful cats, along with the toys I made that they now enjoy playing with! Also in the feature will be information about Katie and the wonderful and hard work she does for Etsy For Animals!

If you would like your cat(s) to be featured in the future for the "Cool Cat Customer of the Month", contact me at Etsy at: http://www.janediamond.etsy.com Thanks!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

My "Frankenstein" Foto Featured!

Earlier this year, I was approached by schmap.com (an on-line tour guide website) about my "Frankenstein" photo that I took at the Jewish section of Graceland Cemetery in Chicago. Schmap.com wanted to use my photo for their website, and I was flattered and happy that they asked and were interested in using my photo. I gave them permission to use it and it was published on their website!

"Frankenstein Grave" - photo © Jane Diamond

I've always loved this grave since I'm such a huge fan of the early black and white horror films of the 1920's and 30's, like "Frankenstein" (obviously) "Bride of Frankenstein", "Dracula" and other original horror films of those eras. Plus this particular graveyard is very interesting in itself. It's very old and very run down - but also quite historical, with some rather intriguing and spooky stories behind it too. Not to mention, one of my all time favorite groups, Skinny Puppy, did a photo-shoot in front of this exact grave back in the early 90's, which of course, makes it that much more cooler!

Skinny Puppy (from left to right) Cevin Key, Dwayne Goettel (RIP) and Nivek Ogre

... Anyway, today I received a message from one of the Schmap one-line editors, saying their guides have now been released for iPhone and iPod touch. And that my photo of the Frankenstein grave is on the iPhone version! Very cool news! :) You can check it out here if you like to see what it looks like on the phone: at: www.schmap.com/?m=iphone#uid=chicago&sid=sights_attractions&p=10850&i=10850_21

*** My photo can be found via that link on the upper left hand side of the phone ***

~~~~~~~~~~

And speaking of "spooky" related things - one of my closest friend and I are bummed out that the "Alien Sex Fiend" and "Specimen" show was cancelled. I don't really listen to much 'goth' and 'batcave' type music anymore, but I still really love Specimen. I saw Alien Sex Fiend at Medusa's nightclub in Chicago in 1989, which was a lot of fun, but I never saw Specimen, so I'm disappointed I won't be able to see them live. But we're still definitely looking very forward to seeing "Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds" this September! I'm sure it will be an amazing show! And add to the fact that Nick Cave is also a fellow fan of Louis Wain! Nick even owns some original Wain paintings! Gah - *envvvvy*
Anyway, check out this short video clip, and music video, for the new Nick Cave album
"DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!!".

I think this is such a brilliant, funny and very clever concept to promote a new album.

And below is the official video for their new hit single, "DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!!"
I think it's such a great and fun song! Catchy too - enjoy!...

Til later...

I hope you all have a great weekend!

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Artist Feature on Heidi Shaulis

Recently in my Flickr group, "Etsy Cat Crafts and Art", I held a contest called "Spring Time Cats". Members submitted photos of various cat arts and crafts with a spring time look and feel. There were many cute and creative entries! The prize for the winner was a feature of their winning photo and a direct link to their Etsy shop here in my blog.

And the winner of the "Spring Time Cats" contest was Heidi Shaulis. Many congrats to Heidi! Below is the photo she entered for the contest

"Follow the Leader" by Heidi Shaulis

In addition to featuring the photo of Heidi's winning creation and a link to her Etsy shop - I interviewed Heidi, asking her about her arts and crafts, her life, her pets, and what inspires her artistically. Heidi is a lovely and very talented artist. Please read below about this very interesting, fun and informative interview I did with Heidi to get to know more about her, and her artwork, her pets, and her very own new "Catland"......

"Puss 'n Boots"

Jane: How long have you been an artist, and who and/or what inspires you?

Heidi: I have been painting since I was 22...that was 22 years ago. Wow, I just realized that is half my life! When I started painting I was an archaeologist and art was my hobby. Gradually it became my focus and I went full-time 9 years ago. From the very beginning I painted my cats, as they are one of the loves of my life and I think they are beautiful. Among my favorite artists from the past are Franz Marc, Alice Neel and Marc Chagall, but I am head over heels for the Catland art, especially Louis Wain.

"How to Train your Human"

Jane: What mediums do you use, and are there any particular colors you like to work with the most for your paintings?

Heidi: I almost always use Winsor & Newton alkyd oils because I like the glazing qualities of oils, but like that they dry quickly. I am looking into walnut oil paints though, as they are "green" and free of toxic solvents. I hope to eventually move to those but am not sure if I'll have the patience for them to dry. My palette is ultramarine blue, pthalo blue, titanium white, cadmium red, cadmium yellow, raw sienna, alizaran crimson, lamp black, ivory black, sap green and geranium pink.

Jane: And what are your favorite subjects to paint?

Heidi: Cats, of course! I like to do them in both realistic poses and also in an anthropomorphic fashion; I call these New Catland. My big soft tuxedo cat Charlie is my favorite subject in both styles. I also paint other animals from time to time; usually animals that I see around us here in VT.

Charlie - one of Heidi's cats and artistic inspirations

Jane: I know you enjoy painting cats, and as a fellow cat artist and cat lover myself, I'm interested in learning more about your cat art. How long have you been painting cats?

Heidi: Since I started painting at 22...I painted my best cat Oliver (he passed away 6 years ago at the age of 19) over and over. My paintings weren't too great then, but I loved painting and you have to start somewhere!

"Chagall on Chagall"

Jane: How would you describe your own cat art?

Heidi: I am self-taught, so I call my paintings folk art. This lets me not worry about rules and just do whatever I feel like doing! Some of my cat paintings are whimsical, and with some I like to convey a feeling of peace and contentment; cats seem to master these things that we humans have such a hard time with.

"Paws"

Jane: Which cats inspire your cat art? And do you have any favorite cat artists that you like and/or inspire your own cat artwork?

Heidi: Right now my favorite subject is my chubby tuxedo cat Charlie, but I'm also working on a series with my 3 boys, Charlie, Harry and Will having adventures together (as in the Rescue...my next will be The Treasure). I also do quite a few commissions of other people's cats. My favorite of all time is Louis Wain, but I also admire the paintings of Henriette Ronner-Knip and also vintage postcards with the fun cat scenes from Catland.

"Thrifty Charlie"

(I own a print of this - it's soooo cute, colorful and charming! - Jane)

Jane: And do you have a particular favorite cat painting of you own creation that is your personal favorite?

Heidi: I think The Rescue is my best cat painting so far.

"The Rescue"

Jane: How many pets do you have? If you like, please share their names, ages, and also any interesting stories about them

Heidi: Currently I have 6 cats and my best friend, my Norwegian elkhound/chow mix dog Bea. My cats are Hattie (age 18), Matilda (15), Thistle (8), Charlie(7), Harry (3) and Willy (2; he's the baby). They all either just showed up at the door (Hattie), were "free kittens" (Matilda, Harry and Willy) or were from an animal shelter (Thistle and Charlie). I'm not a pure-bred kind of girl. Bea was a rescue too; she was raised by the cats so she has a lot of respect for them!

Some of Heidi's cats - from left to right - Willy, Charlie and Harry

Jane: Aside from your art, what other interests do you have, what hobbies do you enjoy, and what do you like to do in your spare time?

Heidi: Since we live off of our artwork, it is our life and takes up most of our time, but we also have 2 sons (10 and 14) who need us quite a bit. I also like to work with Isaac gardening. I am also a thrift store addict and can't pass up vintage housewares and linens from the 1920's through the 1960's, cashmere sweaters and anything else that I find charming. Our house had been lived in by the same family since 1945, so it has been difficult to make it feel like our place, but slowly I've been incorporating bright colors, vintage finds and artwork to make the place ours. Hopefully we'll be here as long as the last family.

Our big project this summer is building my painting studio. I currently work in a tiny room in our tiny vintage farmhouse, so it's going to be such a pleasure to have a real workspace. We are trying to build it as "green" as possible; the stones for the foundation and the logs for the timber frame were pulled from the woods by our draft pony Noki a few years ago (sadly he passed away last year from Cushing's disease). We're also going to be using recycled materials and local wood for the construction, and placing windows to maximize passive solar heat. It doesn't look like much yet in the photo, but it should be mostly complete by the end of summer! You can see though, that the setting is peaceful and pastoral.

Heidi's Studio Timber Frame

Jane: Where can we find your Etsy shop?

Heidi: My husband Isaac (he's a woodworker) and I share our Etsy shop; it is http://westcorinthstudio.etsy.com/

Jane: Last but not least, aside from Etsy, do you have any other sites you belong to that also showcases your arts and crafts?

Heidi: We also share a website: http://www.westcorinthstudio.com/

My old website shows a lot of my paintings from 2003 to 2007 (I was selling mostly on ebay during this period); that web address is http://www.heidishaulis.com/

My seller name on ebay is heidi_shaulis, (I have over 1300 feedback there!) but I'm selling very little there now, ever since I discovered Etsy! I love Etsy and felt at home the minute we signed up.

~~~~~~~~~~

Thank you very much to Heidi for this wonderful interview and insight to your art, life, pets, and more! It has been great getting to know you better, and I appreciate you taking the time to answer all my questions for this interview. And again, congrats on winning the "Spring Time Cats" contest! :)

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane