Monday, May 4, 2009

Blue Monday - Blue Betta

It's Blue Monday! To participate:

1. Post about something blue on your blog. It can be pretty, ugly, funny, old, or new as long as it's blue. Leave a link to this blog on your post.

2. Place the Blue Monday button on the top of your post so that people can easily spot it. Place another Blue Monday button on the sidebar of your blog.

3. Mr. Linky will be up after midnight. Return here and link in with Mr. Linky by leaving your name and the Permalink to your post. To create a Permalink, click on your Blue Monday post title and copy all the stuff in the http window. It is a longer address so that people can find your post even later in the week--whenever they get a chance to visit.

4. Leave me a comment. I promise that I will visit you and leave you a commet. Visit other Blue participants by clicking on their links. Make someone's day; leave a comment.

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Today I have a picture of a blue Siamese Fighting Fish (betta splendens). Bettas must be kept separated from other fish because they will attack. If you hold a mirror up to the glass, they will display (spread their fins so that they look big and bad.) 

We had one, and our granddaughter,  Jenna, named him Jewels. I think he looked quite jewel-like. You may have seen these fish with a plant growing in the vase, but experts say that's cruel. We would never treat our pet this way. People generally overfeed fish. We fed Jewels only three pellets a day and changed his water regularly, using only bottled water.

Jewels came to us after our church finished using him for display for a series on fishing. There were nine betas in separate bowls on the stage. Jewels was front and center because he was the most beautiful. 

The life span of bettas is two to three years, but our guy lived almost four years. I like to think that was because of his good treatment. I kept him in a three-foot clear vase with blue stones in the bottom. It made a pretty decorative item. 


Blue Monday Participants
1. m @ tales from an oc cottage
2. Kathy b
3. Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer
4. ellen b
5. Sandi
6. ValerieKC
7. Fifi Flowers
8. Gemma
9. Barb~Bella Vista
10. Candy
11. Diane - Four Paws and Co
12. JD
13. Marjorie.mollys country memories
14. Katherine
15. Charlotte
16. pam
17. Ivory Spring
18. Silly Sophie
19. Patsy
20. LaVoice
21. Libby Twirl&Taste
22. Chandy
23. Stephanie~Angelic Accents
24. Kathy - Mimi\'s Garden
25. Robyn
26. Iris
27. Barbara Jean
28. Linda
29. Anne Fannie
30. Lana G!
31. Jensmere
32. Sharing with Sherri
33. Alfazema
34. NicoleB Hungary
35. Susan@thoughtsfromovertherrainbow
36. Joyce
37. BARBARA,THE PURPLE GOAT LADY
38. Tam @ The Gypsy\'s Corner
39. Baba
40. Beverly
41. Jeanne
42. Becky K.
43. Elizabeth
44. Christine (xinex)
45. Yira @ earlymorningpeace
46. charli and me
47. Mojo, NC, USA
48. Knitty
49. Black eyed susans kitchen (white wicker)
50. Becky
51. bj
52. KayC.
53. Linda\'s Blue Gate
54. Joyce
55. Carrie - Oak Rise Cottage
56. Shirls Rose Cottage
57. Carrie @ Being Domestic
58. Cindy
59. Clif
60. Jaimie @ Season of Singing
61. The Muse
62. Amanda Guthrie ( Calif, USA)
63. Gie
64. Ashley ~
65. Mozi Esme
66. Terry
67. Cass at That Old House
68. Mamapippa - Belgium
69. Ruby
70. RobinfromCA
71. The Pagan Sphinx - Massachusetts
72. Cindy _ FL

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89 comments:

ellen b. said...

Beautiful Beta. So they are destined for living alone :0)
Happy blue to you sally! My kids are having a grand time in Florida...

Barb said...

Hi Sally, I have a friend who has one of these. They are quite amazing.

Happy Blue Monday!

Barb

Fifi Flowers said...

Those fish are soooo beautiful! Happy BLUE Monday!

Gemma Wiseman said...

This is such a stunning fish with attitude! Great choice for blue!

Valerie said...

Beautiful fish. Interesting info about the plant in the bowl. I don't quite understand, but then I know nothing about fish except that they are cold-blooded! LOL

Blessings to you from Kansas,
Valerie

Candy said...

What a beauty he was.

Have a great day,
Candy

Four Paws and Co said...

Hi Sally! We had a blue betta many years ago named Mr Blue. We even bought a Mrs Blue, but he didn't like her, so she moved to a new bowl by herself.

I just linked my Blue Monday post on Mr Linky. ☺ Diane

JD/ Jill said...

Interesting post, a beautiful fish. This is my first Blue Monday post so I hope I did it correctly...Have a good Blue Monday everyone...

Anonymous said...

What a beautiful fish, with the perfect name.
Happy Blue Monday.
Charlotte

Susan @ A Southern Daydreamer said...

pretty blue beta!Happy Blue Monday ~ Susan

Chandy said...

Will be joining you soon...

We used to have a purple betta and we called him "Morado". He would terrorize the 8 big goldfish in the tank. It was hilarious!

Bridget said...

ROFL about Diane's Mr. & Mrs. Blue. I've known a few humans like that.
I didn't know about these fish. Thanks for the edification and I think it is great that you doubled that little fishy's lifespan.

Stephanie ~ Angelic Accents said...

Jewels is beautiful. My granddaughter had a beta fish that lived with us for over 2 years ~ it's name was Sleeping Beauty. They are lovely.

I decided that I MUST join you for Blue Mondays since I love blue so much!!This is my first time!

Hugs,
Stephanie
Angelic Accents

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

That is a beautiful one. If yours looked anything like this one, he was appropriately named. laurie

Patsy said...

How beautiful---looks like a long flowing evening gown.

CJ said...

Isn't he beautiful? the blue is so vibrant!And the information is also interesting :)

Anne Fannie said...

Hi Sally
He is a pretty blue fish. I remember the girl at our bank had one of these on her desk for years. I always felt sorry for it being all alone.
Happy Blue Monday...
~Ann

Jennsmere said...

Hi Sally...after lurking for a while, I've decided I must share my passion for the color blue!

Thanks for this meme...the betta is beautiful!

Be blessed,
Susan

Sharing with Sherri said...

What a bluetiful fish, I've always liked those!!
What a great idea to put it in a vase with blue stones too!...
Live Art!

Have a nice day:)

Barbara said...

Sally, Thanks as always for hosing Blue Monday and being a friend who always comes by and leaves a comment. We have two Betas in different bowls. They are beautiful fish.

P. said...

It's beautiful.

Alfazema

Nicole said...

Now that is one fitting entry :D
What a gorgeous pic of an amazing fish.
I don't think I've ever seen one like that.
Well done!

susan said...

Sally, A fish and a mirror used to entertain me and my brother for hours! We certainly never had one for 4yrs!! Thanks for letting me "play"!

Patti VZ said...

What beautiful colors!

Baba said...

Good morning Sally, we had a beautiful Blue Betta fish once and they are very glamorous with their bright colors...it seems sad to live alone!!! Have a good day. Baba

Beverly said...

He was a beauty. I did a science project when I was in school on reproduction of betas.

Happy Blue Monday.

jeanne said...

Good morning Sally, your Beta fish is quite pretty. I used to have one with a plant in the water. It finally died and I didn't replace him.
Your photo is really nice.

Hugs...Jeanne

Becky K. said...

They are so beautiful.

We had one but are bad fish parents so we won't do that again.

It is not intentional...we just don't have good success with fish.

Unknown said...

I got my Mr. Linky right this week!
I had a betta, Captain Hickey, who lived 4 years, also! I took care of him the same way as you, even had blue sea glass in his vase.

artis1111 said...

I think they are so pretty. The flowing fins look nice as they move through the water. Kathy

Unknown said...

I love the graceful Beta. So pretty but so lonely--too bad they're so darn aggressive to live with anyone!

xinex said...

Jewels sure is beautiful!..Christine

Anonymous said...

This is a beautiful fish. His color is a very pretty shade of blue. It sounds like he was well cared for. I hope you have a lovely day ♥

Mojo said...

Good lookin' fish there. I've never had much luck with fish of any kind, so I've never been ambitious enough to attempt keeping these guys.

Knitty said...

I've never had fish, but he sure is handsome. Happy Blue Monday!

black eyed susans kitchen said...

Hi Sally, This made me smile. We once had a Beta fish and it lived an amazing 2 and a 1/2 years. They really are very pretty.
Happy Blue Monday.
♥, Susan

Sandi@ Rose Chintz Cottage said...

'Morning Sally,
That's a handsome fish! My son used to have a huge aquarium of fish. He probably had one of those at one time. Happy Blue Moday!

Blessings,
Sandi

bj said...

Some of the grands have a Beta...they really are pretty fish..
WOW, your Monday list is sure growing....
Happy Blue Monday
xo bj

April said...

What a gorgeous fish! I've not had much luck with them, though. They, usually, end up jumping out of the fishbowl (SERIOUSLY!) and taking their own life...sad, but TRUE!

Linda's Blue Gate said...

Wow he was magnificent..... what a beauty....
So sad he had to live all alone....but I sure he had a happy life with you ; - )
HUgs
Linda

Joyce said...

That Beta fish is so colorful. I posted my first Blue Monday which is fun. Thanks for hosting Sally.
Joyce

Carrie said...

I learned something new toady. Beta fish have truly outstanding color. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

i've had several myself.yes,they are soooooo lovely.
one time i special ordered one of mine.i think i've had 2.anyway i ordered a female.i thought surely he'll like her.
NOPE................only at certain times.i had to get her out FAST...........The girls look kinda like a sardine.not pretty at all.strange,huh?
i am so sorry i missed today.i totally forgot.i have been doing this dr thingy.and have to today.it's getting in the way of my blogging and i don't LIKE IT.ha...ann

Anonymous said...

Morning, Sally. Pretty fishy, but I'm afraid of them! :)
Be a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Shirl said...

Good Morning Sally, Happy Blue Monday! I put my post up last night and you were not up yet to link to, then this morning I forgot to link up. Just came to my mind.
Love your post this week, your fish is beautiful!
Bless you, Shirl
Shirls Rose Cottage

Cindy said...

He's pretty. I'm glad he lived long. Cindy

Libby's Library said...

What a great idea - to use a crystal vase for a betta bowl!

Jane said...

That is such a beautiful fish. I love the bowl idea!

The Muse said...

My grandchildren have been asking for a fish tank...so far, they are fishless :( Maybe I could use your blog as PROMO :) LOL !

Musings of A Minister said...

That's a pretty blue fish! It never fails to amaze me how many comments you already have by the time I get up in the morning. I'm just getting started (barely) and you already have fifty comments. Happy Blue Monday.

Boo-Bah AKA Iris said...

Hi Sally,

The colors in betas are so pretty. I am so glad that he lived for 4 years. I imagine that was because you took such good care of him.

Iris

Gypsy aka Tam said...

Thank you for hosting Blue Monday. My youngest son used to have a Beta when he was little. His had mostly red coloring. They are such pretty fish.
Happy Monday to you,
Tam

Gie's Tidbits said...

that's a pretty fish...may be he's the peacock of the fish kingdom.

raxx a day in the life said...

What a pretty fish, I love that you cared for him so well!

Anonymous said...

Jewel is the PERFECT name for the fish. Love the different shades of blue!

Terry said...

Hi Sally
Love the beta .
We use to have one years ago.
I have forgotten how easy to care for they are and what a great pet they make.Their colors are so striking .
Thanks for sharing ,and thanks for being the best hostess.
Blessings of joy to you.

Cass @ That Old House said...

We've been through our share of Beta fish -- when my girls were in high school it was a favorite gift for one friend to give another. We learned you A) can't put two in one bowl -- they will fight and B) you can't let two fish even SEE one another, or they will fight. Beautiful fish, with really screwy personalities! :-)
Cass

Barbara H. said...

My son's fiancee has one that we've been fish-sitting since she finished school in December and went home and couldn't take it on the plane. They are really pretty.

Mamapipppa said...

Those fish are beautiful, such great color of blue !

Darlene said...

I think Beta fish are just beautiful! I can't believe yours lived that long. You DID take great care of it!

Barbara Jean said...

Sally,
Thanks for hosting Blue Monday
and for stopping by.

Barbara Jean

jlshall said...

Wow, Jewels really was a beautiful blue. We had a Betta many years ago, but he (or she?) was red and he didn't have a name. We just called him "that nasty Betta fish." He had taken a dislike to one of our neighbors, and whenever the neighbor came near the Betta's tank, the Betta would fling himself against its glass front, over and over, until the neighbor vacated the premises or the Betta himself was nearly comatose. He was quite a fighter. We "donated" him to another neighbor who had many, many other fish. We were not sad to see him go.

bj said...

OOOO, no...Sweet Sally...it is not the QUILT I will give to Goodwill..the ugly ole blue glass bird !! I would pull out all my hair before I'd part with my momma's quilt !! :O)

Sue said...

Thanks Sally for sharing, I had one once he did not fair so well, and have thought about getting another. Your picture is so beautiful. Have a great day.
Sue

sara said...

so why is it cruel to have them in a bowl with a plant growing in it? It is a beautiful fish, we have never had one.

RobinfromCA said...

My daughter had one just the same color. His name was Neptune. Just beautiful.

Happy Blue Monday!
Robin

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story and what a pretty shade of blue.

Kathy b

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story and what a pretty shade of blue.

Kathy b

Judi said...

Happy Blue Monday Sally
Those fish really are so beautiful...its a shame they can't share their beauty amongst others...fish that is.
thank you for sharing
Judi

pam said...

Love the Beta's---we use to have those when our girls were little.

Ruby said...

I've had lots of pets over the years but never fish. Looks like a pretty one. Thanks for hosting. Ruby

Unknown said...

Great photograph. When my girls were little, we had they named Fantasia.

Blondie's Journal said...

It sounds like you miss Jewels a tad. I had one that was red. It did live pretty long now that I think of it. I'm not crazy about slimy things though!

Happy Blue Monday! :-D

xoxo
Jane

Anonymous said...

You asked how much they cost - the blue bunnies, etc. You know, I don't remember exactly how much. I knew I wasn't going to buy them and I looked at so many things and prices. I just remember thinking it wasn't a bad price. Some have said they didn't know Neiman Marcus had an outlet store. I didn't either, but was happy to find it. We have a regular Neiman Marcus close to us, but we rarely ever go into it. I feel like they might even charge me for looking. lol
Charlotte

Anonymous said...

I too, have always had Bettas, and I get upset when I see them being sold as decorations for rooted plants in water. People think that they can live by eating the roots, but we know that this is not true. They also like not to be cold, and in the North I had a little warm pad set up under the bowl. I hope to start some more blue Monday posts, as I really enjoy them and you have such a fun blog. I have some pretty blue flowers just taking off in my garden, and it will give me something blue to talk about. Your blog really does pass on your infectious smile and lovely attitude, Sally!

Lorrie said...

We gave my MIL a blue beta. I just love the color, but it's sad to me that they have to live alone...

Anonymous said...

I love Betas you certainly did a great job capturing this one.

Cathy said...

Interesting, and a very pretty fish, Sally ~

Yellow Rose Arbor said...

What a beauty that betta is! I don't think I've ever seen one before.

Oh, I always leave comments, especially to those who leave them on my blog! I posted very late last night and didn't leave you a comment then because I was so tired. Please be patient, I may be late, but I always comment, that's a promise!

Katherine

The Stylish House said...

Sally,
I don't have a blue post today, but came by to have a look and say hi. These are such beautiful fish with bright vibrant colors. My brother had a couple years ago. I remember he was careful to keep them apart. It is interesting you should not have plants with them. I learned something new. Have a wonderful day. ~Cathy~

Anonymous said...

Happy Blue Monday! Just wanted to say Hello and that I posted my first Blue Monday photo today.

Your fish is so beautiful. I always liked them but never had one. Take care.

imjacobsmom said...

Wow Sally, 72 participants this week! Sorry I didn't leave you a comment this morning, but I only had time to post my Blue Monday and click in. I had a very long day at work again today. So far, the economy hasn't slowed us down....Jacob and I went for a drive around our neighborhood. He's turning into a real good driver. ~ I think that your Blue Beta is a real cutie. I didn't know that they were an aggressive fish - that's why they were kept separated. See you learn something new everyday. Jewels is a befitting name because he is a Jewel. ~ Robyn

puddin07 said...

Sally, thanks for your kind comment on my sunroom at Lauries! I so appreciate it! Connie

Susan (Between Naps On The Porch.net) said...

Hi Sally,
Great post! I've had several Bettas and they have always lived a long time, too. I had a really, really large perfectly round bowl...probably 2-3 times the size of a world globe...that I used. No plant...except a small fake one toward the bottom that he could swim around and through...along with a faux shoe to hide in on occasion. :-) There was lots of swishing room in that huge thing. :-) I just couldn't bare to stick him in a tiny vase and it kills me to see them in those little bitty cups at Pet Smart. I loved having a fish in the kitchen...good company while I was cooking. I didn't use bottled water (great idea, though) but, I did put the special stuff in the water that eliminated the chlorine. Great Blue Monday post...brought back lots of memories...and good education for anyone thinking about getting a Betta.

nikkicrumpet said...

I love that you took such good care of him. I always feel bad when I see them in the pet store in those tiny little bowls.

Unknown said...

What a brillant blue creature! Mother Nature is simply amazing.
Hope it's the beginning of a happy week for you.
Happy Twirls

Snowberry Creek said...

I don't have a blue post today, but will try to have one next Monday.

Your "Jewels" was a beauty. My girls had a few betas when they were younger. We always loved watching them and took very good care of them...no little jars for them.

Jane O' said...

I wish I had known about this post earlier. I posted a blue day yesterday at
http://thyme-for-herbs.com

Maybe next week!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

I think they are SO pretty! You were a good fish mommy. ;-)

XO,

Sheila