If you're checking the adventures of Altair's crew...the first mate has just finished the new cockpit lampshade! You last saw this on my head where I won the "hat" contest during the Blue Moon, New Year's Eve Party at Clarks Court Bay Marina 12/31/09.

I had a great mentor, Miss Kitty, good friend, chef and Captain of S/V Falcon. She brought out her tools and the electric from the dock she's attached to, since our inverter doesn't like the dremmel tool. I really needed some guidance, tips and creative support with the act of carving a calabash. I'm pretty good with a paint brush, and am getting the hang of this medium too thanks to Miss Kitty!

My friend, Jessie at the open air farmer's market gave me some indigenous info about the calabash! They call the gourd Bolle before it is picked and Callabash after it has been cleaned, dried and then carved or painted! Love this lcoal knowledge!

Just in case you wanted to know, that's nutmeg and the mace that surrounds the interior nut! I carved peppers at the crown to shine on the canvas above, and the five nutmegs wrap around the bottom rim for a Grenadian flare to remind us each time we use this light.

Thanks Grenada for the inspiration, again!

Becca Art by Becca