janey, love those tree carvings.! I have a collection of tree carving pics, but very different. Here is one of Peter Wolf Toth's carvings (at least one in each state) to honor the American Indian.

I upholstered this little ottoman yesterday to go with my black & white Southern Living Greek key bedroom duvet cover set. If you look closely, the feet are a modern day version of ball 'n claw feet.

I love them EVERY day....so thank you all for giving me such pleasure. You all are so talented...it is just like getting one of those "Taste of Home" magazines (no ads) .... I can't remember the name of the magazine...just remember how hard it was to part with them.

In much of SE Asia, it is very common to see spirit houses. They can be very small and plain all the way to large and elaborate. The spirit house provides shelter for spirits that could cause problems for the people if not appeased. The shrines often include images of people and animals. Offerings of food, drink, incense and flowers are left to nurture the spirits. In return the spirits offer protection and good fortune. I was out walking in Bangkok one day when I came across this spirit house. Apparently, the spirits visited in the form of pigeons that day.