Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Special Announcement

Hi Everyone,

Since our last posting on the news of Brind’Amour, we have received so many comments, notes, and emails, and just wanted to thank all of you who sent them. It was greatly appreciated. A special thank you to The Kool~Kittie~Krew, Khyra’s Khorner, and Tessa the Maltese for posting the news of Brind’Amour’s passing on their blogs, and also a special thank you to Louie Magooey and Cocorue for being so supportive.

Orielle and the twins—Benny and Aimee, have mentioned to me that they either might like to continue with this blog, to keep the spirit of Brind’Amour alive, or to start a new blog of their own. They don’t know if, or when, but you will be the first to find out here. They will post a note once they decide. So please don’t forget about us just yet. We miss all of you and will hopefully, be back soon.

Sincerely,
Brind’Amour’s Mom

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Message From Brind'Amour's Mom

This is extremely hard for me to say, but I feel that you, Brind'Amour's faithful followers, should know that Brind'Amour suddenly got very ill and has passed. We will forever miss his smiling face and his huge personality. Nothing will ever be the same without him.

Brind'Amour
April 10, 1999 ~ October 4, 2010

Monday, September 6, 2010

Beach Bum Brind'Amour

Somebody! Please tell me that summer is not over yet!

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Happy's Birthday

This is Happy. And today, August 28th, is her Birthday. You might be asking, who the heck is Happy? Well, I'll tell ya. Happy was my Mom's first quadruped. Her real name was Happy but her nickname was Boogie. Don't ask. I'm hoping it had something to do with her dancing a jig all the time but you never know. Anyway, my Mom loved Happy so much that every year on her birthday Mom would have a party and serve Coffee Cake Jr.'s. Happy even got one of her own!

Now, if Happy was still with us, she'd be... how old?... um... can't really count that high. But as you can tell from these old photos, she'd be pretty darn old by now.

Today's mission is to convince Mom to let us celebrate Happy's birthday by having Coffee Cake Jr.'s tonight! Think she'll go for it?

Tuesday, August 3, 2010

How Now Brown Brow?

My Mom just got us new wall-to-wall carpeting for our living room and the most awesome thing about it is that it totally complements my eyebrows!
Don't ya think?

Thursday, June 3, 2010

The Twins are FOUR!

I'd just like to wish my cousin Orielle's kids, Benny and Aimee, a very Happy 4th Birthday!

Benny in his favorite weather - Cold!
Aimee in her lovely snow suit.

~*~*~*~

I'd also like to wish Benny and Aimee's brothers, who live elsewhere, a very Happy 4th Birthday too! Happy Birthday Louie, Peri, Otis, and Birdie!!

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Broadway News

Awesome news everybody!! My agent just called to let me know I got the lead in the new Broadway production of Little Orphan Brinny! Sweet! I knew I had a chance when they called me back for a second audition. It must have been my incredible singing voice. At least that's what my mom says. Rehearsals start Tuesday and I'll let you all know when opening night is.

Now, I can't say I'm all that thrilled with the costume design, especially the wig, but you know, show biz is show biz. But it is the costume design that I'm hoping will give a chuckle to my good friend Tessa and her mom, who hasn't been feeling all that well lately. I sure hope she's feeling better! Tessa's Mom: This one's for you!...

The sun'll come out tomorrow
Bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow
There'll be sun!
Just thinkin' about tomorrow
Clears away the cobwebs, and the sorrow
'Til there's none!
When I'm stuck with a day that's gray, and lonely,
I just stick out my chin and grin, and say,
Oh, the sun'll come out tomorrow
So ya gotta hang on tïll tomorrow, come what may
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya tomorrow!
You're always a day a way! WOO WOO!

Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Playing Games

So, listen to this. I woke from a power nap yesterday and noticed something pink under the couch. I reached under and pulled it out and wouldn’t you know, it was Aimee’s missing Nintendo DS. It’s been missing since my birthday party. So I figured, since Orielle took Aimee and Benny shopping, I was left all alone to enjoy a quick game or two before they returned. But when I turned on the DS unit, the game inside was Fashion Designer World Tour. I mean, what’s up with that? The girl doesn’t even wear fashionable clothes! I then went in search of her DS game case and found a slew of games. But, at closer inspection, found nothing I’d wanna play. I found, Zhu Zhu Pets with Hamster Baby, Hello Kitty Party, Hamsterz Life, Style Savvy, Build-A-Bear Workshop, and Petz Hamsterz Superstars. What is up with all the hamster games??? I know she thinks hamsters are cute but COME ON!!! Where’s all the good games like Super Mario Brothers, Monster Truck, Speed Racer, Major League Baseball, Space Invaders, and Cooking Mama. Okay, okay, so I like to cook!!!! Geez… a guy can’t get a break. All alone, and there’s nothing to play but furry little hamster games. Geez, Pa-Leeze!

Saturday, April 10, 2010

Celebration Squared

So, like, today was my best day ever! And I'm sure you know why... It's my 11th Birthday!!!! Woo hoo!!!!
My day started with birthday kisses from Aimee. She's so cute.

Waiting patiently for my special breakfast.

Then, mom made me homemade peanut butter cookies. I love how she makes them into little bone shapes. Heck, I'd eat them in any shape!

After resting a bit, we went shopping at my favorite store.

Hmmmm. What should I get?

Oooh, oooh, that one! I want that one! It's perfect! Heck, they're all perfect. Get me one of each, mom!

After making a pig of myself in the store, we walked it off in my favorite park. That's my favorite oak tree in the back.

Catching a few rays. A perfect day.
I'd also like to mention here, that not only is it my big 11 birthday, but it's also my 100th blog post!!!! Woo Hoo squared.

Saturday, April 3, 2010

For the Love of Peep!

For Peep's sake,
Have a Happy Easter!

Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Comb Over Conundrum

I got tagged by Amy and the House of Cats to play this little photo game. The rules are that you go to your first picture folder, post the 10th picture, and tell the story behind it. Then you tag 5 other blogs to play too. So, I opened the folder, went to the 10th picture, and I'll be gosh darned if I can't figure out who the heck this is! I mean, all four of us have the ability to sport a comb over of that magnitude. There really is no story behind this photo, a comb over is a comb over no matter how you look at it.

I tag: The Kool Kittie Krew, Tessa, Abby, Khyra, and my new friends Riley and Star.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

CLumber Jack

If you remember, this was the bad tree that fell on our house.

The township didn't want to take the tree down so I took control.
Just call me CLumber Jack Brin!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Spring Has Sprung

She loves me... She loves me not...
She loves me... She loves me not...
She loves me!

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Fort Stix

This is my new fort.

This is how it happened.
Let's just say Mom is not as happy as I am.

The terrible storm on Saturday brought high winds, torrential rain, power outages for over 10 hours, and the uprooting of one large pine tree on a collision course with our house. It also brought me one heck of a new fort! Why don't humans get that!?

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Snow What?

This is my cousin Orielle. She thinks that snow is stupendous. She never gets cold or thirsty. I wonder how she does that?

Monday, February 8, 2010

I Got the Avatar Blues

I went to go see Avatar in 3D this past weekend and let me tell you, those 3D glasses make you feel like you're really there!!!

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

Mini Brinny

Can you believe this is me?
Feeling nostalgic, I was looking through some photo albums and came across this picture of me at four months old.
According to Punxsutawney Phil, it looks like we're going to have six more weeks of winter. Does that mean that sprinkler time is going to have to wait? Phooey.

Monday, January 25, 2010

It's as Easy as 1-2-3!

First, you pick up Ball #1...

Then, ya squeeze it over to the side, and pick up Ball #2...


The tricky part is squeezing Ball #2 over to the other side without popping it out. Then, pick up Ball #3!


That's all there is to it! It's easy!!

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

No Weigh!

Since the posting of the "hand-holding incident" with Benny, I thought it appropriate to secretly follow him around to see if I might get even, if you will. In keeping my eyes and ears open, it became apparent to me that he's a bit sensitive to the fact that we call him Benny-The-Big-Head on frequent occasions. It's just a term of affection! Really! Now, how I know that he's so sensitive is quite funny actually. I caught him, on numerous occasions sneaking into the bedroom and weighing his head on the scale. I kid you not! That white thing under his chin is an official Health o Meter scale. One minute he's holding my hand, the next, he's insecure about the size of his head. That boy sure needs therapy.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

I Wanna Hold Your Hand

So, I wake up from this awesome power nap, I peek over to my right, and what do I see? Freakin' Benny holding my hand! "Dude! What the heck is going on?" Somebody PLEASE tell me this is a dream!

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Super Sci-Fi Saturday

Oooooooh! It's Super Sci-Fi Saturday!!!! Okay, so I dug out all my faves and narrowed it down to the top three -- Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea, Attack of the Killer Tomatoes (a personal favorite), and Flash Gordon. What a conundrum! I just couldn't decide. So, I just went with the most awesome super-duper sci-fi flick ever made -- Godzilla in 3-D!!!!

Shhhhhhh! The previews started! Let's eat!!!!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Winter Blast

Don't you just love this cold snap?
Hey, is this my good side?

Monday, November 16, 2009

Fuzzy. Was He?

Yup, you guessed it. Yesterday was bath day. Don't get me wrong, I love baths because it involves my favorite thing on the planet--cookies. But, all day long, Mom kept calling me her little lamb. And if that wasn't bad enough, she kept reciting:

Mary had a little lamb,
His name was Brind'Amour.
Now he's soft and fuzzy,
And not so stinky any more.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Dynamic Duo

Aimee and Benny connected at the shoulder.
Benny and Aimee connected at the head.
The togetherness is nauseating.

Thursday, October 29, 2009

The Vampire Brinstat
By Brind'Amour
Chapter 4
Oddly enough, the next evening, after the brouhaha at the casino over his house of cards trick, Brinstat awoke feeling quite rejuvenated. He had decided, when he went to bed the previous morning, that he was going to give up the job hunt and just be who he is.

He made himself some breakfast, watched a little television, gave his mother a quick hug, and headed outdoors. All night he walked around the town. He went from place to place and ended up back home shortly before sunrise.

After a few days of the same routine, Brinstat quickly became bored. He found himself going out less and less. Several days later, while dinner was being prepared, he picked up the newspaper to read Broom Hilda and spotted an ad announcing a huge Halloween Costume Party given by the mayor in hopes of raising money for better security at the museum.

What caught Brinstat’s eye was the headline, “Bored? Have nothing to do? Want to have a good time? Want to meet new people? Come to the Mayor’s Halloween Costume Party Friday night at 9 pm sharp! Big cash prize for the best costume!!”

“Geez! That’s tomorrow night!” said Brinstat. I have to come up with something good so Mama doesn’t give me another one of her lectures again, thought Brinstat. “Hey, Mama! I’m going to go to this Halloween party to see if I can scare the pants off some people there!”

“Ah! That’s my boy! Your Mama is just so proud of you, Brinstat!” she said, squeezing his cheek.

The next day, Brinstat combed his hair, brushed his teeth, put on his best cape, and headed to the party. When he got there, he was astounded at the turnout. There had to be hundreds of people. He saw cowboys, clowns, magicians, doctors, belly dancers, mummies, Frankensteins, princesses, and so many others. Of course, even though Brinstat wasn’t really dressed in a costume, he fit right in.
Brinstat mingled and chatted with a few partygoers. Suddenly, someone dressed as a prisoner, announced that the costume contest was about to begin. “And there’s a big cash prize for the winner, too!”

While the parade of masked partygoers circled around the room showing off their costumes, Brinstat spotted a sly little cowboy slink over to the prize table, look around, and quickly swipe the metal box containing the prize money. Holy cow pies! I can’t believe he just did that, thought Brinstat.

As the thief quickly fled the scene and escaped out the front door Brinstat did the only thing that came naturally to him… he quickly turned himself into a bat and flew out the door after the culprit. Less than a block away, Brinstat soared right into the back of the cowboy, knocking him flat on his belly. Brinstat swooped up the cash box and quickly flew back to the party. He dropped the box back onto the table, and with a POOF was back to being The Vampire Brinstat once again.

“Dude! That was some awesome trick! I’m mean, Dude, you rock!” said a rock band guitar hero, sportin’ a blue Mohawk.

“Why are you dressed as a vampire if you’re going to do magic tricks?” asked Little Red Riding Hood.

Brinstat just stood there not able to say a word, embarrassed at what just happened. He rolled his eyes as another vampire approached. “That was really something,” she said.

“I’d rather just forget the whole thing,” Brinstat replied. “Can I get you any hors d’oeuvres?” he asked in order to change the subject.

“Sure!” she said. “My name is Rosalie.”

“Mine’s Brinstat.” With that, he went to get plates of hors d’oeuvres for both of them. They spent the rest of the evening talking, dancing, and having fun. “Whoa, I’m really thirsty, would you like anything?” he asked her.

“Yes, thank you. A soda and some snacks would be very nice.”

“I’ll be right back,” he said. Brinstat returned balancing two drinks and two plates full of different kinds of snacks. He carefully placed the drinks on a table and when he went to hand her a plate, a meatball rolled off and made a straight line directly into Rosalie’s chest.

“AH!” she screamed. And, suddenly, smoke started to rise from her chest and she ran outside.

Shocked, Brinstat ran after her. “Rosalie, what happened?”

“I’m burning up here. Can’t you see?” she cried.

“But how? What? How?” he questioned.

“I don’t know, Brinstat. It must have been one of those garlic-infused meatballs or something. I’ll be all right. I just need some air.”

“Are you saying what I think you are saying?”

“Yes, I guess so. I’m a vampire, okay? I’m not some human vampire wanna be! I’m a real vampire and I came here to meet some new friends because this town is as boring as “boring” can be.”

“I know! I feel the exact same way! I can’t believe this!” he replied.

“Brinstat, do you think we can just leave this party and go and talk somewhere?”

“Oh yes, Rosalie. We can go anywhere you want!”

Just then, they both POOFED into bats and flew off together.

Epilogue

Brinstat finally found a friend. A friend for life. Someone just like him. And he found her when he was being nothing more than just himself.

RING! RING! I’ll get it Mama!!! “Hello?”

“Is Brinstat there?”

“This is he.”

“Hi. This is Mr. Giles from the museum. I heard about what you did at the Mayor’s Halloween party and I figured with all the money they raised, and by you catching the thief, I thought we can offer some training, and well, we’d like to hire you back.”

“Really? That’s super awesome, Mr. Giles. Thank you so much! See you Monday night!”

“OH NO! WHAT AM I GOING TO TELL MAMA?!!!!!!!”

The End.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

The Vampire Brinstat
By Brind'Amour
Chapter 3
Whoa! Now that’s a job for me! I mean, I am a master with a deck of cards. I even know how to play black jack. Well, a little, anyway, thought Brinstat. He jotted down the number for the casino on his breakfast napkin and quickly tucked it away in his cape pocket.

“Ah, there’s my boy! How are you feeling, my baby?” asked his mama.

“Oh, much better Mama,” said Brinstat.

“Goot, that’s my Brinstat,” said his mama, patting him on the head. “I need to go out for a little vhile Brinstat. I’ll be home soon.”

“Okay, Mama. But I might be out doing vampire things when you return,” he lied.

“Ah! That’s my boy!!” said his mama. She then leaned over and kissed him on the forehead.

The coast was clear. His mama had left and he was all alone to make the phone call.

“Allo? Collins Casino...”

“Hi, I’m calling about the casino dealer position.”

“Ya! Plis hold.”

A few minutes went by.

“Mr. Edwards speaking, how may I help you?”

“Hi, I’m calling about the casino dealer position. And, I just want to let you know ahead of time that I’m really good with cards,” said Brinstat.

“Well, in that case, why don’t you come down and fill out an application. If all goes well, and you seem to fit the job, can you start right away?” ask Mr. Edwards.

“Oh yes. I can start tonight if needed.”

Brinstat hung up the phone, combed his hair, brushed his teeth, straightened his cape, and headed out the door.

Upon arriving at the casino and telling the doorman who he was, he was then escorted immediately to Mr. Edwards who was waiting patiently for him to arrive. Every minute that went by reminded Mr. Edwards that customers were standing around an empty table waiting for a dealer.

“Good evening. You must be Brinstat,” said Mr. Edwards as he shook Brinstat’s cold hand.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Edwards. I just want to tell you that I’m a master when it comes to a deck of car…….”

“You’re hired!”

“Wow. That was fast.”

“Here’s your uniform. You’ll have to leave the cape in your locker. And please hurry to table seven. The customers are waiting.”

Brinstat changed and headed to table seven. No sooner did he get there than his table filled up immediately with patrons. Brinstat showed off his shuffling skills with hands like lightning. He subtly smirked at the “ooh’s and ah’s” coming from the players.

He gave the stack one more shuffle and quickly dealt out the hands. Chips were flying. Mr. Edwards was impressed as he watched from the hidden cameras. “This guy is good!” he said under his breath.

A few hours later, Brinstat dealt a hand, one in which a customer was less than pleased with. “Uhh, this hand is terrible,” the lady whined. “Hey, Mr. Nice Guy Black Jack Dealer, do you think I could have two new cards? I’m on the verge of tears here. Please? Pretty please?” asked the whining lady.

“Well, I guess that would be okay.” And Brinstat dealt the lady two more cards. This time, the lady was more than happy.

“I won!” screamed the lady. “You’re such a nice guy Mr. Black Jack Dealer! What else can you do for me?”

“Well, I can build a house of cards like none you’ve ever seen,” said Brinstat.

“Yeah? Let’s see,” said one disgruntled man.

Brinstat collected all the cards and proceeded to build a house. Quite frankly, it was more like a castle. The customers were utterly impressed. The structure was so massive it drew many customers away from their tables, eyes as big as golf balls, amazed at the monstrosity in front of them.

Before long, Brinstat was using cards from other tables in order to create the biggest, most intricate piece of artwork he’d ever done. Hoots and hollers were heard throughout the casino. He was shining, smiling from ear to ear.

Then, over the loud speaker came, “Brinstat, please report to the office.”

“Ooh, maybe I’m gonna get a raise!” said Brinstat excitedly.

Brinstat was quickly disappointed to find that he was once again…fired.

He slowly made his way home only to find his mother waiting for him in the living room.

“Vhere have you been, Brinstat?”

“Mama, I think you were right. Getting a job and trying to make friends is just not for me. I will do as you say, Mama. I’m going to just be me—a vampire.”

“There, there, my boy. Things vill be all right, you’ll see. Get some rest and tomorrow vill be a new day!” his mama replied. “And next time, listen to your mother!”

“Okay, Mama. I’m going to watch some television and then I’ll go to bed.”

“That’s my boy!”

Stay tuned for Chapter 4

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

The Vampire Brinstat
By Brind'Amour
Chapter 2
Sitting on the park bench, Brinstat thought Okay, maybe being a pastry chef wasn’t such a good idea. But how hard could being a security guard be?

Brinstat picked up the paper, tucked it under his cape, and headed back home. Thankfully, his mother was already in bed. He headed downstairs to his room and read the ad once again. “I can do this. I can be a security guard. I’m going to call first thing tomorrow night,” he said out loud.

The next evening when Brinstat woke up, he quietly came upstairs, and looked around for his mother. She was nowhere in sight. “Good,” Brinstat said under his breath. He picked up the phone and dialed the museum.

“Karloff Museum, Tara speaking,” said the lady on the phone.

“I’m calling about the Security Guard position.”

“Oh, you have to speak to the manager. Please hold.”

“Hello? This is Mr. Giles. Can I help you?”

“I’m calling about the Security Guard position.”

“Good, my nighttime security guard just quit. When can you start? Can you start tonight?”

“Oh, yes! I’ll be right down.”

As Brinstat hung up the phone and turned to write a note for his mother, he ended up face to face with her, the blood draining from his face… more than usual.

“Vhere are you going my beautiful boy?” his mother demanded.

“Um, I’m going downtown but I’m in a hurry. I’ll call you later Mama!”

Brinstat breezed out of the house toward the museum. He arrived there shortly before closing. The manager greeted him at the door and escorted him to the office.

“The only thing you have to do is make sure no burglars get in. That’s all there is to it. Check the doors hourly and inspect the outside perimeter on the half hour of every hour,” said Mr. Giles.

“No problem. I can do this!” Brinstat exclaimed.

He got his uniform and badge and was on his way to patrol the grounds. The doors were all locked and not a soul in sight. Everything looked secure. Until…

A few minutes after midnight Brinstat heard a faint tapping sound on one of the doors. He ran over to inspect and with his keen hearing picked up voices on the other side. Brinstat yelled, “Who’s there?” and quickly opened the door. Out of the corner of his eye he saw two figures quickly dive into the bushes. He rushed over to the bush with his billy club raised.

“Hey, what are you two doing back there?” Brinstat sternly asked.

“Uh, I was taking my girlfriend for a stroll, uh yeah, and she told me she never saw a museum before, and uh, I told her I could show her one but it was closed and um, I was only trying to impress her, if you know what I mean, so I tried to see if the door was unlocked but it wasn’t and then I tried to jimmy it open so I could show my girl how strong I was and then I could be all cool and everything and give her a tour of the museum but you know, not to take anything or touch anything, but just to show her around like you know, like a real cool guy would do but then you came out and scared us to smithereens and we just ran and flew into this bush here, you know what I mean?” said the guy.

“Why do you have that ski mask on? And why are you and your girl friend dressed all in black?” asked Brinstat.

“It’s a fashion statement. We’re like Goth people. So can we come in for a little stroll through the museum so I can show my girl what a fun guy I am? You would be such a swell guy if you let us in and then we could tell all our friends how great you are.”

“Well, I guess it’ll be okay. But I don’t want any funny stuff, you hear!” said Brinstat.

“Okay, no funny stuff. We’ll take a tour and be out in no time at all.”

Brinstat let the couple into the museum and continued on his rounds. The couple quickly walked to one particular area of the museum and left a few minutes later shouting, “Thanks dude!” as they ran out the door.

Wow. That was fast. I guess his girlfriend is easily impressed, thought Brinstat.

Daybreak was approaching and Brinstat’s shift was over. He waited for the next guard to show up and zoomed home before sun up.

“Vhere have you been Brinstat? And vhy didn’t you call me? Vhat kind of boy did I raise, Brinstat? You don’t care about your mother no more?”

“Mama! Stop! I took on another job but this one is really going to work out. You’ll see.”

“How many times I haft to tell you Brinstat, stop taking on these silly jobs. They aren’t for you. Do I need to remind you Brinstat, that you are a vampire? And a vampire doesn’t need a job.”

“No, mama. But I just wanted to make some friends. And I think I made two friends tonight, Mama.”

“Uh, my boy, my boy. You exhaust me, Brinstat.”

Just then the phone rang and Brinstat was happy to answer it just to be able to get away from his mother. “Hello?”

“Is this Brinstat?” said the voice on the phone.

“Yes, who’s this?”

“This is Mr. Giles. Our daytime security guard, Jake, said there must have been a break-in last night. He told me that the highly valuable, precious Anya Sapphire was missing when he went on duty. What happened to it, Brinstat? Didn’t you patrol the museum? Didn’t you see anything or anyone?”

“No, I didn’t see anything other than the cute couple who only came to the museum on a date. But they were in and out lickety split, Mr. Giles.”

“Brinstat, you weren’t supposed to let anyone in. It’s all over the news. A young couple was picked up trying to sell a large sapphire stone in the next town over. Brinstat, I’m afraid you haven’t done a good job and I’m going to have to fire you.”

“Oh no! Not again!” cried Brinstat as his mama came rushing over with a tissue.

Slowly, Brinstat hung up the phone and walked over to the couch, head hanging low.

“Brinstat, you have to stop trying so hard. Just be who you are. Now, cheer up and go get some sleep.”

“Okay, Mama.”

The next evening Brinstat was eating breakfast, watching television, when he heard the newscast. “A local casino is looking for a black jack dealer for immediate employment. Apparently, the previous dealer was an escapee from the Stoker County jail. Anyone interested, please call the number at the bottom. No experience necessary. Keeping customers coming back for more a must!”

Stay tuned for Chapter 3