Rose Bird

This is a Miniature Hand Painted Wooden Plaque

It measure 5 x 7 and has been sprayed with acrylic
to ensure longevity.

The purchase price of this piece is $40.00.

This would make a wonderful gift for any occasion.

Family, Friends, or the Office grab bag.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

HummingBird

RiverRock Critters are wonderful unique
colorful gifts that can be placed anywhere
in your home or garden.

The mere act of choosing a RiverRock Critter
can inspire mindfulness, as we lose ourselves
in the moment seeking a rock that speaks to our souls.

The HummingBird has been painted on river rock
that came from Arizona.

It measures 3 1/2 x 4 inches, purchase price is $40.00

It has been sprayed with acrylic clear
coat to ensure longevity.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

Red Horse

RiverRock Critters are wonderful unique
colorful gifts that can be placed anywhere
in your home or garden.

The mere act of choosing a RiverRock Critter
can inspire mindfulness, as we lose ourselves
in the moment seeking a rock that speaks to our souls.

The Red Horse has been painted on river rock
that came from Arizona

.It measures 4 x 4 ½ inches, purchase price is $45.00.

It has been sprayed with acrylic clear
coat to ensure longevity.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

Flamingo

RiverRock Critters are wonderful unique
colorful gifts that can be placed anywhere
in your home or garden.

The mere act of choosing a RiverRock Critter
can inspire mindfulness, as we lose ourselves
in the moment seeking a rock that speaks to our souls.

The Flamingo has been painted on river rock
that came from Arizona.

It measures 3 1/2 x 4 1/4inches, purchase price is $20.00

It has been sprayed with acrylic clear
coat to ensure longevity.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

Tiger Cub

RiverRock Critters are wonderful unique
colorful gifts that can be placed anywhere
in your home or garden.

The mere act of choosing a RiverRock Critter
can inspire mindfulness, as we lose ourselves
in the moment seeking a rock that speaks to our souls.

The Tiger has been painted on river rock
that came from Arizona.

It measures 5 x 3 ½ inches, purchase price is $50.00

It has been sprayed with acrylic clear
coat to ensure longevity.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com

Fennec Fox

I live among the rocks and sand

Far away in regions of arid land

My ears are quite enormous I am told

Six inches long and a sight to behold

They help me track my prey

An alert me if enemies are at bay

I might be small but I’m fast and quick

I can dig sand with speed when I kick

I travel at night hunting when food is plenty

To find a tasty morsel of insects, rodents,

I might find two or maybe even twenty

Jumping high in a mouse like leap

I catch my prey with my front feet

Water is sometimes hard to find

So plant roots is what I have in mind

Endangered and threatened by humankind

I stay my distance and with ears alert

I survive another day unhurt

Author: Pauline Libutti

Size: 8 x 10 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $100.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

The Farmer Boy

I live on a farm

In a yellow house with a barn

Each morning I wake with the bright of day

I rush to dress

So I could quickly go out to play

I chase the chickens around the house

And sometimes I even see a field mouse

I’m just too small to do the big guy stuff

So I would help my dad if it wasn’t too tough

The best part of the day for me

Is petting my horse I call Sunny

A carrot or two was his treat from me

He is so beautiful when wild and free

Someday when I’m bigger I’ll jump on and ride

Me and dad together riding side by side

But for now a worn tire hung on a tree

Is all the riding I do while Sammy watches me

Living near the open field and the midnight air

Makes me happy, satisfied, without a care

Dad and I go fishing everyday at the lake

He teaches me fishin so I don’t make a mistake

Lifes good for me and I’m happy to be

A farmers boy who can just run free

Author: Pauline Libutti

Size: 8 x 10 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $175.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters



<>

Bunny Daze

In the flower garden

Deep in the brush

A fluffy brown rabbit

Somewhat in a rush

With beautiful ears so proud and tall

Hippity Hoppying around

Like a colorful ball

You weigh seven pounds or maybe above

But the more there is, the more to love

Those big brown eyes so curious and alert

Your little nose twitches as you dig in the dirt

Here and there you’re on the move

A vegetable, a flower you might remove

You are as quiet as a mouse

On alert for the farmer running out his house

Better hurry and be oh so quick

Times a wastin and there’s lots to pick

You would think he would be happy

Making room for him to plant

But everyday I see him rave and rant

With my brown tail, ears and feet

If he’s a coming I’ll scurry and leap

But when my little belly is full

And I just can’t eat, tug or pull

I sit under the old shade tree

Happy, content and proud as can be

Author Pauline Libutti

Size: 5 x 7 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters



<>

Royalty (snow leopard)

A lovely creature was born on Earth

A spotted cat came with beauty at birth

The snow leopard has sung the stars to life

The moon the earth walks through his night

He is strong and fierce as he lives in the wild

Since he is rare he keeps himself exiled

Hunters try as they may to trap and kill

But fast and strong he runs with free will

His coat is gray with spots of black

But if felt in danger he will attack

He is beauty and strength that might be extinct

God put him on earth to run wild and free

So respect this large cat that was given to you and me

The Snow Leopard is a gift we should not take lightly

Author Pauline Libutti

Size: 6 x 8 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

I'm An Angel Now

One night I cried to Jesus as I sat beneath the trees.

I looked into the open sky and hoped He'd answer me.

I'm lost dear Lord. I've traveled far but still I seam to roam.

Please light the way and lead me, Lord. I need to get back home.

I told him of my burdens and of the sadness in my heart-

That from His gracious love I'd never felt so far apart.

Why did you take my child, Lord? I cannot understand!

No longer can I touch her face or hold her tiny hand.

I'm angry, Lord. I'm missing her. I'm drowning in my sorrow.

Please help to heal my yesterdays and face each new tomorrow.

It was then I heard her gentle voice and I felt her presence near.

How I wanted so to hold her as I cried another tear.

She said, "Mommy, "I 'm an angel now, my spirit will be free.

I'm an angel now in heaven, so please don't cry for me.

I was chosen by our Lord above and now I'm in his care.

When you need me, look inside your heart. I promise to be there.

No one can ever take away our bond with one another

For I'll always be your precious child, as you will be my mother.

So if you cannot find your way or the road to home seems so far,

Just look up into the Heavens and I'll be you guiding star."

She said, "Mommy, I'm an angel now, my spirit will be free.

I'm an angel now in Heaven, no need to cry for me."

~Janice Henshaw~

Size: 8 x 10 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $300.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

Mom & Me

Mom and Me we are such a pair

She cuddles me and cleans me everywhere

She’s strong and proud and keeps me safe

I follow her around from place to place

Sometimes I’m naughty and tug and bite

She grabs me by my neck in flight

I know she loves me oh so much

I can feel it in her gentle touch

I feel safe and totally secure

Cause she’s my mom and that’s for sure

Sometimes I feel so immature

But Mom is always there to reassure

That I will make it through life’s tour

Author: Pauline Libutti

Size: 5 x 7 wood plaque.
This item sells for $45.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

Tickle Me Pink

These famous pink birds can be found in warm, watery regions on many continents. They favor environments like estuaries and saline or alkaline lakes. Considering their appearance, flamingos are surprisingly fluid swimmers, but really thrive on the extensive mud flats where they breed and feed.

Greater flamingos are likely to be the only tall, pink bird in any given locale. They also have long, lean, curved necks and black-tipped bills with a distinctive downward bend.

Their bent bills allow them to feed on small organisms—plankton, tiny fish, flies larvae, and the like. In muddy flats or shallow water, they use their long legs and webbed feet to stir up the bottom. They then bury their bills, or even their entire heads, and suck up both mud and water to access the tasty morsels within. A flamingo's beak has a filter like structure to remove food from the water before the liquid is expelled.

Shrimp like crustaceans are responsible for the flamingo's pink color. The birds pale in captivity unless their diet is supplemented.

Greater flamingos live and feed in groups called flocks or colonies. They find safety in numbers, which helps to protect individual birds from predators while their heads are down in the mud. Greater flamingos also breed while gathered in groups. Once mating is complete, a pair takes turns incubating their single egg. Young flamingos are born gray and white and do not turn pink for two years. In years when wetlands and pools are dry and food scarce, flamingoes may not breed.

Size: 5 x 7 wood plaque.
This item sells for $45.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

Focus(hawk)

Hawks are predatory birds with remarkably sharp claws (talons) and whose size greatly varies within the 250 species. Female hawks are usually larger than the males. These raptors hunt during the day employing the use of their fierce talons to tear apart their prey.

Most hawks live in prairies, marshlands, forests, or open savannas. In these habitats they use their acute vision to hunt their food and raise their offspring. Hawks are fearless birds who will even face off with poisonous snakes if necessary.

Hawks piercing shriek tears through the air. In its shrill cry lies an important message which represents illumination. Hawk teaches us to scope out the situation and focus on our talents, trying to draw them out. Hawk learns to see the big picture in order to understand the past, present, and future. Hawk asks us to be observant of surroundings so we won't get distracted from our path by others. It also reminds us not to get caught up in minor annoyances so we can maintain our inner balance.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

Surrender & Release

My motivation for this painting is a concern of a recently acquired health issue. I have oracle cards titled Healing with the Angels. This particular card came up in sequence within a month’s time. So I believe the Angels were letting me know their inspirational words would help me through this.

This is what the Angels said to me:

Let go, and allow God and the Angels to help you. Everything that you release will either be replaced by something better, or will be returned to you healed.

When you hold on tightly to a part of your life that’s not working, it has no room to heal. Whether you’re unhappy with your love life, finances, career, home, or health, this card asks you to let go. If you hang on to these aspects of your life because of fears such What if I can’t find someone or something better?” Then the situation will only worsen.

However, if you’re willing to open your hands and allow the situation to be freed, one of two situation’s will occur: Either it will be washed away from you and replaced by a better situation , or the situation will heal in a miraculous way. By drawing this card, the angels ask you to try not control the outcome of your troubling situation. Let go, and let God help you!

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters

Home Sweet Home

The Labrador has a dense, short coat that repels water and provides great resistance to the cold and water. Labradors come in 3 colors; black, yellow and chocolate. Black is the most well known color and it is dominant in Labradors. Black was also the color commonly preferred and bred for up until more recent times. It should be noted that the colors chocolate and yellow have been noted in the original St. John's dogs from the Newfoundland. They are recessive genes and were referred to as the color 'liver' or sometimes 'golden'.

As recessive colors the yellow and chocolate pups would occasionally appear in litters throughout time. During the earlier breeding programs these 'off colors' were often 'culled' until they were finally accepted by the British and the American Kennel Clubs and registered. Some people still favor blacks saying they are the best Labradors. We think it is more personal preference as long as you have a good well balanced pedigree and breeding program behind your dog.

The Labrador retriever must be from Labrador, right? Not so, however. From all accounts Labs originated in Newfoundland. The name assignment may have resulted from a geographical association since Labrador is situated just northwest of Newfoundland and the sub-arctic waters of the Labrador Current flow down the east coast of insular Newfoundland. The name may also be explained by the origin of the word Labrador, Portuguese for yeoman or laborer and the Spanish word for workmen, Labrador’s. A related connection could be the village in northern Portugal called Castro Laboreiro where the dogs that guard livestock bear a striking resemblance to Labrador Retrievers.

There is a bit of mystery about the ancestors of the Labrador, appropriate perhaps given the amazing versatility of the breed. After all, how could one dog be so adept at such a wide variety of jobs, be capable of working under very harsh conditions and also have one of the friendliest personalities around? From the men who began to use the Newfoundland region for fishing in the mid to late 15th century, a rough and often seedy sort, to the aristocratic English gentlemen who refined and preserved the breed in the 19th century, the people responsible for the development of the lab were themselves a remarkably diverse group.

Size: 6 x 8 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $75.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Mountain Lion (cougar)

Cougar babies look and act like kittens, but they are called cubs. Of course, they belong to the cat family.

Baby cougars are bigger than kittens. They weigh about a pound when they are born. They are born covered with fur and, like kittens, they are blind.
Cougars have from one to five cubs at one time.

Young cougars are about two years old before they have enough hunting skills to catch their own food. Adult cougars care for them until they are able to live on their own.

Although cougar cubs are cute and cuddly-looking, they are dangerous and should never be approached in the wild. The young cubs will scratch and bite in self defense, and their mothers will attack anyone approaching their young.

When Lewis and Clark crossed America, cougars could be found nearly anywhere. Today, they are found mostly in the western United States and western Canada. Idaho is the home of many cougars.

An adult cougar may be five feet long or longer, not including its tail, which is two to three feet long. A full-grown cougar can weigh about 200 pounds.
Cougars are called by different names in different areas of the country. Other names are mountain lion, catamount, panther, and puma.

Cougars hunt at night, often traveling long distances. Mainly they kill deer and elk, and sometimes a bighorn sheep. They seldom kill calves, sheep, or other livestock.

Cougars keep hidden while stalking their prey, then leap out onto the animal. They are important to nature because they weed out weak, sick, and old prey.

Size: 5 x 7 canvas (not framed)
This item sells for $50.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

White Thunder

Of all the things I've ever seen,
Of all the dreams I've ever dreamed,
The finest sight that's come to me,
White horses wild beside the sea
They ran across the trackless sand
In that remote, forgotten land,
And in their running they were free
Beside the boundless, unchained sea.

They raced the first light of the day
And surged across a shallow bay
To feed at ease in grassy plains
With wind alone to groom their manes.

No barn or stable was their home.
No one could govern where they roamed.
They galloped on the fenceless tracts
With no ones burden on their backs.

And each swift horse was nature's child
At home on land forever wild,
And each wild horse was meant to be
At home on land forever free.

(author unknown)

Size: 8 x 10 canvas (no frame)
The item sells for $250.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Observation

A Fox is seen as totems throughout the world:
the Chinese believed they could take human form,
in Egypt the fox brought favor from the gods,
there was a fox god in Peru, foxes help the dead get to the next life in Persia,
Cherokees, Hopi other American Indian tribes believed in its healing power;

the Apache credited the fox with giving man fire.

Foxes are highly adaptable creatures who will move into urban surroundings when, their habitat is encroached on by humans. They maintain a territory, but it greatly decreases when they live in urban areas as opposed to hill country. Each territory is kept by one family group, which consists of a dog fox, vixen, and their cubs. If there is a good food supply than the family group can expand to include a few other adults. Nevertheless, only one vixen will produce cubs in the group. As for food, foxes are not too picky eating anything from earthworms, crabs, and fruit to small mammals. They bury the excess prey to eat when the food supply is short.

Fox's clever nature makes it a master of camouflage. When hunted by hounds, Fox will psyche them out by doubling back on its own trail, and run around in circles to break the scent. It has the amazing ability to meld into the background, allowing it to quietly observe the situation around them.

Fox comes to us when we need to slip out of a situation so we can be silent witness to what is really taking place behind the scenes. We need to use our cleverness to our advantage, but we must remember to be discreet. Fox asks us to carefully look at where we are coming from, so we can remember to approach things with a clear conscious.

Size: 5 x 7 canvas (no frame)

The item sells for $50.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Hidden Secrets

This is my first 8 x 10 canvas painting. I’m so use to wood and rock it took me a little time to adjust. Hope you like it.

Keeper of the ancient secrets,

Teacher of the hidden skills,

Open my heart and mind to wisdom,

Fill my days with strengthened will.

Reveal the fearful truth of being,

The part of us we fail to see.

O lynx of smiling, hidden secrets,

Bring aid and wisdom now to me.

The Lynx lives in forested, mountainous regions far from dense human populations. When young, lynx spend time in trees. In winter, when many animals hibernate or migrate, these cats remain active. Their large, furry feet, serve as snowshoes. Their coat becomes paler and their fur thickens. Only during extremely bad weather do these lynx take shelter in caves, hollow logs, and trees.

Eurasian lynx are shy, secretive cats. Eurasian lynx may live to be 10-12 years old, though they typically live for much less. They are solitary animals. Females hunt with their young in order to teach them proper techniques.

A male's home range usually overlaps several different females' home ranges. Lynx mark their boundaries by urinating on rocks, trees, and stumps. When the time comes to mate, these odors help the male to locate potential females.

In Eurasian lynx, hunting methods are learned by observation and practice. Rather than smelling their prey, lynx depend on their extraordinary sense of hearing along with sight. Eurasian lynx spend time grooming themselves in order to keep clean and scratch on surface in order to keep their claws sharp. They are most active in early morning and late afternoon.

Winter brings both problems and advantages to Eurasian lynx populations. These cats can be easily seen against the snow in wintertime because of the lack of grass to hide behind. They resort to hiding behind rocks at this time of the year. Moving through the snow is easy for these cats because of their large, fur-covered feet that prevent them from sinking into the snow. When Eurasian lynx are discovered by a predator, they stand still and stare.

Size: 8 x 10 canvas (no frame)

The item sells for $250.00

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock

Me First, Meee First

Here’s a cute pair hand painted on a wood plaque that measure 5 x 7. This is another of the RiverRock Critters miniature series. This is $45.00 .Hope you enjoy it!

The Squirrel is the sentinel of the home. He will watch each member of the family and warn them if there is a problem within the family.

The squirrel is energetic in its work and play, and always ensures the future is well prepared for. The squirrel is a symbol of trust and is one of the few animals that will eat out of a person's hand. Learn from the squirrel to establish trust where you find it lacking.

There are over 365 species of squirrel's or squirrel like mammals through out the world. These are divided into seven families. The three most common squirrel families are the ground squirrel, the flying squirrel and the tree squirrel. The Gray squirrel is probably the most common of the tree squirrels. They inhabit most of the northern hemisphere.

Squirrels belong to the order "Rodentia", with 1650 species; it is the largest group of living mammals. It also comprises forty percent of all present day mammal species.

Squirrels are the most active in late winter, when the mating season begins. The males will chase females, as well as, chase off other suitors. This ritual of chasing occurs through the trees at top speed. While they perform some of the most breathtaking acrobatics imaginable.

Squirrels are usually born in the early spring. The average litter consists of four. This varies with climate and location. A second litter can occur in mid summer, if there is an adequate food supply.

The tree squirrel is a very special animal. It is one of very few wild animals that have adapted to humans and learned to coexist with man. It can live on both natural foods and hand outs. The squirrel is an acrobatic wonder to young and old. Its large tail makes it the most recognized mammal on Earth. It amazes us with daring high wire acts, as it races through the tree branches. Its determination to find a way to get seeds from a so called "squirrel proof" bird feeder is a delight to watch.

A baby squirrel weighs approximately one ounce at birth, and is about one inch long. They do not have hair or teeth, and are virtually blind for the first six to eight weeks.

An adult squirrel normally lives alone. But will, in severe cold, share its nest with other squirrels to conserve body heat. Once the temperature rises, the guests will be on their way.

Pauline Libutti, RiverRock Critters.com