The Slump Might be Over Soon w/Fantasy Fish

15 years ago

When I decided to mosaic a plaque to go behind my new fountain, my DD jumped up and said "Do a fish". I highly objected cuz I couldn't imagine how to do fish. She insisted it HAD to be a fish. I gave in, hurriedly sketched some semblances of what I thought looked like fish. Didn't like working on it, 'twas a grouting nightmare, don't like it now, can't pick it up, gotta hire help to install it, and so THERE!!! Now that my work table is clear (this sucker has been sitting there for weeks w/my dreading to finish), I MIGHT be over the slump. There's a huge hole below/left of the start fish I gotta fill, then the final clean up, and sealing it to make the rocks/shells/grout shiny and she's done. At least one end of the table w/be clear until I can get Juan to come help install it. Oh, sorry to be wordy but the detail shows a teensy yellow shard of something I gleaned off the beach in Bucerias, along w/lots of other stuff on the bottom - there are lots of Bucerias pieces in this, as well as a few shells I picked off the beach in Kuwait. I was gleaning behind Janeybo, and was too tired by the end of our day to move further up the beach, so was sooooo proud to have found even a teensy bit of color after Eagle Eye Janey.

Fantasy Fish

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (23)

shrty411
15 years ago
Oh, that is great!! I love the red lips you gave the fish...It's so cool you have bits and pieces from all over the world in there!!
stjohnsgypsy
15 years ago
Another Slow Showpiece!!! It is so SLow...I love this...you are really something girl..............I'm still in a mosaic slump/meltdown...whatever.
Related Discussions
My current fantasy or merely a bad idea?
Q
Comments (29)
Philip- I love the enthusiasm. While it seems quite logical when we start to talk it out--the mixed plantings, so few of us, myself included, know enought about the maturing growth habits of the many varities of maples to pull things together. It is an experiement in learning as we look at online photo galleries and books to learn how the plant might grow for us. I would not spend the money on that CD right now, but use the links from my page, M & M Maples. I have been working on the site and the gallery, but you will find the links will contain much more mature specimens than I grow. Pay special attention to Esveld and Ganshukutei. The French site of Maillot Bonsai is o.k. but does not show many "tree" photos, but pictures of leaves. You will also find that many of the trees on the Maillot and Ganshukutei sites are not available here. You can use the tree finder at MountainMaples.com as well as their descriptions and make sure to search the UBC forums and this site for the trees you are interested in and for details. When going to the library, look for the Vertrees "Japanese Maples," 2nd edition. This edtion has the trees grouped by type or growth habit. It will allow you to see similar varieties grouped together. The 3rd edtion is alphabetical and it is hard to see the similarities. I may poke around some tonight and tomorrow and see if I can add some links to my website, so check in a day or so. There is a great photography site out there that has some outstanding photos of maples that I need to relink. The link I used to have died on me. Anyway, enough for now. If you go to the links page, lick on Iseli Nursery--the display garden is quite spectacular. Another spectacular garden can be seen here: http://www.bloomriver.com/reFrame.asp?page=/root/viewPlants.asp?ID=14 I visited in 2004 and quite enjoyed it. MJH Here is a link that might be useful: M & M Maples
...See More
I might lose bluebird nestling today
Q
Comments (6)
I would like to update my case. The HOSP made one more attempt (when the wounded BB baby was still alive, but seemed could not compete for food), but that time I noticed that BB parents behaved strange and hesitated to enter the house, though they did not sound very concerned. Just in case I approached the house and stuck my finger in, as soon as I puled it out, the HOSP male flew out and I even touched him, BB parents chased him away. If I knew it before I could catch him. I checked the BB babies and they were fine but scared. I was sure that day the HOSP would not return, The next morning, 2 days later after the first HOSP attack, I found the wounded BB dead and the BB female tried to carry him out. I made her leave the house, took out and disposed the dead BB (smell was already bad). I decided to exploit the smartness of the HOSP against him. As I mentioned he leaned that the spooker was not dangerous, and fishing line was also useless against him. I opened the front wall and left it open to serve as a perch site. Instead I attached two-entry patch and stuck it with a scotch tape. I was certain that the HOSP would be too smart to ignore the sudden transformation of the BB house. Besides the house started looking more scary, like having two big eyes. The other thing I pursued with this transformation is to have emergency exit or entrance, since the HOSP would not be able to block the both holes at the same time. With the 2 holes there was more light inside and I could check the nestlings without opening the door. At first the BB parents were confused, but shortly they figured out their babies were still inside and doing well. As the result I have not seen the HOSP around anymore, the BB parents became more defensive and the three BB babies have fledged yesterday. Now I need an advice or opinion: a) I take the BB house down until I significantly reduce HOSP population. Actually the HOSP infestation was not too bad first, but then numerous young HOSPs fledged from the neighbors house and the area became heavily infested. That house is like the HOSP farm, and at the same time HOSPs would almost never seat on my roof. b) I keep the BB house with the transformed front wall, c) I restore the house to its original shape, where I can set up a trap as needed. Thanks. This post was edited by stal14 on Wed, Jul 2, 14 at 11:24
...See More
Range Wish List...reality or fantasy?
Q
Comments (46)
I'm now beginning to think there's a whole lot of substance in the title you gave to this thread, Soshh! I went to one of the Domains yesterday where they were holding a black Aga 6-4 floor model for me to check out. (Earlier, at a different Domain, I had seen the claret red version which kicked off my obsession with the Aga 6-4 in the first place.) IMO, the black 6-4, on visual grounds alone, just did not live up to my expectations. Further, on this floor model's exterior, near the handle, there was a notable section of missing paint and the handle was loose. The salesperson said all that would be taken care of before delivery. But still. . . More importantly,I think my Aga obsession is slowly starting to fade. It's certainly a gorgeous stove, but for me, an empty nester living single -- it may be way more stove than is needed. And, even with a floor model discount of 30%, plus an additional architect's discount of 10% -- a whopping 40% off in total -- I'm beginning to seriously question whether I should go forward with such a purchase. One of the things that makes it so hard for me to go with the Aga is that I've got NO support for doing so from anyone I know personally! A friend who took the hour+ drive to the store with me yesterday (a Wolf owner)questioned my sanity about this for the entire time of the drive. Once we got to the store, where we could examine the range in detail, her critical comments increased all the more. We met another friend for lunch who, upon hearing I was considering the Aga joined in to form a "why would you do that?" chorus. The final straw came last night, when I returned home to voicemail message from yet another friend. Having polled some supposedly knowledgeable co-workers on the virtues of the Aga, they too chimed in with admonitions against my purchase on the basis that it is a range that exists "for design purposes only but is laughable on performance." Frankly, I think there is still a lot of confusion between those who only know Aga as the traditional British cooker and don't understand that the Legacy and 6-4 are different models for the US market. At the same time, I just haven't been able to find significant support for going the Aga route -- even in more knowledgeable venues such as Appliance Advisor and here on the GW forums. In the end, just about all agree that it's a very beautiful and very expensive range. The few who have it, seem to love it, but the fact that there are so few who tout its praises -- based on direct experience -- scares me somewhat. Well, a whole lot really. Bottom line? I did not purchase an Aga 6-4 floor model yesterday. And, while I did not completely close the door (told them if they could find me a floor model in red or cream to let me know), I find I might be starting to lean back towards the more familiar, traditional pro-style range market. . . like towards a Bluestar or Wolf, maybe? Sigh.
...See More
Do realtors know we are in a housing slump yet?
Q
Comments (17)
Hi Gamecock, I agree with the posters that would hold off until you are closer to actually getting to your destination city and a purchase. What is available now, won't be in several months so it's really a waste of your time to get hooked emotionally to a home now. What you should be doing(IMHO) is to connect with a good agent in your destination area. Building a relationship now will put you in good stead down the road. One thing that you MUST find out is what type of "Agency" they practice within that state. Some states still practice what's called "sub-agency" which is where agents' fiduciary duty is to the seller. Here in Arkansas, we are buyer agents unless the buyer is looking at a company listing. That puts both the buyer's agent and the listing agent in a "dual agency" position which basically means that your agent can not help you negotiate. In Illinois, we practice "Designated Agency" which puts buyers in a much better position when it comes to negotiating. In case you're confused, I'm licensed in both states. Next time you talk with an agent, find out what their state laws are regarding agency. Good luck.
...See More
emtnest
15 years ago
Slow, I just finished looking at all of your stuff and must say, I love it all...can you tell me about that totem with the round thingys? They don't look like bowling balls.. what the heck are they? Thanks.. Dottie
ladyronnie
15 years ago
Dear Slow-Betty, I REALLY like your Fanta-Sea Fish :)
AND I just LOVE that I have been IN your workshop. Just gives me warm fuzzies.

I need a slump-butt-kicker myself. After the strawberry (for which I STILL need to fashion a deeper base) I just haven't been able to start anything else. It doesn't help that my craft room is still a dump after the berry finally made its exit. Keep posting, maybe I'll get inspired to create something. I do have that drawing for another Riana sculpture...
Mermaid
15 years ago
Queen Slow is back!!! I LOVE this one. I want it.. To bad it's too heavy, or might have to make a midnight run up to Texarkana and help those little fishies move towards the sea to Florida!!! LOL.

oh my.. i really do love this one and it is so very cool that it represents all kinds of places you have traveled so whenever you look at it, there you'll be. And your DD had a say in this works also. Very nice very slow.. keep then coming, no more of those slumps. K?

How BIG is this piece??? And what did you make it out of??
sereneseen
15 years ago
Slow, love the fantasy fish. All the different kinds of items you incorporated into the piece is a great way to save a memory. All your pieces are fabulous. I'm glad you are out of your slump!

I have a question about your totem columns. How are they secured together?
cindiloo
15 years ago
I don't know what more I can add...this is AWESOME!!
Sorry you didn't enjoy working on it...that's no fun.
Now you can work on something that rocks your socks...
Oh, and will you show us a picture after it's installed behind the new fountain? Thanks!
chickencollecter
15 years ago
Dang it! I can't get the picture! I'm sure it's wonderful. Gonna come back later and try again.

Be Safe, Rach
texaswild
Original Author
15 years ago
G'morning, y'all, and thanks again. CHICKEN - I can't get in either. Tried last evening, and can't get in. Have been trying several access attempts, and I can't even get into my pictures on Photobucket off the net. I keep getting an add from Atspace or something to that effect. W/answer questions now and then try to figure out what's happened to my Photobucket acct. Guess I have too many pictures. Have any of you had trouble lately? EMTENEST - the totem you mentioned must be the clay pots I painted and used to cover a pole in my back yard. It is set in concrete, so had to leave it. I think it was one of three poles for a flowering vines. I call this the bead pole. I enlarged the holes in the bottoms of the pots, and made concrete filler "beads" w/concrete in a gelatin mold. They are not attached, just two pots facing each other, filler bead, another set of pots. SERENE - I'm assuming you're talking about the cinder block pedestals - not adhered either. I move things around too much to do that w/them - all separate blocks. If you're talking about the large one I did for my DD in Dallas, they are flue liner terra cotta tiles - not adhered either, but I did fill the seams w/silicon and stick tiles into it to hide the seams. MER - the fish plaque is 36" square, and is on hardibacker. CINDI, I w/post a picture when it's installed. I gotta deal w/photobuckets now, and if I can't get in, I'll have to move to another site. Seems I'm not the only one in a slump - must be the summer slows. I AM anxious to get started on the birdbath bowl today. Just takes a little mosaicing to cure the slows. Thanks again, y'all.
klinger
15 years ago
Slow I just love this piece. I could get in to see it and I really love the whimsical eyelashes on the fish. Love all the pieces from Bucerias and Kuwait. Wonderful to incorporate them.You were lucky to get anything with eagle eye Janie on the prowl, she;s sooo quick. I'm glad you're out of your slump, and it looks so wonderful,
Cindy
shrty411
15 years ago
I's almost noon Michigan time and I can see your pictures just fine
texaswild
Original Author
15 years ago
Can't figure it out - I still can't get in, nor to a Photobucket site w/o getting the add for Adspace. Has anyone else reached the limit to where one has to pay for photo storage? I can't even get in to delete photos. ????? Thanks y'all.
shrty411
15 years ago
I have 288 photos with no problem. I can get to all your albums, but it doesn't show me a total of your pictures. I think you have some spyware or someting stopping you from getting in it.
Calamity_J
15 years ago
LOVE IT SLOW!!! Especially the eyelashes!!! This is very inspiring and I may have to take a break from gardening and get a panel done!!! You know me and my 3d! but am loving this panel sooo much!!! It reminds me of Sam's Hacienda Mosaico Fish Fountain!!! Now Ladies: I grew up on a beach all my born days! so beachcombing is my (My Dad was an actual beachcomber!) way of life!!!heh heh!!!
texaswild
Original Author
15 years ago
SHRTY: I think you're right. Atspace is blocking me, wanting me to buy/use their photo storage. I ran Spybot, and AVG runs daily, so I don't know what else to do. CALAM: I haven't had time to look at your gardening photos you sent via email yesterday, but from what you describe, you're a team of one - GEESH - wish I had your strength. Yeah, you left NOTHING in your wake on Bucerias beach. Just finished mowing/edging/blowing, and getting ready to bring the birdbath bowl inside to begin. Think I'm going outside the box, and just mosaic in white shards. Don't wanna make a green leaf.
texaswild
Original Author
15 years ago
Found a site (if interested, it's the last sight on the page of a Google search for Photobucket) that says Photobucket was hacked by a Turkish hacker. Photobucket says their site was down for an hr. yesterday, but some users w/have troubles longer. One of the commenters says it's Wednesday, and she was still locked out. **sigh** - it's Photobucket's problem.
texaswild
Original Author
15 years ago
Installed the plaque and re-arranged everything. Two lanterns w/candles aren't shown, but they look so pretty at night w/all the candles lit. This was a LOT of trouble taking everything down and getting the plaque leveled etc. Juan did a good job in 1 1/2 hrs. It sits on the two blocks, and is wired to the fence. Looks unlevel, but it's cuz the fence rail is sloped. It all looks a little contrived, but as GYPSIE says - it is what it is, and I'm DONE w/the plaque!
daisyme
15 years ago
Whimsical, wonderful! I love your fish! Your DD was absolutely right about what was needed behind your fountain. They have such personalities! And, by the way, I bet your DD's the OTHER beautiful redhead in your family photos. Am I right?
cindiloo
15 years ago
OOoooo, I just want to come over and sit amongst all that beauty and calmness! It looks really, really nice there!
nicethyme
15 years ago
I LOVE IT!!!! looks so full of interest!
texaswild
Original Author
15 years ago
Oh, those family photos - need to take them out. That's the youngest one who lives in Dallas. Oldest one lives here just about four minutes from me, and who dreamed up the fish plaque. Thanks, y'all.
stjohnsgypsy
15 years ago
The big WOW..........you are so adventurous! Love the setting!
texasfern
15 years ago
Ditto Cindy! Looks so inviting! So colorful!

The Slump Might be Over Soon w/Fantasy Fish

Comments (23)

shrty411

stjohnsgypsy

Related Discussions

emtnest

ladyronnie

Mermaid

sereneseen

cindiloo

chickencollecter

texaswild
Original Author

klinger

shrty411

texaswild
Original Author

shrty411

Calamity_J

texaswild
Original Author

texaswild
Original Author

texaswild
Original Author

daisyme

cindiloo

nicethyme

texaswild
Original Author

stjohnsgypsy

texasfern

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

The Slump Might be Over Soon w/Fantasy Fish

Comments (23)

Related Discussions

texaswildOriginal Author

texaswildOriginal Author

texaswildOriginal Author

texaswildOriginal Author

texaswildOriginal Author

texaswildOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

texaswild
Original Author

texaswild
Original Author

texaswild
Original Author

texaswild
Original Author

texaswild
Original Author

texaswild
Original Author