Phalaenopsis Orchid

Thou art thy mother's glass, and she in thee

Calls back the lovely April of her prime. ~ William Shakespeare

Today's Joy: Discovering Your Mother.

Had an epiphany today, Reader. After spending a lovely afternoon at the Farmer's Market and then picking up two new garden planters for Mom's front porch, we had lunch and got to talking about the past. She related to me a story of her younger married life and the struggles she went through that I'd never heard before, and suddenly I saw my mother from an entirely new perspective. The young woman she had been became clear to me in a way I'd never considered before and tears welled up in my eyes when I thought about all that she overcame in those years. I suddenly felt ashamed for the times I didn't make things easier on her. It was a big moment for both of us.

I look forward now to getting to know even more of this elusive woman and to a closer relationship than we've ever had. Thank you, God, for this opportunity to better understand my mother and to show her how much I appreciate all she's sacrificed for us. I pray that you will bring continued peace and joy into her life and bless us with her warm presence for many, many years to come.

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Sometimes the most important thing in a whole day is the rest we take between two deep breaths. ~Etty Hillesum

Today's Joy: Goals Accomplished.

Long day, Reader. Had a full day at work (Lord, thank you for blessing me with a job in which there's always plenty of work to do and which I enjoy so much). Then Aunt and I visited two Pier 1 Imports to buy a lovely new patio set for her screened porch. We found a gorgeous set on clearance and matched them with some sumptuous peacock-inspired cushions patterned in chocolate brown, dark turquoise, soft greens and a rich cream. A few coordinating throw pillows and Aunt now has the makings of a blissful porch oasis.

Now at home, with humidity hanging thick & heavy in the air, I think I'll have a glass of iced tea and climb into bed. Sleep tight, Reader.

Quote courtesy of The Quote Garden.

Chunk Birdwatching

Love is all you need. ~Paul McCartney

Today's Joy: Love Changes Everything.

Something strange has been going on in our house for the past week, Reader. Chunk, my Archie Bunker-esque orange tiger cat, who is normally prickly, aloof and never wants to cuddle has been downright sweet. Usually, he sits on the upstairs balcony, yowling for me until I come to bed, at which point he wants me to sit with him but not too near, and I absolutely may not touch him. But if I want to admire him from a distance, that's just fine. What is it about cats that holds our affection hostage but still keeps us coming back for more? They might be the masters of unrequited love.

Anyway, not only have I actually been allowed to pet Chunk this week, but every night at bedtime he saunters over and flops right up against me, purring for all he's worth. He's been obnoxiously cuddly and hasn't hissed, swatted or given me the cold shoulder once. Have been wondering if he's become mentally unbalanced.

Fast forward to tonight: I went outside to call Chunk for bed (a fixed former stray, he still enjoys a couple hours a day sitting out on the front porch or meandering through the garden) and nearly tripped over a dark gray tabby lying on the porch. She slipped off in the dark but returned as soon as I scooped Chunk up and went inside. For the next three hours, she sat on the front porch yowling.

What I noticed most was how calm Chunk was. He would cock an ear to listen to his girl's plaintive cries but never once went to the window, stood by the door or gave any indication he wanted to join her. In fact, he came over and plunked himself down next to me and purred very contentedly. Amazing stuff, love. It can even change a cantankerous old tomcat. A minor miracle, certainly, but one that's very much appreciated.

Today's Joy: Stuff You Can't Get Enough Of.
All right, Reader. Perhaps you're getting a bit bored with all my passion flower photos. If so, I do apologize and promise that I will move on to something else shortly. I'm just so darn pleased with them and lately, they've been appearing at the rate of one new flower each day. As there are only two left to open and a blossom lasts just 24 hours, I've been relishing each new debut. I think I find passion flowers fascinating in part because of their brief lifespan. All that creativity and drama and glamour goes into something so fleeting. Certainly keeps me mindful of the beauty in the moment.

Besides, I'm sure there's something in your life, Reader, that fascinates you no end while simultaneously boring the crud out of everyone who loves you. I think that's one of the bedrock principles of any good relationship: I'll put up with your weird obsession if you put up with mine... (within reason, of course.)



It's also important at times to indulge our innate curiosity impulse. Helps us understand the world around us, and perhaps even ourselves, a little better. Have you noticed, Reader, how much better it feels to focus on the healthy things in your life that you can't get enough of, rather than on all the things that bother you? You might say that a little healthy fascination makes us happier. I'm all for that. And if you somehow haven't had your fill of passion flowers yet, here's a link to my flickr set. Okay, I promise I'm moving on now.......

Purple Passion Flower


Today's Joy: Blessings in the Garden.
As I was tootling around outside this morning, watering flowers with my flying pig watering can, I had an epiphany, Reader. It occurred to me that not only was this an absolutely lovely summer for the garden, with plenty of rain, sun and prime growing conditions, but also that God has fulfilled every single plant fantasy we've had this year. Seems like everything about which we've wistfully said, Gee, it would be really nice to have one of these or someday we'll have to try growing that has come true. And nearly all have been a great bargain.


Gerbera Daisy

While taking stock of the myriad of exotic and interesting plant species we have acquired this season, I realized that all my favorite flowers are present. Outside, there are double-ruffled petunias (in two colors), a little pot of fiber optic grass, another of that wonderful Curly Wurly stuff (which just makes me smile), several gorgeous shades of gerbera daisies, a vibrant bunch of celosia, some of that bright green steppable Scottish moss, a big hanging basket full of begonias, a passion flower plant, a lovely new hibiscus tree Aunt found on sale (with unique, double-ruffled apricot flowers) as well as several varieties of yummy herbs.


Paphiopedilum (Lady's Slipper) Orchid


Inside, we currently have four phalaenopsis orchids in bloom in addition to my little paph. hybrid (pictured above), whose flower has been open since May. Seems like everywhere I look, there's something wonderful blossoming.



Foxtail


Have also really enjoyed watching the garden evolve thru the season. The daffodils and grape hyacinth were adorable this spring. According to Aunt, the magnolias put on their best show in years. At their peak, the delphiniums put out breathtaking, five foot-tall flower stalks absolutely jammed with bright blue and purple blossoms. And now the foxtails, lilies and hydrangea are taking center stage. It's just delightful to step outside and inhale the scent of chamomile, dill & oregano in the herb garden or see the bumbles and gold finches landing lazily on flowers or euonymus in the back yard. Kind of like paradise.


Boot Garden

Thank you, Lord, for this gorgeous garden and glorious growing season. We are ever mindful, as we plant, tend, weed and harvest, what a blessing these living things are. May the joy they bring be contagious and spill over into the lives of our friends & neighbors. Amen.


Delphinium

Begonia

Passion Flower with Blossom Open

First Rose of Sharon of the 2010 Season

Today's Joy: Lollygagging.

Reader, I've done nothing useful today. Had the day off and slept in 'til 9:15. I did get up and water all the plants (in my pj's & bare feet). And washed a load of laundry. And fed the cat. But other than that, I did nothing useful at all.

Lingered over a big, yellow mug of Dark Chocolate Cappuccino, chatting with Aunt about all kids of minutia. Got dressed in a very leisurely and disorganized fashion. Picked Mom up and we sauntered through a bunch of fun stores in Geneva, IL. Home Goods, Crate & Barrel, Kirklands. We oohed and aahed and then sauntered right back out again. Then I came home and read a few more chapters of The Historian. A little while later, Aunt Chef & Uncle came over for BBQ leftovers and we spent a lovely evening talking about yesterday's trail ride and picnic. Then I collected my cantankerous orange cat and snuggled into bed.

Actually, it was a practically perfect sort of day. A lollygagger's dream. I promise, tomorrow I will go back to work and be a productive member of society. But until then, hiatus is my middle name...

Out for a leisurely drive.

Today's Joy: A Fourth of July Trail Ride/Drive & Picnic.
Happy Independence Day, dear Reader! Hope this most patriotic holiday finds you celebrating with loved ones while being mindful of all the sacrifices that have been made (and are being made now) to protect this wonderful country of ours. How blessed are we to live in this incredible land of opportunity!

I was blessed enough to have the day free to join 20 of my friends and family on a trail ride/drive at the local Hampshire Forest Preserve. After rolling over hill & dale and having a marvelous time (including a cart drag race across the back forty, but I'm not naming names...), we regrouped for a picnic, with the incomparable Aunt Chef at the grill. In her red, white & blue apron, she doled out mouth-watering burgers and the juiciest BBQ chicken I've ever had. We did get a tad wet when our picnic was ambushed by a fast-moving rain shower, but it was gone toot sweet and we picked up right where we left off. See below for all of the day's photo highlights!


Aunt & Poodle


Out on the trail.

Aunt, Pony & Poodle

Kathy, Harry & Sugar

Getting Fred ready.

Aunt Chef & Dreamer

Driving a wooded lane.

Grilled Corn

Helen & Jim driving Ginger.

Aunt Chef's delish BBQ Chicken

Sarah, pulling Grace (& I) in the marathon cart with Aunt Chef & Dreamer just behind.

Mike & Kelly driving Tobey.

Aunt & Her Poodle, Portrait

Calling for directions.

Sally & Julie waiting on the rest of us.

Road Trot

Relaxing after a good ride.