Hermione had her kittens yesterday morning.  There are four of them, all dark greyish-black right now, like their mother.  Here are two of them:

catpile

So far, I’ve seen two boys and a girl, I think.  I haven’t inspected all four, so to speak.  Hermione is a good, protective and proud mommy.  All are well. 

Now, who wants one?

Okay, so today I got the best surprise EVER when I got home from work.  My package from jollypyrate on Ravelry had arrived!  This swap was the Knewbie Kit Swap, and the purpose was to learn a new technique in the new year.  So we told our partners 1, 2, or 3 new techniques we wanted to try, and they were supposed to send us a package providing us with the materials to try a new thing and some goodies to go with.  Well, as you can see, my partner did all that and THEN SOME:

The loot, matey!

She gave me so much that I thought it might be easier to split into technique goodies and other goodies.  Here are my technique goodies:

I'll be dyeing and spinning in no time, argh!!

I got:  two spinning how-to books, two cool tapestry crochet patterns (I’ve never tried that either), two blank skeins of wool yarn from Knit Picks, a great assortment of Jacard acid dyes from Knit Picks, a GORGEOUS drop spindle, and REALLY COOL turquoise bamboo roving.  Can you say, amazing?!?

Here are my other, also very cool, goodies:

Shiver me timbers, I'll be pampered from head to toe!

In this set, I got:  a cool bath sponge with shower gel, awesome soaps (pomegranate and some turquoise stuff that both smell amazing), heart pencils, rockin’ red and black stitch markers, some other cool little embellishments with vintage photos and “runs with vampires” on them, a grow-a-pirate-ship, some coffee in “Jillicious” flavor – how cool, and CHOCOLATE!!!  I am totally set for all my choco-cravings for a good long time.

I highly recommend trying to get jollypyrate as a swap partner, all you Ravelers out there.  She ROCKS!!!!

This week’s Booking Through Thursday prompt is:

Since “Inspiration” is (or should be) the theme this week … what is your reading inspired by?

My answer:

My reading is inspired by a lot of things.  I am usually inspired by a recommendation of some sort.  For example, I read most of the books on the Florida Teens Read list, because a lot of teachers at my school recommended them.  Sometimes, I’m inspired to read because I see a review in a magazine or on a book blog, too.

Other times, I’m inspired by other things I like.  For example, I read the Sookie Stackhouse books by Charlaine Harris because I love TrueBlood on HBO.  Then I read her Lily Bard mysteries because I had enjoyed the Sookie books so much.  I also want to read the Dexter books because I love Dexter the tv show.

Mostly, though, I’m inspired by my addiction to reading and my desire to keep doing it.  I’ll read almost anything, if it’s good.

Hi all! 

I’m very excited about this new opportunity I have – Elle of Elle Blog is giving away a $20 gift certificate to my Etsy shop on her blog!

Check it out, and send all of your friends!  I’m really grateful to Elle for promoting this giveaway for me, and I can’t wait to find out who wins!

Okay, my pet-owning world has fast-forwarded and I am not pleased.  I think my dear, sweet Hermione might be preggers.  Okay, I’m almost positive.  Yes, I will take her to the vet this weekend to be sure, but for now I’m too busy freaking out.  Here she is, my sweet little kitty:

Playing with her golden snitch, of all things.

And yes, I know I should have had her spayed.  But, of course, we were pinching pennies during the time to do that, and stupidly I thought  her lack of heat would protect her for a while, but now I think she just skipped that part and went straight to pregnancy.  Her belly is swollen, she seems a little more reserved/hesitant, and she’s puking all over the place.  Isn’t that fun?!?

SpongeBob is the father, of course.  Bastard.  Here’s the rogue now:

I'm so manly, I knocked up my own sister.

So now, I have to deal with figuring out what to do with a pregnant cat.  Or, rather, when she’s no longer pregnant and instead is a mommy cat.  Eek.  I’m told I can put a box out for her, but she’ll most likely give birth all over my carpet/clothing/etc. anyway.  I’m also told that SpongeBob might turn into a vicious predator and kill all the male babies in her litter, which totally freaks me out.  Then, of course, the best part will be explaining to my children that we do NOT get to keep all those cute little kittens.  Oy, vey.

Won’t this be a new adventure?