In Keeping With The Heart Theme

It is February and that means hearts to most folks. I'm going along with that tradition at least one more time. Why one more time? Well, I don't think I have anymore heart things made up. Still declaring my heart creations as "love of life" hearts.

Being in farm and ranch country, and a part of Texas that is more desert than some of the monsoon areas, everyone talks about the weather. Church today was no exception as we have been getting that much needed rain. Everyone asks the same question, "How much rain did you get this week?" Our reply has been, "We don't really know. We took the little measuring tube out of the holder so it wouldn't freeze and break and we keep forgetting to put it back." I'm certain all the locals are wondering what two "city folk" are doing in this part of the world if we can't even keep up with rain fall. That being said, we love our little corner of Valley Creek and don't miss city life much at all.

The Dragon Rises

Sometimes the Kiln Goddess leave some lovely surprises in the kiln. I consider this one of them.

I purchased this lovely blue glass, Blueberry something or other, and decided to see how it reacted to the flame. Then I put a few silvered ivory shards on and melted those in and then into the kiln it went. My surprise was the dragon that seems to be rising from the sea with some awesome clouds blowing around. I am sure if I had planned to do this it would have never happened. The reverse side of the bead is rather interesting as well. I'll try and remember to show that tomorrow.

I am happy to report that some clouds have been swirling around Valley Creek and have actually given us a bit of much need rain. Amazing what rain can do. My garden has gone absolutely crazy with squash leaves that are so big and a promise of squash as well. Eggplant plants have quadrupled in size and cantaloupe vines are running everywhere. Even my rose bushes are putting on new leaves. I thought they might be doomed a few weeks ago. Valley Creek is once again bubbling along and the red eared sliders (turtles) are happy creatures once again. Our farmer's cotton is coming up so the fields are looking green once again. Black clouds are hanging overhead tonight and flashes of lightening can be seen.......I hope those clouds open up over us once again.