". Arranged Words: May 2014

30 May 2014

Catching the Drift


A hearty gathering of bird stories and lore.

When it comes to knitting and books, I always have a few projects/books on the go. I've tried over the years to finish one thing before I begin another, but I do like to drift.  Besides, at this point in my life, I don't want to out do, hurry or worry what's good, but I'm not always successful. And I do find certain half-read books need to age, and that gives me time to reflect and consider--to open to the possibilities.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I love hearing about other people's favourite books.  A Gift From The Sea is a book that was recommended to me. (Thank you, Penny.)  Although the book was written in the 50's, it's still relevant, pithy and near the end prophetic. (But, then, perhaps life for people in different time periods has always moved too fast.)

Moving on... the redundant use of the word one does tend to annoy. But even that is forgiveable because the book flings open the windows and doors and lets in the light.  It's, among a myriad of other things, about relationships, community, living in the now, simplicity, seeing and understanding; idleness, meditation and reflection, exploration, growth, balance, spirituality and the wait, and how tuning into nature fuels creativity, and, above all, it points to the importance of taking the time to nurture the soul as we journey.  Metaphorically speaking, it's a full catch!


After drifting from there to here, I usually feel renewed:  my eyes are open wider, my thoughts run clearer, and if I am lucky, I feel as though I've taken on a little gold. After reading the Gift From The Sea and The Faithful Gardener, I can safely say: mission accomplished.

 What's in bloom and what's on the grow...

Corn on the rise.
A stand of birch. Not quite enough for a new canoe.



 A smile to share... The man driving the car with these plates told me that his Dad bought the car in 2004, and that his Dad was the second driver in Canada to own a Smart car.
       

Yesterday, I read about Google's new car. It's a car without the usual trappings; apparently, you call it and it takes you where you want to go.

"The times they are [certainly] a changin." Dylan

Enjoy the weekend...

27 May 2014

Woodland Hike

Roses are red; violets are gorgeous! Although I don't have a picture, luckily, I happened upon  a few yellow violets, too.
Fiddleheads about to unfurl.



These pictures were taken about a week or so ago. Thankfully, the leaves are out now and the apple trees are blooming.

20 May 2014

Two Nations


Thanks to the Queen of The Netherlands approximately one million tulips are now blooming throughout the city of Ottawa, attracting visitors from the city, the country, and, of course, from all of the world.

Last week blooms were scarce, so off I went again this weekend to discover that parking was beyond limited. As a matter-of-fact, it was impossible to get near the area that I wanted to be in without taking a shuttle. The good news: the pictures I took last week provide a clear view of the gardens.




The Man With Two Hats symbolic of the two Nations

15 May 2014

Primrose Paths


The days are lovely now. Yesterday the temperature rose to 26C or 78F; a warm breeze caressed and the leaves on the trees popped out to celebrate the sun. Even the magnolia tree across the street, that I was certain had lost its buds in April because of the cold, burst into bloom. To top it off, the greenhouses are open. If I am lucky, I  sometimes find a few treasures that I've never seen first hand before such as the Ranunculus or Persian buttercup that I will share a picture of later, that is, I don't kill it with kindness.

Generally, it takes me a few days to cover the greenhouse circuit.  After all, touring greenhouses is a meditative pleasure of the savory kind.  While I stroll up and down the aisles, sometimes wayward hummingbirds dart to and from the flower baskets certain, as they sup, that they've found heaven. 

One of my favourite spring poems.

And in case you haven't seen it, here's a great link for the beautiful and free Styling Magazine by Coty Farquhar - Australia.
                                                                        
Enjoy the weekend!

6 May 2014

Market Finds


Original painted in 1883
The Flea Markets have opened for the season, so on the weekend off I went. I haven't been to the markets for years, and, frankly, I was surprised by all the booty.  Among other things, I couldn't resist this print. As you can see the frame has pulled away at the top, but I am hoping it can be easily fixed. (If you happen to be a framer or have any suggestions, please leave a comment.) Also, the glass was scratched in several places, but a buffing with toothpaste on a soft cloth did the trick.

I found the name of the print thanks to Google. To Pastures New is by the Scottish painter James Guthrie. As soon as I saw this print, I knew I'd be taking it home.

I also have my eyes on a Limoges tea set, (too expensive for me, but I may make an offer next week if it is still there) and I'd love to own an antique secretary desk. Actually, there was a beautiful desk that an astute lady bought while I was admiring it.  Apparently, if you snooze you lose.
 
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On the needles...