Marrakech

When my husband told me, he had to go on duty travel to Marrakech, the first thing I said was: "Oh, I do not have a hippo from Morocco yet". Speaking of a "One-Track-Mind" or in my case, it would be: speaking of a "Hippo-Obsessed-Mind". On top of that, during his trips, he is greeted on Skype with: "Did you already find a hippo?" before he is hearing: "Hi, how are you?" Luckily, I am spoiled with the sweetest husband in the world, who is not only fine with undergoing the forever-lasting-hippo-related abuse but also brings home the most wonderful hippos from all over the world. 

This beauty is hand carved out of stone from the Atlas Mountains. If you look closely you can see many small fossils. A fine example of "natural decoration". Dear Alex, I love you infinity.... I win!

Happy Hippo

When you are fortunate to have a  dear friend, who is (of course) not only a wonderful person but also a very gifted artist, it is almost impossible to avoid asking the inevitable question: "Would you be able to paint a hippo for me?" This question started out as a genuine custom order, but over time, transformed into a much anticipated, very special, and shipped overseas present. The title of the painting is Happy Hippo (80 cm (31,5 inches) square), a very appropriate name indeed. Not only referring to this blog, but the hippo has a truly radiant smile. When I look at it, I simply have to smile back. Dear Joke, thank you so much for this masterpiece. I can now boast about possessing a real: Joke Aarsen. But its value can't compete with the treasure of having you and Ton in our lives. HHHLL

Seed of Love

Don't you just love macro photography? This beauty looks massive, but it is only an inch long (2.5 cm) and half an inch (1.27 cm) high. It was given to me by a dear friend last year. My friend met this artistic couple at one of the art fairs she attended. The husband makes the figurines out of all sorts of seeds and his wife is painting / decorating them. Please have a look at their website: Filigraine. Normally they do not make hippos, but this, of course, was a special order. The fact that this is the first ever hippo made by this artist, is pretty amazing too. Since I do not have an ounce of patience myself, I am very thankful for artists like these. I would never be able to make anything remotely close to this. I am happy to be a very appreciative customer, or in this case, the friend of a fellow-artist-customer. In this way, I am able to own pieces of art, made with hard labor, love, and tons of patience. Dear Jen, thank you so much for this lovely gift. This seed is doing a great job, growing a wonderful friendship!