Murderous Kitten loves Deftones

I arrived home from work last night to a sleepy kitten curled up on the couch pillows. My first response was to capture the peaceful moment in a photograph. But then Izzy stirred, woke up, stretched, and yawned.




I couldn't help sharing the hilarious photo with my friends. One friend remarked that he thought Izzy looks a lot like the cat on the Deftones album cover. I think he may be on to something there!

My eBay score!

Earlier this year, I posted a photo called 'Men Drinking Beer'. In this photo, one of the men is actually my biological great-great uncle, Gustaf Kujala. I found this image on the Kelley House Museum's website. And it had a related publication listed as "Early Finns of the Mendocino Coast," Mendocino Historical Review Summer 1988. I've spend some time looking for this out-of-print publication.

So today must be my lucky day because I was finally able to locate it thanks to a seller on eBay! It should arrive the first week of October. I can't wait to see what else I discover about my family!

2nd annual Bent Twig art show

I am thrilled to curate an upcoming art show and benefit fundraiser at Vox Sacramento Gallery! The "Bent Twig" art show's opening reception will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2011 from 5-9pm.

The Bent Twig art show will feature a family tree of artists helping artists - an event in which established artists are coupled with emerging artists to display their work side by side. Major and established artists from the Sacramento area are invited to participate in this art show by selecting a newer or relatively unknown artist (their "Bent Twig") to partner with and hang hanging their art next to during the run of the show, thus creating a family tree of support in the local art scene.

Also, during the evening's art show, a silent auction fundraiser will be held to benefit Vox Sacramento. As you may know, Vox just moved into their own space, so expect lots of great things to come there! Please also consider donating art work for the night’s silent auction items.

As some of you may recall, the Bent Twig art show was first held to support Danny Madsen, who a year ago lost his battle with Leukemia. Danny was such a huge supporter of the Sacramento art scene, so it is an honor to continue this art show in his name. Plans are already under way to have the Sacramento BloodSource on hand to host a mobile blood and bone marrow drive during the art show’s opening reception.

If you are interested in participating in the Bent Twig art show and the Vox fundraiser, please let me know.

Forever home needed

About two months ago, my parents discovered that someone had dumped a young momma cat and her four kittens in their neighborhood. My parents have been feeding the cat family and have since moved them into a spare room in their house so that they will be safe, fed, and socialized while they are fostering them.

The four kittens will get their first round of shots today and everyone will be spayed/neutered in about a week. After they receive a clean bill of health, we will be looking for forever homes for the four kittens. My parents have decided to keep Momma Kitty. If you are interested in opening your heart and home to a kitten, please let me know.





Hungry, hungry hippos!




Momma Kitty keeps a protective eye out for her kittens.




Such pretty markings!




"You lookin' at me?"




Big stretch on a full belly!




Look at the yawning kitten in the background!




What a sweet face!

Why I cried today

Today was the first time I have ever seen what my biological grandfather looked like. This photo was found among my late grandmother's genealogy research paperwork. This is John Alexander Kujala holding my father who was only about 3-months-old at the time.

Painting for Paws - Art Call

The 7^th annual "Painting for Paws" fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary is scheduled for Saturday, August 20, 2011. The Happy Tails cats and dogs have been busy painting one-of-a-kind pieces of original artwork with their paws for this year’s fundraiser! Pieces will be matted and framed, and accompanied by a photo and bio of the furry artist so that you can not only buy the paws painting, but you can adopt the artist as well!

In addition, there will be "human artwork" donated by local artists, a silent auction, complimentary food and wine, live music, a prize drawing and animal-themed jewelry for sale.

If you would like to be a "human artist" for this event, please send an email to eviesark {at} gmail {dot} com no later than August 11, 2011 and I will follow up with further details. Artists who donate to this fundraiser will receive complimentary admission to the event.

"Painting for Paws" - A Fundraiser for Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary
Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 6pm - 9pm
Dante Club – 2330 Fair Oaks Blvd. near Howe Avenue
Entrance fee: $20 to benefit Happy Tails

"Unleashed" - No stopping us now!

And here's the mention of "Unleashed" in the Happy Tails e-newsletter!