Giveaway Winner and Announcements!

First, let me say how amazed I am at all my fellow bloggers!  I could not have asked for a better group of "friends"!  After reading each entry several times over I have come to realize that the world is full of good people, willing to do extraordinary things to assist those in need.  I am utterly humbled at the dedication and determination of my fellow man.
The Random Number generator chose number 10, no other than the talented and kind Cindy Atkins from the blog Cindy Adkins Whimsical Musings!  Her tale of Stella, a New Orleans stray cat made me cry.  Okay, honestly all of your stories made me cry!

Cindy, please send me your address so I can send you your gift!

Now, the Announcement!

I have decided to do a giveaway each week in order to bring attention to the plight of homeless, abused and neglected animals.  Anyone who has been following me for even a minute knows I am a treasure hunter extraordinaire! As providence would have it, last week I ordered a leash and halter for my beloved puggle, Napoleon from a webstore called Cat Grace.  I spoke to Patty, the owner, at length and discovered we have a great deal in common!  Patty has generously offered to donate some of her wonderful products to help further the cause!  Patty, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

Here is the ribbon pattern I ordered for Napoleon, the items should be arriving shortly...his harness and leash will be black (very slimming!  LOL!)

 Patty is donating the navy ribbon collar, xs (10-15") 3/4" with adorable pink whales for the first giveaway, in addition to the other prizes I will be offering!

Thank you Patty and Cat Grace for your heartfelt generosity!

Two Extraordinary Bloggers Think I Am Special! 

My response?  I know you are but what am I??!!

I was blessed to receive two blog awards!  I apologize for not responding sooner but I wanted to be able to spend the time required to thank you properly! I want to thank Alison from the awesome Polohouse and Rosa from the romantic Un peau plus jolie!  Please visit both of these stunning blogs!  You will not be disappointed!

I am supposed to list seven things about myself that you may not know but I am such a drama queen, who wears her emotions on her sleeve, that I think it has all been said!  LOL!

Just for fun:

1).  I have crazy Cherokee Irish hair that never behaves.  Ever.  I wear it long so I can pull it back most days.  My saving grace is a product called Moroccan Oil.  I cannot live without it! I also get keratin treatments so my hair does not bloat to 2,000 times it's size in the Midwestern US humidity!

2).  I was very shy as a child growing up in the foster care system.  I used to cry when people spoke to me.  These days I am still shy but I make up for it by talking incessantly about nothing in particular.  I always walk away thinking to myself "Geesh, Andie!  Could you be more of an ass?!"

3).  My in-laws cried when I married their son.  Not from joy.  Yes, that hurt.

4). My greatest joy in this life is my beloved daughter, Grace.  My greatest worry is that I am not doing right by her.

5).  I buy flowers at the grocery store and give them to people I never met...or to the cashier...whomever looks like they need them the most.

6). Gracie and I sing to each other all the time.  Our home sounds like an Opera House for the tone deaf!  "Graceeee!  Did you bruuuuush your teeeeeeth?"

"Not yet, Mommeeee, but I am about tooooooo!"

7). I had cards printed that say "Thank You Veteran", that I hand out to gentlemen who have served our country. I have not yet met any women but I know they are out there!  If you look you will see service branches emblazoned on baseball caps or license plates.  I have shaken the hand of many a hero.  2,000 so far!  I have taught Gracie to thank them, look them in the eye and ask to shake their hand.

We have a joke in our home, "How do you make a Marine cry?"

"You thank him"!

I have heard so many stories.  I have also seen elderly grown men cry and I have been amazed by their humble demeanor each and every time.  Thanking me for thanking them!

Also, I am supposed to pick fellow bloggers to pass these awards to.  Alas!  I cannot choose!  I love you all!

I hope that is okay?