This year, I started visiting a local nursery (which is about a 3 minute drive from my house... why didn't I look there before?), and they've given me some freebies: - A free coleus, after they had already given me 3 coleus for half the normal price of one. - 8 free lily bulbs that were leftovers from the spring planting season (probably dead). - 24 free gladiolus bulbs, also leftovers, but still alive. - Permission to "snatch" some daylily seeds. - 3 free ears of miniature indian corn. - Today, they gave me a free mum. They also gave me some other unexpected discounts throughout the year: - a daylily that was supposed to be $2.50 for $2 - a 4-pack of dusty millers that was supposed to be 75¢ for 50¢ - a pot of lilies that was supposed to be $5 for $3 - a pumpkin that was supposed to be 75¢ for 50¢ - twice, they didn't make me pay sales tax I guess they know how to keep bargain hunters happy!

Wow that is a lot of stuff...like I should talk...LOL. Looks similar to my lists from the last three years. We are building a greenhouse this year also. I am excited as I am sure you are too. Good luck with all your newly planted stuff...I hope they survived the winter for you. I have about three flats of plug size perennials I overwintered in my veggie beds. I hope they make it too.

Jenn, I was born a collector and packrat. I swear from time I could walk I was "collecting". As for my Painted Ponies and what started me on them....I've always loved horses dearly. Always. At one time I owned 5, and did gymkhana events and barrel racing with them as well as just riding all thru the desert and mountains here. Bet y'all didn't know I was a cowgirl once upon a time. LOL I haven't had a horse in 25 yrs but will never stop loving them. I also love artwork and envy those with talent, as I can't draw a stick figure decently. The Trail of Painted Ponies came into being around 2000, and I was totally in love with them. Each pony is done by a certain artist and has a "story" behind it. I never get tired of looking at the ponies and the beautiful art on them. They release new ponies about 3 times a year. And seems they are quite the investment too. Reg prices run $20-$30, but some ponies get retired each year. Those from the first year are now selling for $300 to $600. So I told my kids these are their inheritance. LOL. I have collected all but about 12 of the ponies, so I'm thrilled now to have so many, as I had no clue their value would go up so much. If any of you want to see the ponies or read more about them, here's the official website. It's quite interesting I think. hugs, Karen Here is a link that might be useful: Trail of Painted Ponies

Thanks so much, everyone! I appreciate the kind words. I have only been at it since the Spring, but I have already become an addict. Must be the company around here. ;-) I actually have a background in painting, so I love to combine the two media (mosaic being the other, of course) in one- the tempered glass has been a lot of fun to work with. The clock was my first attempt- I got it at Goodwill and stared at it for a few months before I came up with an idea for it. My brother loves Montana- he has been there several times, and I had a nice sunset picture that I used for my color inspiration. The base was sealed already, so I just painted over it with acrylics. When it was dry I puzzle-pieced the glass over the paint and grouted it as usual. The piece that I broke had a lot of larger clusters, so I used those first, then filled in the gaps. I liked the look of the grout flowing in "rivers", rather than being more regulated, if that makes sense. I don't have a lot of larger pieces left, so I might have to get some more! I had the table already- it was a castoff from a store that closed in the mall. My brother went to Notre Dame, and loves the Blue/gold combo, so I sort of started with that in mind this time (being mindful of his other decor, of course). I sealed it and painted the base in the same way that I did the clock- though this time I just squirted the paint and sort of free formed it. You might be able to see in a few spots that I ran a blade through it in a sort of marbling pattern- it ended up adding a lot of interesting effects under the glass. The gold is just faux gold leaf (it is sort of plastic-y, so it was kind of hard to cut into organic shapes). I just shredded it and through it on randomly at first, then moved it around until I was satisfied. Just experimentation, really- kind of seeing what I could come up with! I grouted with a deep black, and it really came out dramatic- I had a glass round that fit on top, and it sparkles even more when the light hits it. Wish I had another table like it- I was sad to see it head "home" to Vermont. ;-) Anyway, I am glad that you all liked them. I have been a bit intimidated to show my stuff after seeing all of your wonderful projects, but I have learned so much that I wanted to share, too. So, thanks again, and I hope that I have more to show soon... Jenny