Snakes, Birds, Awards and Winners!!

Ok, let's start with the snake. I know you're wondering how that works into things! This weekend we took Scarlet to Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom Aviary which is always so much fun! And in an act to start early with fearlessness in all things usually known as "creepy", I got her to hold this huge python!

Kevin was trying to inconspicuously take a picture from the side as the worker was taking our picture from the front (for $$ of course!). My little brave girl had the big snake tail wrapped right around her shoulder and leg! Now, I'm a lover of snakes, but don't look to me to make her brave with spiders! No can do!!

Here's my big snake handler with her super smile!

We had lots of fun! As for the birds, we didn't get many photos of them, but if you are anywhere near Niagara Falls, Canada, you must check this place out!

Exotic birds, waterfalls, a reconstructed Javanese Coffee House and lots of animal interaction!

Now speaking of other birds, the kind that aren't alive, I sent out my Sweet Little Bird Nest Swap hosted by the wonderful Heather (http://speckled-egg.blogspot.com) to my partner Cindy (http://cindygilstrap.typepad.com) , both of which I met at Silver Bella! These two girls are the nicest! Anyway, here's my nest that Cindy should receive today:

I'll show you what I receive when it arrives! I can't wait!

Another bird-related item that I recently received was this original piece I treated myself to from one of my favorite artists, Layla at http://dollfacedesign.etsy.com

I just love her work! It's so my kind of aesthetic. This piece is done in original ledger papers, vintage wall paper, with lots of detail on canvas.

I simply adore it!

Check out Layla's shop often because she updates it a lot and you'll always find really cool work.

Now, my friend and Silver Bella gal Linda (http://lindajos.blogspot.com)  has flattered me with this award:

The Angelic Art Award!

How sweet is that?!! Thank you Linda!

Now I must pass this on to 5 others who inspire me daily.....

1. Heidi Woodruff (http://journals.aol.com/hwoodred/everyday-cookies) Heidi is the sweetest, most thoughtful, sincere and kind soul! I just love her crafts and all the wonderful things she shares! She's a definite favorite of mine!

2. Lilli Beck (http://makemineblissful.blogspot.com) who is thoughtful beyond words, musically inclined (which I always admire!) and has the best attitude ever! Lilli makes wonderful projects on her sewing machine and shares great stories and thought-provoking posts.

3. Sarah Keith (http://vintagelily.typepad.com) whom I recently became blog-friends with and who has a great blog packed with great photos! Always a fun place to visit for inspiration!

4. Heather of Jeweled Elegance (http://jeweledonline.com) with whom I have lots of things in common, like reading, multi-tasking and zucchini-bread making! Her jewelry is fabulous and she's so kind and a great listener too!

5. Cari Kraft (http://carikraft.typepad.com). I always refer to Cari as my craft idol. I don't know if she knows that, but she is as close to paper-crafting perfection as they get if you ask me! She's cool, funny, nice and extremely talented!

Wow! This post is getting to be quite the "LIST"...

So for all those who are swinging over to see if they won the Victoria Magazine Giveaway...let's not drag this on for goodness sakes!

I pulled three names from the basket last night and each person will receive 2 issues of Victoria Magazine from 1996....

And the winners are:

Maria (http://thejunkkdrawer.blogspot.com)

Deena (http://deenasstory.blogspot.com)

Laura (no blog, but the only Laura who entered!)

I will email you three shortly for your addresses! Thanks for all those who entered and who visit daily! I will be doing more giveaways this month because as you know it's National Craft Month! (at least that's what the sign in Joann's window says!)

Have a great day peeps!

Comments

[Melissa]

Okay Natalea, I don't know which I would be more afraid of...the birds or the snakes! LOL
You girls are BRAVE!!!

[Heidi Woodruff]

Okay, Not on your life would I let a snake on me! You ARE brave! And that thing looks heavy!

Your nest is so pretty, I love the "feel" it has! Cindy will love it!

And, thank you SO much for including me as one of your recipients for the Angelic Art Award! I accept! (LOL) I will post it very soon!!!!

Hugs!
*Heidi*

[Lilli]

Good for you, for setting a good example with the snake. Kids always look to us adults first to decide how to react to things.

Niagara Falls is great! Have you ever been to Niagara-on-the-lake? Just a few miles north of the falls, it's a really cute town with sweet little shops

http://www.niagaraonthelake.com/gallery/index.php?cat=7

I LOVE your cute little nest! It's got everything a birdie could want :)

Layla's work is great. There are so many layers of detail that I'm sure you'd always find something new and charming in it.

Thanks so much for the award! You're so sweet to nominate me :)

[Karla]

I love that you are teaching Scarlet to be brave! I'm with you on the snakes - they never bothered me. Small spiders are okay - big ones not so much! And I definitely am not a gypsy moth fan. Congrats on your award!
Karla

[m i c h e l l e]

Your nest is SO lovely! And Layla's stuff is so beautiful. And thanks for all the links to all your angels!!! :-)

[Joy]

Wow Natalea, you were brave to hold that HUGE snake! We went to Niagara Falss a couple of years back but I didn't know about this place - thanks for the tip!

The nest is soooo sweet and Layla's art is to die for. I could get lost in that!

Hav a great day :)

Joy

[MonicaA]

oh my word!
I would faint if that snake were even out of the cage! Your a brave one :)
Now spiders i can do after living in the desert for almost 9 years. Still dont like them...but I can deal.
Great job on your sweet nest :)

[Bejeweled]

Aww..you are so sweet to give me such a lovely award! Thank you!!!

I love the shot of you and Scarlet with the snake! What a fun place the Niagara Falls Bird Kingdom Aviary looks like. Anyplace that lets you hold such a gorgeous python is someplace not to be missed :)

And I just love your nest for the swap! Love the sweet bird you used and the look and feel of it.