Hippo Birdie to ME!

Many of you know that last week was my birthday. It was an awesome day from the moment I woke in the morning to the moment I closed my eyes that evening. My sister was up visiting from her home in Tennessee, and we had such a fun day...almost wish I could go back and do it over. But lest I lose all that I have accomplished over the last few days, I will settle for an enjoyable memory.

Now you may be wondering why I have entitled my post with the words Hippo and Birdie, other than the obvious conclusion: I am a silly, silly woman. There is truly a bigger reason believe it or not! The reason I used the word hippo is actually a little known fact: I used to collect hippos when I was much younger. I had a LOT of little hippo figurines and statues all over my

bedroom. Quirky, I know, but after a trip to the zoo and a purchase of a very cute little hippo bank, I decided that would be the beginning of a collection. Little did I know that it would take on a life of its own once my very sweet uncle got wind of it.

But what of the word birdie and the picture? Well, many of you already know of my little escapade with a house finch fledgling I dubbed "Peep". Last evening this sweet little bird had tried to fly out of the nest on his own but couldn't go very far. In an effort to protect him from Ginny, our coonhound, I had to pick him up. Well, I couldn't resist and we cuddled for a while and he sat on my shoulder most of the evening. I returned him to his nest in the hopes that his mom would show up soon.

This morning I watched carefully and finally his bird momma came and fed him. She is a good mom, spending a lot of time at the nest. To my surprise, when I went out to take a picture of my little pal before he leaves for good), I saw that he has at least 3 more brothers and sisters in the nest with him. Here he is on the top of the shutter with his siblings in the nest behind it. Isn't he the sweetest???!!!!!

As I mentioned previously, I have accomplished much the past few days. I wanted also to share with you the newest items that I just added to my shop this evening. This great little set is being offered at the same price as the pillow alone would be. That means that you are getting the matching plaque for FREE!!!! Isn't that awesome? It is available at: The Odd Sparrow. I am so excited that I am able to offer this set at such a great price. There will be more coming...so stay tuned!

Oh...and a little post script here for you: I have joined Shabby Lane Shops as well. You can find me there on the front page! Please be sure to sign up for the newsletters on both Shabby Lane and also on Nashville Boutiques so that you can stay up to date on all of the latest information! Thanks for reading!

Just a quick one...

Just wanted to let y'all know that I am taking preorders on the Christmas pinecone sachets and on the fall pillow collection until the end of the month. The pinecones will be available in sets of 3 for $17.97 in either red (sugarplum), white (fresh winter pine), or green (pine/cranberry). The pillows retail for $18.97 each and the pictures of the fall ones are right here ...under my 2/15/09 post.

Please email me at oddsparrow@msn.com or send me a dm or twitter or a message on facebook and I will put you on the list. Remember, with the magazine ads coming up, there will be a glut of ordering coming up. I want you all to be sure you get yours first, as you are my customer base. So please get yours preordered now. They make great gifts or will spruce up your own holiday decor. These items are 100% handmade by me, right here in the USA.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Lots of Awesome News!

It has been an amazing week or so for The Odd Sparrow. I have some great news to share with you.

First of all, you may have noticed the icon to the right. That is just one more place you will find The Odd Sparrow online. Nashville Boutiques is a new little online shopping mall that will tickle you pink! You will find the most wonderful shops there and will enjoy every minute you spend there. Please join us at NashvilleBoutiques.com and shop your little heart out!

Secondly, I really must share some of the ads we have coming out. It has taken a very long time for me to get to the point where I can step out and advertise in national magazines. But the time has come, and I am jumping with joy at the possibilities! I will be included in the Nashville Boutiques debut ad, coming out July 26. This particular ad will be in the August/September issue of Cottages and Bungalows. Make sure you get your copy! For this ad, I have chosen the painted bee pillow. I hope you like it.

The next ad I have planned is one where I am again joining up with the owner of Nashville Boutiques and Shabby Lane Shops. This ad will be in the September issue of Romantic Homes. Be sure to check that one out as well. I have not yet decided what product to put into this ad. I think I will set up a poll. You can let me know what you think...just see the poll to the right of this post.

One other ad I have on the books is for a venue I am very excited about. I have placed an ad in the Christmas issue of Country Sampler magazine. I believe this issue will come out in September. Since this is the Christmas issue, I need to be getting the product I am advertising ready this summer, so it is ready to ship by then. As a result, I will be super busy for the next few months on that project alone. Guess I won't have too much time for trouble making...heehee! So what is the product? It is my Christmas scented pinecones. If you think you might be interested in purchasing these, contact me at OddSparrow@msn.com early...I want you to be on the top of the list!

Well...time for me to get busy here. I will check back soon for your opinions on what to submit for the RH ad...and I will announce the results next week. Stay tuned!!!