Saturday, November 14, 2009

The American White Pelican......



A new visitor has stopped by the lake this past week and 1/2. The American White Pelican. We didn't know what kind of bird it was, we thought it might be a stork by the looks and size of it but it wasn't.

I sent a few pictures into the Missouri Wildlife Department, they are always SO helpful, and this was their reply:

"Thank you for providing such nice clear pictures of American White Pelicans. They are a common transient on lakes and freshwater marshes. If you look to the sky during migration, pelicans may be seen flying in formation high in the air over many parts of the state. They can be confused with much smaller Snow Geese which usually migrate earlier in February and March.

Many more American White Pelicans migrate through the western half of Missouri then the eastern half. A visit to one of the lakes, rivers or large freshwater marshes in the fall usually yields from 50 to 5000 pelicans. They are usually in Missouri from the first week of March until the third week of November."

Funny thing though, we have NEVER seen these birds before this November nor has anyone that lives around us ever seen them on the lake before! We have no idea why they decided to stop by and grace us with their beauty, but we're so very grateful we had the opportunity to see them. They are magnificent, huge birds with a wing span that appears to be about 3 ft. or more (I'm talking big here). They spend their day just drifting around on the lake "fishing" for their meals.

The largest group we've seen appears to be in the 100's all brilliant white against that blue sky and dark water, they are beautiful! Enjoy the pictures!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Fun and Whimsical Lampwork Beads at Maybeads!




While searching Etsy one afternoon for a special gift for my grand daughters birthday I came across Maybeads. I had so much fun just "window" shopping through her store! Her handmade lampwork beads are some of the cutest I've ever seen. It was quite hard to pick just one for a necklace for Savannah! I ended up purchasing this darling tropical fish, something Savannah collects. Maybeads put it on a special "stretchy" cord so it couldn't be pulled off her neck and broken in school.

If you are a jewelry maker, or you are a collector of small animals and such Maybeads is a "must see". She is wonderful to work with and gives 200% to each of her customers....and her packaging and presentation of her products is just as pretty and sweet as the actual product!

Looking for something fun and special this holiday season? Stop by Maybeads and see what adorable lampwork beads you can find there!


Friday, November 6, 2009

Beautiful Fused Glass by Dpholk Designs








Finding unique and affordable gifts during the holidays is often difficult. You want something special, something created by hand but you can't afford it! DPholk Designs has so many fabulous gifts that are not only beautiful they are affordable and eco-friendly too!

I purchased a star suncatcher last year from her...it is on my wall along with other beautiful clay sculpted works that we picked up in Hawaii. That beautiful blue star just fit there! And I received one from her as a little gift, that one hangs in my sunroom where I see it every day.

Stop in to DPholk Designs on Etsy and take a look at her shop. There you will find many, many gifts that you'll love giving and the person receiving it will love it too!

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

PUZZIMALS- Another "Favorite" for the holidays...




Puzzimals, what beautiful scroll work. Fantastic attention to detail, great customer service. These puzzles were the hit of last years Christmas gifts for the grandkids and my niece! Many of the puzzles are colored which adds depth and life to them. They are sturdy and can take hours and hours of play from little hands. You can choose puzzles that are "easy" or harder for older kids.

These make wonderful gifts for children and adults alike! Stop by Puzzimals and see all the cute things they have to offer this holiday season. I know I'll be making some purchases there again this year!



Monday, November 2, 2009

Another FAVORITE Etsy Seller...GARDENJEWELS







Can you imagine walking through your garden? The sun is coming up, the dew is still on the plants and something off in the distance sparkles in the sunshine....sometimes I visit GardenJewels shop just to look at her things, they bring a sense of peace to me.

In GardenJewels Etsy shop you will find the most beautiful "jewels" for your garden or the window in your home. I purchase a breathtaking butterfly for my Sister last Christmas from GardenJewels. It was a gift that she loved and it was just gorgeous.

Take some time today to visit GardenJewels shop, you will not believe the beautiful things you'll find for everyone on your gift list.