Dreaming Of Spring Party: Link Up Style

Soon, right?

Yesterday's messy, cold, raw mix of weather (from rain, to freezing rain, to snow, to sleet and back again), combined with today's bird chirpping fest (the cardinals, the chickadees, the juncos, the jays) has me thinking of Spring. If it's not going to be straight up, pretty white stuff, I'd just as soon look out my window and see my flowering crab apple in bloom and my backyard birds flitting about. Is anyone else dreaming of Spring?

So, enjoy today's party as a little breather from the long Winter.  Stick around and share a link to some of your work, or your blog, or just have a look around at a collection of pretty things.

It's another Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party (to support my fellow artists, crafters and bloggers) where you can take a moment to dream of Spring.  

Take time to smell the flowers, pour a glass of champers and enjoy some delicious greens....a nice change from the heavier, heartier Winter palette.

 salad recipe here

Remember, even if you don't own an etsy shop or online business and you don't blog, you are still invited to this party. It's a fun place to window shop and see what you might have been missing until now.

******If you're linking up your shop or blog, please read these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up, please follow too. There are plenty of ways in the sidebar.You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. Be kind and follow links others have left behind.

*Link once for your shop, once for your blog.

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter, tumblr. I'd love to connect! 

*These parties can't be a success without your help. Can you share a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, pin, share on any etsy teams? If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome. Everyone is welcome -  tell your friends.  The person who refers the most new participants to the party is assured a profile spot in next week's 'What I Found At The Party' post. Make sure your referrals leave a comment that you sent them to the party.

*When you take part in the link up, you'll go on the Mercantile Muse mail list. {Correspondence will come from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net.} I'll let you know when the next party is underway and about other happenings at the Muse.

*BY ALL MEANS, feel free to leave a comment. Share a little more about you, your shop or blog. Need help to get started? 'How are you dreaming of Spring?'

Time to get down! (If you're reading by email, click here to go to the party).

 

I hope you're seeing signs of spring if your in this hemisphere. We have a ways to go, but there are good signs that Winter will eventually release its hold. If you're in the midst of Summer, enjoy it while you can!

Ciao for now,

Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party

via Oh Dier Living

Holiday Style: Small = Big

It's official. The holidays have begun. Cue the celebratory music and applause.  It's a time to gather with friends and family, enjoy all that the season means to each one of us, embody the spirit of Santa and spread good cheer.

At this time of year it's easy to get overwhelmed. My mission during this  hectic season is to simplify.  I'll be supporting other small businesses, locally and online, for gift giving. I'll also make quite a few gifts myself. I'm going back to basics for party fare, and most of all I'm going to remember to just breathe and take it all in. It starts tonight. I'm going to Holiday Open House in Exeter, the next town over. It's a chance to see the tree lighting, say hi to Santa, enjoy the festival of trees, do a little local shopping, spend some time with friends and generally speaking- get into the spirit of things. (In my days at the Chamber of Commerce, I used to be the one who had to throw the switch to light all of downtown...it was very nervewracking...will they all go on? will any go on?.....I like enjoying it much better.)

Like my surroundings here (OK, maybe not the house yet, but certainly our seacoast area), everything is starting to get into holiday mode and so goes the Muse.  Let's celebrate all that small business (handmade, vintage, art, photography.....) and bloggers (recipes, tutorials, inspiration....) have to offer this season at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party!

1. tis the season via seaborn press invitation
2. holiday tassle garland via Studio Mucci
3. pink cocktail salt via dellcove spice company
4. charcuterie board via living wood design
5. mid century bar stools via charlie’s nest
6. 'joy' military blanket pillow via Upscale Downhome

7. chocolate peppermint covered marshmallows via nicole’s treats
8. handmade wooden breathe sign via OhDierLiving

 Onto the party!  Remember, even if you don't own an etsy shop or online business and you don't blog, you are still invited to this party. It's a fun place to window shop and see what you might have been missing until now.

******Please read these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, please follow too. There are several ways in the sidebar including via email, Google Friend Connect, Network Blogs, and Bloglovin'. You'll also find me on Hellocotton.

*Don't link and run. Follow some of the links others have left behind. People have made sales because of these parties, but in the end, it's all about supporting each other.

*Link once for your shop, once for you blog to save space for others. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter, tumblr.  It's be great to connect with you as many ways as I can.

*I want these to be the best parties around, but I can't do it without your help. Will you help me by sharing a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, pin, share on any etsy teams? If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

*When you take part in the link up, you'll go on the Mercantile Muse mail list. {Correspondence will come from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net.}  I'll let you know when the next link up party is underway so you can promote your shop and blog again, and about other happenings 'round these parts.

*BY ALL MEANS, let's get to know you better! Leave a comment that tells a little more about you, your shop or blog.  Need help to get started? 'What's the best gift you ever received?'

 

Let's get down to business. Time to pah-tay!

 

 

 

The next giveaway is really coming together and I'm so excited to have  returning sponsors and some new ones too. It is going to be SO much fun making one person's holidays a little bit brighter. I was hoping to launch it tomorrow, but since 'remembering to breathe' is on my holiday to-do list, in all honesty, I don't see that happening. The beginning of the week is more likely. Be sure to be here because this is going to be one awesome prize package.

 

Whether you go out or stay in, find a way to put a little 'holiday cheer' into your day.

 

Ciao for now,

 

 

Are Your Costumes Ready? It's Time to Get Our Party On!

via dahlia house studio

Halloween/All Saints & All Souls/Dias De Muerte Style!

It's the time of year for ghosts and goblins, trick or treat, and remembering the saints and the mere mortals who have passed.

Did you wear your costume? I mean, it is a costume party after all. This weekend at the neighbr's barn party Gman and I dressed as The Old Man and the Sea (I know, so literary)- he was the old fisherman and I was The Sea.  Then Sunday night I went down to my sister's to hand out candy. I dressed as a pajama party.  It's one time of the year when we can just let our imaginations run wild. More on all the Halloween hoopla tomorrow.

More importantly, it's time to party at Mercantile Muse!  These little 'link parties' are my way of supporting somethings I really believe in. Small business people, the handmade movement, vintage goods and bloggers. It's a place for independent shop owners, business people and bloggers to link up their stuff, show off a little bit and get to know each other and you.  It's a virtual helluva good time. So by all means, join in the fun.

1. day of the dead invites via lucky lady paper
2. ‘waiting to be picked’ via Rosemary Jordans
3. victorian dress via Edgar and Annabel
4. sugar skull necklace via mrd74
5. gold skull swizzle sticks via GnomeSweetGnome
6. haunted house poster via wallpost
7. white chocolate pumpkin bread via Simply Divine Desserts
8. ‘evening celebration’ via dahlia house studio

Ready to Party?

Remember, even if you don't own an etsy shop or online business and you don't blog, you are still invited to this party. It's a fun place to window shop and see what you might have been missing until now.

******Please read these guidelines before linking up.******

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up the party, please follow too. There are several ways in the sidebar.

*Don't link and run. You're linking up because you want new people to discover your shop? You'd love to make a sale, yes? Well, please follow some of the links others have left behind. People have made sales because of these parties, and it's all about supporting each other.

*Link once for your shop, once for you blog to save space for others. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter.  It's be great to connect with you as many ways as I can.

*I want these to be the best parties around, but I can't do it without your help. Will you help me by sharing a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, share on any etsy teams your on? If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

*When you take part in the link up, you will go on the Mercantile Muse maillist. Corrsepondence will come from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net.  I'll let you know when the next link up party is underway and about other happenings 'round these parts.

*BY ALL MEANS, let us get to know you better! Leave a comment that tells a little more about you, your shop or blog.  Need help to get started? 'Did you dress up for Halloween? What was your costume?'

One more thing before we rock on.  Would you like to see these Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up parties every Thursday or do they work for you on an every other week basis? You input means a lot.

Let's party!

Thanks for being here.

Have a fantastic Thursday and I'll see you on the flip side,

What I Found & Overheard At The Party

via Shusha Handmade Arts

It Keeps Going And Going And Going

I know, I know...it's another one of those parties. What can I say, other than, that's just the way we roll around here. The current Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party is still cranking. There are still people coming through the door, so if you haven't had a look around, or even if you did, there's a ton of links to explore.

One of the best things about hosting this virtual parties, is all the stuff you guys leave behind (and I'm not just talking change under the couch cushions).

1. awesome antler via Upscale Downhome

2. park bench in beautiful light via Holly Robinson Photography

3. amazing Fall nature mandala via Brigit’s Bell

4. heavenly (get it, heavenly?) bookmark via Cloud Nine Designz

5. Autumn in a bracelet via Glimmer of Beauty

6. notepad cover!!!!!!! (can you tell I LOVE this idea. I am a legal pad kind of girl and they'd look so much prettier in one of these) via Shusha Handmade Arts

7. TeePee Tutorial and the cutest kid's playroom ever via Blueberry Junkie

8. oh-so-chic pillow cases via Adopting Nations

9. charmingly rustic printable shower invite via KTsARTsDESIGNs

10. loading the cart vintage postcard (addressed to a man in the my birthtown no less) via postcards in the attic

Lots of familiar faces at this party, but lots of new faces too. That sure makes me smile.  Everyone getting to know each other, wonderful handcrafted and vintage finds, and new blogs to discover. What is not to love about this party?

If you have a shop or blog, the party is still live and so swing on by and link up.  You never know who might find you this way.  Those of you who don't have a shop or blog are always invited too. There's so much great stuff to browse through.

If the party didn't provide you with enough new people to meet, it's Monday Meet Up over on our facebook page. Be sure to stop by and leave your links.

The Weekend That Was

It was a busy weekend, what with the craft fair and all.  Friday night we finished our prepping. Saturday involved lots of hauling, unpacking, packing, and hauling. We both agreed it was worth it (more on that tomorrow-- there is one quick peek photo of our booth in yesterday's post).  Sunday was spent unpacking, cleaning and organizing. I changed up my mantle for Fall in the midst of all that (will post later this week) and we ended the weekend with a Sunday dinner of chicken cordon bleu. It's one of my old standbys and a favorite (keep your eyes out for that too this week).

The sun has been shining since Saturday morning, after a lashing rain storm Friday night.  This alone, makes me happy today.  What's making you happy?

See you on the flip side,

Freeform Friday

It's Raining Again

Well, it might have stopped for now, but it's gray and ugly. Yesterday  however, was pretty nice....sun-wise.

Other than that, my computer and computer program are testing the outer limits of my patience as I try to finish the desk calendar design so I can print some off today for the craft fair tomorrow.  My work was eaten on more than one occasion. I'm back at it again today. Still plugging along, but I won't kid you. It's not going as smooth or as quickly as I'd like. And it's not the only thing on my list, which is making it incredibly frustrating. So, if you're got good vibes, send them my way. I shall prevail!

All of that aside, yesterday eeked out a very pretty sunset for us.

Aaahhhhhh......washes all the cares of the day away.

Top that off with the fact that this week's shop and blog link up party is rocking the house. I know of at least one shop that has had a sale as a result of it. (Right Lisa?!!!). So, if you have a shop and haven't linked up, do it now so you don't miss the fun.

Freeform Friday

Boy you should see the party guests dancing to this one. Feels like another earthquake. Just what I needed on a semi-rainy, gray day. And yes, I AM dancing. How about you? (If you're reading by email click here).

Hope your having a great Friday. Got any plans for the weekend?

Ciao for now,

Did Someone Say Party?

via sugarpiefarmhouse

Come On In And Make Yourself Comfortable

Hey y'all. OK, I'm not from the South, but I always wanted to say that. It sounds so welcoming. 

Do you like parties as much as me? Then you came to the right place. This little virtual party on Mercantile Muse is my way of giving some 'airtime' to my fellow etsy shop owners, independent online business owners and bloggers a place to strut their stuff. The Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It link up party, gives them all a chance to reach out and let new people know about their products, services and blogs. It's a chance for the rest of you to discover new must haves and must reads.  I think it's important for us independent business people to support each other and this party is one the ways I do that.

I hope you'll stick around, it's always a great time.

1. tags via K is for Caligraphy

2. confetti pinata via Studio Mucci

3. centerpiece vase via The Red Lily Shop

4. radio via Space87

5. tea towel via French Slipper

6. cocktail set via Collectique

7. chip and dip bowl set via BeeJayKay

8. dark chocolate caramel toffee apple via Nicole’s Treats

Ready to party? Remember, even if you don't own an etsy shop or online business and you don't blog, you are still invited to this party. It's a fun place to window shop and see what you might have been missing until now.

Please read the guidelines before linking up:

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, I ask that you follow too. There are several different ways to follow in the sidebar. 

*Don't link and run. Be kind and check out each other's links. You can't believe the things I've discovered at these parties. Plus, it's all about supporting each other after all. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter. It'd be great to connect with you any way I can.

*Will you share a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, share on your etsy team if you're on one, etc. If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse's button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on my email list to receive notification from me (from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net) when the next link up party is underway, as well as other Mercantile Muse news.

*BY ALL MEANS, get to know the person next to you. Leave a comment that tells us a little more about your shop and/or blog and read and respond to what others have to say.  If you need inspiration, here's something to get you started......'How did you start making __________ or blogging about ________? Where do you live? What's happening in your world this week?' 

It's a party, it's all about mingling and getting to know each other.

Now, without further delay...'time to party'.If you're reading via email you can stop by the party here.

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One more thing before you leave, the current giveaway on Mercantile Muse isf for $170 in handmade loveliness.  You really should enter. Especially since you can't win if you don't. 

Have a fantastic day and thanks for coming to the party.

later gators, 

This Week: Quick Review

What's Happening in My Corner of the World

Happy Saturday. Oh how I love Saturday. Wish I could say I took advantage of one of the good things about Saturdays and slept in, but I woke at about 6:10 and was not going to go back to sleep so I got up around 6:20 am. I reserve the right to take a nap later if I want.

This week was packed with good stuff. You gotta love that. 

My husband bought me Calla Lilies for being his best friend. Yes, he can be quite sweet. He's been buying me flowers since we first met. Usually roses, but he wasn't happy with the roses at the store so he opted for Calla Lilies this time. I have to say, "Good call Gar." Simply gorgeous. Plus, they still look fabulous. Of course, Calla Lilies always make me think of Katherine Hepburn in Stagedoor. Have you ever seen it? Classic and full of famous actresses just starting out in the careers, which mirrors the story. When Katherine Hepburn says, 'The Calla Lilies are in bloom again', is at the end of the movie and it's quite emotional. I won't tell you why in case you've never seen it. Put it on your list.

Of course, Calla Lilies always make me think of Katharine Hepburn in Stagedoor. Have you ever seen it? Classic and full of famous actresses just starting out in the careers, which mirrors the story. When Katharine Hepburn says, 'The Calla Lilies are in bloom again', is at the end of the movie and it's quite emotional. I won't tell you why in case you've never seen it. Put it on your list.

OK, back to my week.....I made time for crafting and jazzed up a clipboard. Yes, I just said jazzed again. I know, I'm out of control.

Shipped packages to customers, both vintage and prints.

Enjoyed a night with my Champagne/Bookclub ladies.  We had a little champagne, a lot of water and a plethora of delicious food. Plethora doesn't get used nearly enough, so I just thought I'd throw that in there one more time. Neither does copious. Depending on how you look at it, there was either a plethora of food or a copious amount. Ha!

It started to look like Fall. 

I hosted a party where we all got know each other better. In fact, I'm still hosting a party.If you have a shop or blog, link up and you might find yourself featured as one of my picks on Monday.

I shared the second part in a series on Making the Most of Craft Fairs.

[via emma lamb]

Last night we had a campfire and it looks like the weather will cooperate tonight as well.  

I'm working on things at my desk right now, including this new design. I may have some tweaking to do. I usually have to walk away for a little while before I decide if something is finished. Isn't the Scandinavian proverb wonderful?

I've also been pulling together the next giveaway....great sponsors so far. You guys are going to love it.  There are a couple of spots left if you're a shop owner and would like to participate as a sponsor. Just drop me a line and we'll see if you're a good fit for this one. There's an email button right below my profile in the righthand sidebar.

I'm going to make an Italian Chicken & White Bean Soup later. No recipe. Just winging it. The beans are soaking now and I'll throw the leftover rotisserie chicken in the pot to boil. It's gonna be good around the campfire. No doubt about that.

What's happening in your world?

Enjoy the weekend,

A 'Welcome Fall' Party

[via martha stewart]

It's Time for the First Fall Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Party

Hey gang, I hope you're having a great day. 

Can I give you a some background on the parties I throw here on the Muse?  Since my day job consists of helping other small business people to promote themselves through advertising, pr and marketing, these little soirees are a fun virtual extension of that. It's a way for the many independent business owners, shop owners and bloggers to connect with each other and you (in case you're not one of the aforementioned). It's a virtual party, where people share what they make, do or blog about, make new friends and, generally speaking, have a good time.  It's also a chance for you to experience the handmade and independent business movement that's going on, and discover new blogs to follow. There's a lot of people online who have great things to say and are expressing it through their art, craft, business or blog and you can connect with some of them right here at the Gotta Have It/Gotta Blog It Link Up Party.  I think it's important for us independent business people to support each other and this party is one the ways I do that.

Whether you're a shop owner, blogger or someone who just stopped by, you're cordially invited to join in the fall festivities.

In honor of the new season, let's take some time out of our day to celebrate fall.

1. invitation via KT's Art's & Design's  2. pinecones via The Rustic Woodshed

3. pumpkin photo via Summer Owens Fine Art Photography

4. vintage table cloth set via StoryTellersVintage

5. vintage stereo via LCMillard LBSCreations & Vintage Finds

6. cocktail set via followmevintage 7. herb dip diy via Craig’s Emporium 

8. vintage cake carrier via Doodlebug Emporium

Ready to party? Remember, even if you don't own an etsy shop or online business and you don't blog, you are still invited to this party. It's a fun place to window shop and see what you might have been missing until now.

Please read the guidelines before linking up:

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, I ask that you follow too. There are several different ways to follow in the sidebar. 

*Don't link and run. Be kind and check out each other's links. You can't believe the things I've discovered at these parties. Plus, it's all about supporting each other after all. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter. It'd be great to connect with you any way I can.

*Will you share a link to the party? Blog, tweet, facebook, share on your etsy team if you're on one, etc. If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse's button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on my email list to receive notification from me (from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net) when the next link up party is underway, as well as other Mercantile Muse news.

*BY ALL MEANS, get to know the person next to you. Leave a comment that tells us a little more about your shop and/or blog and read and respond to what others have to say.  If you need inspiration, here's something to get you started......'how did you start making __________ or blogging about ________? 

Need more inspiration? How about this video via my blogging pal Bonnie at {Paper.Keeper}. I think you'll like it. It would make the party so much better if we took a little time to sit in a 'ball pit' and get to know one another better.

Now, without further delay...'the party'.If you're reading via email you can stop by the party here.

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I can't wait to see what you've all left behind at this party. Monday's post on the Muse will feature my picks from the party. Oh, wait......can you hold on just a second while I turn up the music? I think you guys will like this take on a Fall classic.

I'm glad it's Thursday. It's been a busy week and there is still much to do. I'm working on pulling together another awesome giveaway and I'm excited about the shops already on board. You're going to love it. If you're interested in participating as a sponsor, give me a shout to see if you're a good fit for this one. I'm hoping we get a little sun for the weekend because it's been gray and rainy. How's  your week going so far? 

See you on the flip side,

End of Summer Party!

Saying Goodbye To Summer In A Fun Way

I was so wrapped up in catching up on things at my desk this week, that it totally slipped my mind that yesterday was Thursday. In fact, it was the Gotta Have It - Gotta Blog It Thursday that wasn't. You see every two weeks I'm a party hostess, and I invite all my friends who have online handcraft and vintage shops and blogs to link up. It's a gathering that certainly all about fun, but it's also a place for these independent, small business owners to mingle and meet new people; a place for artisans, craftspeople and bloggers to spread the word about their stuff. It's a place for those of you who hang here at the Muse to see all the variety of things to discover on this biggo world wide web.  Alas, this week, due to my confusion about the days of the week, we're partying today. Friday. Which also happens to be the last day of summer.

I hate to say goodbye to Summer. I admit, Fall used to be my favorite season until we bought our little home with the pool (a life long dream by the way....aaahhh, a pool). Now, I can't get enough of summer because it equals pooltime, so it saddens me to say, that although I was hoping to get another dip in, I may have swum my last swim this year.  Insert 'I Love Lucy' wwwaaaaaahhh. 

All in all though, I can look back on Summer and say, it was good. It was chock full. It was what Summer is all about. Friends, family, enjoying nature and good weather, and of course good times. So before we start the party, I'd like to tip my hat to the season that just was. A season that included: NYC, a wedding (or two), margaritas in the pool, 4th of July Lobster Bake......

......Sunday drives, flowers galore, sunsets to match, said goodbye to a dear friend, hay bales ready to roll, a photo challenge on the Muse, visitors from Dublin, more visitors from Dublin and our most recent visitors from Dublin, Beantown, just a little singing and dancing and a boatload of full throttle fun.



How was your Summer? Was it low key or jam packed like ours?

Hey....did you see the September Giveaway? It's ridiculous. Really. I don't want you to miss it. Actually, what I don't want you to miss is the chance to win $180+ of handmade & vintage goodness. Go here to enter!

Ready to party? Remember, even if you don't own an etsy shop or online business and you don't blog, you are still invited to this party. It's a fun place to window shop and see what you might have been missing until now.

If you are linking up, please read the Rules of the House before doing so:

*If you take part in the link up, you will go on a list of participants and receive an e-mail from me (from the address pbates at speakeasyinfo dot net) when the next link up party is underway.

*If you like Mercantile Muse enough to link up at the party, I ask that you follow too. There are several different ways to follow in the sidebar. 

*You'll also find Bates Mercantile Co. here: facebook, pinterest, twitter. It'd be great to connect with you any way I can.

*Don't link and run. Be kind and check out each other's links. It's all about supporting each other after all. 

*Will you share a link to the party? It benefits us all--- blog, tweet, facebook, share on your etsy team if you're on one, etc. If you blog and are so inclined to grab a button (from Mercantile Muse's button page) and feature it on your blog, that would be, as we say 'round these parts, wicked awesome.  Everyone is welcome here, so be sure to tell your friends.

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Be sure to check back next Monday when I feature some things I've found through the link up. It might even be you.

Time to get our party on (if you're reading by email click here).

Freeform Friday

If this song isn't stuck in your head from the Summer playlist, I don't know what is.  And yes, I admit it, you could have seen me on the dancefloor a few times this Summer, singing, dancing and of course, doing the universal sign for 'call me'.  Just the like the US Olympic Swim team. Personally, I think I like the underwater robot the best. Click here if you're reading by email.

Happy Friday!

Ciao for now,