I'm not a restaurant critic but if I was, I would give five stars to Petit Bills Bistro on Wellington Street in Ottawa. Recently my husband and I had a double date with some friends and enjoyed a wonderful evening at Petit Bills. The lobster tail and risotto was so good, I thought about it every day for days and days. Then I started to dream about it. Mmmmmm. Click here to see Petit Bills' full menu. And thanks to Randy Fitzpatrick for adorning your walls with some of my wild horses! Giddyup.
Ottawa Art Expo - Wild Horses of Sable Isand
Great to be back at Ottawa Art Expo! This time around, my booth was 100 percent wild horse images from Sable Island. It was such a pleasure to chat with visitors about these magnificent animals. Canadians should be proud of the fact that we are home to one of the only true wild horse populations in the world that is completely unmanaged by mankind!
Ringo and Radio!
Good things come when you least expect it! Like my Bernese mountain dog puppy Ringo, who seems to have just one purpose- to have fun. I like that modus operandi too. So I'm thrilled to be back on radio, Ottawa station Boom 997. Playing the best of the 70's, 80's, and 90's music, Boom's purpose is also to have fun. I will be just as devoted to photography and more inspired than ever! As long as I can keep Ringo free of mud, I can keep my camera free of mud.
Jordan McIntosh Photo Shoot
Spent the day photographing an up and coming country music star from Carleton Place Ontario: Jordan McIntosh. His fans absolutely adore him and his star is on the rise! Thanks Jordan for allowing me to put you next to a whole lotta buildings, railroad tracks, grassy fields and whatever else I could think of. A very sweet kid and his future looks so bright, I shoulda worn shades. More about Jordan here
Lily Pad Under the Tree
A gorgeous summer day, a peaceful kayak paddle along the shoreline of the Rideau River. Always fun to find a hidden beauty....
Galerie Old Chelsea
Located above the 5-star restaurant 'Les Fougeres' in the Gatineau Hills, Galerie Old Chelsea is a sun-filled, inviting home to the works of 12 local artists, including watercolour, oil, charcoal, photography, stained glass and hand-made jewellery. Thrilled to have my horses at this gorgeous gallery! More info here.
'The Wild Horses of Sable Island' Article and Photos by Sandy Sharkey (published in Equine Canada Magazine)
'Take the time to sit, take it in, and let your soul catch up with you'. The words of expedition leader Stefan Kindberg, addressing the passengers aboard the ship, Sea Adventurer. We were an hour away from getting into the Zodiac boats that would take us from our anchored ship to the land of the wild horses on Sable Island, and Stefan knew we were giddy with excitement. I had dreamt about visiting Sable Island since I was a kid, with illustrated stories about the wild horses tucked underneath my pillow in hopes that one day I would have the opportunity to see them.
Our time on Sable island would be fleeting, and I appreciated Stefan's words of wisdom. Especially since there was a good chance that I would implode from excitement once I finally saw the wild horses.
Three hundred kilometres east of Halifax, Nova Scotia, Sable Island is a crescent-shaped island that is 42 kilometres long, and 1.4 kilometres wide. It is situated right in the path of some of the most treacherous currents in the world. Storm waves and winds carry sand onto the beaches, where it is whipped further inland and trapped by plants. Sable Island's narrow interior is sheltered between two ridges of sand dunes, which protect the foliage and freshwater ponds, the lifeblood for the few hardy species that survive on this crescent-shaped sliver of land.
Sable Island is home to one of the world's last wild horse populations.
How did the horses get there? According to legend, the horses were survivors of ships lost at sea. The island is known as the 'Graveyard of the Atlantic', and with over 350 known shipwrecks dating back to 1583, it was irresistible for writers of fiction to conjure up this connection. But the truth is much less romantic.
Today's Sable Island horses are descended from the horses that were confiscated from Acadians during their expulsion from the United States in the 18th century. Boston merchant Thomas Hancock brought sixty Acadian horses to the island in 1760, as work horses for a new life-saving station. The horses eventually returned to a wild state, thriving under the harsh conditions.
Sable Island horses were periodically rounded up and transported to the mainland, where they were auctioned off, frequently for dog food. By the late 1950's, the horses were nearly extinct.
In 1960, an extraordinary event took place that would forever change the course of history for the Sable Island horses. Children from coast to coast sent thousands of cards, letters and drawings to Prime Minister John Diefenbaker pleading that the horses be saved. A self-professed animal lover, Diefenbaker declared full protection for the wild horses of Sable Island. Children all over North America thanked the Prime Minister for allowing the horses to be 'as free as the wind'.
In 2008, the Sable Island horse was named the official horse of Nova Scotia. The Canadian government officially declared Sable Island as Canada's 43rd national park reserve on December 1, 2013.
In conjunction with Parks Canada, Canadian company Adventure Canada offered a June voyage to Sable Island, and I jumped at this chance of a lifetime. Scientists and researchers, writers and photographers, artists and dreamers, all sailed from St John's Newfoundland to our destination: anchorage one mile off Sable's southern shore. We were briefed about the importance of zero-impact visits to the island, and keeping a mandatory 20 metre distance from the horses (we were also warned that the horses would not necessarily be where we wanted them to be, and a horse-free visit was a possibility). It was finally time to strap on my life-jacket, grab a seat in the Zodiac, and step onto the sands of Sable Island.
Guided by Parks Canada staff, our small group hiked north between the sand dunes, following established horse trails so we wouldn't disturb fragile vegetation and nesting birds. Within minutes I had spotted a line of hoof prints in the sand leading up to the top of a ridge. But that ridge was off-limits and nowhere near our designated trail. Since I enjoy hiking and daydreaming at the same time, eventually I imagined myself sneaking away, following the sandy prints, finding the horses, enjoying the horses, photographing the horses, then re-joining the group and not one person being the least bit suspicious.
I didn't need to daydream any longer. Just behind a grassy dune, twenty-five metres away, a dark brown stallion and two chestnut mares grazed contentedly on rich marram grass, barely offering a glance in our direction. Wild horses of Sable Island. My eyes were wide and I could feel tears welling up, maybe because I had expected to cry at the very first dramatic, romantic sighting of a Sable Island horse, which I had assumed would be a rearing stallion on a ridge-top, mane flowing in the wind.
Still shedding her winter coat, one of the mares was as shaggy as a sheepdog... in stark contrast to her stallion, who had already shed his extra coat to impress as many mares as possible. The horses were smallish, between 13 and 14 hands, stocky, with thick bodies, small ears, tails low set and shaggy, and long manes that covered their eyes as they grazed. Our group watched them in silence.
We continued north and hiked past a freshwater pond, one of several on the island. When water is scarce, Sable Island horses have learned to dig deep into the sand to find a fresh source. The ponds rarely freeze in the winter but if they do, the horses will eat snow. We followed another line of sand dunes- the island is forever shifting and changing due to the sand that is sculpted by the winds. A band of ten horses appeared at the top of a ridge, under clear skies against a backdrop of deep blue sea, as close to a perfect scene as any one of us could ever imagine.
Sable Island bands wild horse bands usually consist of a dominant stallion, one or more mares with offspring, and one or more subordinate males. Males unsuccessful at earning the right to lead a family band will often form 'bachelor groups'.
Keeping our distance, we observed true wild horse behaviours, with the occasional scuffle between stallions, mares grooming each other and tiny foals showing only the slightest curiosity towards the hikers. Human presence on the island has been limited to a handful of research scientists, naturalists, artists and weather experts, and with Parks Canada's promise to keep the status quo with a 'hands off' approach to the horses, they show no fear whatsoever.
We followed the band as they descended the ridge and approached the sandy beach. With short pasterns that allow them to move easily in the sand, the horses walked directly to a huge piece of driftwood-turned-rubbing post, waiting patiently for their turn to enjoy a good face rub against the weathered wood. Without a single tree on this windswept island (except for one tiny pine that has somehow survived for years), the horses will seek anything to rub against. A radio receiver station once needed expensive repairs because it became irresistible to itchy horses.
In 1974, Halifax native Zoe Lucas worked as a cook for scientists studying seals on Sable Island. Eventually she began to research the flora, fauna and wildlife of Sable Island, becoming intensely involved in the study of Sable Island horses. A field camp on Sable Island has now become her home, and there is no one more knowledgeable about the Sable Island horse.
The morning after our arrival, Lucas greeted us on the southern shore as we arrived for another three hour hike. Lucas' research has shown that the Sable Island horses are genetically closest to Icelandic horses. There is a 50/50 balance between the sexes. Some horses have lived over twenty years but the average lifespan is twelve to fifteen years. The horses are bay, brown, or chestnut. There are no grays, roans, duns, palominos or spotted horses. In the late autumn, the horses do a curious thing. They bite the dead sections off the marram grass they feed upon, leaving a sheath that contains moist vegetation to sustain them throughout the winter.
Me, Zoe Lucas and photographer Michelle Valberg
Lucas has also learned that the wild horses of Sable Island like clove oil. To soothe an aching tooth, she had been given a bottle of clove oil, the contents of which emptied in her coat pocket. Wild horses from all over the island galloped towards Lucas that day, drawn to the source of the curious aroma.
A diminutive woman with an easy smile, Lucas is the biggest champion of the Sable Island horse, stressing the importance of continuing to study these unique animals for scientific understanding of horse health and behaviour. She eventually founded the Green Horse Society, as a form of public education about the horses and their island home.
Our final exploration of Sable Island was not on foot, but from Zodiacs at sea, 200 metres from the shoreline so that we would not disturb the grey seal colony lazing on the beach. The sun was low in the blue sky, the seas were calm, and we were about to witness true drama unfold.
We had spotted a band, nine mares and two foals, under the watchful eye of a dark bay stallion. From our vantage point, we could see another bay stallion a kilometre away, galloping furiously towards the band. The band stallion began to move his mares and foals away, pushing forward, and occasionally stopping to look back, as the challenger galloped closer and closer. One kilometre became five hundred metres, the challenging stallion charging along the sandbar, mane and tail flying in the wind, momentarily plunging into the sea to send a message by pawing aggressively at the water.
We held our breath as we witnessed the band stallion abandon his mares and foals to charge furiously towards the interloper. A chase ensued along the sandbar, with the band stallion furiously running his competition up the grassy ridge where his band watched from a distance. Finally, both stallions reared, teeth and hooves clashed ... and it was over.
The band stallion returned to the family that he had rightfully earned, with the challenger trotting away to continue life as a bachelor.
The population of horses on Sable Island is in a constant state of flux. As of June 2014, there are 560 horses sharing this slice of sand and dunes, the highest number that has ever been recorded. I asked Zoe Lucas if the future of the Sable Island wild horse was hopeful. She said that she did have hope, as long as the horses have a source of food and fresh water, and that we keep doing what we are doing.
Which, ironically, is doing nothing at all.
Raw Spectrum Showcase
Thank you to all who made the Raw: Spectrum Art Showcase such a success! It was wonderful to be surrounded by so many talented visual artists and performers! I had a chance to debut some of my Costa Rica horse images. I think they were happy to be in such a cool venue, St Brigids Centre for the Arts near the Byward Market.
Natural Horsemanship in Costa Rica
I enjoy going to Costa Rica because so much of the country has been kept in it's natural state. Jungles, rivers, wide expanses of beach with no sign of mankind...Costa Rica is a breath of fresh air for those who seek adventure in the wilderness. When I had the chance to combine my love of Costa Rica with my love of horses, I couldn't resist. Debbie Draves Legg and her husband Steve own a special piece of paradise called 'Leaves and Lizards' located in the shadow of Costa Rica's Arenal Volcano. Rustic jungle cabins open to spectacular views and birds of every colour. I was entertained by a family of sloths that would take forever to move from tree limb to tree limb outside my cabin. But the greatest joy were the horses at Leaves and Lizards. 'Costarricense de Paso' (Costa Rican horses) are high spirited, muscular, intelligent partners for those who come to ride. Most impressive? No mouth bits are used on the horses at Leaves and Lizards. Owner Debbie believes in natural horsemanship and the animals have been trained to follow other cues that are less invasive- the result being a wonderful riding experience for both horse and human. One day the horses were ridden to a nearby river, stripped of riding gear, and let loose to enjoy the cool flowing water. The horses acted like children, frolicking and splashing, a beautiful thing to watch. I highly recommend “Leaves and Lizards', tropical paradise AND gorgeous, healthy, happy horses. The best of both worlds!
Wild Horse Images at Galerie Old Chelsea
There was a lot of wine, and cheese, and cake. And wonderful friends, family, and people that I had never met. Thank you to all who visited my 'vernissage' and three week exhibit of wild horse images at the beautiful Galerie Old Chelsea in Quebec. I had the opportunity to talk about horses (one of my favourite subjects), and share stories about art, photography, photography as art, passion, leg cramps,(hiding behind a bush for an hour to get the shot you want), and I also explained why I buy Wayne Gretzky reisling, not to line Wayne Gretzky's pockets, but just because I really like it.
Thank you to Galerie Old Chelsea, and especially to Galerie co-owner, my friend Ross Rheaume, an extremely talented artist and wonderful host for the event.
The Gatineau Hills are just a short drive from Ottawa. Next time you are in the neighbourhood, be sure to stop by Galerie Old Chelsea to enjoy the eye candy from several talented local artists!
My wild horse images exhibit at Galerie Old Chelsea
Some of the finest photographers I know stopped by! And they are great friends too! (left to right) Peter Waiser, Jean Labelle, me, John Rowlands, Harry Nowell
Kristin Reimer, Louis Helbig and Mike Beedell
My mentor and friend, Ross Rheaume
Happy New Year and Hope for Wild Horses
2013 has been quite a year for me. In January, it began in the usual way. I woke up each day at 3:30am for my job as a morning show radio announcer, a job that I enjoyed immensely for over 20 years.
Then one day my job ended. I scooped up all the really important stuff I had in my drawers, like my Bruce Springsteen Christmas ornaments, Saturday Night Live DVD's and my Ottawa Senators bobble-head collection.
Then, for about five minutes, I wondered what to do next.
Maybe it was foreshadowing, or just plain coincidence, but a week 'before' I lost my job, someone sent me this video narrated by Alan Watts.
I watched it over and over again.
And that is how I found myself, six months later, standing on a mountain-top in central California, with a herd of wild horses thundering past.
I soon learned that the wild horse is in trouble. Through my photographs, and the ability to talk non-stop about something I really care about, over the past few months I have told the story about the plight of the wild horse at art shows, craft shows, parties, neighbours, friends on boats, complete strangers at the grocery store.
I wrote this blog just in case I missed someone.
'Look back at our struggle for freedom: trace our present day's strength to its source; and you'll find that man's pathway to glory, is strewn with the bones of the horse' – anonymous
In the late 1800's, there were an estimated 2 million wild horses roaming free across the western states
Tight-knit family bands of wild horses evolved to withstand anything that Mother Nature could deliver; from extreme heat to bone-chilling cold
From the backs of horses..... wars were fought and won, trails were paved, fields were plowed, and covered wagons were pulled across the plains, carrying families towards their dreams of a better life. And through it all, the horse became one of mankind's most trusted companions
The spirit of the free-roaming, hardy wild horse became the symbol of a wild and free nation.
'If we see cruelty or wrong that we have the power to stop, and do nothing, we make ourselves sharers of the guilt' – Anna Sewell, author of 'Black Beauty'
As livestock production began to skyrocket and public lands became home to over 40 million grazing cattle, wild horse numbers began to plummet.
Eventually, wild horses were poisoned, hunted from airplanes and entire family bands were chased into holding pens, often run for miles to the point of exhaustion and death.
This abuse led U.S Congress to create the 'Wild Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act' in 1971, a promise to protect wild horses from harrassment and capture.
Yet somehow, since 1971, 270,000 horses have been removed from public lands. Today, the cruel round-ups still exist. So what happened?
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) oversees the land on which the wild horses live: public land owned by the citizens of the USA. But the land is also leased by cattle ranchers and the powerful oil industry.
Wild horses are viewed as competition by the livestock and oil industry giants. Wild horses do not generate revenue, nor do they have a voice in Washington.
With BLM round-ups continuing, today there are twice as many wild horses being stockpiled in 'holding facilities' than there are running free. Fewer than 35,000 wild horses remain on public land. 50,000 captured wild horses have been stripped of their freedom and now live in government holding facilities and government subsidized ranches all at great expense to the tax payer. Complete family bands torn apart. Once-proud stallions, who defended their herds against all danger, but are no match for man's helicopters... now separated from their families forever. Foals, exhausted and frail, pulled from their mothers.
More than half of all wild American mustangs in North America are found in Nevada.
The official silver quarter for the state of Nevada depicts a trio of wild mustangs running against a backdrop of mountains.
But even this honour was not enough to save the horses.
In 2010, in the name of 'land management', the BLM rounded up almost 2000 wild horses in Nevada's Calico Mountains. 145 horses were killed as a result of the round-up.
In fiscal year 2012 alone, 10,350 wild horses and burros were rounded up from all public lands, resulting in the deaths of 80 animals. They were either killed by the round-up process or euthanized because of acute injuries.
72 percent of Americans support the protection of wild horses. And yet the round-ups continue, forced by income-generating outside interests.
Once captured, the wild horses are branded with a 'freeze-mark'. Horses are given three chances for adoption. If they are over ten years old or deemed 'unadoptable', they are branded with a 'U', which means 'unwanted'. Older horses are sold for as little as $1.00.
The removal of wild horses from western public lands is inhumane, unsustainable and unscientific.
The BLM is being asked to STOP removing horses from the wild, and to start a more humane program using fertility control to manage natural herds.
What does the future hold for the wild horse?
'There is no force more powerful for creating change than the voice of the general public'. - (Velma Johnston, aka 'Wild Horse Annie', who was instrumental in bringing the protection of wild mustangs to Washington in the 50's)
There is hope.
Located in central California, 'Return to Freedom Wild Horse Sanctuary' was founded by Neda de Mayo in 1998. Return To Freedom was created as a model to explore non-invasive and minimally invasive wild horse management alternatives. Today, Return to Freedom is home to hundreds of wild horses, original family bands rescued from government roundups and holding facilities.
It is here that Neda de Mayo invites the public to 'nature's classroom' to observe natural herd behaviour, stallions raising their young and the matriarchs shaping the character of the foals from the minute they are born. Return to Freedom exists as a model proving that with the use of immunal contraception, wild herds can be managed in a natural, peaceful manner, on their rightful ranges. There is no stronger argument to end the cruel practice of helicopter-driven round-ups of the noble wild horses who gave so much to mankind for hundreds of years.
In 2004, Neda De Mayo founded 'The American Wild Horse Preservation Campaign and Coalition' to advocate for the protection of America's wild horses and burros.
Your help is needed.
Get involved. The wild horse is disappearing WITH the help of the American government.
Help Return To Freedom create the first of it's kind National Wild Horse Preserve
Please go to www.returntofreedom.org
Thank you to the 'Ya-Ya's http://www.facebook.com/theyayas for recording the Jagger/Richards song 'Wild Horses', and making it available on I-Tunes for just 99 cents- all proceeds to Return to Freedom!
Link here to purchase the song for just 99 cents:
http://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/wild-horses-single/id784785237
And thank you to the Ya-Ya's, Rob Bennett, and photographic contributions by Lisa Dearing, Nadine deLange (and yours truly) for the production of this 'Wild Horses' video in support of Return to Freedom. Please share!
With your help, the nation's ultimate symbol of freedom will continue to run free for generations to come.
They are America's misfits, and all they need is a place to be' – Neda de Mayo
Merry Christmas, and all the best for 2014! 'Long May They Run'
Via Rail 'Destinations' Magazine
Thank you to 'Via Rail Destinations' Magazine for featuring some of my images in the Nov/Dec issue!
Signatures Show at Convention Centre, Ottawa Nov 13th - 17th
OTTAWA ART EXPO!
Mrs Laureen Harper joined me at my booth last night, at the Ottawa Art Expo! It runs all weekend at St Elias Centre, across from Mooneys Bay. Hope you can join us! Details here: http://ottawaartexpo.com/
Women's Show in Kemptville
The 'World of Women Show' is on in Kemptville today, and I am really looking forward to it! It starts at 2 pm and takes place at the North Grenville Community Centre. All the details are here:
https://www.facebook.com/WorldOfWomenShow
There will be a cash bar, (I decided to start with that!), and all kinds of food, product demonstrations, great speakers, and tons of great stuff for women!
Hope you can join us, I will have a booth representing Cabin Road Art. As always, with any purchase of a wild horse image, I will be making a donation to 'Return to Freedom' Wild Horse Sanctuary.
I'm still laughing about the fact that the 'acronym' for Cabin Road Art by Sandy Sharkey, is...... CRABSS. So come out to the World of Women Show in Kemptville, and consider giving someone the gift of CRABSS! ha ha ha...
Wiggle Waggle Walkathon for the Humane Society!
The Wiggle Waggle Walkathon for the Ottawa Humane Society is on tomorrow at Queen Juliana Park! This is a huge fundraiser for the shelter, and it's a very special day- as the Ottawa Humane Society celebrates it's 125th anniversary! About 1,000 dogs come out each year (with their humans) and it's a ton of fun with games, prizes, Pet Pavilion and more! I will have a tent on site with lots of animal art! Hope to see you there!
Life is a Highway. If You're a Cow
It has often been said that it is very lucky to have six cows walk on the highway through thick fog in front of you.
Ok, maybe no one ever said that. Except me. Once.
Wild Mustangs and the Westin Hotel
Tomorrow is a very exciting day! Thank you to Catherine Landry and Ann Rickenbacker of the Westin Hotel for inviting me to speak at the 'Ladies Who Lunch' event!
I will be discussing my 'career change'... after 33 years in radio I have gone feet-first into the world of photography as art.
But most importantly, I will be speaking about my recent trip to the 'Return to Freedom' Wild Horse Sanctuary. Back in June, my friend Nadine and I travelled to California to join a group of like-minded horse and photography enthusiasts, lead by two of the best equine photographers anywhere, Kimerlee Curyl and Tony Stromberg. What began as a photographic adventure (who wouldn't want to photograph wild horses?) quickly became much more than that.
We climbed mountains and walked dusty trails, following the beauty and the majesty of the wild horses, just to be with them, to breathe the same air. Stallions with their mares and foals, often wary of us in the beginning, then relaxed and curious. Our group was smitten by their charisma. We observed the interactions between family members, long legged foals being playful, mares and stallions grooming each other. Yearlings that could run forever.
Today, the wild horse is under seige. Chased by helicopters and forced into holding pens, wild mustangs- the ultimate symbols of freedom, become anything but. Family herds are torn apart and their fate is uncertain. Why? With no scientific evidence to prove their claims that wild horses deplete cattle grazing lands, ranchers voices are loud, and effective. And so, the government-organized round-ups continue.
Return to Freedom was founded in 1998 by Neda de Mayo. This 300 acre ranch is home to several bands of displaced wild horses, family herds that have been re-united to run and roam in the rolling hills of Lompoc California.
Perhaps the 'Wild Horse Annie' of our generation, Neda is a fiery, strong-willed woman who works tirelessly to ensure that American mustangs will continue to run free for generations to come. She helped to form the American Wild Horse Preservation campaign, and thousands of people have signed on to support the cause. Here in Canada, the wild horses in the western provinces are not faring much better. Alberta horses are also being removed from public lands. A recent campaign is petitioning the Canadian government to give Alberta wild horses 'heritage status', thus protecting them in the future.
I am very much looking forward to speaking about 'Return to Freedom' tomorrow at the Westin Hotel.
It is also my promise, that with the purchase of any wild horse image, I will donate a portion of the proceeds back to 'Return To Freedom'.
The wild mustang, live free, run free, be free.
Rockin' Rowlands, Bob Masse and Friends Music Photograph Exhibit
RBC Royal Bank Bluesfest is on! It's such a thrill to photograph musicians. Because let's face it, in our everyday lives we rarely see people diving through the air, pumping their fists and belting out tunes with vein-popping ferocity. And then there's the classic guitar player 'face'.. so caught up in a moment where the artist and the instrument become one and it's a beautiful thing to see. I am thrilled to be participating in the 'Rockin' Rowlands, Bob Masse and Friends' Photo Exhibit at Bluesfest! Anchored by the amazing John Rowlands, who has photographed everyone from the Beatles to Rhianna, this exhibit will also feature rock art and concert posters by Bob Masse, along with images of Bluesfest from Peter Waiser and yours truly.
Exhibit runs now through July 14th inside the Canadian War Musuem at Bluesfest. Hope you can join us!
The Cow with the Bird on Her Face
The New Art Festival in the Glebe was a ton of fun! Thank you to all who came to my 'tent', it was great to share some of the stories behind my photos. I had 23 images at the show, all animals, and mostly horses. When I tried to decide which photos to bring to the show, I was going to leave the photo of the 'cow with a bird on her face' behind. I couldn't imagine why anyone would want this photo hanging over their fireplace. Well, I was wrong. I sold out of this photo. As I continue to learn, make mistakes, and learn again, thank you all for the valuable lessons this past weekend. MOO-chos gracias!
