Look at that face…

http://TheRescueTrain.org

Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

One of the things I obsess about is dogs…and animal rescue. My own Colby, a pure-bred Australian Shepherd (many photos to come), is a rescue from a San Diego-area shelter.

This beauty is long-gone, but there are plenty more available and you can meet many of them at the upcoming Race for the Rescues, sponsored by The Rescue Train and benefitting Los Angeles-area non-profit animal rescue organizations. It’s Sunday, October 7 at the famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. Once again hosted by the fabulous JANE LYNCH of “Glee.” Details here: http://RaceForTheRescues.org

If you can’t attend but would like to make a contribution, I’m happy to take your money! Click here: http://www.racefortherescues.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1012420&supId=366811129

How much is that doggie in the window?

Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

Just a snap of a face I couldn’t resist on my way to lunch last week.  Someone had thoughtfully cut a viewing window for this adorable pooch at a construction site.  We stood there for 2-3 minutes and he never moved anything but his eyes!!!

My Commute…

Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

I sometimes amuse myself on the way to work — I love this vanity plate on a plumbing truck on the 405 freeway in Los Angeles.  All plumbers should have a sense of humor!

I will miss “Damages”

Why does this always happens to smart, well-written dramas?  This should have gone on for years more.  I loved the torn-from-the-headlines stories and the amazing Glenn Close, plus all the guest actors over the years — Ted Danson, Ryan Phillippe, Tate Donovan, Victor Garber, Martin Short, Zjelko Ivanek, Michael Nouri, and more.  Even Rose Byrne’s ONE expression didn’t get in the way!  And Glenn’s Cruella de Ville impression as the final image was perfect!!!  Thank you, DirecTV, for the extra seasons.

http://tvline.com/2012/09/12/damages-series-finale-burning-questions/

My new fitness plan: Pla…

My new fitness plan: Platform shoes.

Don’t lose weight….gain height!

SONS OF ANARCHY!!!!!!!!!!!

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What a bad-ass premiere, and just when I thought it couldn’t get any more kick-ass.  This is counter-culture voyeurism at its best — I love this show!!!

My version of laundry drying in the wind…

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Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

What is it about Converse All-Stars?  aka Chuck Taylors…aka Chucks???  I’m a grown-up, middle-aged woman and I know I shouldn’t still be wearing them, but I just can’t help it — every time I put them on, I feel like a kid again!  Maybe they’re just the cheapest kind of therapy.

Everything I need…plus an award!!!

Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

This was going to be my Labor Day weekend…Learn WordPress, fix the pond pump, play with the dog.  But blogger Jillian surprised me (1) by finding me! and (2) by awarding me with the Versatile Blogger Award in my first week of blogging!  I did play with the dog, of course, and I did fix the pond pump (more on that later, when I actually learn WordPress).  I am especially gratified that she awarded me with the Versatile award because I’ve always prided myself on being eclectic, versatile, unfocused (hey, wait a minute…who said that?…and stop talking to my mom).

I can see why Jillian also received the Inspiration Award, because she has certainly inspired me to keep going.  Be sure to check her out http://jilliankermani.wordpress.com .  I’m so flattered by her compliment:  https://obsessivehobbyist.wordpress.com/ – fairly new blog, but I love it all so far! The name says it all.. she has a lot of different interests!

• So the rules…
• Display the award certificate on your blog.
• Announce your win with a post and include a link to whoever presented your award.
• Present seven awards to deserving bloggers. Create a post linking to them and drop them a comment to tip them off.
• Post seven interesting facts about yourself.

Bloggers I award…

  1. Sumpretty — Jeannie is a friend IRL who inspires me daily.  She’s a curator of all things pretty, and her blog is filled with pretty pictures of pretty things, and thought-provoking ideas.
  2.  CultFitz — Awesome fashion photographer, but I really love his travel/documentary blogs, like this recent one of the Salton Sea.
  3. Phototrips — Another IRL friend, April at Your Photo Travel Guide is an amazing photographer and beautiful writer.  She’s not afraid to share her secrets!
  4. The Hollywood Know — So, I guess I have a lot of Real Life friends who are bloggers…  Paulette Cohn is the real deal — a major television fan with inside access and enthusiasm.
  5. Thomas Hawk — Well, I just love this guy!  He’s not only a fabulous, prolific photographer, he’s an indefatigable evangelist for all things photographic, digital, and tech.  He gave me a big break on Google+ when he included me in his “2,000 Kick-Ass Photographers on Google+” circle, and I will always be grateful.  And he’s the ultimate Obsessive Hobbyist — he has a full-time day job in addition to his photography empire.
  6. Lotus Carroll (aka Sarcastic Mom) — This adorable blogger is not afraid to share anything!  Her photos are amazing and her life is fun to follow.
  7. The Everywhereist — The travel photographer/blogger with a brain tumor named Steve.

OK… seven interesting facts (you be the judge)…

  1. Originally from Blue Springs, Missouri, I’ve been in Los Angeles for over 2 decades.  I love LA — it can be whatever you want it to be.  And I’m so happy I got to grow up in the midwest — what an idyllic childhood I had.
  2. I’m crazy dog lady.  My current dog obsession is Colby, a rescued Australian shepherd who loves, cuddles, and occasionally eats his own poop (tmi?).
  3. I can’t live without Diet Dr. Pepper and Twizzlers.
  4. I’m starting to run out of interesting facts.
  5. I’m a hobbyist photographer and my friends all indulge me when we travel because of the photo books afterwards.
  6. I have a fabulous job working in Interactive Media (websites, mobile, digital stuff) at CBS Television Distribution, the syndication arm of CBS Corporation.
  7. PLEASE rescue your next pet!!  I’m an obsessive volunteer for The Rescue Train. Our annual fundraising event, benefitting Los Angeles-area rescue groups, is October 7, 2012, at the famous Rose Bowl in Pasadena.  Jane Lynch (“Glee”) hosts…details at Race for the Rescues.

Are you ready for Christmas???

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Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

I snapped these in Costco LAST WEEK!!!  I don’t even have my Halloween costume yet (maybe I’ll go as a Christmas tree).

I love road trips…

Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

Photo by Stephanie Roberts, http://ObsessiveHobbyist.com

This is Route 66 in the Arizona desert, heading toward the California state line. And yes, I’m standing (maybe sitting) in the middle of the road. That’s a Burma Shave sign in the distance (smile if you understand that).

Be careful out there on this travel weekend, folks!!!