Sunday, January 25, 2009


"The apparition of these faces in the crowd; Petals on a wet, black bough." -Ezra Pound


It's been almost one year since I left the world of floral design for a career in publishing. That's a Spring, a Summer, a Fall and a Winter whose attendant blossoms have come and gone without me so much as touching them. Lately I've been missing their sights, smells and textures acutely. I find myself longing to slip into my old apron and lose track of time in pursuit of beautiful forms. For now, I'll revel in these memories.

centerpiece for an Easter dinner with friends.
yellow ranunculus, cymbidium orchids, artichokes (yes!), callas, dendrobium orchids, jade roses.

hand-tied bouquet
orange ranunculus, fuji mum, callas, asiatic lily, delphinium, star of bethlehem, hyacinth

a lobster claw heliconia, just hanging out

a buffet centerpiece on its way to a grand soiree.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Brakeman's Blues*

This week we headed up to Portland, Maine, for J's residency interview . We'd grown accustomed to the looks of shock and pity from friends and family when we announced our plans to visit Maine in January, but I quickly learned that no amount of bravado can replace a good warm coat (merry christmas to me!) and a pair of discount wellies from Target.

I fell in love with the city and the snow, though I admit I was glad that we would only have to endure the freezing temperatures for a few days.

I liked the docks.

On Friday morning I retreated to the Portland Art Museum to warm up inside and out. The lovely building was designed by I.M. Pei.

My favorite moments were spent trudging and stomping around the Western Promenade with J. after his interview. I never knew how much we both like frozen graveyards.

This one's for trupeach and her sweetgum ornaments.

I hope we'll find our way back there.


*I prefer the old Bill Monroe recording, but this one will do in a pinch.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

cast of characters


Here are some of the little creatures that populate my house.

sometimes, they like to dance dirty.

this cheerful little cardinal just came in the mail from maureen

ed and marguerite

have you met my llama?

a convenient remover of obstacles