I have a standing weekly date with Caitlin.

I have a standing weekly date with Caitlin. We go wander about and get our steps in. She took me by the place with the Jack-o-Lanterns the other day and I got to get pictures of the other side and ask about them. The lady inside said they bought the pumpkins a couple of years ago and they just change the paint for fun.

The inside of the building is interesting, as well. They have some vintage/weird stuff displayed. They said that people were decorating the counters and they just went with it. It's a gas station/dispensary. I don't know if they sell anything else, but they were super nice to me and seemed happy to answer my questions.

So I guess they are there just because the store owners wanted them. That's as good a reason as any! 😊

Feedback request:

Feedback request:

I am working hard to get set up to make and sell high-quality press-on nails.  I have been doing a lot of research on tip brands, sizing, application kits, etc.

I am going to post 3 photos with captions.  Please let me know if anything is unclear or that you don't like about them.

Thank you in advance!

Press-On Kit - front

This is what I would send out ordered nails on. They would be attached in the white areas with double-sided tape.

Should this card be labeled with left and right? Is there anything else I should add? Is it too busy? Should I add or remove anything?

Press-On Kit - back

Is this easy to understand? For those who already wear press-on nails, does this sound accurate?

Sizing Kit

This would be sent to a potential buyer ahead of ordering a set of nails. I would write in the shape they requested in the first bubble, then attach 14 nail sizes to the card for them to try out and find their size if they don't already know it. They can fill in the bubbles on the card to see if they match any standard sizes, or need custom sizing.

Is this easy to understand? Should I add or remove anything? I know it's plain, but I'm open to ideas if it needs anything.

Bear. 🤦🏻

Bear. 🤦🏻

I'm pretty sure he wanted to sit in the pool... But without getting his butt wet. 😂

Our sweet, smooth-brained boy. 😂❤️

Today, my favorite person turned 43.

Today, my favorite person turned 43. I think his day went okay. I was not feeling well last night and some of today, but I did his nails and we'll have a date tomorrow.

We're not doing gifts because I think it would just stress him out (that's what he said, anyway). I'm never on time with stuff like that, regardless. But things will ease up soon. Maybe he'll get a surprise once I'm working again. He definitely wouldn't expect it. 😂

Not my plants, but my cholla bruise. 😂

Not my plants, but my cholla bruise. 😂

Teddy Bear cholla is my favorite. Looks all cuddly and glowy in the sunlight, but peak violence. 🔪

I accidentally backed my hand into 5-ish spines when I was watering plants on Sunday. It was hard getting detached from my plant. It was holding on. This is the result.

Check out this reddit post. They got punctured, too.

https://www.reddit.com/r/cactus/s/TLd81eRDJu

I've been doing my pre-work...

I've been doing my pre-work for the Web Development bootcamp and I've already learned a lot. I'm excited to get started next month. I think I do much better with structure than I do without because I'm just flailing about, trying my best and not getting far. That's probably why I love lists so much. They give me a small amount of structure and purpose. So it will be nice to have something concrete and productive to do again soon. Having this pre-work and deadlines is also pretty nice.

My brain is all over the place and it's not super fun. I'm still sure I want to make press-on nails to sell. I have considered off and on doing the nail-tech thing, but the ANXIETY that comes with it is killer. Even when I do nails for friends and family FOR FREE, I'm always like "I could've done that better." The perfectionist in me will never see it as good enough, even when people assure me that they are happy. So at least if I make press-ons and they're already done, people can like them and buy them, or not. It seems like it would take a lot of the pressure off.

I have never in my life wanted to make nail polish and I still don't, but I'm getting pretty worked up over nail powder (the kind you buff into a sticky gel). I'm over here like "How big is a micron?" and going down the rabbit hole. I have a few powders with gorgeous effects, but I'd like to be able to mix something similar so I don't run through my prized favorite 4 by putting them on press-ons for someone else.

I did some mood nails the other day and they look pretty nice. But after doing some research ON THAT (I wasn't kidding when I said I was all over the place), I found that it's probably best to use that pigment in nail art instead of doing a full mani. The mood stuff isn't polish and needs to be sealed in. It would be better to encapsulate it somewhere than paint all the way to the edge and have it flake off. I'd be mortified if I sent out some nails and that happened.

My sweet Shaun has been nursing a butterfly with a torn wing since yesterday. He has been keeping it in the greenhouse and bringing it flowers and nectar. He went out earlier and it was gone into a bush and he was a bit upset until he found it. He knows the wings don't heal and that it will die eventually, but he's doing what he can to make sure it's comfortable, I guess. He knows we could leave it out and let it be part of the food chain, but for whatever reason, he seems kind of attached to this one. He looked her up and told me what her species was, but I can't remember what he said. He also told me she was a female.

I love how sweet his heart is. Anytime we've ever had a dying animal, he's wanted to be there - for them. I remember a time he held an injured gerbil for hours so that she wouldn't die alone. I don't really know where I was going with that; I guess I'm just expressing my appreciation for him and that he cares, even for the small creatures, too. ❤️

Anyway, I'm off to shower and get some sleep. I need to start working my schedule back towards "early" since the bootcamp/classes will be starting at 8 am and they're a bit of a drive from home.

I hope y'all are doing well. I'm kind of just... Scattered, but I'll pull myself together again. For a while, anyway. 😂😂😂 I never stay feeling like I'm on top of things for too long. Such is life, I suppose.

To do list for today:

To do list for today:

1.  Ramble in written form (it feels more solid than talking)

2.  Do my nails

3.  Water my plants

Taking care of #1 right now.  😆

So the Labubu market last night was pretty great.  We didn't make a lot of money, but we did recover our booth fee several times over, so we aren't complaining.  Also, the guy who runs it came by to meet us and thank us for coming, and he also checked that we made our money back.  If we hadn't, he was going to return our booth fee.  That wouldn't have been necessary to us regardless, but  we were appreciative that he checked.

Shaun walked around a bit to scope out what all was going on.  He said that there was a good bit of 3D printed merch, some larger items like tumblers and backpacks, and also some other smaller handmade things, but we were the only jewelry.  I think there were other stickers (we'd printed a few), but we were also the only temporary tattoos and nail decals.

We have some things left over, and we'll work on photographing it and putting it on Etsy this week.

Our setup was around the corner from the DJ area, which would have been a sensory nightmare for me if I hadn't had my Loop earplugs with me, which I almost always do now.  Yay for preparedness and learning to manage myself!

It actually ended up being quite fun being right near the DJ area.  Instead of a band, they had a karaoke setup... and I can't really explain why, but that made a huge difference to me.  No hate to anyone in bands, but it felt more wholesome? welcoming? endearing? (y'all help me with words; I'm not quite nailing it) having members of the community botch songs real bad while we all danced and cheered for them.  😆❤  I especially loved it when the kids would sing and get really into it.  It was so cute.

The market was held at the ABQ Food Park, and not all of the food trucks were open, but HOLY SHIT I got the best Torta of my life from one there that I can't even find the name of.  I got chicken in mine, and if you know me, I'm a picker (of food, skin, nails, stickers, edges, etc.) and I could barely find a thing to pick on my chicken.  It was SO GOOD.  And hot and fresh and flavorful.  I'm going to have to find the name of that place and go back.

The weather here in New Mexico is by default beautiful, but yesterday evening it was cloudy (so nice and cool) and then rainbows.  We had doubles, we had a big long one, we had one that looked like it repeated ROYGBIV a few times.  One thing to also know (I'm not sure if the whole state is like this, or just near the mountains), but it's BREEZY here.  And by that, I mean people's tents were flying away.  😆  Our displays were blowing over.  People were chasing after dropped things.  But that's just how it is.

We don't have a tent (yet), but if we had, it would've been more trouble than it was worth to put up.  Since it was afternoon/evening and cloudy, we weren't in direct sun and didn't need it.  Many people took theirs down once the breeze picked up.  We do plan to have one eventually, but we'll have to find a way to really secure it.  We also need to find a way to help keep our displays standing.

Anyway, what I'm saying is that it was a great time.  The vibes were immaculate, the people were so chill, the music was amazing, the food... omg, I haven't stopped thinking about that Torta.  😆  13/10 experience, I will definitely find reasons to go back, whether I'm selling Polish All the Things or just seeing what they've got going on.

Also, NM locals:  I need more friends here.  Please feel free to introduce me (IRL or virtually) to anyone you think I'd get along with.  ❤

Stay weird, Albuquerque. I love it here. ❤️💙💜🧡

Stay weird, Albuquerque. I love it here. ❤️💙💜🧡

Is your communication style accessible?

Is your communication style accessible? Does it matter to you if you can easily be understood by others?

I got fat, but there were reasons.

I got fat, but there were reasons. Eventually, I lost some weight with the help of corrected hormones and Semaglutide.

Tl;dr: The show was great, Janet was great...

Tl;dr:  The show was great, Janet was great, the city was interesting but smelled like pee and I needed all the help navigating it.

I have to write about going to Houston.

Ok, so first of all, since I'm unemployed, one of the only reasons I was able to see Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso was because my friends, Janet and Jajuan, said I could stay with them.  I consider them both to be my friends, even though Jajuan insists that Janet stole me from him.  😅

They live in a suburb of Houston, so that's nice.  I like suburbs.  I grew up in the woods, so suburbs are a comfortable medium for me in that things are close, but you still have space.  I am NOT a city person.  I don't think I could live in an actual big city, but I can go to them if I need to.

I invited Janet to the concert with me because I didn't want to go alone and Shaun wasn't coming.  She's like me in that she's often up for whatever.  I think we both like experiences.

One thing to know about Janet, though, is that she is a planner.  I do not mean that in a casual sense.  😆  She even out-plans Shaun, which is saying a lot since he was an Eagle Scout and taught to always be prepared.  Me, on the other hand... I didn't often have a lot of choices in life, so I'm good at rolling with whatever happens.  So a Blu + Shaun combo or a Blu + Janet combo is a really great thing.

Days before I even headed to her house, Janet had scoured the parking situation at the venue, made travel plans, and also back-up travel plans.  She had the train all figured out and everything.  I am so grateful to her, because otherwise I would have just tried driving to the venue in my car (which turns out it would have been ok, but you never know).  We ended up taking the train and that was pretty cool.

But let me tell you, I was LOST AS FUCK tryna get to that train.  I was out there in the streets accidentally jaywalking and shit.  I was a whole mess.  She probably should've held my hand like a little kid.  😂  She was thoughtfully looking at the crossings and figuring things out and I was just melting in the heat AND INESCAPABLE HUMIDITY, trying not to die.  She was a lifesaver for that city stuff.

So we got to the venue and found the line and the wait began.  Then we got put into corrals and we could see the side of the stage.  I could hear them doing soundcheck.  I almost cried when I heard Paco's voice in real life, OMG.  Ca7riel came out the back of the stage and took pictures or videos of us.  We all started cheering and waving.  I love how playful he is.  I was so emotional, and the show hadn't even started!

When we were finally let in, I somehow made it to the front, which is fortunate because I'm short.  We were there pretty early, so that helped.  I've seen some pictures and I look like a puppy with my paws over a fence and only my head poking up.  😂  Janet was feeling uncomfortable in the crowd, so she went to the back and that was ok.  I was paying attention to nothing but the guys once they got on stage.  It's stupid because I feel like I only remember bits and pieces.  From the heat and excitement, I was basically on another planet.

The show was great.  I'd definitely see them again.  I think Phoenix was rescheduled, and I'd totally take Shaun to that one if I could find tickets (it's sold out).  I haven't been that lucky, though.

Anyway, before we headed to the show, we met up with Carla and Samuel for lunch.  Me and Carla had nail stuff and animal stuff in common on Facebook, so when she found out I was coming near, we decided to meet up for realz.  It was really fun!  We all got along well and it made me super happy to be able to know more people in real life.  We'll definitely have to get together again the next time I'm in town.  I also got to stay a night with my friend Meia.  I hadn't been able to spend much time with her since we both left Alabama and I missed her greatly, so that was nice.

There were a couple of other people that it would have been great to see, but the timing didn't work out.  That's ok.  I'll definitely be back.  Me and Janet used to hang out frequently when we both lived in Alabama back in the day.  She's been my friend for like, 20 years now!  Then life happened and she moved a few times and then I moved, but we always kept in touch.  Now that she's just a little 13-hour drive away, I can do that in one day.  We're not going to go years without spending time together in real life anymore.

Actual footage of us walking back to the train after the show:

😂😂😂

Full video here.  It's great.  Watch it:

I've got Labubu decals available in the shop.

I've got Labubu decals available in the shop.  These are super easy to apply.  Just cut them out, wet them, and slide them (face up!) onto your nail.  You can adjust the placement as long as they are wet.  Dab with something absorbent when you're satisfied with placement.  Cover with a topcoat to ensure adhesion, and you're good to go.

Custom images and sizes are available!

(I will definitely be doing more varieties of these, but I'm focused on Labubu for the Labubu event on Saturday.)

I've been so busy trying to get ready for the show next weekend...

I've been so busy trying to get ready for the show next weekend. We got a Silhouette cutter so I could make vinyls and decals. This ghost was my first print and I think he's cute! If y'all have suggestions for me, I'm open. I want nail art to be easy, accessible, and fun!

Vinyls are super easy to apply, as are waterslide decals. I also plan to make vinyls that you paint over and remove, leaving an image behind. I'm finally making the shop into everything I always wanted it to be. Slowly, but surely!

Pardon my grown-out concert nails. My next set will be Labubu for the show. Hopefully, I'll be able to get some press-ons created over the next few days!

Mira mis perros! ❤️

Mira mis perros! ❤️

Bear went outside and got all up in a fragrant bush, then came back in. I guess he put on his cologne so Shaun would stop calling him stinky. 😂 What a problem-solver!

How's my Spanish, y'all?

How's my Spanish, y'all?

Rambling again... But this time in video format. 😂

I really butchered what I was trying to say, but I guess that happens when you only get to sing it or speak it to your pets. I'll get better.

My Monkey Tail bloomed yesterday.

My Monkey Tail bloomed yesterday. That's a weird flower, but I like it. 😍

I feel like I was missed.

I feel like I was missed. He's been on me for hours and I'm so sleepy... But just look at him! My little passed-out Toebean. ❤️

My Concert Videos from seeing Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso.

My Concert Videos from seeing Ca7riel y Paco Amoroso.

Bear is making sure I'm watering the plants correctly.

Bear is making sure I'm watering the plants correctly.

I love his helpful li'l heart. ❤️

I checked on the greenhouse today.

I checked on the greenhouse today. I'm gonna have to water my plants soon.

I have a few flowers on the way, a crazy one, and one I missed.

I missed this one today, but maybe it'll reopen tomorrow. We'll see.

Look at this crazy thing! I love it!

I think this will be more open tomorrow, too. I'll check back.

Two!

This bud dried up and fell off while I was gone, but it looks like another small one is growing in.

Echeveria flower.

I'll get around to posting a little bit of my video from the concert eventually, but first:

I'll get around to posting a little bit of my video from the concert eventually, but first:  

Look at me in these stills from a video the venue posted. I look like a goblin that wanted to steal Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso's souls. 😂😂😂

I never know wtf my face is doing. Ever. I had no idea that I looked so crazy.

They probably saw me because I was right up front. If so:  Sorry, guys. 😂💙

I miss Scar. I wish I could text him.

I miss Scar. I wish I could text him.

Just now going through my concert video...

Just now going through my concert video. Apparently, I recorded more songs than I thought... From my back pocket. It's music, and a bunch of knees and crotches. 😂

Today was a comedown/take a migraine pill kind of day.

Today was a comedown/take a migraine pill kind of day. Me and Janet pushed ourselves yesterday in the heat. For me, a major part of the exhaustion was just from pure excitement. I enjoy concerts, but I've rarely been the one to choose/suggest one. This one I REALLY wanted to attend; I chose it, and I put in the work to make it happen. I was going with or without a buddy.

I had a wonderful time. I did get separated from Janet; I'd managed to get right up front when she'd gone to get water or go to the bathroom or something. But I was fine with that. I wanted to sing and dance and enjoy myself and not be self-conscious about it around people I know. And I did sing and dance through the whole show. I didn't record much - I was too busy enjoying myself.

I was so close to Paco. I could see his eyes. I tried hard not to stare him down like a creep, but I probably failed. At one point I had closed my eyes and was just grooving, and he said "Close your eyes and feel the music." I don't know if he saw me or if it was coincidence, but DAMN. They also did a really sensual and sexy version of Cosas Ricas. 🔥

So anyway, this is the most fun I've ever had at a show. Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso did not disappoint. A lot of times, live shows just don't sound as good, but the energy was great, their voices were amazing, the band was on point... I just can't say enough good things.

I got some Starburst that the band threw. I made some friends. I saw Ca7riel and Paco live. It was a wonderful (albeit hot and sweaty) time. I am happy. 😊

It was a great show.

It was a great show. The excitement/heat won and I threw up in the merch line afterwards. But I lived. And I also did not pass out, so it's all good. 😂

If I die (of heatstroke), I died happy. 😂

If I die (of heatstroke), I died happy. 😂

CA&RIEL & Paco Amoroso

SWEATY.

SWEATY.

You nasty, Houston. 😂

I'm so excited I could die.

I'm so excited I could die.

Going into a city.

Meeting a friend.

Seeing Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso live.

I'm literally vibrating with excitement.

I made it to Houston around 11 last night.

I made it to Houston around 11 last night. Thirteen hours on the road, 2 bathroom/fuel breaks, but otherwise a straight shot.

I didn't sleep at all on Tuesday night before I left. I definitely wanted to, but the excitement was too much. But I wasn't tired on the road. I listened to Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso the whole way and I was awake and happy. I crashed hard and slept like a rock when I got to Janet and Jajuan's house last night. I'm currently so excited it's causing a headache. I'm a whole mess. I've never been this excited for a show before. How am I in my 40s being more of a fangirl than I ever have in my whole life?

These guys are magical. They've been a daily staple for me since I first saw them on TV back in May. I can't get enough. They're creative, talented, beautiful, funny, bold (not afraid to go against norms)... I could go on and on. But I'm gonna try to chill down and level out so I'll be ready for the show tomorrow. I plan to match their energy.

❤️❤️❤️

Road trip snacks...

Road trip snacks (spicy for to stay awake), featuring concert nails. So shiny! 😍

I've made it below 125 lbs again.

I've made it below 125 lbs again. I haven't been this small in at least 10 years. I'm feeling really great and a lot more comfortable. I have a bunch more energy, too.

Ten lbs to go and I'll be at my goal weight!

(I know that might seem low, but for those who haven't met me, I'm 4'9". The BMI at 115 might actually still be high for that height, but I'm not shooting for my post-pregnancy weight of 105 from 25 years ago. It looked fine back then, but I feel like I'd look like a wrinkly sack of bones at this age. 😂)

I had to move my wedding band to my middle finger because it kept falling off of my ring finger. We didn't do special expensive bands that we would bother resizing, so I'll replace it once I'm in maintenance mode. And the most special ring I've ever had is the chain mail one Shaun made with his own two hands years before we got married. I wore it for a long time, even though I'm not a fan of uncoated metal. In general, I'm not a jewelry-wearer, though.

Anyway, HRT and Semaglutide are to thank for my glow-up. I knew my hormones were jacked up in 2015, but living in Alabama with no insurance, and doctors that treated labs, not people kept me messed up. Now I've been on HRT since January, and Semaglutide since March. I'm still at a low dose of the Sema and am still making good progress. I just gotta be careful what I eat the day before and the day after the shot. IYKYK. 😂

My dork-ass husband making jokes to Cub. 😂😂😂

My dork-ass husband making jokes to Cub. 😂😂😂

I love my boys. ❤️😊

I've been working on updating my Etsy...

I've been working on updating my Etsy (unfortunately not the photos or videos, yet) and that's pretty much all for today.

I did take a break and watch Ca7riel & Paco Amoroso live at Coachella on Hulu. They were great. I can't believe I get to see them live next Friday! I'm so excited!

I find this so annoying.

I find this so annoying.

Facebook said they were switching my profile to "Content Creator" so I wouldn't lose any followers and I was like "Yeah, ok. Most of what I share is original, so I guess that label fits." and I didn't really think anymore about it.

I've never really cared about post stats because I write most of what I write for me. It makes me feel connected and happy to share my life, and if I help anyone else in the process, then that's a wonderful bonus. My friends check in. I'm good.

But now FB is always trying to get me to the "Content Creator" dashboard. And the first thing I see when I come on today is that my reach is down.

Facebook needs to calm down. It's really not that serious. 😂

Some flowers from today.

Some flowers from today.

The first cactus is planted in my yard. Everyone else is in the greenhouse, except for the one tiny white flower. That's in the house on a spider plant. This is the first one I've ever had flower.

Nancy, look at Cubba's eyebrow whisker.

Nancy, look at Cubba's eyebrow whisker. He's doing the same thing Colin did! 😂😂😂

Ooh, I went to the city today! By myself!

Ooh, I went to the city today! By myself!

I checked out the Web Development boot camp in person. I spoke with one of the instructors, and then sat in on a class.

We talked one-on-one for about 45 minutes. He answered all of my questions and I really feel like this would be a good move for me.

They start with HTML and CSS, which I've been familiar with since I was on MySpace. Then they move onto JavaScript and focus on that for a while. I have some familiarity with it, but it's not my strong suit and I'd love to improve. Then they move into a project - creating a website from scratch, which I've never done. This is where it gets exciting and really starts to fill in my gaps.

So I sat in the class for a bit and there was 1 group working on their project in week 11 of 12. These guys were communicating so well about the code and trying different approaches and troubleshooting and I was honestly really impressed. They were pushing and pulling from git with detailed notes, etc.

After a while the instructor asked me what I thought and I said that they were doing great and that I was curious about their backgrounds before starting. All of them said they had no previous experience! I was gobsmacked! Like... This seems like exactly the hands-on experience that I need!

Don't get me wrong:  I love and appreciate my education from JSU, but I feel like it was focused on theory, like this is what a for-loop does and how you write it. This is this language, etc. But nothing actually taught me how to put it all together or what programs to use. I feel like I just need help putting the pieces together and I'll be 💯.

So, I'm pretty excited. I wanna be like the guys I saw working on their project today. Wish me luck!

I made -$71 today...

I made -$71 today (booth fee + a couple of purchases), but I met a lot of great people and had fun, so I'm not upset.

I think my stuff would sell better to a younger crowd, and that's ok. I was also tucked in the back, so I don't think we had the traffic that some of the other vendors might have.

But I still had a good time and no regrets. ❤️

Etsy wants new photos, added videos, etc.

Etsy wants new photos, added videos, etc. I will start on that next week. Getting ready for the show tomorrow, then I'll update whatever I bring back home next week before starting on new stuff.

I still need to update my Polish All the Things page. It's linked to Etsy, but currently only has my nail art on there. I have so much to do! 😬

Caitlin took me to the mall today...

Caitlin took me to the mall today so we could get our steps in and these big guys were in one of the stores. I don't think I'll ever get over seeing these sculptures around. They had to be at least 8 feet tall. You can take one home with you for around $20,000. It's out of my price range, but how cool would it be to have one of these guarding your yard?

 

I've been dealing with a headache that won't go away most of the day, so I'm about to take a migraine pill and call it a night. Hopefully, I'll be normal-ish tomorrow.

But I do have one other good news:  I got the scholarship for the Web Dev program I want to take, so I'm super thankful for that. I don't think I would have been able to go if I had to pay out of pocket for it.

Happy weekend, friends! ❤️

It's been one of those...

It's been one of those "tried my best, but accomplished very little" type of days.

I spent too much time trying to integrate my Etsy shop with my Polish All the Things page, and in the end it didn't even work. Apparently, you could do that last year, but not anymore. I also had to get my Square account switched over to my current last name and bank.

I jumped in with both feet and signed up to do a craft show this weekend. Info on that will be on the page linked above ^ here shortly. I know very few people where I live now, but I'm still gonna put up the event. 😂

I also submitted the scholarship application for the program I'm trying to get into.

I watered a few plants. Made a plant Insta.

That's pretty much all I managed to do today.

Etsy says I need more photos and videos of my stuff. I agree. I have new jewelry displays, so maybe I can make things look fancy and get some new media up this weekend. We'll see.

This is how my plants are looking today.

This is how my plants are looking today. Some teensy flowers and a large one.

Also, I just love fresh cactus spikes! 💚

I feel like I'm amassing too many social media accounts, but if you're interested, I now have a plant Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/blus_botanicals

Fresh spines are so pretty!

Just a few months ago this poor thing had mealy bugs all in its grooves. I painstakingly removed as many as I could, then put a pesticide on it as well as dusted it with diatomaceous earth. It's looking much better now!

I love this big ol' crazy-spines thing!

This is a Madagascar Ocotillo. The large piece in the back needs to be tossed; I think it froze in the sunroom and I don't think it's coming back. I had another piece in the pot that was doing well, but I believe a creature stole it.

My first one of these to ever try to flower!

Little speckled flowers

Bright blooms