Sunday, March 6, 2011

Treasured Gifts, CARNIVAL TALE!

Some may call it coincidence, and others perhaps good fortune, but I call it whimsy in motion. Last week, two packages addressed to me, arrived on the same day. One made its journey from Tennessee while the other had traveled all the way from Australia... I was anticipating the latter as I knew I had won a sweet little papier mache crown from the magically talented Aussie artist, Victoria Sayer. While I was hosting my blog giveaway back in January, she popped in to invite me to enter hers at the Green and White Garden. Weeks later, a happy message appeared in my in-box stating that I had won the frog prince's wee golden crown! Her charming grand daughter, dressed as a pirate captain, drew my name from a slew of fans! What fun I thought, and how lucky I must be!

Mardi-Gras-Crown

Then, a few weeks later while casually chatting with friends and family on Facebook, my (fairy) godmother Melinda reminded me of Mardi Gras and asked if Jack would be modeling for the Carnival. The thought had never crossed my mind, but we giggled a bit about the idea and went on our merry way.... To my surprise, the other package was from Melinda, and it contained a shiny loot of Mardi Gras beads, a festooned purple glove and three mini masks, just Jack's size!

Mardi-Gras-Bling

Was it a coincidence that Victoria's wee little crown was just his size too? Then, images of Mardi Gras flashed in my mind ~ beads, masks, feathers AND crowns parading in a frenzy of color and delight! OK, I get the hint!!!! I laughed and laughed and had Jack model the bejeweled treasures this afternoon for additional grins!

Mardi-Gras-King

And, I guess it was meant to be! The whimsy in motion worked its creative magic, and the photos below bring it ALL together!

Mardi-Gras-Jack-the-poser

Jack, in his purple, green and golden finery, would like to wish you a jolly Mardi Gras and gives us all an excuse to smile, laugh and perhaps add a little extra bling to our wardrobes this spring!

Mardi-Gras-Jack-profile

And let this fun tale be a lesson that whimsy is all around us! Acknowledge it and invite it in to stay :)

Mardi-Gras-Jack-zoom

Thank you to both Victoria Sayer and Melinda Hightower for allowing this whimsy to unfold........

xoxoxo,
~ Johanna

16 comments:

LoryKT said...

What a wonderfully festive Ca(t)nival Ta(i)l indeed!

Johanna Parker said...

Thanks Lory! I knew you would appreciate it :) (I was just thinking about you!!!... good thoughts of course...)

Hugs to you and the KatKids...
~ Johanna

Lee said...

Oh, how sweet! And Jack is such a good sport! I don't think our Bob would sit still for so many pictures...
Gotta love the whimsey!

Johanna Parker said...

I think I got pretty lucky on these photos!... (and I didn't even have JP's help!)

Fortunately, I caught Jack in a fairly calm mood and took advantage of the moment.. hehe!

Rue said...

Handsome Jack does it again! He looks so ready for Mardi Gras! What great gifts.

LuLu Kellogg said...

This is the most beautiful cat I have ever seen!

darryl moland said...

Jack is SO cool! King of Mardi Gras, I guess!

Johanna Parker said...

Oh my goodness! Jack's ego just grew by a mile!... hehehe!

Thank you guys!

Dan said...

Johanna~

Jack looks wonderful! He is a good kitty cat to let you dress him up!

I hope you have a great week!

~Dan~

Trish Stover said...

You could only call it seredipity :>) Jack is one handsome dude.

Robin at The Primitive Hutch said...

Jack looks great all dressed up for Mardi Gras. Such a sweet cat to sit so calm while you take the pictures.
Your pictures of Jack would make great greeting cards!
Thanks for sharing!
Prim Blessings! Robin

Cameron said...

Those are gorgeous pictures of Jack! What a patient cat he is! All I'd have to do is just have the thought of dressing one up pop briefly in my mind...and they'd split...haha!

Wonderful gifts! Congrats :)

Donna Pizzi said...

Absolutely made my evening, had me laughing joyously after a long day slaving at the computer on an article about modern architecture here in Portland, Oregon. I felt transported to whimsy-land!!! Your photos are terrific too! Jack, you are the black cat with an Aussie crown and stunning New Orleans Fat Tuesday gala wear. Where is the red carpet, PLEASE????
Don't forget to check out Philip's latest "series," Tales from the Road... (www.blackstoneedge.com/blog) They might give you a chuckle, as only a Brit visiting darkest Africa can... And maybe a little tear, too.

Victoria Sayer said...

Hey, Johanna, I'm so pleased that my wee crown arrived safely...and was put straight to good use!
Jack looks so fine and dandy! He sure is a beauty. (Is it ok for a boy cat to be a beauty??)

I'll put a post on my blog linking back to this post.

Anonymous said...

Jack would make Naowlins proud!!!!! He is so stately as the king!

Love him!!!!

LYNDY WARD said...

Jack is a Majestic Mardi Gras Cat King!!! He looks purrrfectly happy as ever... Great post & pics Johanna.

Hugs & Kitty Bumps,
Lyndy >^..^<