Mersydotes

As we approach the end of the year, I felt it was time to do a Mersydotes "Best of 2013" competition. Our clan has several wonderful puppy members, so we are going to hold a little competition to see who the Best Rat Terrier of 2013 is. Our first contestant is Spoofy! Next up, we have Scampy! And here's Charlie!! And, saving best for last, Penny! You have three days to submit your vote for 2013's best rat terrier.  Leave a comment below to vote! ~Mersydotes

Hello friends!  Remember when I promised that the Mersydotes clan would make sure to always look on the bright side when it came to our big move to the Big Apple?  Well, I want to keep that promise and even though it has been very gray and rainy here, I'd like to share with you some lovely Christmas scenes that we noticed around town this past week. Imagine what a breath of literally fresh air it was when my nose led me to this Christmas tree and wreath stand just outside the metro stop.  The smell of pine was so strong and so sweet it almost made me cry with relief! And how charming to turn a corner on a very busy, rainy street and find myself right in front of these amazing gingerbread houses?!  Created by the chefs of a local restaurant, aren't they awesome?! Here at home we have tried our best to make a lovely Christmas atmosphere despite our total lack of furniture! ; )  We brightened up our little nest with some winter blooming hyacinths, and a sea

Hello friends!!  It's Penny here, your international correspondent! I'm slowly learning how to be a city dog, and in order to commemorate our first full week in Queens, Mama and Papa took me on an adventure to visit the grass museum- yipee!     Then our whirlwind tour of Queens continued, and I was scooped up into the puppy box and taken on an expedition to Flushing where Papa and I picked out pomelos- so much to sniff and see.  I hid in my puppy box, and Mama and Papa thought that it was because I was a bit overwhelmed by all the hustle and bustle, but I assure you, I just wanted to have a better view! :)    After our adventure I was all worn out- and I slept on the subway ride home.  Thank goodness that Mama and Papa don't sleep- I would never remember what station to get off at! That's all for my fabulous adventures today.  I'll be back soon to let you know how the big city is treating the little puppy! Lots of love, ~Penny

We were out and about exploring Queens today, when we chanced upon the Queens Museum of Art.  And in among all of the modern "art" (mostly, it's really just the detritus of a misguided creative process), there was a rather fabulous exhibit on the Tiffany glass works which used to be located in Corona, Queens.   The part I appreciated the most was the emphasis on the botanical influences on Tiffany designs.  They showed photos of the flowers that inspired each of the lamps.  For example, apple blossoms and daffodils: Wisteria and water lilies: And other delicate, glass bouquets: What a refreshing collection of garden-inspired, luminous artistic creation in the middle of so much other dull and dingy so-called "art".  Thank heaven for flowers and light!!! ~Mersydotes

The yarn pilgrimages continue here in NYC, and yesterday I went on my second yarnscapade to the rather fabulous Purl Soho.  A little shop with a very big influence in the fiber world! It was a rainy, gray day in Soho, but their shop window was all dressed up for the holidays.   I've noticed a very cool feeling of community in these NYC yarn shops- everyone chatting about their projects and the staff taking time to give advice and help with individual project questions.  It's a nice sense of connection in such a big and anonymous place.  Thank goodness for yarn! In the entrance way, there was a great display of ombre fabric hoops.  I must admit to being a wee bit obsessed with ombre as of late. Ombre dipped candles and felt birds adorned the register area: I succeeded in spending all our money on fabric and felt and hoops and books, but not on yarn, oddly enough.  There was just too much to look at!  I'll save choosing a special yarn from Purl f