Friday ... I mean Monday Flowers

My once a week flower inspiration is a few days late. On Thursday I went to visit my family in Peterborough. It was a short visit, but a good and much needed one. My 5 year old niece, Sarah, painted a picture for me. It was so neat to here her explain her painting to me - the sun, the heart, the house, and the blue blue sky. So sweet. I've hung the painting in my studio. It's a very nice piece of inspiration and it makes me smile and think of my sweet Sarah.

The highlight of my visit was hugs from Mom! I love my Mom and the older I get, I appreciate her more and more. She took me to her personal trainer and we worked out together. Boy o' boy, she kicked my butt. She's 65 - I'm 36 - and she can lift more than me. Amazing! She is such an inspiration. I am very much looking forward to getting in the garden with her this spring. I love how she talks about the garden and the things she loves about certain plants. And I just love how she easily states the latin names for the plants. It just comes naturally to her. She inspires me. I love you Mom! You're the best!

Here is a beautiful tulip to brighten up your Monday! This is a Double Late Tulip, Tulipa 'Carnaval de Nice'. It's absolutely beautiful!

Have a great day!

Friday Flowers

It is absolutely freezing outside. From now until well into the Spring, I will be showing every Friday a photo from my photography collection of tulips and other Spring flowers. You know I am such a huge fan of the Royal Botanical Gardens! This is where I took these pictures. Enjoy! And in the midst of these cold winter days, remember that Spring is on it's way!

This photo is one of my favs (I have many favorites). I love how all the tulips are standing tall and reaching for the sun. I'm sure that is how we are all feeling right now.

Happy Friday!

Studio Update

It has been a long time coming, but my studio is almost finished. The painting was completed in the summer, but the furniture placement and organization has still yet to be finalized. My studio space was quickley tidied up and temporarily organized for the Christmas season, but it never felt right. The flow was just not there. I cannot tell you the number of times I've bumped into my ironing board!

So I've booked my mister for the weekend to help with arranging the furniture and to help with hanging some shelving up on the walls. Oh, and window treatments would be a nice thing to have. I can hardly!

I also need to do a trip to Lee Valley. They have this really great plant hanging hardware. It's actually called a Victorian Lamp Holder, but can also be used to hold a plant. Floor space is at a minimal, so this is a great option! And I must have plants in my studio!

(Photo courtesy of Lee Valley)

Have a great weekend!

Friday Flowers and Blue Skies

The weather was absolutely beautiful today! I had a feeling it was when I heard some birdies outside my window this morning. A little taste of spring in January.

Have a wonderful weekend! Spend it with family and friends and cherish every moment! Happy Friday!

Haiti

A Happy belated New Years to everyone!

I have been thinking about what to write about these days, but with the horrific situation in Haiti, it just doesn't feel right to talk about pretty things. Right now my heart is in Haiti. It pains me to see the horrific suffering. I can not imagine what these people are going through. I have this urge to go to Haiti and help. I'm not exactly sure how helpful I could be - I, shamefully, do not know CPR. But I just want to go and comfort the children. I read somewhere that nearly 50% of the Haiti population are under 18 years old. These people need help desperately. Please help in any way you can.

Here are some helpful links:

www.redcross.ca

www.unicef.org

One of a Kind Show Coupon for you!

Good Monday morning to you!

I would like to pass on this e-coupon to you for the One of a Kind Christmas show. This coupon will instantly save $3 off the regular on-site adult admission. This offer is available online only.

Using the discount code provided on the coupon below, purchase your tickets here.

You may also copy and paste the below address in your tool bar ~ https://www.microspec.com/tix123/etic.cfm?code=ooakx09

See you there!

A Perfect Fall Day

Happy Monday!

Yesterday I spent the entire day in the garden. I had a great time playing in the dirt. Not to mention, it was a much needed break from working in the studio. My Mom told me once that gardening is in fact very good for stress. It has something to do with the bacteria that is released in the soil. This friendly bacteria increases the seratonin levels in our bodies. I have yet to meet a cranky gardener, so this good be true!

I'm a little behind schedule with prepping the garden for winter and plantint bulbs for spring, but, thankfully, yesterday was a perfect sunny fall day to get all of this accomplished. I am so excited about the bulbs I planted. The colour scheme is yellow and purple. I planted a variety of crocuses, narcissus, and tulips. One of the tulips I fell in love with at the Royal Botanical Gardens. It is the Blue Diamond Double Late Tulip. I took a picture last spring when visiting the RBG. Taking pics of the marker is a great idea to remember the names.

Here is a list of what was planted:

Tulipa single late 'Queen of Night'

Tulipa double late 'Blue Diamond'

Narcissus 'Ice Follies'

Narcissus 'Dick Wilden' (Double Daffodil)

Giant Yellow Crocus (crocus flavus)

Giant Purple Crocus (crocus flavus)

Only 6 months until Spring! Oh boy.