Creating a Bonsai Tree & Nora Update

Went to Uwajimaya today and stumbled across this little item...

Bonsai Starter Kit

As simple as it may look the instructions are much more demanding than I had anticipated.  First it asks that I soak the seeds for 24 hours (not an issue) but then it wants me to refrigerate them for a few days and soak them again, put them on a paper towel in a zip lock bag and after a few months buy some special 100% bonsai soil.  I mean really? Really?!

Anyways, here's a new video of Nora!

You'll notice that Nora jumps off my hand in the very beginning and falls to the floor.  No harm done!  Nora is starting to "fly" and hasn't quite mastered it.  Still, he tries.  There's also the balance issues.  After all, Nora is a baby and babies fall over.

Coat of Arms

I've been thinking about family crests for a while now.  Technically I've got two from my mom and dad, or do people just go with their last name?  Either way neither one suits me. So, I've decided to make my own.  The question is what to put on it.  Every detail on a crest has a story behind it, the trick is narrowing it down and choosing the most important parts of who I am.  Which is tricky because I'm still unsure of that answer.  It doesn't help that I'm having artists block either.

So far I've got this...

Now, I was thinking winged wolves on the sides and Celtic knots bordering but when I started drawing I ended up wanting a tree of life on top.  For some reason I can't quite picture the wolves and I still have no idea what to put on the shield.

I'm thinking about making the wolves smaller because adding wings will take up a lot of space and the shield will be out-shined.

Still have no idea what the motto should be or if I even want one.  Also, considering whether I want my family name on it.  I've seen crests with and without.  In the end I'm probably going to add them both.

Nature Walk

There is a trail behind my house which is a nice half hour walk, if I go slowly.  I don't usually bother walking because it is so short but when I do I never regret it.