My orchids are in bloom again - they are the one house plant I have had consistent success with, I am not very good with regular care, but the orchids like the kitchen windowsill and having them by the sink means I see them every day. The photograph is from three years ago and was a very popular shot on flickr - it still pops up occasionally as somebody's favourite. This year they were in bloom by Christmas, a few weeks earlier than usual.
Carrying on the plant theme, I spotted this in the tree just outside our neighbours.
I couldn't believe my eyes at first to see mistletoe growing in the street in a fairly young mountain ash. I suppose a bird left a deposit of the mistletoe seeds when coming to feed on the rowan berries. This even has some berries on it which I spotted thanks to my zoom lens. Just as I popped out with my camera the whole world seemed to walk past so I struck up one or two conversations to explain my apparent 'madness' at photographing an otherwise most unremarkable tree.
I have finished stitching my 'umbellifer' panels and now need to turn them into a box.
As I have finished the 'Honesty' book I am thinking that one featuring this enormous plant family would make a good subject too.
To conclude here is another Marvin sketch.
and a photograph of his predecessor Tessa, a dainty, blue-eyed Siamese cross, about as different from Marvin as you could get. When we lost her to old age I never thought another could replace her, but guess what? Oh, us cat lovers, what fickle creatures we are!
Hope your weekend is bright and have a good week.
Jill
19 comments:
Hello - good news about the mistletoe - I was just reading about Rudolph Steiner discovering its cancer killing properties 100 years ago - it's only just being taken up by current medicine.
I love the stitching - enlarging your picture meant I could see those lines matching the background washes - clever!
That is one beautiful photo of the orchid, now wonder it has been a favourite so many times. Funnily enough my other half was also reading about mistletoe today and is considering introducing it to one of our apple trees from a tree that is in the field next door..... Lovely sketch of Marvin. That is one dainty looking Siamese.........
Hope you puckered up under the mistletoe ;-)
A great collection of musings. Orchids are wonderful flowers - they last so long and are so very beautiful. Love the umbellifer panels, and your latest version of Marvin.
I can quite see whay that orchid photo has been so popular. I was just reading how difficult it is to "plant" mistletoe in the garden section of the weekend paper and apparently it takes up to 2 years to produce berries even if you are successful. Love the umbelifer panels and can't wait to see the finished box. Lovely sketch of Marvin and your Siamese was a beautiufl girl too. It is impossible to "replace" a well loved pet but when another arrives with its own totally different character and weaves its way into your heart you forget any resolutions made earlier!!
Jane x
Beautiful orchid photograph. You must have spent hours stitching the panels, they look lovely.
goodness, such orchid purity. Love the mistletoe choosing an 'unremarkable' tree. you'll enjoy keeping an eye on it.
Had no idea that mistletoe would grow that far north - neat catch! And I do love your orchids. My mother gave me so many. They were bud out and then the buds would fall off. We finally decided that it was the propane gas given off by our gas fireplace! Had to choose between warm and pretty - warm won! Thanks for sharing yours. Makes me long for pretty.
I've got two orchids about to bloom!
I have an orchid - only plant I haven't killed off! they are tough little things! A new place for mistletoe!
I trust you got some kisses from your convsations! You'll know where to go next Christmas when you want to deck the halls too! Big cuddles sent 'virtually' to Marvin.
My orchid has just flowered - first time I've managed to keep one going! Love the sketch of Marvin, give him a hug from me.
That is a beautiful orchid photograph and I love the stitched umbellifer panels. Can't wait to see the box! Lesley
Love your panels Jill and the photos too - I'd be thrilled to stumble across mistletoe growing like that - and have been bemused to see dog roses blooming in a south facing garden this very month!
Thanks for the advice Jill on how to keep my journal up o date.
Your orchids are stunning!
The orchid pic is stunning. Wow, amazing the misletoe growing there, know it is a parasitic plant, but great to have it growing in your neighbourhood. Great drawings of your cat and what a beautiful cat :-)
Anne xx
Hello - I am visiting for the first time. I find your sketchbook calendars amazing. Sorry to read of Marvin's eventual demise. Having just lost a dog of our own, it's tough. I will check back from time to time to see your lovely work!
Jill, your street looks as if Mrs.Buckett ('Bouquet') (Keeping Up Appearances) might live next door. My husband and I get a kick out of that show and I like seeing the surrounding streets, homes, and countryside. The drawings of Marvin are charming. My father in law's name is Marvin, but he does not resemble your Marvin in any way, shape or form. (sarcasm) ;)
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