I'm a Yankee Doodle Doggie, but I still get quite nervous when all those fireworks start going off. I also know that I'm not alone. In fact, my best friend Indiana Bones ended up in the animal shelter after a 4th of July weekend. His family never came for him, which is very sad, but he was adopted into a new forever home and is loved, which is awesome.

Indy still cowers at the sound of the pops and bangs. It's funny too because he is a Belgian Malinois and is supposed to be brave. Still, I can't laugh because I'm trembling myself. And I'll bet your pets aren't too thrilled either. That's why I'm sharing this:

The ASPCA recommends keeping your pooch indoors as much as possible during backyard parties and Fourth of July festivities, even if he is a pro picnicker. From toxic food and beverages to raucous guests and fireworks, the holiday weekend is a minefield of potential pet problems.

"Even the most timid dog can leap a six-foot fence if he's spooked by loud noises," says Dr. Pamela Reid, Vice President of the ASPCA Animal Behavior Center.

If your dog shows signs of distress from fireworks or boisterous revelers, Dr. Reid suggests giving him a Kong toy stuffed with peanut butter.

"The persistent licking should calm his nerves," she says.

The ASPCA offers some more expert advice to keep your pet singing, "Oh Say Can You See," all the way to the fifth and beyond:

- Keep your pet on the wagon. Since alcohol is potentially poisonous to pets, place all wine, beer and spirits well out of paws' way.

- Avoid scraps from the grill. Stick with your pet's normal diet-- any change, even for a day, can result in stomach upset. Certain foods like onions, avocado, chocolate, grapes and raisins are especially toxic to pets.

- Skip the sunscreen. Avoid lathering your pet with any insect repellent or sunscreen not intended for the four-legged kind. Ingestion can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy.

- Stay fire-smart. Keep your pet away from fireworks, matches, citronella candles and lighter fluid, which if eaten can irritate the stomach, lungs and central nervous system.

- Be cool near the pool. Don't leave pets unsupervised around a pool or lake-- not all dogs are expert swimmers! Also, pools aren't large water bowls-- they contain chlorine and other toxic chemicals that can cause stomach problems.

As always, if you suspect your pet has ingested something poisonous from the picnic table, please contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

For more information and tips, visit www.aspca.org

I hope I get a nice peanut butter Kong every day over the weekend!

Have a safe and happy 4th of July and paws up,

Atticus 

Intrepid reporter that I am, it's part of my duty to get off the phone and out from behind the desk and actually go out into the field. Such is my assignment Friday when I will be heading to the Fairplex in Pomona for the 15th Vans Warped Tour.

There will be tons of bands and other entertainment, as well as vendors and lots and lots of music fans. If you see me, please don't hesistate to come up and say hello. But common sense - and the weather - in mind, you probably won't find me in my rocker gear, rather something practical with sleeves to avoid sunburn, plus a hat.

Watch www.sgvn.com for my news report and a photo gallery from my in-focus accomplice for the day.

For more info on the activities, visit www.warpedtour.com

Oh and carry on, as you were,

Queen Mickie ~ Princess of Rock n' Roll

The Light Bringer Project has two big fund-raising events every year. One is the Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade and the other is the Pasadena Chalk Festival.  Both reflect what Light Bringer Project is all about-- art and community. The organization's projects focus on art, art education, art therapy and more for the community, but they depend on the community as well, for support and participation.

Here's where you come in~ make plans this weekend to attend the Pasadena Chalk Festival.

10 a.m.-7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 20 and 21

Paseo Colorado, 280 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

Free

(626) 795-9100

www.pasadenachalkfestival.com

In addition to awesome street paintings, there will be children's activities, music and food. You can purchase canvas works by some of the artists and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday, you can also enjoy the Pasadena Police Classic Car Show.

And be sure to attend the awards presentation at 7 p.m. Sunday, as 32nd Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Queen Skittles will be handing out the award for Most Humorous mural.

Now carry on, as you were,

Queen Mickie

The last big bash of spring is almost here and you can spend it with me! McGinty's Gallery at the End of the World will be holding a Group Show Thursday through Sunday with art, music, dance and more.

 This is one of the coolest venues around, as it offers a place for emerging and established artists to display their work and many of them are on site and more than happy to talk to you. You'll see a range of styles and media, from lush landscapes to intriguing sculptures and you'd be surprised at how affordable many items are... you may just have to take some home! If you're feeling lucky, enter the raffle drawing too.

Here's the basics:

Group Show

Noon-6 p.m. Thursday-Sunday, June 4-7

Gallery at the End of the World

2475 N. Lake Ave. (cross is Mariposa, next door to Rancho bar)

Altadena

Free 

(626) 794-8779

www.galleryattheendoftheworld.com

Thursday: Artist reception 6-9 p.m. with music by Crane Lake Serenaders. Free.

Friday: 1st Friday Art Club 7 p.m.-1 a.m. with music by Wreck N Sow and belly dancing by Almase Arabesque (www.almasearabesque.com), accompanied by drummer Ric Sarabia. $5, includes refreshments.

Saturday: Potluck barbecue noon-dusk. Free, please bring dish to share.

Sunday: Brunch noon-dusk. Free, dish to share welcome.

Zaynah and I will have our swords, shimmies and smiles ready to entertain you on Friday night and it's rumored that 32nd Occasional Doo Dah Queen Skittles ma y also make an appearance. Wow! That's twice the royalty and even more fun!

Now carry on, as you were,

Queen Mickie 

                                                                                 Dear Readers,

I love hearing from you!!  Especially when you send me information on something that is tail-waggin' fun and paws up good. Here's what I found in my mommy's e-mail today:

"Ready For My Close-UP," in your Diary of a Doo Dah Queen is hilarious!
LOVED IT! I am such a pet lover-- my best friend is an Apple Head
Chihuahua. Think you might have interest in an event we're having
"inside SoCal" this Saturday at 12:30pm (runs thru 4pm).

Heath Hamaguchi

****

Pet Fashion Show, Starring Pets Themselves,

32nd Occasional Doo Dah Queen Skittles is known to the working world as Julie Klima, professional photographer. Among the things she likes to do most is document little facets of history. In this case, she called and asked me to sit for her for a photo series she is working on about the Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Parade.

I pulled out my dress and all my acoutrements, had a chat with the Royal Pup Atticus and  was off. Princess Valerie had graciously allowed us to use her dance studio for the shoot. It was quickly transformed into a quite lavish sitting room, resplendent with a flowing background and floor of various veils, sarongs and other fabric pieces.

I sat in a big rattan chair and Atticus took his place (wearing his official cape) in my lap. He is one patient Jack Russell terrier, as he sat still for a good hour and then stayed at a spot by my feet for quite a while too.

It was fun to pose for Queen Skittles. She has a perky personality and really enjoys her work. She made all of us feel comfortable and didn't mind it when Atticus offered to help check that she hadn't left anything behind in her bags and that all her camera and flash connections were safely in place.

Soon, I will have some photos to share for you, but for now, please visit www.queenskittles.com and www.julieklima.com to see some of her work.

Also, one of my readers, Bill Cagle performed at an open mic at the Folk Music Center in Claremont recently. He shared a video of the moment with me and you might like it too.

Visit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJpq4qjE0Uw 

it may give you the inspiration to try something new!

Now, carry on, as you were,

Queen Mickie

Dear Readers!

Mommy's busy so I'm writing her blog entry today. Tomorrow she will be posing for 32nd Occasional Pasadena Doo Dah Queen Skittles, who is a real-life photographer. Queen Skittles (AKA Julie Klima) is working on portraits for an exhibition. It's going to be really cool because she's perky and fun and has a nice eye for composition, plus she asked if I would be willing to sit too.

Sit.. stay.. be good.. Yes, Julie, you can have it all as long as I get a nice treat at the end.

Speaking of treats, I was trying to find a way to give my mommy some inspiration for her photo shoot. I talked to my people friend Vernor (who works with my mommy at the paper and writes the very good column, Aisle Seat), as I thought he might have some photos that I could show her. Vernor has cats, but he's OK and he was more than happy to help.

He sent me photos of his cats, Tasha and Goldie. (That Tasha is a looker, even for a cat, she's quite pretty and I wouldn't mind sharing my chewie with her).  As for Goldie, I would have to be on my best behavior-- just look at that kitty scratching post!!

He also sent me photos of his relatives' pets-- Billye, the shepard is hamming it up. He reminds me of my best friend Indiana Bones. Gabe is lounging in his bed and Tralee is waiting for presents under the Christmas tree. I definitely could be friends with these guys! Tennis balls, anyone?

I hope my mommy has fun tomorrow and I'll be sure to let you know how it went and all the information on the exhibit once it is set.

Have a tailwaggin' great weekend!

Paws up,

Atticus

-------------------------------------------

I love getting letters on any topic that I've written about. And I'll admit I really enjoy receiving fan mail the most.

I'm not sure if this qualifies as true fan mail, though, as it is from one of my loyal Knights, Sir Terry Miller, but it is a sweet missive that I just have to share. It came with a photo of me with my boss, Features Editor extraordinaire Catherine Gaugh, beaming in the background, during our trip to the Pasadena Showcase House of Design.

P.S. Scroll down to last week's blog entry for more on Showcase House

****

 Yes, I may be a former Doo Dah Queen, but it's still good enough for most people~  even the prestigious Pasadena Showcase House of the Arts.

When I visited the Showcase House of Design to decide what stories I would like to do, one of the PSHA members bowed to me as we were introduced and made me feel as special as I was welcome. Resplendent in pearls and impeccible attire, Barbara guided me through the residence offering any information she had, along with pleasant humor.

I returned to Showcase this past Tuesday for the Media Preview. It was an opportunity to see the finished designs and speak with the designers about their work. Barbara again greeted me and was wearing the most beautiful gold net scarf. She said it would look good with my outfit and I teased that I would have to tie it around my hips and shimmy my way down the halls. Then Linda, our hostess this time, called to me for my tour.

Linda was wonderful too, with an easy laugh and a keen eye for details. Plus she made sure we found a table to enjoy our refreshments at the end of our tour. We agreed that the house is very liveable this year-- I didn't feel like any of the furnishings were too sterile to sit on, but rather beckoned to you to rest a while. The interior hues are very pleasant and the gardens are glorious. I particularly like the Koi pond where the fish swim around the tea house and can also swim into the pool in the structure's living room. Very cool!

While nibbling on all kinds of little yummy things and sipping champagne, my friend photographer Terry Miller found me. He introduced us to a reporter he works with (unfortunately her name escapes me at this moment), who was a delight. When she heard about the Royal Pup Atticus, she shared that her mother calls his breed Jack Daniels terriers, as they act as if they have been drinking. I said, the name is right, but I think the owner needs to drink in order to put up with the crazyness of the dogs ha ha ha!

I finished my champagne and was enjoying the conversation and the garden when Barbara appeared. She slipped the gold scarf around my neck. "I would like you to have this," she said. I was astounded~ what an honor! I thanked her and gave her a big hug. The scarf is gorgeous and will go with many of my outfits. I even wore it to work the next day and received quite a few compliments! Thank you again, Barbara!

Now, you may not have as an exciting outing as I, but if you appreciate interior and exterior decorating at its best, then you must visit Showcase House. Plus the ticket proceeds go towards PSHA's music and music education programs for area children.

Here's the info:

PASADENA SHOWCASE HOUSE OF DESIGN 2009

Opens April 19.

9 a.m.-3:45 p.m. Tuesday, Saturday and Sunday

9 a.m.-7:45 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday

Through May 17

$30-$40 depending on day and time

Free shuttle and entry to garden, market and restaurant.

Flat shoes required. No children under 12. Not handicap accessible.

(714) 442-3872

www.pasadenashowcase.org

Now, carry on, as you were,

Queen Mickie

Dear Readers,

At this time of year my thought turns to bunnies. Bouncing bunnies. Bunnies who thump and look cross at you when you bark at them. Bunnies who turn and flick their little cotton tails at you with a tease and then hop away when you get too near. Bunnies who hide in the big daffodils in the flowerbed waiting for your nose to find them.

Yes, I love bunnies. Almost as much as squirrels. Squirrels are more of a challenge because they'll suddenly run up a tree where they can chatter and throw acorns at you. But I'm off track now...

Where was I?.... Oh yes, bunnies!... Why was I supposed to tell you about bunnies???...

 Now I remember~ my friend Roxy sent me a photo of herself wearing bunny ears that I wanted to share with you. She's being good and waiting patiently for any yummy treats that may show up in her bowl... or on the floor under the dining room table. Smart pup!

Happy Easter!

Happy Spring!!

Happy, happy everything!!! 

But most of all~ Happy BUNNIES!!!!

Paws up,

Atticus