Saturday, December 15, 2007

Sea Otter Playful Painted Stone

SOLD

This was my fourth otter stone I've painted, and the most playful by far! I really had fun working with this stone and the wonderful texture of the surface. See the pictures below that show how this little critter came together.

*About this stone: A detailed form of an adorable sea otter playing with green kelp graces this Spiritkeepers. It is a hand painted original design created from the natural forms of the rock itself. The shapes of the little toes are actual dips in the surface of the stone! Fur is created from hours of carefully dry brushing acrylic paint over the surface. Finished with a durable indoor/outdoor protective varnish. Sized at 4 inches long, 2 inches wide, and 1 inch thick; palm sized. It makes a perfect desktop paper weight or home decor curio shelf accent. Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered. No two are exact, each is unique OOAK artwork; no fillers or cutting used in making this totem animal fetish stone.

Photo 1: The Birth of a Spiritkeepers
Base coat of paint with rough outline of features. The size and shape made it easy to decide upon an otter. But which kind of otter should it be?
I remembered back when I used to live in the Pacific Northwest and the sea otters would visit. About the time of the salmon run, sea otters would creep up the mouth of the river and play in the churning mixture of salt and fresh waters. Sometimes they'd drag in kelp or sea weed from the deeper ocean as if it were clothing wrapped around plump little bodies. Actually, when one is up close it can be noted that the sea otters are fairly good sized critters! When my husband and myself would take breaks, from our shared place of employment, we were often blessed by a visit with the otters. Few things take away the stress of the day like watching Nature's clowns putting on a show! This stone was painted in honor of those little stress helpers. :)



Photo 2: Taking Shape
The natural bumps and cracks in the rock actually made the texture of the fur and details of the tiny toes, through careful bry brush painting.



Photo 3: Face of a New Friend
All finished and up close.



Photo 2: A side view



All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Thursday, December 6, 2007

Two New Polar Bear Hand Painted Stones

Metaphysical ABOUT POLAR BEAR - Being the most outstanding hunter of the bear family also makes the polar bear the most aggressive of the bears. They have very keen hearing, listening for sounds under the ice from above. When polar bear hears a seal bubbling to the surface it patiently waits for the favorite prey to come up. They pounce on the seals to drag them from the water. This indicates that polar bear knows when to wait and when to act on an opportunity. These bears have a playful side too, sliding on ice and playing with cubs, indicating that though they're serious about the task at hand they know when to relax and nourish the soul. If you think that polar bear is a totem animal for you then be sure to also examine the animals it chooses as prey; there'll likely be a second totem in there for you.

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* Polar Bear Sleeping Hand Painted Stone


This item is actual natural rock and a one of a kind design.

A hand painted polar bear taking a nap, with head on paw, graces this unique hand painted stone. The image is unique to this piece; one of a kind, and created from the shapes found within the natural surface of the stone. This modern wildlife folk art piece can be displayed as decorative art, used as a large medicine bag or pouch item, or kept as a totem animal spirit guide reminder on decorative display; either way, this collectable Spiritkeepers stone makes a lovely sculpture of nature or Yule time gift. Sits safe for most surfaces at 2" inches tall and is 2 1/4" inches at the widest point, and 1/2" thick; palm of hand size. Place near your workspace computer to remind you of the magic world of nature outside of technology. Hand Painted Rock Folk Art.Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is water washable with cold water and care. Stone #sk025

Available at my Etsy shop. Click title to visit.

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Polar Bear Scene Hand Painted Basalt Stone This item is actual natural rock and a one of a kind design SOLD.
A hand painted polar bear standing in the ice fields, with mountians beyond, graces this unique hand painted stone. The rock material is a volcanic basalt from the Pacific Northwest ocean water. Basalt is known metaphysically to absorb negative energy. Use as a meditation devise to focus. The image is unique to this piece; one of a kind, and created from the shapes found within the natural surface of the stone. This modern wildlife folk art piece can be displayed as decorative art, used as a paper weight, or kept as a totem animal spirit guide reminder; either way, this collectable Spiritkeepers stone makes a lovely sculpture of nature or Yule time gift. Sits safe for most surfaces at 3 3/4" inches wide and is 1 1/4" inches at the thickest point; stout and heavy. Photos are a bit dark; colors are rich blue, purple, and white with brown. Acrylic paint well coated with environmentally friendly varnish. Place near your workspace computer to remind you of the magic world of nature outside of technology. Go for a late night walk with the power of polar bear! Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is water washable with cold water and care. Stone #sk44 Certificate of Authenticity included.


All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Monday, December 3, 2007

Big Wolf Painting Double Naturally Holed Stone

This item is actual natural rock and a unique, one of a kind, design painted on 450 million years old "canvas"!



Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered hand painted stone or shell. This piece is intended for indoor display, though surface is water washable with cold water and care. Sized at 12" wide, 10" (two inches) tall, and about 1 1/2" at the thickest point, it will require a display easel or space to lean -- not recommended as a wall hanging due to weight between 7 to 10 pounds.


This is without a doubt the largest Spiritkeepers Stone to date; A special DOUBLE NATURALLY HOLED STONE! Part of an underground rock layer at one time, it was shaped by nature rather than being broken out of the ground, and was discovered resting peacefully in the magic of running water. It caught my eye as I passed by this stone, seeming to demand attention. Despite the rugged texture I knew it had to become a painting, so I lugged its weight back to my studio by hand. I never go out on "hunting trips" when I collect, to load up a truck or wheel barrow with random stones. I just simply go for a walk and see what speaks out to me, if anything at all. The triangle shaped piece here, with its two natural holes, seemed to want to become something new. I was glad to oblige.


It was a tough job for me and my paintbrushes, working with the rough texture of this stone -- working "with" and not hiding the natural surface. Note the areas where actual brachiopod fossils shells can be seen. On the back you can see them unpainted, in the natural fossil colors darkened slightly by varnish. It had to be painstakingly hand cleaned of creek bed debris before being painted as a highly detailed bust of a red brown timber wolf. The entire piece took a year to craft, from cleaning to the final protective varnish layers.


Golden eyes shine out from fur created by dry brushing many layers of paint over the natural texture of the stone. Washes of pale blue sky, and vivid greens, make a slight background with trees. The new owner of this stone will be amazed to feel the facial details of the wolf in the actual surface, which was sculpted by an ancient underground river. The ears and mouth especially are created from dry brushing thin layers of paint over the natural shapes in the rock. The entire nose is actually a brachiopod fossil shell. This stone is a striking piece for home decor and specimen collections for the office space; Sure to impress guests with the size alone.



The painted surface is a limestone and shale fossil cluster, with very well articulated half shell brachiopods and other fossils. Location is from the Southwestern Ohio Valley, USA -- the Appalachian Basin on the pinnacle of the Cincinnati Arch. These fossils are found predominately in a large strata of thinly bedded, but dense fossiliforous, limestone approximately 450 million years old! The most recognizable of these fossil species are Brachiopods, Trilobites, Cepholopods, Bryozoa, Crinoids, Eurypterids and Horn Corals. This particular stone is replete with specimens.


From a metaphysical view, being comprised of fossil, this stone is a link to ancient knowledge -- the Akashic Record. It is thought this type of stone can accelerate the transfer of said knowledge into one's "being". Telepathic abilities may develop or increase. Fossils in general, from a metaphysical understanding, may bring quality & excellence into one's surroundings. It may raise the level of, and add to one's achievements in the business world. Creativity may be increased simply by the presence of fossil stone in the environment.
*A naturally holed stone, or holey stone, is also known as the Witches Amulet. It is the most powerful protection amulet for the witch because it IS the presence of the Goddess Herself, the opening in the stone being the Sacred Womb of the Earth. When strung with a red string or ribbon and hung over or near the bed it acts as a shield against bad dreams, called Witches Dream Shield -- much like the Native American dream catcher. A holey stone may also be used for Full Moon magic by gazing at the moon through the hole.


All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Saturday, December 1, 2007

Kokopelli Dancing Spiritkeepers Stone





Being a Deity of Considerable Potency, the Kokopelli figure has been found as early as 200 A.D in ruins of pithouse people. Many different tribes through time, including the Hopi, tell tales of this mysterious figure. His legend is so widespread that some even think Kokopelli may be an Ancient Hindu God! He was a wandering minstrel who played his magical flute from village to village bringing fertility of all types, as well as song. Patron of music, dance, creativity, storytelling, and abundance. Kokopelli compares somewhat to the Lakota Heyoka medicine person (Sacred Clown), in that through entertainment and shock the people are distracted into learning lessons to take right action.

Pronunciation: koh-koh-pell-ee
Also Known As: Magical Flute Player, humpback or hump-backed flute player, fertility god, prankster, healer and story teller



Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered hand painted stone. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is water washable with cold water and care, as it is coated with environmentally friendly protective varnish. Sized at 3" (three inches) long, 2" (two inches) wide, and nearly 1" (one inch) at the thickest point; palm of hand sized. Painted on Ohio silt stone from an ancient fossil bed, making it a link to ancient knowledge -- the Akashic Record.
Kokopelli Dancing Spiritkeepers Stone #skko07



All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

The Spiritkeepers Rune Symbol

Someone recently inquired about the symbol painted on the back of the Spiritkeepers rocks and shells. I created this rune like symbol as a representation of the initials SK with four dots to honor the Four Directions and the Four Sacred Elements. Any one with enough intent can find further meaning to this character, I'm sure, but I intend nothing metaphysically more than vibrant energy and good will.

Below you can see an image of the Spiritkeepers sigil like logo.





All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit, copyrighted Tree Pruitt. Metaphysical suggestions are intended as entertainment only -- I/we make no claims as to the ability of the action of stones, spells or advise.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Polar Bear Running in Moonlight

SOLD


A hand painted polar bear running in the light of the full moon graces this naturally holed stone, which is also covered with fossils! Limestone and shale filled with fossil specimens from the Southern Ohio Valley (Cincinnatian, Devonian Periods perhaps), such as brachiopod and even fossil algae. Connecting one's self metaphysically with that ancient wet land environment can call upon the Akashic Record and open inner doors to the knowledge of humanity; revealing secrets lost. The image is unique to this piece; one of a kind, and created from the shapes within the natural surfaces of the delicate stone. Includes brass display stand as seen in photos. Sits at 5" inches tall and is 4 1/2" inches at the widest point. Place near your workspace/computer to remind you of the mundane world outside of technology and work. Go for a moon light run with the power of polar bear! Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is water washable with cold water and care. Stone #sk026 has SOLD.

Polar Bear - Being the most outstanding hunter of the bear family also makes the polar bear the most aggressive of the bears. They have very keen hearing, listening for sounds under the ice from above. When polar bear hears a seal bubbling to the surface it patiently waits for the favorite prey to come up. They pounce on the seals to drag them from the water. This indicates that polar bear knows when to wait and when to act on an opportunity. These bears have a playful side too, sliding on ice and playing with cubs, indicating that though they're serious about the task at hand they know when to relax and nourish the soul. If you think that polar bear is a totem animal for you then be sure to examine the animals it chooses as prey; there'll likely be a second totem in there for you. Read more about totem animals at the artists web site page for
Animals Totems http://www.mysticgriffin.com/animaltotems.htm

From a metaphysical view, being comprised of fossil, this stone is a link to ancient knowledge; the Akashic Record. It is thought this type of stone can accelerate the transfer of said knowledge into one's "being". Telepathic abilities may develop or increase. Fossils in general, from a metaphysical understanding, may bring quality & excellence into one's surroundings. It may raise the level of, and add to one's achievements in the business world. Creativity may be increased simply by the presence of fossil stone in the environment. (some portions of above paragraph from Love is in the Earth by Melody)

A naturally holed stone, or holey stone, is also known as the Witches Amulet. It is the most powerful protection amulet for the witch because it IS the presence of the Goddess Herself. The opening in the stone is the Sacred Womb of the Earth. When strung with a red string or ribbon and hung over the bed it acts as a shield against bad dreams; called the Witches Dream Shield -- much like the Native American dream catcher. A holey stone may also be used for Full Moon magic by gazing at the moon through the hole.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Peruvian Storyteller with Children

Warm earth tones accent the friendly charm of this heartwarming Ayacucho storyteller and her young friends, including the white bird. Wearing traditional clothing of Peru, the expressive characters bring the design on the stone to life. An inspiring piece reflecting family values and showcasing the age-old legacy of storytelling. Sized at three inches wide, three and a half inches long and standing at about one and a half inches high this Spiritkeepers Stone makes a perfect desktop paperweight or addition to your South American decor.


Great links of interest
*Tim Sheppard’s Storytelling Resources for Storytellers http://www.timsheppard.co.uk/story/index.html
*A traditional tale from Peru, "The Fox and the Mole," from Latin American Tales, by Genevieve Barlow http://www.globaled.org/globalLiteracy/handouts/glHandout23A.html

*Shop for Spiritkeepers http://www.mysticgriffin.com/

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ABOUT THIS STONE
This rock had been a member of my studio space for a few years before I painted the Peruvian Storyteller design on it. A great friend had taken me to a river in Washington State to explore for the day. That's where I gathered the stone.
We had a wonderful time splashing around in the cold mountain water. It was salmon run season so we stayed close to shore; Some of those fish are nearly as big as myself and powerfully strong, so I had plenty of incentive to stay clear. At one point, I was standing in the water remembering all of the stories I'd read of magic fish raising up out of the waters surface to speak or even grant wishes, (wishes from fishes)! My imagination played with the idea of being a character in one of those stories. As I thought of the fish, a large shape to my left suddenly rushed at me! I squealed and ran for the shore as if in a Jaws movie. I thought one of those big salmon was coming to get me, so I ran for my life! I lost my footing on the rocks and went face first into the cold water! My friend was laughing at my "green horn" behavior and literally smacking his knee. You see, the sun had peeked out just enough to cast a cloud reflection in the water. The shape that came at me was a cloud reflecting in the rippling water! Of course I felt a fool, but I had to laugh too.
Before I pulled myself up out of the water, a single stone seemed to whisper to me -- "take me!", it called. I picked it up to have a look at my find. Well, some people say that true beauty is more than skin deep; it's deep inside. This was a plain white-ish stone; no crystal sparkles, no fossils, no scratches or breaks. I noticed the sort of triangular shape, and again the stone seemed to whisper, "yessss". So I opened myself to test the energy of the stone; the spiritual and/or physical energy it puts out. The rock seemed to tell me this was what it wanted.

My experience with this spiritual energy is somewhat akin to Remote Viewing, I think. As I tap into the energy of the stone, we exchange waves and I get impressions or mental images. I'm fully open to the concept that this process is simply my active imagination alone, but through my own experiments I'm satisfied that I am communicating with the stone or object in most cases. Now, this particular stone told me that it was very old and had journeyed far. Once it had been a giant boulder high up in the mist covered mountain. It had slowly begun to shift its location on the mountain. Boulders and stones do this by altering the energy waves and weakening the soil structure around them. It doesn't damage or effect the health of the soil, but simply changes the energy waves like giving a wiggle. Tiny wiggles eventually create a full move. It doesn't matter to most large rocks how quickly the move occurs; time is a different matter to stone. Some smaller stones might have care about time if they've been assigned a spiritual job to do. They may need to find the person they are supposed to work for; that's where someone like me enters the picture. I am a helper to the stone, and because I try to discern what it is they might like to do they reach out to me.
 
So this particular stone had been worn down from the move down the river. By the time it reach the place where I had found it there was not more than a handful of the original boulder left. The slightly triangle shaped rock was more of a storyteller than most other stones. I knew this stone had even more to tell. It has sat in my collection for some time now. I became sure that it was a storytelling stone so then decided upon the Native Peruvian storyteller woman as a motif. The feeling of someone calling is out there. Someone is in need of the gifts this stone has to offer. Is it you?


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Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Big Otter Spiritkeepers Stone sk022




This item is actual stone, hand painted by artist Tree Pruitt.

A highly detailed form of an adorable otter graces this large Spiritkeepers stone. It is a hand painted original design created from the natural forms of the rock itself! See, in the photos, how the back leg actually has dimension.
Handpainted otter Spiritkeepers stone by Tree Pruitt.
Fur is created from hours of carefully dry brushing acrylic paint over the surface. Finished with a durable indoor/outdoor protective varnish. Sized at seven inches long, nearly three inches tall, and with a depth of two inches at the hind quarter, it makes a perfect desktop paper weight or home accent. Sits upright by itself on a level surface. Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is water washable with cold water and care. Smooth bottom is safe for most all surfaces. Stone #sk022, check my website for availability.



 
The playful otter is filled with curious feminine energy. Each of us, regardless of gender, has both a feminine and masculine side. One of the lessons of otter is the balance of feminity; to avoid catty, jealous behavior and delight in sharing with others. The otter can help awaken your inner child, and show you how to release yourself from the things in life that may be a burden or bind. Be comfortable in your own environment. Stop clinging to the rocks, and go with the flow of the river of life in joy, as does the otter.
TOTEM ANIMAL KEY NOTES: playful, feminine energy, curiosity, balance, wisdom to use knowledge learned

Friday, June 8, 2007

Timber Wolf Holey Stone #018



This item is SOLD.

Description:




A highly detailed bust of a red brown timber wolf. Golden eyes shine out from fur created by dry brushing many layers of paint over the natural texture of the stone. A wash of a pale blue sky and green makes a slight background. The new owner of this stone will be amazed to feel the details in the actual surface! Sculpted by an ancient underground river. The ears and chin, especially, are created from dry brushing thin layers of paint over the natural shapes in the rock. Being naturally holed, and sized at two inches high and two wide, this rock makes a perfect totem amulet or Witches Dream Shield. The thickness is about one fourth of an inch. Since this timber wolf Spiritkeepers can be worn as a necklace or pendant it comes with a light tan satin cord. Each Spiritkeepers is unique and individually numbered. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is water washable with cold water and care. Stone #018


Wolf SpiritKeepers™ Holey Stone - A naturally holed stone, or holey stone, is also known as the Witches Amulet. It is the most powerful protection amulet for the witch because it IS the presense of the Goddess Herself. The opening in the stone is the Sacred Womb of the Earth. When strung with a red string or ribbon and hung over the bed, (Witches Dream Shield), it acts as a shield against bad dreams -- much like the Native American dream catcher. A holey stone may also be used for Full Moon magic by gazing at the moon through the hole. **NOTE: Information and suggestions intended as entertainment only. I make no claims to an items magickal abilities. Meditate at your own risk!

All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Metaphysical suggestions are intended as entertainment only -- I/we make no claims as to the ability of the action of stones, spells or advise.
Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Raccoon Spiritkeepers Pocket Pebble




SOLD

Description:

A highly detailed raccoon curls up on this palm sized stone as if caught in the act of mischief. Perfectly sized for a pocket or pouch yet large enough to stand out in home decor display at one and a half inches at the widest, a half an inch thich, and nearly two inches at the longest point. This stone is from the greater Ohio Valley and is most likely a combination of limestone and quartz. I discovered it while digging in the garden. The spot of grass I was sitting on is a favorite place for a local coon to eat his prey. Each Spiritkeepers is a unique hand painted work of art and is individually numbered. The smooth protective coating creates a bottom that should be safe for most surfaces. This piece is intended for indoor display though surface is durable, water washable with cold water and care. Stone #015




Detail Image of face.



The bottom of the stone showing the natural colors of the surface.

Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

Timber Wolf Bust

SOLD



A highly detailed bust, (head and shoulders), of a red brown timber wolf. Golden eyes shine out from fur created by dry brushing layers of paint over the natural texture of the stone. A wash of a pale blue sky makes a slight background with white of the natural stone showing as clouds.


This piece makes a perfect artful paper weight for any desk or a wonderful addition to home decor due to the overall size. The weight is a reasonable one pound and eleven ounces -- sturdy enough to hold a stack of papers still on the highest ceiling fan setting. The smooth protective coating creates a bottom that should be safe for most surfaces. At four and a half inches at the widest and also at the longest point, this Spiritkeepers is in the shape of a triangle. It stands nearly three inches high. This stone is from the greater Ohio Valley and is most likely a combination of limestone and quartz.



Edge view showing triangular shape.






The back edge showing Spiritkeepers mark and number.

The bottom of the stone showing the natural colors of the surface.



Timber Wolf Bust Stone #014



All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit. Metaphysical suggestions are intended as entertainment only -- I/we make no claims as to the ability of the action of stones, spells or advise.
Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by WWAO artist, Tree Pruitt.

Saturday, February 10, 2007

WOLF Giant Holey Stone: In Progress

This wolf holey stone will be the largest Spiritkeeper to date, when it's finished, at nearly a foot wide and an inch and a half thick. I feel this stone was certainly a special find, in itself. Being in the shape of a triangle, having three natural holes and being loaded with fossils, this stone nearly screams "Sacred" to any Wiccan, witch or Neo-Native American, (as if any stone were NOT sacred in the first place). I'm taking my sweet time with painting this one. I want the natural forms in the stone to create the image of the wolf, and it's working well! Some areas, such as the lower muzzle, are created by dry brushing over actual brachiopod shell fossils in the surface! I don't want to hide the natural form of the stone so dry brushing over certain areas allows those forms to show. The side of the face near the hole has deep grooves in the stone and will feel like carved fur to the touch. Several layers of paint may be applied until I feel the resulting image reflects a true personality of a timber wolf -- the character of the creature. When finished it will be well coated with a protective varnish.

(Nose is an actual fossil shell!)

I found this large naturally holed stone while camping with my family in Southern Ohio. For anyone interested in the specific fossil record information I'm sure I can supply a reasonable account of location and layer, but this is intended as a piece of artwork rather than a fossil specimen offering. For the spiritual account, know that the energies were quite high when this rock was gathered! A huge summer electric storm system was providing a wondrous light show -- from a safe distance -- a meteor shower graced a lovely view, and loving family bonds were strengthened through sharing.
When I was asked to attend the camping trip I had that familiar feeling of "Spirit" calling me to work, so to say. I knew it was to be more than just a get away. I enjoyed my time with my loved ones, I learned many things metaphysically and personally, and came back with several future Spiritkeeper stones. Family bonding was the main focus of the camping trip, so I feel the wolf on this stone, as a symbol of the power of family -- of the pack -- is a perfect balance of spiritual energies. Fossils connect us to the oceans of the past and can aide psychic ability, intuition, and the creative drive. Those energy influences will seep from the fossils, in a positive way of course, without the owner needing to do a thing. I hope this wolf Spiritkeeper will not only be a loved piece of art for someone but will become a home for Spirit to dwell with happiness.




All art work images, unless otherwise credited, copyright Tree Pruitt. Text information may not be used for profit or personal gain. Metaphysical suggestions are intended as entertainment only -- I/we make no claims as to the ability of the action of stones, spells or advise.
Information about hand painted Spiritkeepers ™ stones & shells by
Tree Pruitt.