Wildlife Wall Decor

Maybe you know a veteran or fireman that you would like to honor with some wall décor.  Mr. Ed’s Wild Frontier has etched glass mirrors to honor their service like nothing you will find anywhere else.

Whether depicting the insignia for their branch of the military or Fire Department, the fireman’s axe, or the majestic eagle, these beautiful mirrors will become a treasured keepsake for your favorite patriot.

Memories at Grandma’s home as a child are filled with visions of her love and hospitality.  Every room in her house expressed her character and personal commitment to family and friends. The focal point that captured everyone’s imagination was the coffee table, in front of the sofa.  Should it be made of solid carved hard wood, polished marble or an etched glass table top, it would bring many personal messages about the owner. It might be a message of hope, faith, love, or a religious or patriotic heritage.  The message is shared with every guest that enters the home.  A reflection to every generation for as long as the table endures time.   What message will we leave for our future generations?   Will it be encouragement within the family’s commitment? Or a legacy of laws and justice sealed over forgiveness?  True strength abounds in the sweet joy of peace and happiness;  While colors harmonize and blend on a canvas of meekness. Then, let us not forget the sacrificial price paid for it all.

Most people will appreciate a gift bearing their name, especially if they have an unusual enough name that it is not often seen on the personalized items that are seen in many stores.

Etched mirrors are available with personalization in a number of themes, including cabins, homes, porches, ballerinas and palm trees.  There are also personalized mantel clocks available that would make the perfect finishing touch for any fireplace or bookshelf.

Thirty-five years ago, during a cool summer evening, I was lying on a blanket, under a live oak tree in the Umtanum Mountain Range North of Yakima, in central Washington State.  I fell asleep while waiting for the sunset to appear.  I was lost somewhere in a peaceful dream, when a noise awoke me . . . The sound of two bull Elk were sparring, working their horns together. I was completly surrounded by a large herd of Elk drifting toward their night cover.   The scene included calves playing,  young bulls challenging each other’s strength, and cows grazing on the meadow. 

The scene I will never forget, however, was the majestic king of the herd, the BIG DADDY of them all, standing with his antlers high above his body, with the multi colors of crimson reflected in the clouds in the background.  Standing proudly, he became a masterpiece of silhouette art, filtered among the hues of soft pinks and pastel blues painted in the clouds of the western heavens.  A vision of heavenly grandeur!

With constantly rising fuel prices, here’s GOOD NEWS for consumers of gas and diesel off-road vehicles.

In the June 2008, Texas Fish and Game magazine, the author mentions that a tax relief is available for sportsmen operating equipment off the road.  The GOOD NEWS is Texas offers a fuel tax refund of 20 cents per gallon for use not on public roads!  The State tax form 06-106 of the Texas Claim for Refund of Gas and Diesel Fuel Taxes is available online.  For details and information, go to the Texas State Comptroller website: www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/98-661.pdf, or contact the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts, PO Box 13528, Capitol Station, Austin, Texas, 78711-3528, phone 1-800-252-5555.

You must document all purchases of fuel and list all land vehicles, motorboats, aircraft, and both moving and stationary equipment in use for hunting, fishing and mowing . . . That’s GOOD NEWS!

The fires in California (2008) remind me of a poem called, Dressed in Black. The destruction, though devastating to our wildlife images, landscape, and wildlife, is all part of nature’s restoration. Here is the poem: . . .

DRESSED IN BLACK

He claims no respect for human life or feathered creatures in the tree.

No building stands . . . constructed by man, before this raging contender.

Within moments, what took a lifetime, man-made dwellings simply surrender.

Who can stand before such painful days when he destroys and shatters dreams,

Leaving despair and filling the air with frustration and helpless screams?

What once blossomed in tranquility, clothed in splendor, nothing would lack . . .

All brilliant colors of the rainbow now lay totally Dressed in Black.

Devastation of God’s creation, who could possibly be so cruel?

Is this like the place we all call hell and . . . is this the one that will rule?

How can so much power in less than an hour consume everything that lives and breathes?

He takes! . . . to fulfill his selfish, fierce, desire! Yet, is never satisfied . . . for his name is Fire!

Ed Provancha . . . October 5, 1996

Published in: The Heart of My Poetry. Available on Amazon.com

Etching refers to the technique of creating art on the surface of glass by applying acidic, caustic, or abrasive substances. Traditionally this was done after the glass was blown or cast.

In the 1920s a new mould-etch process was invented, in which art was etched directly into the mould, so that each cast piece emerged from the mould with the image already on the surface of the glass. This reduced manufacturing costs and, combined with a wider use of colored glass, led to cheap glassware in the 1930s, which later became known as Depression glass. As the types of acids used in this process are extremely hazardous, abrasive methods have gained popularity.

Typically, “glass etching cream” available from art supply stores consists of fluoride compounds, such as sodium fluoride and hydrogen fluoride. The fluoridation of the glass causes the characteristic rough, opaque qualities of frosted glass.

These days, etched glass is frequently used as wall decor, and various other home accent pieces.

Hunters and fishermen want to live longer to enjoy their outdoor events and wildlife art and trophies.  In the March, 2008 issue of Consumer Reports, the author lists “9 WAYS TO A LONGER LIFE.”   The information is not a complete surprise, but a good reminder, and good habits are not born; they are generated over time.

Here is the list: Eat whole grains to reduce the risk of heart disease and cancer.  Consider vitamin D as a supplement to strengthen bones and the immune system.  Limit time in the sun; use enough sunscreen.  Eat colorful produce to fight disease.  Exercise; it improves the quality of life. Get enough sleep, 7 to 8 hours is best.  Don’t smoke, and stay away from people who do.  Eat fat, the kind found in nuts, seeds, vegetables oils, fish. The right kind of fats lowers the risk of Alzheimer’s.  Chill out! Excess stress and hypertension increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes.