HeLLO there, I'm Matilyn!

Christian, Artist, Tea Enthusiast, Betta Mom, Avid Reader, Plant Parent, and Southern Girl with Big Dreams

It Began With A Gift

My Love For bettas Started at six years old,
on an unforgettable trip to the pet store with my grandmother...

As we stood by the wall of colorful fish, a stunning teal betta was gently placed in my hands, capturing my heart. 

Despite my lack of knowledge, Blue Fin lived a good, long life, becoming even more precious after my grandmother passed away.

I often reflect on that special day many years ago, wondering if my grandmother realized the incredible gift she gave me: A passion that brings me joy every single day.

Despite my lack of knowledge, Blue Fin lived a good, long life, becoming even more precious after my grandmother passed away.

I often reflect on that special day many years ago, wondering if my grandmother realized the incredible gift she gave me: A passion that brings me joy every single day.

One Gift Started It All

It Began With A Gift

My Love For bettas Started at six years old, on an unforgettable trip to the pet store with my grandmother...

As we stood by the wall of colorful fish, a stunning teal betta was gently placed in my hands, capturing my heart. 

Years later, I came across a verse that gave words to something I'd always felt but couldn't quite name:

"A righteous person cares for the life of his animal..." (Proverbs 12:10)

Reading it felt like confirmation of something I'd known all along but never said out loud. The discomfort I felt seeing bettas in tiny cups, the urgency I felt to get things right; suddenly, it made sense. We were designed to value life, no matter how small.

That verse reaffirmed why I can't settle for "good enough" when it comes to my bettas. They deserve more than survival. They deserve to thrive.

This hobby has a way of slowing you down. Of opening your eyes to beauty you might have rushed past. There's a quiet joy in knowing a living creature is thriving because of your care. Maybe that's what my grandmother recognized in me all those years ago: the kind of kid who would treasure that little fish for as long as he lived.

"A righteous person cares for the life of his animal..." (Proverbs 12:10)

Reading it felt like confirmation of something I'd known all along but never said out loud. The discomfort I felt seeing bettas in tiny cups, the urgency I felt to get things right; suddenly, it made sense. We were designed to value life, no matter how small.


Psalm 19:1 - "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." 

Years later, I came across a verse that gave words to something I'd always felt but couldn't quite name:

That verse reaffirmed why I can't settle for "good enough" when it comes to my bettas. They deserve more than survival. They deserve to thrive.

This hobby has a way of slowing you down. Of opening your eyes to beauty you might have rushed past. There's a quiet joy in knowing a living creature is thriving because of your care. Maybe that's what my grandmother recognized in me all those years ago: the kind of kid who would treasure that little fish for as long as he lived.

things that make me…me

  • My room is full of plants. I have the freshest air in the house.
  • Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. I enjoy collecting various illustrated versions
  • I love the smell of a good campfire, especially on a cool fall evening.
  • I was born and raised in the South, which explains a lot. Especially my love of comfort, warmth, and good food.
  • Cilantro is the only food I truly despise.
  • Roller coasters? Absolutely not.
  • Freeze-dried strawberries are my favorite purse snack.
  • For an embarrassingly long time, I thought salmon and Solomon were the same word.
  • I once tried to fly using a bed sheet. I don’t recommend it.
  • I am a chocoholic.

A few things that make me…me

  • My room is full of plants. I have the freshest air in the house.
  • Pride and Prejudice is my favorite book. I enjoy collecting various illustrated versions
  • I love the smell of a good campfire, especially on a cool fall evening.
  • I was born and raised in the South, which explains a lot. Especially my love of comfort, warmth, and good food.
  • Cilantro is the only food I truly despise.
  • Roller coasters? Absolutely not.
  • Freeze-dried strawberries are my favorite purse snack.
  • For an embarrassingly long time, I thought salmon and Solomon were the same word.
  • I once tried to fly using a bed sheet. I don’t recommend it.
  • I am a chocoholic 

These Are A Few
Of My Favorite Things

These Are A Few Of My Favorite Things

You’ll find me wandering the plant aisles at Home Depot, curled up with a good book, scrolling Pinterest for new hairstyle ideas, or reorganizing my closet for the fiftieth time (yes, I actually enjoy it). Fall is when I feel most alive, and if the weather allows, I’m probably outside on the back porch with a cup of chai in hand.

When I’m Not Cleaning Tanks or Making Faces at My Fish…

I’ve always been deeply curious, and I’m grateful that YouTube and Google exist so I can satisfy that curiosity without blowing anything up. (For the record, I’ve never tested what a fork in the microwave does… but I’ve definitely looked it up.)

And yes, I’m head over heels in love with bettas. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping others care for their fish with confidence, so they can live long, healthy, happy lives.

I’m SO glad you’re here and along for the ride!

When I'm Not Cleaning Tanks
or making faces at my fish...

You’ll find me wandering the plant aisles at Home Depot, curled up with a good book, scrolling Pinterest for new hairstyle ideas, or reorganizing my closet for the fiftieth time (yes, I actually enjoy it). Fall is when I feel most alive, and if the weather allows, I’m probably outside on the back porch with a cup of chai in hand.

I’ve always been deeply curious, and I’m grateful that YouTube and Google exist so I can satisfy that curiosity without blowing anything up.

For the record, I’ve never tested what a fork in the microwave does… but I’ve definitely looked it up.

And yes, I’m head over heels in love with bettas. There’s nothing more rewarding to me than helping others care for their fish with confidence, so they can live long, healthy, happy lives.

I’m SO glad you’re here and along for the ride!