Thorin bearing a Valentine’s bouquet… my office. That’s not too shabby!
Happy Valentine’s Day, everyone!! And a special shout-out to Guylty for the impetus to make something, anything happen on this poor, sad blog! So! While my preoccupationwitharmitage was definitely rejuvenated after my wonderful trip to NYC, a Stage Door Runner event, and 4 performances of Love, Love, Love… it didn’t really translate into a whole lot more blogging on my part. And I really wish that wasn’t the case. Life is just busy right now, and the lovely Richard Armitage has a lot of competition for my time and energy.
I’m elbows deep in another quilt, the kids have a ton of extracurricular activities, the veterinary business is going gangbusters, and it’s just about time to start gathering material for the accountant. But I did have the energy to set up a little office photo shoot… since I knew everyone would probably appreciate Thorin bearing Valentine’s flowers!
He does look rather manfully romantic, there in front of a little collection of Armitage memorabilia, the dog curled up at his feet…
Introducing Roxie, our small dog-like animal.
Oh yeah, and speaking of that dog curled up at Thorin’s feet… I don’t know that I have ever formally introduced my new child, Roxie! Our sweet little Girlfriend did pass away late last spring, and it wasn’t long before we were fortunate enough to welcome Roxie, a 2-year-old rescued Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, into the fold. She’s pretty stinking cute, and has provided all kinds of entertainment and pure, loyal affection. This dog is my shadow. She could probably fill up a blog post, or even a blog of her own with all her antics, but since I’m on the subject, I’ll give you her short story… she was purchased as a puppy by an elderly man with cancer, and after he passed away, she spent several days alone with his body. Needless to say, we work on separation anxiety issues! She was then sold to a family who loved her, but their 60lb boxer was terrified of her 10lb ferocious self, so she went to the Cavalier Rescue organization. Aside from her separation anxiety, she also had bilateral luxated patellas (knee-caps out of socket) since puppyhood, which caused her to spend her entire life completely unable to bend her hind legs. She now has both her knees repaired and fully functioning, and a family that absolutely adores her, not to mention a mom who doesn’t put up with any bullshit terrorizing other animals. She goes back and forth to the clinic with me, tries to steal into the exam rooms to accompany me, enjoys greeting clients in the lobby, believes she has been wrongfully banned from the sterile surgery suite, and absolutely loves the kids. And their socks. And their dirty underwear. I love her so much!
Hubby playing Bass while I sew. We barely fit in the craft room!
My three kids!
And since it’s the holiday of love, and Roxie had a photo op, I would be remiss if I didn’t include the other Valentines in my life… Hubby, My Young Love, and his adorable Little Sister. They bring laughter, smiles and all kinds of good feels on a daily basis. So blessed!
But back to my Valentine’s collaboRAtion… my office sports a little bit of memoRAbilia, as you can see. Several magnets on my mini-fridge, several framed photos that were gifted to me, a lovely Francis Dolarhyde shrine, subtle Richarding tree ornaments, post-cards, and mementos from my trip to Greece. Not to mention my very own, life-sized, always amorous Thorin Oakenshield.
A Valentine’s Care Package from Guylty!
Naturally, after I had already taken my photo, yet more Valentine’s goodness arrived in a package from Ireland! Guylty, you’re amazing! Thornton’s Fabulous Fudge, a cucumber face mask (can’t wait to surprise the kids with my green face!), a heart-shaped candle holder, lotion and an unusually sexy post-card all bundled together in a clever handmade zipper bag which is a total shout-out (to the discerning, in-the-know eye) to Mr. A…. Gah! I LOVE IT! I The interior is lined with water-proof vinyl, really nice, and the exterior sports custom fabric… peaches, roses, chess piece kings, red dragon symbols, vinyl records (is that a nod to young Kenneth?) and of course, that unmistakable silhouette (with nape curls!). Thank you!!
And finally, although this came a little early for Valentine’s Day, for me it was truly inspiring.
Richard Armitage, filming Ocean’s Eight.
*fans self*
Seriously, if I saw him walking down the street, I’d admire from a distance. I really would.
But if I saw him walking Borzois down the street… I make no promises.
I mean, I’ve always had a major attraction to sighthounds.
And, Dayum.
The HOTNESS!
I want some.
If this can’t make me wax poetic, nothing can. Well worth a little ode…
Happy Valentine’s Day!
preoccupiedwitharmitage 
First things first – I just updated the link list with your blog. And then: “phwoar boy”. Never have truer words been spoken. Love it. Cos I “phwoar” every time when I see him.
Lovely to know you have your collection of mood-enhancers right there in your office. I’m sure you see a lot of cute in your veterinary practice, but this “cute” is probably a sort of “phwoar” that the puppies, kitties and birdies do not elicit…
And on being on hiatus for the moment: you know, that is actually good, I think. You are busy, you are working, you have hubs and kids to keep you entertained. All is good in the world.
Lastly – I am amazed how fast the mail was this time ’round. It usually takes so long to the US, but this time it made it in time for Valentine’s. Hooray. Enjoy. You deserve it xx
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Pretty sure my PHWOAR was of the audible variety when my eyes landed on that picture! And thank you again for the Valentine… it just totally made my day. You are The Best! I actually received it on Feb 13, so yeah, really fast mail! It was kind of funny because I was barely coming down off that high when I drove home and saw this Amazing HUGE flower arrangement sitting by our gate, and thought Hubby just really outdid himself (though I couldn’t figure out why it was a day early and not delivered to my workplace since he ought to know nobody would have been at home)… then I read the card and it was mis-delivered. The correct address, but another lady’s name. Poor thing- I don’t know who to call- there wasn’t even a florist name on the card, and I don’t know who she is!
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LOL – you really had a windfall there. Sounds great – even though I can see how you would feel slightly guilty about the other lady not receiving her flowers. But well, if they are not leaving an address on it, what are you to do?! Unless, of course, it was all a ruse and your hubby is actually messing with you. Correct address, wrong name? Something stinks 😉
Glad that my package arrived with time to spare.
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Yeah, I played with him a little bit… first I told him how much I loved the gorgeous Valentine’s flowers and thanked him, and he was like: “Ah…. you’re welcome?” and then I laughed and told him it was actually a mystery sender, didn’t know who it was from. Let him stew about that for a minute then asked him if he had a piece on the side named Lucy… he was all a-fluster. *Snickers* (The sender’s first name was actually in the card- it was a woman!)
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*rofl* you divil!!! The thought of a rival outdoing him with presents. And then being accused of having a side dish. *LOL* Poor hubster! (But I would’ve loved to see him squirm and fluster, I admit.)
But now the question is – *did* hubster get the hint and have something at the ready today???
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Yep! It was waiting for me in the car this morning- Dark chocolate bar, card, and a little pot of teacup roses! (Though I always kill them… he never remembers. Cut flowers would probably last almost as long!)
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Congratulations on Roxie — who has a kind of suspicious look on her face!
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Yeah, she’s a character and she KNEW Thorin was out of his normal location- did a little rearranging. She normally ignores him, but looming over the chair like that? Very suspicious.
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GREAT POST!!!
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Thanks, Besotted! Hope all is well with you!?
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Lovely Valentine’s post! And how super to meet Roxie (but I agree with Servetus… she’s planning something!)
I couldn’t agree more about RA with borzois. Breathtaking! 😍
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Oh yeah, she’s actually deviously smart- the smartest dog by far that I’ve ever had. She’s a real piece of work, but she’s also soooo cute and innocent-looking. NOT! LOL
Aren’t those dogs gorgeous? I just love their sleek and elegant body type. And that is one effortlessly sexy accessory they have, I must say. =)
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Lovely meeting Roxie and seeing your husband and kids! You sure have a lovely Richard collection there and yeah, I had the same ‘phwoar’ feeling when I saw Ocean’s 8 Richard. 🙂
Happy V-day!
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Thanks, Esther! Yes, my office is quite a refuge- entering the Richard zone, no doubt! Ocean’s 8 is a movie I’d see in any case, but it can’t come soon enough after seeing this! Pushes all my buttons =)
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Loved your Valentine blog. So much in your life and office, and room for Thorin too. Amazing. I think the universe sent you the bouquet by way of karma and maybe a dyslexic delivery man. Love to you and your family, and of course all your wonderful pets.
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LOL… poor Lucy, though, not receiving any flowers. Hopefully whoever sent them will find out, and the dyslexic florist will make it right! Love to you, too!
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I wonder what my boss would say if I put a life-sized Richard in my office? No doubt he would not be amused! Nice post.
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I had one in my last office — got high evaluations for “relatability”. LOL.
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correction — I had a Thorin.
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Lol. I think they might just think I was weird. Maybe they already think that though!
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Thanks, SueBC! My employees gifted me with Thorin last year, and he’s been awesome. He did give the relief vet a start when she opened the office door and thought a man was standing there!
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Oh my goodness, everything poor, sweet, little Roxie has been through in her short life. She deserves flowers from Thorin everyday. I’m so glad she found a family to spoil her, and try to erase the terrible memory of being all alone with her dad for those awful, scary, sad days. Thank you for that. 😢 💔 🐕 💞
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Yes, and while we like to joke about her little mental fits, and sing “Insane in the membrane- insane in the brain!” it really is understandable. She’s just incrediblyfunny and endearing, even though she is a bit OCD in her approach to life. She’s also univerally adored, not only by our little family, but the veterinary staff, the clients, and our extended family. We are the ones who are blessed. =)
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