Blooming!

This is what was blooming in Musashi's Garden
this weekend before the rains came.

Gerbera Daisy -- such a fun flower.

The blooms didn't last very long.

The squirrels decided to see if they tasted good.

I found the petals, but not the tasty center!

Enchanted Evening Rose

and

Amaryllis

To those three I added the Louisiana Iris Black Gamecock.

The petals are like velvet.

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

A big thank you to the lovely Judith for hosting Mosaic Monday.

Potpourri

- I love daffodils!

- I love iris.
My Granny and my Mother grew the most beautiful bearded iris.
All different colors. They were amazing.
I have not been able to grow bearded iris here, although I do know folks who do.
Perhaps I'll try again.
But, I did try growing Louisiana Iris and have my first blooms.

- The Louisiana Iris is a native American iris.
This is Black Gamecock.
I planted the rhizomes 2 years ago and this is the first year they have bloomed.
Dark and dramatic, it's really hard not to touch the velvety looking petals.

- I've been walking into the village early in the morning to have breakfast.
The earlier the better as the heat and humidity are arriving.

- Time to have the AC serviced.

- Do you like urban fantasy or magical realism?
If so, I've found a new author for you ... at least he was new for me.
Alex Bledsoe.
I started with The Hum and The Shiver and recently completed Wisp of a Thing.
The Hum and The Shiver was named one of the Best Fiction Books of 2011 by Kirkus Reviews.
Set in the mountains of Tennesse. Who are the Tufa? Lots of music and myth.
You'll ask yourself if you feel the hum or the shiver!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!

A big THANK YOU to Nancy for hosting Random 5 Friday.

Potpourri

First things first.

Happy Lunar New Year!

Welcome to the Year of the Horse.

I made several of these for a postcard swap.

**

I've spent most of the icy days catching up on the television shows I've missed.

I'm now caught up with CASTLE.

***

Speaking of icy - how about another Snowman?!

This little angel may be as tired of winter as the rest of us are.

I think she's helping them melt!

No artist listed but there was a suggested 1939 publishing date.

Thank you to Beth for hosting Postcard Friendship Friday.

****

Do you have a favorite flower?

I love roses and daisies are such a happy flower.

But there is something about the iris.

It calls to me.

What is it about irises

in the garden

whether blue flag or yellow,

deep purple, white with red

why do they catch the attention, the imagination

more than lesser blooms?

A certain allure

that Georgia O'Keefe didn't taint

a beauty that draws you in to ponder and marvel on

a delicacy that is real

but a perennial that wears well

the seasons in New England too

bitter cold and short summers

whether in bog or flower bed.

~Raymond A Foss

*****

It's time for "Spring" baseball practice.

Even the umpires have to get their practice before the season starts.

The Owls will start the season in California against the Stanford Cardinal.

Go OWLS!

Thanks, Nancy!

Wishing YOU well and much joy!