new treasures

It's January. We're packing away the ornaments and putting away the Christmas tree. This sweet little acorn birdhouse is so adorable. It was a new purchase this Christmas...my youngest son picked it out. I just love the simplicity of it.

Another new ornament this year....this awesome hamburger. It's made of that really delicate, glass-like material.  My oldest son chose this one. And so....these wonderful ornaments will be lovingly and gently packed away until next Christmas...when we'll unwrap them, smile and say "Ooooh, I forgot about this one!"

Maneki-neko

Hello friends! 

Today, I want to share with you, one of my favorite little treasures I picked up in China Town. He sits upon my kitchen window sill and greets me with that fat cat smiling chubbsy face every time I make coffee or wash dishes. Shops in China Town are busting at the seams with these lucky cat figurines, and I just had to take one home with me! I just had 'ta!! Have you ever just been drawn to something....and you just gotta have it?!

Most of us know this little cat as Chinese Lucky Cat. Well, I did a little research... cause that's what I do!! Inquiring minds want to know! LOL! If you are an inquiring mind, read on!

Chinese Lucky Cat is not actually Chinese in origin...it is actually Japanese.  However, with it's popularity in the Chinese culture, is has been mistaken to be Chinese. It has long been believed to bring good luck and fortune to it's owner. Maneki-neko, typically a calico Japanese bobtail,  are often found displayed in the entryway to Chinese restaurants and shops.  Many Japanese lucky cats only have one paw raised,  either left or right. Typically, a raised right paw signifies good luck and wealth, while a raised left paw, is use for luck to bring in customers. Both raised paws means protection for home and business. Many Maneki-neko figurines have battery or solar powered waving arms which, to me, are quite adorable!

Translated, it's name, Maneki-neko, means "beckoning cat." The figurine is also commonly known as, Welcoming Cat, Money Cat, Fortune Cat and Lucky Cat. Most Americans see the cat as waving, but the difference between Asian and Western body language and gestures is quite different. When we, as Americans, raise our hand, palm out, it means we are waving, either saying hello or good bye. In Asian culture, a raised hand, palm out, bending the fingers and opening them again repeatedly, is actually a beckoning signal, meaning, to come, or follow.

The figurines are usually ceramic and come in many different colors and styles...some a little more decorative than others.  The cats traditionally don a collar with a bell, accompanied by an ornate decoration on their belly. Most figurines have the cat holding a gold coin as well, signifying fortune.

Whatever the reason for the raised paws....I just like the little guy for his charm...his fat belly, his great big smile and his cute little bell. Being as luck and Christianity don't really go together, I don't place any credence in the luck it represents.....I just plain ole like him!! There is a huge variety of  adorable Japanese Lucky Cats on the market and I have a feeling I will definitely buy another.  I'll be on the look out now.    P.S. Can anyone interpret these symbols?

Collecting Bok Choy Boys

Do you know what Bok Choy Boys are?





Have no clue?





Have a look at these cute little guys! These are what's called Bok Choy Boys. They are made of vinyl and stand about 1 inch high. There are 12 different characters, all a different color. Each Bok Choy Boy dons their own Chinese symbol atop their large bulbous forehead. On the back of their head, a corresponding sign representing: fire, water, sky, peace, luck, power, day, love, moon, night, snow, and star.





My 9 year old son started collecting these little guys at the end of the school year. These adorable little figurines could be found throughout his class...in student's desk, pencil boxes, back packs and pockets. Boys and girls were trading back and forth and talking about the best places to buy them. Soon my son was asking me if we could go to the bowling alley so he could get a "ninja guy"...that's what the kids first called them before they knew what they were.





Bok Choy Boys can only be purchased in bubble gum machines at 50 cents a piece. The machines we frequent are located at The Dollar Tree, Giant Eagle grocery store, the bowling alley, K Mart, and our local Chinese buffet.





My son is still trying to get the moon, and luck {four leaf clover}.





Getting a duplicate in the gum ball machine is a little disapointing...but...you can use these to trade.





I have recently discovered that you can order the complete set of 12 on Amazon.com for $5.00...but that's not quite as fun as trying your luck at various machines around town.





My son and I chose to have our photography session down by the creek. This part of the creek is my favorite spot. It is about 10 degrees cooler down here and is not visible from the road or our house. The rocks are a constant cool temperature since they never see sunlight. I like to sit on the rock bed and kick off my flip flops and revel in this cool sanctuary.





My son decided the Bok Choy Boys should take a swim.





Ok, what's he up to?





Well, apparently Bok Choy Boys can breathe under water...so...it's all good.

It's always fun to see what kids collect. My son also collects rocks, bottle caps, and Beyblades {a battle spinning top toy}. If it was possible, he would also collect craw fish from the creek!

Stay tuned for my next post. I'll be featuring my niece's collection. I'll keep it a secret for now. She has over 1,000 pieces in her collection.