Today's Joy: Getting My Ducks In A Row. Well, Reader, tomorrow is the big face-to-face interview for my dream decorating job. Say a prayer and keep your fingers crossed. I have been preparing dutifully all evening.
Have also made my final submissions for the Batavia Orchid Society Photo Competition. Whew! It was a tough choice. But I sent my little darlings out into the world. Let's see if they can get themselves into Orchid Digest.
Also heard from a favorite former professor this afternoon. She is seeking updated info on wayward alums of the University of Maine at Farmington Creative Writing Program. Alas, I have indeed been wayward. But no more! With the click of a mouse, my email will see that I am once again found! FYI to other possibly wayward alums who might be reading this post: get found too! I want to read about you in the next BFA Alum Newsletter.

Doesn't it feel good to be done with the electronic housekeeping, Reader? If only the actual housework were so easily dispatched! Note to self: look into getting a Roomba. And that one that mops the floor. What do they call it? Oh yes, a Scooba. Good night, dear Reader. Sleep tight & don't let the spam email bite!

Today's Joy: The Batavia Orchid Society Show. Reader, there is nothing more nourishing to a spring-starved soul than a trip to the orchid show. Stepping into the building was like entering a land of the lush & exotic. I couldn't get my camera out of the bag fast enough! Everywhere we looked, there were strange and beautiful flowers in every size and color. Oh, how we oggled!

While Aunt & Mom perused vendors and soaked up myriad tips on raising these rare beauties, I photographed the wide variety of orchids on display: Lady Slippers (Paphiopedilum), Cattleyas, Dendrobiums, Miltonopsis, Oncidiums, Cymbidiums & the trusty Phalaenopsis. All in all, a great day! Here are a few of my favorite shots from the show. For more highlights, click here.

Lady's Slipper Orchid
Originally uploaded by talekinker

Today's Joy: Anticipation. I have waited all week for this, Reader. Tomorrow is the Batavia Orchid Society's Annual Orchid Show. Mom, Aunt, a few friends and I will descend upon the Dupage County Fairgrounds tomorrow to drink in all the glorious orchidness. Reader, I am an orchid junkie. Phalaenopsis, Lady Slippers--the more zany and colorful, the better!

There is a photography competition involved too. The winning shot will receive web publicity and earn a free subscription to Orchid Digest. Wish me luck! My fingers are already itching to hit the shutter on my trusty Olympus. Will have plenty of orchid joy to share with you tomorrow!

Photo: Paphiopedilum: Paph. Hsinying Majukun 'Dennis Choice' x Paph. lawrenceanum 'Tradition'