Meet Chica or love at first sight!

While at the Frankfurt airport waiting for plane #2 to get back home, let me introduce Chica the newest addition to our family... well kinda....

Late August, my best friend and I took a week off at a fabulous spa Rancho La Puerta located in Tecate, Mexico. Upon arrival we were greeted by this lovely kitty and she and I bonded immediately. She became my little shadow and we slept together.

Chica at the Ranch

Long story short, Chica was very thin and very pregnant. After a couple days of tribulations and the help of some wonderful folks at Rancho La Puerta ~ especially Yoreme ~ Chica had a passport, went thru immigration and became a full fledged American Citizen. After a lond day of travel - thankfully in the cabin - she reached Portland where a surprised Bill discovered the family had a new member. He immediately fell in love with her ~ even upon learning the next day ~ that we would shortly become grand parents.

Chica at home

A week later Chica gave birth to 5 beautiful black and white kittens. They were one week old when I left and turned 4 this week. They are now running around like crazy and very curious. Chica is a wonderful mother. She's about 1 year old and this is her second litter and of course, last litter.

One week old
12 cats in the house

Time to board!

Where am I?

Hong Kong?? Beijing?? nope... still in Paris. There is a relatively large Chinatown with a huge amount of shops and some decent food especially Vietnamese, Thai and Chinese but nothing close to what you can experience in San Francisco, San Jose, Orange County and from what I hear Vancouver, B.C. One more day and I'll be flying home!

Paris, Books and Bread

Watch out for some new rubber stamps and new collage sheets to come soon... I found a bunch of very old books and turn of the century trade cards at this Market for Old and Used Books held in Paris each weekend!

Breads and pastries from Max Poilane one of the world famous brothers Poilane breadmakers. I did indulge in the most buttery, moist and fattening Pain au Chocolat I have ever tasted!!!

Stempel Mekka 18

It is hard to believe that a week went by since we exhibited at Stempel Mekka in Germany on September 12 & 13. This was our ninth year and exhibitors came from the UK, Holland, USA, Sweden and of course USA. It is an occasion to see old friends and to make new friends.

The hotel and convention center are build in a former quarry.

We were busy and introduced with great success the very unusual and gorgeous charms from Renaissance Art Stamps... coming soon to our website.

My two wonderful friends Hilde from Belgium and Mel from Germany. I could not do the show without their help. Thank you to both of you.

Hilde and I.

Our British friends Fred and Carol from Stamp Attack.