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

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

Celebrating Your Love for Cats and other updates

So, I'm still recovering from my back injury from when I tore a muscle in my lower back, and haven't had much time to be as active on-line - like updating my blog, keeping up with the forums and sites I frequent, including my Etsy shop. This is due to dealing with the pain, being so busy with my physical therapy and all the meds I've been taking lately. But I am starting to get better, and fortunately I am towards the end of my recovery - finally!

Anyway, in better news, I'm working on updating my Etsy shop and blog. I recently posted two new items at my Etsy shop.

Below is a commissioned painting I did called "Share Your Love For Cats". I did it for Harmony House - a wonderful, cageless and no-kill cat shelter in Chicago. This painting I did was designed to promote their Valentine's Day events, but Kitty Love is an everyday celebration - it's fitting all through the year. It features a sweet faced Russian Blue style cat inside a heart, surrounded by roses and leaves and has a lush red border.

"Share Your Love For Cats" painting print by Jane Diamond

Detail of "Share Your Love For Cats" painting print

I also now have in store this original ACEO cat collage design I did. I had posted about it before, but it wasn't listed in my shop yet. Now it's finally available to all you ACEO collectors and cat lovers! This cat collage ACEO I call, "Catch Your Dreams" as I thought it fitting for the design

"Catch Your Dreams" original cat collage ACEO by Jane Diamond

Both the "Share Your Love For Cats" painting print and the "Catch Your Dreams" ACEO print can be found now at my Etsy shop at: www.janediamond.etsy.com

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In other Etsy related news - I have currently begun to expand my items to other animals aside from cats. Cats are by far my favorite animal (in case you haven't noticed yet;) but I love all animals, and wanted to express that through my arts and crafts. I am happy to say I recently sold an adorable pendant necklace featuring "Georgia", a lovely little lamb rescued by Farm Sanctuary! I actually posted a photo of Georgia, along with some info about Farm Sanctuary in my last post here. Georgia and some other baby lambs were abandoned, unable to care for and fend for themselves (especially at such a young age) and were left to die! But fortunately, the amazing and compassionate people at Farm Sanctuary rescued the lambs, and they all are now living safe, free and happy lives!

Below are two photos of the pendant necklace I made with sweet little Georgia on it

And via the purchase by the very nice and lovely customer who bought this pendant necklace, I will be donating 20% from the sale to the Farm Sanctuary and also an additional 10% to the Etsy For Animals charity of the month!

Til later......

Look for my newest Etsy artist feature on Heidi Shaulis - coming to my blog soon!

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

Very Vegan! :)

I have been strict vegetarian for 18 years, and also a borderline vegan - I never bought or wore anything made from animals (like fur, leather, wool, etc.) and also don't buy from companies that test on animals or have animal by-products in their ingredients. It's still hard for me to imagine that in today's society, animal testing still goes on, especially in this day and age with so many other alternatives to test products, rather than on defenseless animals!

~

But recently, after being a vegetarian for 18 years, I decided to become a vegan! And I feel great ever since. My body feels more pure in a spiritual and physical sense from being 100% vegan now! And through my decision to go totally vegan, I felt that this was my next step in helping to prevent the horrifying conditions that our animal friends live in, as well as the painful, senseless and inhumane slaughter of these beautiful and innocent animals, such as in the photos below...

A baby calf, chained at the neck in a stall in a factory farm- unable to move, walk, and barely lay down

Chickens on their way to being slaughtered in a factory farm

I know these photos are very graphic and disturbing, but sadly, this is the truth and reality of what happens behind closed doors to animals in factory farms all over the world!

As the saying goes, I believe that animals are *not* ours to eat, wear, or test on. These beautiful animals should be able to live their lives with happiness, dignity, and freedom! And who are we to deprive them of those rights?

~

I know not everyone may agree with my standpoint on this issue - people have their own beliefs and need to make their own choices in life. But in my personal experience of becoming a vegan, I feel it sends out the message that I strongly believe in - that the cruelty, torture, and ultimately death that these animals have to endure, should not be tolerated or accepted. And I will not support in any way, shape or form, the abuse these animals go through! But I believe there is hope in that, as well as through other people who are passionate about the welfare of animals, like in the photos below...

A rescued sweet baby chick, now living a peaceful and happy life at the Farm Sanctuary

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

As an Etsy shop owner, in addition to being a member of the wonderful street team "Etsy for Animals" (EFA), I have also recently joined another street team, "Vegan Etsy"! I am a proud member of both of these groups now!

In the blog, "Vegan Flower", they wrote a small post about my Etsy shop, which I was happy to come across. You can read about it here: http://veganflower.blogspot.com/2008/05/jane-diamond-designs.html

I'm very excited about my new vegan diet and lifestyle, as well as getting to know other vegans and animal lovers through the "Vegan Etsy" team! A very special thanks to Molly (a fellow Etsy For Animals member too) for having me be a part of your wonderful vegan team! I'm so glad to be part of your group! :) To learn more about the "Vegan Etsy", please visit their blog at: www.veganetsy.blogspot.com

Power By Ringsurf

~

And you can visit Molly's Etsy shop at: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5537231

where she makes and sells vegan mini muffins for dogs! She has a very unique shop, with healthy and delicious treats for your pups!

~

Also, to learn more about the amazing and wonderful work that Farm Sanctuary does, like rescuing the beautiful baby chick and lamb in the photos above, as well as all the other work they do for animals like them, to please go to their site at: www.farmsanctuary.org

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In other Etsy related news, I will be adding a new ACEO cat collage that I recently designed. I already have a couple ACEO prints in my shop, but will be adding more asap. I'm still going through recovery from my back injury, so I haven't been as active at Etsy and my other favorite sites and blogs, but am slowly getting a bit better everyday, and am hoping to have my new handmade ACEO's available in my shop soon!

Here is a photo of my most recent cat collage ACEO...

"Catch Your Dreams" - handmade cat collage ACEO by Jane Diamond

I sent one of these ACEO's to my friend Katie (known as mishkat at Etsy) for her birthday and I was really happy to know that she liked them so much!

I hope all you cat lovers out there will check back at my shop to see when the "Catch Your Dreams" ACEO is listed, as well as my other crafty kitty goodies that I have in store now, and also coming soon, thanks!

www.janediamond.etsy.com

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Etsy For Animals Article!

I haven't been as active here, (or at Etsy, Flickr, and my other favorite sites) as I recently tore a muscle in my lower back, so it's been difficult to sit for long periods of time, so that's why I haven't been on the computer as much.

But in better news, two of my "Etsy For Animals" friends, WHSKR and Mishkat, wrote a wonderful article about Etsy For Animals (also known as EFA), and I wanted to share it here in my blog since they did such an amazing job on it, and also because Etsy For Animals is an Etsy street team that I am very proud to be a member of!

Here is a direct link to the article: http://www.etsy.com/storque/section/craftivism/article/etsy-pets-worldwide-animals-with-efa/1715/

I hope you will take some time to read this article and learn more about EFA (accompanied by some super cute pictures of EFA members pets and art). In the article, I am the "cool cat artist" mentioned in the first line, and also included is a photo of my ACEO of my "October" cat painting! It's so nice to be featured amongst so many talented and compassionate EFA artists there. Each EFA artist has their own unique style of art, we live all over the world, and yet we are all bonded by our passion for helping animals!

Many thanks to WHSKR (Marjorie) and Mishkat (Katie) for writing the EFA article, which helps spread information and exposure on how EFA members are committed to helping improve the welfare of our animal friends through our arts and crafts.

And a special thanks also to another one of my EFA friends, Michele (mvegan5) who started and created the Etsy For Animals team! Thank you Michele for all your hard and loving work that you do for EFA, and for bringing Etsy artists together through your group so that we can all be a part of making positive changes to animals in need!

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For more info on Etsy For Animals, please visit the EFA shop at: www.etsyforanimals.etsy.com

or at the EFA blog at: www.etsyforanimals.blogspot.com

All items at the Etsy For Animals shop have been donated by EFA members, and 100% of the proceeds (less S&H) go towards the EFA charity of the month. You can also type in 'efa" or 'teamefa" in the main search box at Etsy.com to find members shop who donate percentages of their sales to Etsy for Animals.

To me, shopping at the Etsy For Animals shop and/or from artists' shop who are EFA members is a win-win situation. You get lovely and creative handmade arts and crafts, and get to help animals in the process too!

Til later,

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

New interview feature on me by NanjoDogz!

I was very honored and flattered that Nancy, from "NanjoDogz" at Etsy.com, recently interviewed me for her personal blog. Nancy is a fellow member of "Etsy For Animals; Artists Helping Animals" and she does monthly features on various EFA members in her blog. For this month, her feature was about me and my shop. To read the interview she did with me, please click on this link: http://nanjodogz.blogspot.com/2008/04/efa-interview-jane-diamond-designs.html

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Nancy is a huge dog lover, and adores her own dog, as much as I do with my own cat, Ms. Abbey. Nancy creates gorgeous and darling dog themed items such as beads, pendants, note cards, magnets and much more! Here are some of my favorite items from her shop...

"Greyhound Art Pendant"


"Pomeranian Crystal Flower Pendant"

"Greyhound Summer Sunshine Distressed Pendant"

I really enjoy Nancy's work, but I like her greyhounds the best since they are one of my favorite breeds of dogs, and Nancy really captures the striking and beautiful elegance of greyhounds in her work as you can see!

To check out more of Nancy's work, please visit her Etsy shop at:

www.NanjoDogz.etsy.com

And thank you so much Nancy for the 'Etsy For Animals' member feature you did on me for your blog! I really enjoyed the interview and also answering all your questions! :)

Til later...

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

My Entry for Etsy For Animals February Challenge

Click on the link below to see my entry for the "Etsy For Animals" February Challenge, "For the Love of Animals". As a member of EFA, I like to participate in their challenges. My entry for this challenge is especially close to my heart...

http://etsyforanimals.blogspot.com/2008/02/my-entry-for-february-challenge-for.html

Cheers from Catland

- Jane

Current Cozy Cat Creations!

Greetings everyone! I wanted to upload some photos tonight of my latest kitty items that I have available right now in my Etsy shop!

It's getting very cold outside, so why not warm your heart with these handmade greeting cards of mine? The design on the cards is from a commissioned cat painting I did for Harmony House Cat Shelter's annual Valentine's Day open house. The painting is called "Share Your Love For Cats". This painting is used in Harmony House's newsletters and their website, and now it can be seen on these lovely greeting cards I made!

Each card is 5x7 inches, printed on card stock, and comes with a bright red envelope. The inside of the cards are blank to write your own personal message. The back of the cards are white and has my Etsy information, as well as information about Harmony House.

Also, 20% of all sales from these cards goes directly to help the cats and kittens at Harmony House! A great way to share your love for cats! :)

These cards make for a purrrfect way to send a Valentine greeting to someone special, or keep it for yourself to hang it up in your house! The cards look great in a 5x7 frame to add some cute kitty decor to your home.

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I have also listed this gorgeous painting print called "Peter the Great". This painting I did in ode to my favorite Victorian artist, Louis Wain! Louis was inspired to create cat art from the very first cat he had, Peter - otherwise lovingly known as "Peter the Great"! And since Louis Wain's cat art and life story have greatly influenced my very own cat art, I painted a portrait of Peter in ode to Louis. This painting print is ideal for fans of black and white cats (or "tuxedo cats" as some people call them), fans of Louis Wain, or just fans of cute kitty art!

Both the greeting cards and the Peter Cat print are available in my shop now. I already sold one of the greeting cards, but have more in my shop. To check them out for yourself, please visit my shop at: http://www.janediamond.etsy.com/

The pictures there of these items are much more in focus at my shop, and I have also additional photos of the greeting cards at my shop too, to give you more perspective on what they look like.

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Video of the week- Etsy For Animals!

My video pick of the week is an "Etsy For Animals" video created by Diane of: www.woodnvisions.etsy.com

This video that Diane created showcases many of Etsy For Animals members, featuring their arts and crafts, and photos of their pets too! I was honored to be one of the artists selected for the video, and my "Calico Queen" painting along with a photo of my cat Abbey can be seen in this video, along with many other wonderful and talented work by EFA members, and their adorable pets too! Many thanks to Diane for all her hard work and supporting Etsy For Animals in this unique and creative way! Check out her video here!...

Etsy For Animals - New Craft Challenge

As a member of Etsy For Animals, I like to partake in their monthly challenges in their blog. For this month, the theme was "New Craft" for the New Year. To view my entry for this challenge, please click on this link: http://etsyforanimals.blogspot.com/2008/01/my-entry-for-new-craft-challenge_04.html

Cheers from Catland!
- Jane

Charmed, I'm Sure...

I've finally begun working on some pendants that I bought and have been in the process of making some cat charm pendant necklaces out of them. I'm quite happy with how they've been turning out considering the little amount of experience I've had working with jewelry.

Below are some photos of my latest cat charm pendant featuring two cats by my favorite Victorian cat artist, Louis Wain! The pendant has a cat on each side - one happy cat, and one grumpy cat. This necklace would make for a cool way to display the mood you're in. Wear the Happy cat side when you're feeling happy, and the other side when you're feeling grumpy. Or you can just wear it to show off your love for cats!

Happy smiling orange tabby cat

Black and white grumpy cat

Side view of the pendant

Grumpy cat side displayed on an Egyptian cat statue

This was made on a 1 inch silver pendant with a glass insert that magnifies the images.

The pendant comes with a silver ball chain necklace that can be worn at any length of your preference. This pendant is purrrfect for cat lovers, as well as fans of Louis Wain alike!

This pendant can be found at my Etsy shop at:

www.janediamond.etsy.com

And check back at my shop for more cute cat charm pendants in the future! These are a lot of fun to make, so I'm sure I'll be listing some other ones soon!

Happy Holidays to everyone!

Til later...

Cheers from Catland!

- Jane

Latest Cat Creation!

Here is my latest handmade catnip toy, "Puss at Home"

It features a charming and heart warming Victorian design of a beautiful brown

Mama tabby cat, with her sweet faced kitten all cozy and close at her side.

This toy measure approx. 2x3 inches in size

Ideal for kittens of for grown cats that prefer smaller sized toys

This catnip toy would make for the purrrfect stocking stuffer this holiday

for your feline friend!

This toy is available now at my Etsy shop at:

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

Cheers from Catland,

Jane

All Things Handmade

My Etsy shop is now featured in a wonderful new blog called "All Things Handmade"!

Thanks to my friend Michele ('mvegan5' at Etsy) for letting me know about this blog
To check out my shop listed there, just click on this link: http://etsymini.blogspot.com/2004/08/art-and-illustrations-page-4.html

Also, I wanted to thank my other Etsy friend Katie ('mishkat') for taking screen shots of two of my treasuries at Etsy. The first one I did recently featured donated items in the "Etsy For Animals" shop, and my theme was EFA Harvest, in the spirit of Thanksgiving. Check out the screen shot of it that Katie took for me, it has some wonderful Thanksgiving and autumn themed items...

The second recent treasury I did was an ode to Victorian cats! Obviously I'm a huge cat lover, (just in case you haven't noticed ;) and I love the charm, warmth, and elegance of Victorian art. Below is the screen shot of my "Fine Victorian Felines" treasury!

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

'Tis the Season to be Frisky!

It's that time of the year for some frisky and fun feline festivities!

Here is my latest crafty creation - A beautiful Victorian inspired Cat Christmas Ornament!

I worked really hard on it, but enjoyed creating it, and was happy with how it came out.

Below are various photos of the front and the back of the ornament, as well as some close-up shots of the gorgeous designs.

UPDATE - This item has been sold!

This Cat Christmas Ornament is available now in my Etsy shop at:
http://www.janediamond.etsy.com

And check back at my shop for more Christmas creations and other goodies coming soon!

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane Diamond

Give Thanks to your Cats this Thanksgiving holiday!

Let your cats in on the Thanksgiving festivities!

Any cat owner would agree to being thankful for having their cats in their lives. For this Thanksgiving, why not show your gratitude for your cats by giving them this adorable Thanksgiving themed catnip toy! Your cat will thank you in return!

The front of this catnip toy features a vintage design of a darling and playful little mouse wearing a pilgrim hat surrounded by fall leaves with a grey background - a very fun and festive design!

The front of the catnip toy says "Happy" at the top, and at the bottom it says "Thanksgiving". The "Thanksgiving" part is much more visible on the actual toy than it is in the photo.

This catnip toy measures approx. 2x3 inches (this smaller sized toy is ideal for kittens, or grown cats that prefer to bat around smaller toys) and it is completely filled with 100% organic catnip - sure to make your cat(s) purr and play with delight!

Each catnip toy I sew by hand - a lot of time, work, and love goes into these toys, but it's well worth it, I've had many happy cat customers :)

I have made these catnip toys for my own cat, Ms. Abbey, and she gives them two paws up!!

Abbey assures your cats that they will love their very own vintage inspired catnip toy!

I also sell my unique and charming handmade catnip toys at "Wigglyille Pet Boutique"

in Chicago and they are very popular there, they fly off the shelves!

However, if you don't live in Chicago, you can purchase this catnip toy, or other ones I have available now at my Etsy shop: http://www.janediamond.etsy.com

Cheers from Catland,
- Jane

My Latest Crafty Cat Creation!

Here is my latest cat crafty creation! This is a cute and colorful handmade magnet called "Kittens Dream". It has a collage design I created with a Victorian inspired look and style to it.

The magnet is 3x3 inches in size, made on wood, but lightweight with a very strong and durable magnetic backing. (the copyright watermark is not on the actual magnet, only on the photo here)

These magnets make for a fun and easy way to display cute kitty art! This cat magnet and other goodies of mine are available now at my Etsy shop at: http://www.janediamond.etsy.com

In other news, it's been awhile since I updated my blog, I was sick with the flu, but am now getting back on my feet, and have been busy creating new items for my Etsy shop! And with the holidays fast approaching, I've also begun to make some Christmas themed creations that will be listed in my shop soon!

In the meantime, take a look at the items I have available now - my shop is purrrfect for cat lovers, and I have fun and fabulous items for you and your feline friends too!

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane

EFA challenge of the month - Harvest Colors

My latest Thanksgiving themed handmade catnip toy is featured now in the Etsy For Animals (efa) blog! I submitted it for their November challenge, which was "Harvest Colors".

Too see and read about my latest catnip toy, as well as a bit more about the charity I support and do art work for, and more info on my Etsy shop, please go to this link: http://etsyforanimals.blogspot.com/2007/11/for-november-challenge-harvest-colors.html

I'm very happy to see this very sweet and special catnip toy featured in the efa blog, hope you check it out for yourself! This catnip toy would make for the purrrfect way to show you thanks to your cat and have them join in on the festivities this Thanksgiving!

Cheers from Catland,

- Jane