A Koi Pond story
Inspiration is just outside your door. When we moved into our new home, we were excited that the side yard had a small pond at the side of the house. It needed a bit of fixing up and my husband was up to the task. Once it was done and filled with water, we had to find new inhabitants for it. So, we sought out to buy some fish and plants.
We went in search for Koi fish at a pet fish store, and found 3 little ones, as well as a Water Lily plant. We placed these new members to our family in their new home. The fish a bit shy at first grew accustomed to their new surroundings, and eventually began to swim with glee at all the space their new home provided.
A friendship ensued with fish and man as my husband became the sole feeder of the fish. They shyly came to the surface of the water to eat, but if we lingered too long, they quickly returned to the depth of the pond. In spite of their shyness, we began to notice distinct personalities of each fish, and of course with their coloring they earned their names.
The dark orange with black and white specks is named Blaze, not only because of its bright color, but because it has a fiery personality due to being the most aggressive one of the bunch, the fastest swimmer, and it is always first to the food.
Otto has a light orange head with a black and white body who likes eating, and lingers the longest with the food. It got its name from a kid’s story “A Fish Out of Water” where the fish “Otto” ate so much it grew and grew and grew.
The third one was called Moon due to its white coloring spatter with black specs. Moon was the slowest, shyest, and we think it was the most sensitive. Always the first to run away, and last to come to the food, and it stayed in the depth of the pond must of the time. Unfortunately being slow was its demised, we think a critter got it. Sad but true, we miss our little Moon.
Two of the Koi and the Lily are flourishing in their little pond which we now protect with a screen. The Water Lily has bloomed and given us a beautiful pinkish white flower. I couldn’t help but create “Little Koi Pond” inspired by the beauty that nature provides even in our own side yard.
Hi Ana,
I grew up in Edwardsville and my parents had a large lily pond. Interestingly, my dad feed the fish. We had goldfish and there were too many to name.
I love that your three were named. Sorry to hear about Moon.
Both my brother and I have had lily ponds over the years. Neither of us do now but it’s interesting that we both have water in our back yards-he a lake and I a pond. The addition of water and its occupants adds a lot to one’s life.
I love your fabric piece of your pond. Enjoy, enjoy!!
Carla,
Thank you for telling me about your memories of Edwardsville, and I love that your dad feed the fish 🙂 I could see how it would be hard to name all the goldfish, but they are beautiful fish with their fins and coloring. I appreciate your kind words. I agree that water brings a sense of calmness and peace in one’s life, and the fish bring lots of joy. Thank you for sharing your stories, and I am glad you enjoyed the Little Koi Pond. Ana 🙂
My dear Ana,
You never cease to amaze me with your gift of creating beautiful works of art! This one may be one of my favorites!
Growing up, each summer my family would travel from Colorado to southeastern Ohio to visit my grandparents. The house my mother grew up in was my favorite place to stay and just outside the back door was a little fish pond. My grandfather had gold fish in it and, he too, was the one who lovingly fed them each day. (Maybe it’s an innate man trait.
There was a little brick wall just a ways below the pond where he would also leave fresh cantaloupe seeds and bread for the birds.) I always loved that little gold fish pond and the many delicate water lilies that bloomed on top. It’s a picture etched into my memory for all times! I now live not far from those memories. Each time I drive by my grandfather’s house, I strain to see if that pond might still be there along with my little Self that loved it so much!
Thank you for bringing to life such special memories for all of us who remember our own version of “A Koi Pond story.”
Grateful for you, my friend, and your many talents. Carol 💕🪷🐟