Xin Nian Kuai Le
Welcome to the lunar new year.... The Year of the Ox, to be exact! And aren't we all in the mooood (sorry, a little bovine humor there) for a fresh, new start? The ox, symbol of wealth and success through hard work and resilience, seems to have arrived just in time. And there are only a few simple rules to comply with, to ensure our safe passage through this time.
It is said, those trying to start 2009 with the best luck (I don't know about you, but I want the GOOD stuff.... the really GREAT luck, not that second-rate, almost borderline bad luck) are advised to open windows (a bit drafty in the weather we're having, but hey if it helps a little fresh air is okay), turn on lights at night (easy peasy), keep your house clean (I'll have Jeeves run the vac a second time) and my personal favorite, eat sweets!!! Whee!
Things you are advised NOT to do include, getting a haircut (let those roots show and your split ends shine), buying new shoes (sorry Jimmy Choo), sweeping the floor, and you should avoid wearing black and white, as these are all considered harbingers of bad luck. So don't say I didn't warn you.
In summary, I'd like to say how fond I am of Chinese food, the Chinese art of papercutting, their incredible legacy of fine art in general, accupunture and the hope of a pain-free neck (at some point.... again with the bad sense of humor, sorry), and my favorite actor Chow Yun-Fat ("Anna and the King"). Now, don't just sit there.... go out and be kind to an ox! Xin Nian Kuai Le!
Does Cat Daddy know you refer to him as an ox? Sorry about the six inches; size does matter. And the color thing... hum...yeah, I've got it! Shocking pink on everything... cowboy boots, square dancin' skirt, and yes, even that lampshade you always want to wear on your head. All the best dressed oxettes will be sporting The Shocko this year. Happy?
xoxo
k
Posted by: Karen Otto | January 26, 2009 at 12:31 PM
Ok girl, the first list I think I got covered:
1. Check
2. Check Check
3. Define Clean
4. Check
2nd list isn't looking all that great:
l. Should have Checked with you first-just cut 6" off. OOPS!
2. Big Checkeroo
3. What happened to clean house?
4. Are there any other colors?
As you can see, my luck will be hit or miss. Stay tuned and I'll let you know. BTW, I already have a big ox in my house. Debbie
Posted by: Debbie York | January 26, 2009 at 01:28 PM
Happy New Year to you, sweet lady! I hope it's your best year yet!
Luckily, I cleaned house very thoroughly yesterday, I've had the sliding door open most of the day and I ate two little chocolate doughnuts this morning so I should be in good shape!
Love the valentine work you posted earlier. So scrumptious!
Marsha
Posted by: Tumble Fish Studio | January 26, 2009 at 03:54 PM
Well Karen, I promise to be kind to the next ox I happen to encounter! ;) ~Lori
Posted by: Lori | January 26, 2009 at 04:00 PM
Oh dear...no new shoes, no black (or white) clothes, and no haircuts? What's a girl to do?
Posted by: High Desert Diva | January 27, 2009 at 04:31 AM
ahh Karen I will write I miss you too my lovely friend the days rush by too fast for me to catch up with anything...there is so very much I want to chat with you about
Hugs from a rather tired and worn out friend
Lynn xx
Posted by: lynn | January 28, 2009 at 06:25 AM
No haircut? Hmmm. I guess I'll have to take up horseback riding lessons.
Giddy-up.
Lady Godiva
Posted by: Donna O'Brien | January 28, 2009 at 08:45 AM
Happy new year to you! Guess I'll have another day with roots but who's counting! Thank you for your email the other day, girl, you know I am working on all you mentioned!
xoc
Posted by: the paris apartment | January 28, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Hey Karin! You are so sweet. Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you enjoy my blog. I try really hard to make it fun and fresh!
Oh how I loved making those Valentine's Day boxes. Thanks for entering the giveaway. Good luck!
Posted by: Olive Rue | January 28, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Without black I have nothing to wear.
Posted by: Linda Crispell | January 29, 2009 at 07:07 AM
Possibly I could go without the haircut but not wear black - I would have to dump 90% of my wardrobe! Fun post, xv.
Posted by: Vicki Archer | January 29, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Good to know...I don't think I committed any major no-no. Happy New Year to you!
Posted by: Randi | January 30, 2009 at 05:44 AM
I just had to stop by and tell you congrats on the "Banners We Love" in the Spring issue of Artful Blogging magazine!!! So nice to see creative ones getting their just due!! Love your blog :) Have a beautiful weekend ~ xoxo Joy
Posted by: Joy at Cupids Charm | January 30, 2009 at 08:01 PM
Eek!! No black and white? Oh dear, what will I WEAR?
Hi Karin! Hope your having a great week and that really good luck is coming your way!
Blessings ~ Eileen
Posted by: Star's Fault Vintage Art & Design | January 30, 2009 at 09:18 PM