I made a trip to the green patch today.
I was happy to be snipping in the sunshine.
I got a basket full.
Not enough to cook up a mess.
They aren’t for me.
They are for the bunnies, of course.
There is nothing more yummy to a bunny tummy than fresh greens.
See that smile?
FLOWER
This amaryllis was worth the wait.
Its blooms are a deep, velvet red with ruffles.
The yellow pollen and white-ended pistil add contrast.
I may have a new favorite!
FLOWER
I had to go outside today despite the cold and rain.
I have been pacing like a trapped animal in the house.
I was happy to see this colorful spurge, Euphorbia x martini.
‘Ascot Rainbow’ is its variety name.
The raindrops added a nice touch of sparkle.
Thank goodness for some color on a dreary day.
FLOWER
I have watched this Great Blue heron for hours.
It has stayed on this post all morning.
Once I looked up to see the post empty.
Next time I looked, the heron was back.
I have spent the entire morning on my computer
while my friend has spent this time preening on a post.
I tried to sneak down to the shore for a close-up,
but it flew away…
to another post.
FLOW
I have found a new place to go for instant gratification besides my kitchen.
(Winter gives me the munchies.)
My new hang-out without food is called Studio 73.
It is located just across the Catawba River in a lovely little town named Catawba.
I gave Rose a gift certificate for time here as a Christmas gift.
I tagged along with my camera and made a project myself.
I have not been so inspired in a long time.
The walls are covered in various forms of art.
Different artists display their work here. I was impressed by each array.
Rose and I had an enjoyable afternoon creating our own art.
She made a piece for her dorm door.
I created this camper for our entrance.
Stay tuned for another camper coming soon. I found one for the fairies.
I only hope they behave better in it than they did in their pumpkin!
You local folks need to check out this lovely Studio 73.
Just look for the giant paintbrush near the post office.
FLOW
Attention: Blogger friends
I need your help.
I have finished a book about my daughter’s life with epilepsy.
We have a blog “Seizure Mama and Rose.”
I am releasing stories from the book onto the blog to find our audience.
Could you PLEASE share the link with anyone you know
whose life has been affected by EPILEPSY.
I need to hear from them.
This is my mission, not my hobby.
https://seizuremama.wordpress.com
I have spent many mornings at my desk in my pajamas
phishing and dropping the link,
wishing I had some folks to help me.
Then I thought of all you guys. My blogger friends! Who better to find folks?
I know that should have been obvious, kind of like throwing the ball at the pins.
FLOW is slow!
Thanks for helping us,
FLOWER
My family went bowling over the holidays,
the four cousins and two aunts and two uncles together.
I am a bad bowler. I used to be better, but something happened.
I watched my niece nonchalantly throw the ball at the pins which then fell down.
My dreaded turn came over and over.
I carefully aligned myself with the little brown arrows in my lane,
then watched the ball wobble toward the pins.
A few pins fell down, if I was lucky.
My score for the first game was embarrassing. (Up on the screen with my face!)
“How do you do that? ” I asked my niece. She made it look so easy.
“I look at the pins and throw the ball at them.” she replied with a puzzled look.
FLOWER had been focusing on the floor.
I only looked at the pins after I let go of the ball, when it was too late to matter.
My scores began to climb because I started looking at the target.
Keep your eye on the pins and throw the ball at them.
So simple!
Why didn’t I think of that?
FLOW/Aunt B
The term Chrismon is a combination of two words, Christ and Monogram.
The original Chrismon ornaments were designed by Frances Kipps Spencer in 1957.
She gave her designs to Ascension Lutheran Church of Danville Virginia.
The original designs are patented. I am not sure which of the ornaments shown are official “Chrismons.”
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Troutman, North Carolina has the most beautiful Chrismon tree that I have ever seen.
Years ago I was involved in making some of these ornaments with our pastor’s wife, Rosalind.
We drove to an official Chrismon supply store. The special wire was cut, the beads were counted. These were not the buy-by-the-bag materials. The beads had names and numbers. Templates had to be followed with precision. Each had its own list of materials.
I was more of a glitter and glue girl back then.(Still am.) I only completed ONE ornament, and that took several weeks.
When you see a Chrismon tree in a Lutheran church.
Take a closer look. The details of these ornaments have meaning. Some include the secret symbols of early Christians. Greek letters have meanings, also. The gold represents majesty and the white stands for purity.
I always look forward to seeing this tree in our lovely sanctuary.
Along with our Nativity scene waiting for the baby to arrive.
PEACE
The winter solstice has arrived.
I hope your holiday is full of magic and joy.
FLOWER and the Fairies
floweralley 