“The beauteous pansies rise
In purple, gold, and blue,
With tints of rainbow hue
Mocking the sunset skies.
~ Thomas John Ouseley (1805-74)
Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Purple
Author: Timelesslady
Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.
Quote – Oswald Chambers on Prayer
“Every time we pray, our horizon is altered, our attitude to things is altered, not sometimes, but every time, and the amazing thing is that we don’t pray more.” ~ Oswald Chambers
Are you praying? God hears our prayer. My friends, now is the time to pray, as you have never prayed before. Pray for the love of God to encompass and protect you, your loved ones, and all those who love him around the world. Pray diligently every day, and after you pray, begin to spread the Good News of His love and salvation on a daily basis.
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
~ John 3:16“Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.”
~ Oswald Chambers
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Prose & Projects – Windowsill Art & Pure Sea Glass
I came across an interesting book at the public library: Windowsill Art by Nancy Ross Hugo. I knew by the title that I would love this book. I feel an instant kinship to anyone who can inspire creativity within me. I immediately fashioned a bit of windowsill art with some sea glass, shells and a sprig of Trumpet Vine. If you have a chance to borrow or buy this inspiring book…please do.
Inside my Spirit of Philadelphia Dinner Cruise stemmed glass I placed some sea glass I’ve collected from ocean and bay beaches I often visit.
I was glad to bring the glass in out of the garage where it is haphazardly stored in plastic bins. One of these day I need to get all my beach combing finds in some type of order. I also added a leaflet plucked off my Trumpet Vine to the arrangement, and a broken whelk shell. I enjoyed putting this bit of windowsill art together.
I believe I’ve posted in the past on one of my favorite books, Pure Sea Glass by Richard LaMotte. If you enjoy beach combing and searching for “treasures,” you will enjoy looking through this visually lovely book.
Below are a few close-ups of some of the sea glass included in my windowsill art. I enjoyed using the green piece with an oyster shell attached. The greens, browns and whites are most commonly found on nearby beaches. The cobalt blue and olive-green pieces are a little more unique. The olive-green glass is also interesting because it has a curved lip on it. Give hunting a little sea glass a try when you next walk on a beach beside an ocean or bay.
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Quick Tip – Phaleonopsis Orchid
My Phaleonopsis Orchid rebloomed yesterday. I’ve been watching the buds develop for weeks. I love Phaleonopsis Orchids and they are readily available in most stores with a plant section. They rebloom easily if you remember one QUICK TIP: Don’t cut the entire stem away from the plant after the blossoms fall off. New stems and buds will grow from this first stem. If part of the stem becomes shriveled and is obviously dead, go ahead and cut that portion, but leave anything that is still firm and alive.
Here is a good video on the proper place to cut a stem for regrowth. I personally have never used a fungicide after cutting, but if I did I would probably use a dusting of cinnamon which is a natural fungicide. Using cinnamon as a fungicide.
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Proverbs – Good Deeds
“A man will be satisfied with good by the fruit of his words, And the deeds of a man’s hands will return to him.” ~ Proverbs 12:14
According to my computer clock, as I am writing this post, the time is 6:48 a.m. Even as I compose my paragraphs I am reaping the benefits of my “good deeds” toward the birds. The symphony of birdsong coming through my window is bringing me great joy.
I have three birdhouses in my yard at this time, far enough away from each other to prevent the birds from feeling their territory is being invaded by another. One of the houses seems to have been rejected by one and all…why is a mystery to me. One has been a home to sparrows, and the one in the photograph is the nesting spot for a family of wrens. I benefit not only from their lovely songs, but also their bug-catching abilities. I am always on the hunt for new ways to draw birds to my yard.
Quick tip for birdhouses: Place some sort of barrier around the entrance to the house. This will keep rodents (squirrels in my case) from chewing the opening larger and getting inside. Brass thumbtacks are a good choice and easy to push into the wood. I also enjoy the rustic look they give the bird house.
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Photograph – Ninth Street Bridge, Ocean City & The Enchanted Woods
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “On the Way.”
“In-between moments can be just as memorable as grand finales. This week, share a photo you took on the way to something else.”“The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”
~ Proverbs 16:9
We celebrated a wedding this weekend, a lovely young lady we’ve known since she was born was wedded to an outstanding young man. We so enjoyed the day. The location they chose to make their vows to one another is one of our favorite destinations. My husband and I both love Ocean City, New Jersey . When our boys were young we vacationed there every summer. There are countless happy memories connected to this lovely beach town.
During the years we vacationed in OC, the way into the town was either the Ninth Street, or Thirty-Fourth Street Bridge. Both were narrow and rickety, but did their job and brought carloads of people onto the island. Today, a new modern bridge has replaced the Ninth Street bridge. The photo above is my first “In Between Moments” photograph, taken through the front windshield of our car as we drove on the new Ninth Street Bridge.
The next photo, is also taken through the front windshield of our moving car, this time on a road that cuts through part of the New Jersey Pine Barrens. At this point we are almost halfway home from our day “down the shore.” We call this stretch of woods “The Enchanted Forest/Woods.” We often stop to photograph the russet and green tones of forest floor, trees and mosses. The ground is low, and dead limbs and stumps become natural works of art as they age. Everything in the forest is dangerously dry now; we are in a bit of a drought here on the east coast, but rain is on the way. Soon everything will become soft and green once more.
Thanks for riding along with me and taking a look at my “in-between” places as I traveled to my destinations this weekend.
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Problem-Solving – Bunnies…Again!
I wrote a few weeks ago about rabbits nipping off the leaves of my lilies. When the clover thrived in my backyard they left their garden bed nibbling for better grazing amongst the sweet flowers.
My lilies recovered, grew, and began to bud, but alas and alack, my husband mowed down the high grass in the backyard for our Memorial Day picnic. I didn’t think much about it until a few days ago when I noticed a bunny sitting in the garden bed, very still. The plants nearby his location were gently swaying in a strange motion and there was no breeze.
OH NO! It dawned on me the strange swaying was being caused by the front incisors of the rabbit’s teeth. I ran out, but not in time, the bunny had bitten down three of my lily stems and eaten them.
I immediately grabbed my wrist rocket slingshot, but couldn’t seem to bring myself to use it. I wanted to sting the bunny, but not harm him, and I had no idea what ammunition would work but cause no lasting pain. I asked my husband if a craft pompom wet down with hot sauce would work and he just laughed at me. I think I hear you laughing too!
I’m putting my pest repellent skills in play, instead of trying to shoot pompoms or pebbles, and simmering some dried Chile de Arbol in water with garlic and onion to create a potent, smelly hot sauce mix that will repel those Wascally Wabbits. (This said for the benefit of those old enough to remember Elmer Fudd. 😀 )
My crockpot, placed outside on the porch, is the easiest way I’ve found to cook this potion. The smell is very strong. After a few hours, I drain off the water, strain several times, and spray the plant being eaten. This natural solution works, but has a few drawbacks: it washes away in the rain and must be reapplied, it is hard to strain finely enough to spray out of a normal spray bottle, and worst of all…the peppers can burn eyes, skin, and even the lungs. Please be especially careful not to inhale the fumes.
I also grind the peppers and scatter them among the garden beds. This is the most likely way you will inhale the dust so wearing a mask is not a bad idea.
If it works, it will be worth it to me, but if you try it, please be cautious when handling the peppers. Updates will follow.
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Prompt – Childhood Revisited and Skywatch Friday
In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Childhood Revisited.”
“Sure, you turned out pretty good, but is there anything you wish had been different about your childhood? If you have kids, is there anything you wish were different for them?”
I took this photo today, early morning, from the vantage point of lying flat on the ground beneath the table. The photo could be a self-portrait of who I am: I am quite willing to lay on the ground to capture the perfect photograph. I drink four cups of coffee every morning before nine. I love to trash-pick and bargain hunt treasures and redo them, just redid the chandelier in the photo for a second time. In this metamorphosis I sprayed it white. I love to look at the sky every day.
I’ve looked up at the sky all my life, in fact, I am one of those people who are often photographed looking up. In church I find myself studying ceilings. (I recently noticed my son does the same, could this be genetic?) I think I had an early fascination with looking up. My mother told me that when I was quite small I came in from outdoors and told her, “I said hello to God.” She answered, “What did he say back?” I told her he said, ‘Hello.’
This leads me to my response to the Childhood Revisited Prompt from WordPress. If I could do go back and change something about my childhood, I would continue to look toward the sky and say, “Hello,” to God every day. It might have kept me from some poor decisions and some bad years. I talk to God every day now…if not while looking at the sky, I greet him when I have my morning devotions.
What would I wish for my kids to do differently if they could go back and relive their childhoods. Well, I would have us all outside more, lying on the grass, studying the sky and talking to God out loud. I wonder how the world would change if everyone looked toward the heavens and said from the heart, “HELLO GOD!” Oh my! Just the thought of it gives me a “HALLELUJAH” moment. What would God say back if you said hello to Him today? Why not find out?
I can’t wait to have my grandkids over again…we are going to be looking at the sky and talking to God for sure. 🙂
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Phairy – Enchanted/Fairy House 2015
We had a family picnic to celebrate our mother’s May birthdays on Memorial Day. The young cousins were thrilled to see each other and created a new fairy house together.
Each year the fairy house is built with natural items I’ve collected throughout the year, and also with what the grandkids and cousins can find in the yard. I love to see what they come up with…crabapples for food, a clam shell water dish, feathers for decorating.
You don’t have to be a child to build a fairy house. On your next walk through a park or woods, leave a little something behind for a “fairy” to find. Create a chair, a little bed, a dish of fairy food; it only will take a moment of your time. You never know who might need a little “enchantment” to smile over.
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Plants – Wordless Wednesday/Climbing Rose
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Praise – Wana Baraka (Kenyan Folk Song)
I am physically dragging. Preparations for a family Memorial Day picnic stretched out over most of the past few days, and will take a good portion of today to clean up. It was a great picnic…a wonderful gathering to honor two mothers who had birthdays in May, spend time with family, and remember our father who served in World War II.
I had no blog post scheduled, and God in his goodness led me to this beautiful song, an instant uplift for my spirit. I hope it does the same for you. Here is a loose translation I found on the web.
“They have blessings; those who pray.
Jesus himself said so, Alleluia.
They have peace.
They have joy.
They have well-being. Alleluia.”
Wana Baraka (Kenyan Folk Song)
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Pride – In Honor of…
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Prayer & Praise – Macro Iris Photographs
The inside of an Iris always reminds me of a cathedral with stained glass ceilings and windows. How can I not praise the Creator when I gaze upon his wonders? This is my Father’s World.
“Every time we pray our horizon is altered,
our attitude to things is altered
not sometimes but every time,
and the amazing thing is
that we don’t pray more.”
~ Oswald Chambers
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Photograph & Perspective – Broken/Little Pencils and Good Ideas
“Write down the thoughts of the moment. Those that come unsought for are commonly the most valuable.” ~ Francis Bacon
The WordPress Photo Challenge for today is titled, “Broken. This week, capture something broken.”
Some things must be broken to be used, an egg must be cracked to be eaten, a tree must be felled to be cut into lumber, a horse must be broken before it can be rode.
A “broken” pencil showed up in my junk drawer recently. I think the small stub of graphite and wood has probably spent about two decades in this shortened condition. Why? Well, because boys will be boys, and most likely one of my sons sharpened this pencil down to a nub while in middle school. This same scenario held true when I was a young student. Preteen boys delighted in reducing their pencils into nubs just like the “broken” one in my photograph. The sight of tiny pencils always curls my lips upward in a nostalgic smile.
So often as I go about my day I will have the flash of a good idea, but later on, find myself completely unable to remember it. I’ve tried carrying around a pen and paper in pants or shirt pockets to write down these good thoughts, but invariably get stabbed in the thigh, or have ink leak out and spoil a good shirt. When I saw this small pencil I realized it solved the problem of being too long, but what to do about that sharp point…Yikes!
The problem was easily solved by placing an old ink pen cap over the sharpened end.
A piece of paper folded into a tiny square was the perfect addition. I’m ready now to record all the good ideas that I am blessed with today and in the future. Do you have any tiny pencils to carry around in your pocket? If not, break a pencil in two and sharpen, sharpen, sharpen. Good ideas are priceless!
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Painting – Celebration Art
My sister teaches high school and middle school art. I love her most recent mixed media artwork. Her painting is the perfect choice to use as a blog post for starting off the Memorial Day Weekend. The colors, the energy within the painting…Beautiful!
I emailed my sister, and asked what mediums she used for her painting.
“The mixed media project was done with Acrylic paint, paper, and one of my favorite substances-MODPODGE.”
Her artwork inspires me to get out my own supplies and attempt some exciting art myself. Isn’t that what good teachers do for us? For me, creating art is a celebration of life. When I am painting or crafting I always have a feeling of peace and gratitude in my heart. Give creating a try today. Any type of art will do, from doodling to sculpting, and everything in between. Take a few moments to create a celebration of spirit today.
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Plants – Mid-Spring Garden Update
I’ve been spending a lot of time in the garden: planting, weeding, watering and tidying up. Likewise, the garden has been the subject of quite a few recent posts. Here are a few quick updates on some past posts, and then I’ll try to turn my blogging intentions elsewhere, at least for a few days. 😀
Sparrows made use of my birdhouse and the tree has been a-twitter with the chirping of baby birds for over a week.
I’ve been enjoying the pond, it is on the small size, but the koi are huge. They don’t seem to mind the small confines. Two have grown to twelve inches from three/four inch sized babies.
A coleus grown from my own gathered seed has finally, after years of pampering, become a beauty. I love the finely edged leaves and vivid pink color. I named it Raspberry Twizzle. It has the characteristics of other coleus I have grown, but I have never seen such a brilliant pink in other coleus. I love it.
I love my potted pansies and dahlia near the front porch.
I found an old favorite, Mimulus, or monkey flower at a local nursery. The plant is heat intolerant, so I am growing it in pots on the porch.
My Meyer Lemon and Carambola sprouts are also vacationing on the porch for the summer. At some point I am going to have to decide which to keep and which to give away or discard.
I replaced a rose that didn’t make it through our long winter with one of the Hasslefree Roses variety. I love this beautiful apricot beauty called: About Face.
The Tomato Transplants in the Straw Bales are doing very well, so are a crop of mushrooms. The mushrooms sprout up overnight and succumb to the heat of the afternoon sun. They don’t seem to be doing the tomatoes any harm. This new technique of growing tomatoes has been a lot of fun.
The Square Foot Gardens are up and doing well.
Our Iris plants in this area are blooming weeks later than usual. Here is my favorite. I can’t remember the name, but oh the joy I feel when it unfurls its amazing pink petals. The blooming of this beauty prompted me to go on my yearly “Iris Hunt.” My “hunt ” is a long, circular bike ride through all the surrounding neighborhoods to find and photograph as many gorgeous Iris as possible. More on this at a later date. Thanks for looking, and thanks to those who have been asking me for this garden update. Blessings on your day!
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Quote – Isaac Watts
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Pleasures – Tadpoles
If you look closely, you may be able to discern a few large tadpoles nestled in the strands of my pond plant. I’ve always found tadpoles to be interesting, and every year we try to find a few to put into our pond. They are available at local garden centers too. These whoppers will turn into frogs in a month or two. I love to go outdoors on a hot summer afternoon and find them basking in the sun on a piece of water lettuce.
In wet summers you will often small tadpoles in large puddles. I enjoy saving these and nurturing them to their final stage. These tadpoles are not frogs, instead they will develop into Tiny Toads. This is a great project to do with children. Here are a few links that give good information on how to raise small tadpoles to toads.
Tiny Tadpoles Part I
Tiny Tadpoles Part II
Tiny Tadpoles Part III
Tiny Tadpoles Part IV
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Planting – Pond Plants and the Great Tic Tac Upcycle
On a trip to a local garden nursery I noticed pond plants set aside for sale. I was surprised to see Creeping Jenny, a groundcover I grow, being sold as a pond plant. This is a great little plant. My initial purchase of one pot for about $3.99 a few years ago has spread by itself, and by my design, into several areas in my yard. I was immediately inspired to try and adapt a few sprigs of my Creeping Jenny into a pond-worthy plant.
First, I tried planting several stems in a pot with sand and rocks. No success! The fish promptly tugged the Creeping Jenny out of its moorings. I realized I needed a way to contain the roots that would be fish proof. I decided to try growing the Jenny hydroponically, not using any soil at all. The new dilemma in my pond project was how to contain the roots. I knew that if I put the Jenny in the water the fish would nibble away at the roots and the strands would separate into a scraggly mess.
I looked around the house for inspiration and my eyes alighted on a Tic Tac container. Hmmm—if I cut the bottom of the container off would it hold the roots but still allow water to circulate and bring nutrients to the plant? Yes, it was worth a try. I cut away the bottom and also removed the white dispenser from the other end. (scissors and/or a box cutter will work)
The next step was to wash all dirt and debris off the roots of the Creeping Jenny and twist a rubber band around them as tightly as I was able. When this was done I squeezed the sides of theTic Tac container and the top opened up into a circular shape. After I placed the roots into the container, I let go of the sides, and the Tic Tac box snapped back into shape holding the banded roots tightly within the confines of the plastic, but still enabling water to flow in and out.
I placed all of this in the pond. It worked, the Creeping Jenny floated nicely, but the bottom of the Tic Tac box was visible and allowed the plant to float on its side rather than root downwards.
To solve this problem I found the discarded dispenser top and placed a rock in the side without the hole. I pulled away the closure tab leaving an open hole for water circulation, I put this on the bottom of the Tic Tac container and placed it in the water once again.
Success! The plant has been in my pond for two weeks and is thriving. I’ve been saving my Tic Tac containers to use in adapting a few more water-viable plants for my pond. Updates will follow.
Plants that are poisonous to Pond Fish & Amphibians
Houseplants that do well in aquariums and ponds
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Praise – Isaiah 41:10
