Cord For Life Foundation

This post is totally off the subject of art, but I wanted to write about how I recently donated my newborn baby's umbilical cord blood.

I am a strong advocate for recycling. When I found out that I could "recycle" the cord blood after delivery I was eager to do so. During my pregnancy I read a magazine article about donating the baby's cord blood. After doing some research I decided not to save the blood for personal storage, but realized that someone else could have it and possibly use it to save a life. Most people don't know that pregnant women can donate this precious cord blood after delivery. It is such a simple and easy thing to do. It didn't cost me anything but a little time and preparation.

After contacting the Cord For Life Foundation about donating the blood, I signed and returned the paperwork. They "approved me"  and sent back a blood collection kit that I took with me to the hospital. My doctor collected the blood after delivery and the blood bank picked it up. I wish more people would do this. The Cord For Life Foundation was so happy with my donation that they invited me to their fundraiser last weekend to speak about my experience.

I hope that my cord blood goes to a family who can use it. I hope that more people will learn about it and take action to help others.

A Fish Out of Water

 A Fish Out of Water is one of my favorite children's books. I have borrowed it several times from the library and nearly have it memorized. It is a cute story about a boy who buys a goldfish and feeds it too much. The fish grows and grows and the boy has to keep finding a new place to put him. Poor Otto!

I have a relatively new appreciation for fish; we have acquired two tanks in our home in the past 18 months and I love to watch the fish swim around. I love the soft sound of the water trickling through the house. The tanks are more beneficial than having a plain fountain of water to care for. They also conform to my need for feng shui in the house.

My latest mosaic is a goldfish swimming in the water. I enjoy creating garden stones because they work well outside and withstand the elements easily, and bring so much color and joy to my garden/ outdoor space.

The goldfish is orange and yellow with a big black eye. I like the way the lines of the fish complement his shape. I am really pleased with the way the blue glaze turned out on the textured bubble tiles. The glaze pools in the circles and breaks on the outer part to create depth.

On a personal note, I am nearing the end of my pregnancy. Here is a photo of how huge I have become! :) I will likely not be blogging for some time as I come closer to the delivery and care of the new baby. I hope to be back to my artwork as soon as possible.