I tried to find out this morning if crepis rubra was known as a pink dandelion, but I couldn't find anything, at least on a fairly quick google search. I grew crepis rubra two years ago, and was a bit underwhelmed. The blooms were really quite lovely, but also really quite tiny, not dandelion-sized at all. (Well, at least not the size of the dandelions in MY yard, lol). I'd say not more than a 1/2 inch in diameter, if even that big. The plants were a bit scraggly and weak too, and taller and more spindly than what I would think of as daffodils. But now I wonder that if it *is* related to the dandelion, maybe having it in a pot with good quality potting soil was too rich for it! It was really a pretty little bloom though, and after seeing fledgling's photo, and looking at crepis photos, maybe I'll give it another try - but this time in poorer soil! That is, of couse, unless someone can actually find out exactly what fledgling's pink dandelion is - then I'll grow that! :) Dee

Not one thing you said is untrue... It is sad that we live in a world where "In the best interest of the children" Now means "What I want" and yes bio-parents find it really easy to turn their kids against the other. I know this is hard, I know your husband is tired as well as in pain. She knows she is causing this and it probably brings her satisfaction. However in the long run the children one day WILL open their eyes and see what has happened. (It may take much therapy and money) But they will see how she turned them against their father. And matter of fact is if the tables were turned and it was you driving this wedge EVERYBODY including bio-mom would be up in arms ready to lynch yo for being the "evil step mom" Keep going, keep being there when they need you and DON'T let BM know that it bothers you. If she takes you to court oh well... Outside of the court room don't mention the on going battle. Don't let her draw you into arguments. Keep conversations short and ONLY about the welfare of the children. If she doesn't get to see the frustration or hear about it, it might just take the wind out of her sails...

"If anything I find my tastes are influenced negatively here, not in a bad way really, just differently. I love funky bohemian combined with traditional and modern but don't feel that love from most posters so sometimes I second guess myself. There are some canvas prints at Pier One I am crazy about yet they are cheap. Will I hate them because they look cheap? ($30 each btw) Will they make my decor seem too wild? Cheap? As an artist, most other artists abhor this kind of thing and usually are quite snobbish about having only originals in their house. They would not buy a cheap print from Pier One! So, can I over come this pressure and the pressure here (subtle however) and actually get what I love? I do not like the vast majority of art people choose for their home so I would never ask anyone here "what do you think of this print?" I'm rambling but I guess it's all about keeping myself true to me." Bumblebeez, I feel your pain, really I do. :) Something that would truly *speak* to me, would be a gliclee of Monet's Sunrise. It was a work that was derided by critics in its time and I had the opportunity to see it in the Monet Museum in Paris. It would have much more meaning to me, and to my husband, than something I bought off of Etsy or Ebay. At least you, as an artist, have the pedigree be able to get away with buying what you want (not that you should have to make excuses). It's the same way about furniture. If it's not heirloom or CL, there will always be detractors. I just try to suck it up and decorate to the best of my abilities.

WOW thanks so much! I must say something you all may laugh at but here goes. I have not been feeling well (with a bad cough) this past Sunday my daughter found 5 black swallowtails in their first instar stage. At that time we still had 2 crysalis in the aquarium to be hatched or whatever you call it you can till I am a newbie. Having to have to clean out the aquarium after only 3 caterpillars I told her I wasn't bringing in any more cats. The next morning I looked at the fennel that the 5 cats were on and only saw 2 after feeling a little better and one of the butterflys flew away I decided to clean the aquarium and bring in the lonely 2. Now I am sorry I didn't save all 5 of them. I can't image bringing in hundreds. I can't believe my daughter saw the 5 little itty bitty swallowtails; it was such a pleasure. I don't think I will ever see those tiny eggs. I think you have to have xray vision to spot them! You people are amazing and it has been a great time watching the few that we have had this year. Your all great at what you do! Just a reminder ......keep up the great work .......but yes give yourself a break and don't feel bad at all! GREAT JOB!