Weekend Getaway!

Last weekend was my husbands 50th birthday

and he hates parties so he opted to

get some warmth and sunshine in Florida.

  It was really nice to feel warmth
and see green things growing.

We strolled through a botanical garden.

The best part was riding horses while they swam.

I was worried that these guys would

have a hard time with us on their backs

But these horses were very large powerful horses.

The horse power of him swimming was enough to 

push me out of the saddle.  I had to hold on so

I didn't get washed off.

It was a fun little get away.

Lots of Michiganders like to go to

Florida for the winter.  I just don't see it.

I wouldn't want to live there... 

southern climates are not for me.

It's great for a visit though!

Being Creative....

A few new creations.  This one I made for myself.

I am so thrilled at how it came out!

It looks pretty on my side cabinet.

This Butterfly waterer is available

in my Etsy shop

the photo below from an old butterfly 

calendar was my inspiration...

Having my own kiln has given me the opportunity

to try out so many new ideas.

This photo is the inspiration

One of my favorite flowers is wild violets

some people regard them as weeds

but I don't!

These below are in the kiln being bisque fired

All This for One Little Goldfish!

For many years I had a 40 gallon fish

tank in my art room with goldfish in it.

My favorite big Goldfish that I named Bubba has been

with me for well over 6 yrs.  He was the sole survivor of

our pond fish babies that all fell victim to a Blue Heron.

So that's why "he" came inside.  Anyway he got bigger and bigger

and I felt like he was too big for the 40 gallon. I thought sadly

I'd move him back with the pond fish since it was the more

humane thing to do...even though I loved looking at him while I did Art.

Well he didn't seem to like it with the pond gold fish

and he didn't look like he was going to make it.

He was floating sideways.   So I got an early Birthday Gift

from my hubby...so I could bring Bubba back up to my Art room.

A NEW BIG 75 GALLON FISH TANK!

I love, love, love it!

Bubba looked in bad shape.  He had sores on his side.

The pond fish must have ganged up on him even though

he was bigger. Now I am happy to say he 

seems to be back to his old self.

I love sitting and watching them.

It took a few weeks to get totally clear water.

It has to do with the good bacteria eating the bad bacteria.

Bubba had 3 big open sores on this side and now just the black dot is left.

These two bigger ones were with Bubba before...

and when I put them back together I swear

it was like they all swam up to greet each other again

I love this gray ones eyes!

Hazel coming to see what I'm doing.

Yes I know it's another thing that I now have to care for and 

clean but I just love it so much. Doing my art and looking over

at them swimming so pretty.  My brother was into

fish tanks.  Getting this tank all set up made me think

a lot of my late brother and I'm pretty sure he'd like

my tank even though they are Goldfish and 

not a fancy salt water aquarium.