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...
(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
Chickens on their way to being slaughtered in a factory farm
Another rescued animal from Farm Sanctuary. This is Georgia, a lovely lamb, also now living a life of joy and freedom at the Farm Sanctuary
"Catch Your Dreams" - handmade cat collage ACEO by Jane Diamond 
