Author: Timelesslady

Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.

Photograph – Faux Pearl

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Photographs7 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Enveloped. What does Enveloped Mean to You?”

Oyster with Pearly Egg

Yesterday, while watering my flower beds I spotted a tiny glimmer beneath a bird feeder. An egg lay there, its grey-blue shell speckled with brown. I think it is most likely the egg of a finch. They are plentiful in our area, and frequently visit our birdfeeders, making their nests in the trees in our yard. I might try to save the beautiful piece of nature, and thought the perfect resting place was the ‘enveloping’ security of an oyster shell. What a strange and lovely pearl the humble oyster holds…I love this unique combination of God’s handiwork.

My best description of being enveloped cannot be captured by a photograph, but it is perfectly described in this verse from the Psalms—

“He will cover you with his feathers, and under his wings you will find refuge; his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.” ~Psalms 91:4

Perspective – Excuse me Miss

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective2 Comments

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“Encouragement is awesome. It (can) actually change the course of another person’s day, week, or life.” ~ Chuck Swindoll

Years ago, my husband and I, both at this point in time forty plus years of age, were walking through a local shopping mall. As we walked by an indoor landscaping display, a young man sitting on the edge of the planter said to me with a smile, and twinkle in his eye, “Excuse me Miss, but is that periwinkle you’re wearing?”

I was startled, but still stopped, and looked down at the shirt I had on. “Why yes, it is,” I said. In the next instant, I SMILED at the unexpected question and implied compliment, and my husband mirrored the same grin. There was no other conversation, and we walked on. Neither my husband or I can say why, but the moment was magical, unrehearsed and unexpected, and it has remained for both of us…quite unforgettable. Whenever I think of the moment I feel encouraged.

“So encourage each other to build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
~ I Thessalonians 5:11

Who can you encourage today? A co-worker, a family member…a stranger? It doesn’t take much to lift someone’s spirit. It can be as easy as,”Excuse me Miss…”

Do clothes make the woman? Or does the woman make the clothes? I love to wear periwinkle…of course!

Quick Tip – Snakes and Soap/Garden Pest Deterrents

On By TimelessladyIn Quick Tip25 Comments

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Squirrels, chipmunks, rabbits and now a gigantic groundhog visit my yard with the intent of foraging for food. I know this is the way of nature, but I wish they would stick to the clover and other “weedy” offerings within the back yard.

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My wish is never totally fulfilled. Although the bunnies munch at the clover, they also are partial to the tender new growth of emerging seedlings and transplants. Even the strap-like leaves of my lilies were bitten off this year.

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I’ve tried many solution in past years, occasionally delving into the near ridiculous by bombarding the offending critters with water balloons. Water Balloons Deterrent

This year I’m putting a few dollar store snakes back to work. Purchased originally as a visual deterrent to pests, they ended up residing in the grandchildren’s sandbox. I dug them out a few days ago and draped them over the Square Foot Gardens. Every few days, I move them to new positions, in hopes of giving them the appearance of a live, dangerous snake.

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Nothing in the square foot vegetable garden has been bitten off by the rabbits yet (they are still feeding off the tender growth of my perennials,) but oh my, the squirrels and chipmunks don’t seem to be frightened at all by the snakes. I guess they have figured out they are nothing but cheap rubber. Time to sprinkle more grated Ivory Soap around the borders. Hopefully, the smell and eye-watering power of the soap will keep those little rascals from digging out my newly planted vegetable patch.

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The worst of my dilemma: the insect variety of pest is only now beginning to emerge. What’s a gardener to do? (Sigh)
Organic Pest Control Tips for your Garden

Phlowers, Plants and Pressing – Scented Geranium

On By TimelessladyIn Phlowers, Plants, Pressed Flowers4 Comments
Scented Geranium in Hanging Basket
Scented Geranium in Hanging Basket Pot

I grew a scented Geranium last year called “Grey Lady Plymouth,” a rose-scented pelargonium.

“Pelargonium graveolens ‘Grey Lady Plymouth’. A wonderful rose-scented variety whose large, sage-green leaves have a hint of white around their margins. Height is 2 to 3 feet. Lavender flowers.” ~ DeBaggio’s Herb Farm & Nursery

Because I was so in love with the plant I brought the pot indoors in the fall, and also took some cuttings. The rooting did not take, but the plant thrived all winter in a sunny window. Grey Lady Plymouth is hanging on the porch now for a summer vacation. The plant is perfectly placed for rubbing the leaves as I walk out the back door

“Scented geranium care is pretty basic. You can grow them in pots, indoors or out, or in the ground. They prefer lots of sun, but may need some protection when the sun is at its strongest. They aren’t fussy about soil type though they don’t like wet feet.

Fertilize them lightly and sparingly while they’re actively growing. Scented geranium’s biggest downside is they tend to get leggy and need to be trimmed back to promote bushiness. Over-fertilization will only increase this problem.” ~ Gardening Know-How / Additional tips on growing scented geraniums.

Scented Geranium Flowers and Buds
Scented Geranium Flowers and Buds

Scented geranium are grown for their foliage, but I love their small, nickel-sized pink flowers too. They are unique and press perfectly for pressed flower crafting. Because they bloom sparsely, each blossom is worth saving. I press these inside absorbent old books, and also use the microwave method of pressing. Microwave the flowers inside rubberbanded books for only 15 seconds. The foliage of scented geraniums does not press well for me using any method.

If you have a chance to purchase a scented geranium this growing season, I guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Martha Stewart’s tips on using scented geraniums.

Perplexities – Storm Clouds on a Sunny Day

On By TimelessladyIn Perplexities8 Comments
Storm Clouds on a Sunny Day, Montego Bay, Jamaica
Sunshine to Shadow, Montego Bay, Jamaica

It happens to us all…in fact it is even the subject of a well-known poem by Robert Burns that has become a cliche.

The best laid schemes of Mice and Men
oft go awry,
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy
~ Robert Burns

Why is it that holidays/special days can be such a “mixed bag”? (Another cliche) Yesterday I had the most precious day with my mother, mother-in-law, husband, father, sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandchildren. How blessed my life is by these wonderful people. Each one made me feel special and loved. Thank you my sweet family. You are my JOY!

There were storm clouds in the day,, but the “less said the better.” and with that, “I’ll say adieu.”

Pleasure – Wishing You Joy

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures8 Comments

Mother's Day jpg

“We search the world for truth;
We cull the good, the pure, the beautiful,
From all old flower fields of the soul;
And, weary seekers of the best,
We come back laden from our quest,
To find that all the sages said
Is in the Book our mothers read.”
~ John Greenleaf Whittier

Photographs – Mightier Than Men

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Photographs8 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Forces of Nature.” – This week, share a force of nature from your corner of the world.

The pilings at Strathmere
The pilings at Strathmere

It’s time for a trip “Down the Shore” here in Southern New Jersey. We always find a new “beachscape” on arrival in Strathmere, New Jersey, our favorite beach town. The waves, a true “Force of Nature” have danced to the rhythm of a couple “Nor’easters” and altered the contours of last summer’s beach.

Strathmere Beach/Atlantic City can be seen in the distance
Strathmere Beach/Atlantic City can be seen in the distance

In the distance, men have built huge resorts hugging the water’s edge, but given enough time, the force of nature, in this instance the ocean, will reclaim it all.

Pilings worn away by the force of the ocean waves
Pilings worn away by the force of the ocean waves

“Mightier than the thunder of the great waters, mightier than the breakers of the sea– the LORD on high is mighty.” ~ Psalm 93:4

Phun – Dandelion Curlicues

On By TimelessladyIn Phun4 Comments

dandelion puff

I love dandelions and enjoy behaving like a child again when I blow the fuzzy seeds into the wind while “wishing.” Dandelions can also amuse and entertain children by magically morphing into curlicues. Strip the top off of a dandelion stem, split the stem into several pieces, drop into a basin of shallow water, and you will witness an odd occurrence; the dandelions will twist and curl into the most interesting shapes.

water and dandelion stems

dandelion curls

dandelion curls on slate

Try this with a child, or shhhhhh….I won’t tell if you try it on your own when no one is looking. 😀

Phascination & Painting – Praying Mantis Pods

On By TimelessladyIn Painting, Phascination2 Comments

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My husband and I spent the good part of an hour this past winter in search of a praying mantis pod. Praying Mantis are a terrific predatory bug for keeping garden pests in check. Unfortunately, they cannot discriminate between a bad bug/good bug, and will eat caterpillars, butterflies and ladybugs too. There have even been instances, captured on video, of praying mantis devouring toads, frogs, small snakes, juvenile rodents and other small creatures.

We never found a pod this year, and I thought…’Well, maybe it is meant to be…the butterflies will be safer this year.’ Imagine my surprise to find a pod, as in the past, quite close, hidden in my holly bush.

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I have mixed feelings about the praying mantis. I want a mantis in my vegetable garden to keep cabbage moths and other destructive bugs at bay, but I don’t want to lose any beneficial or beautiful creatures to their powerful forelegs and mandibles. Praying mantis in the garden are definitely a mixed blessing.

This month’s Floral Plant Parade Challenge at WetCanvas is a combination work of art with the subject matter of any flower with a butterfly included. Plant Parade Challenge – May 2015

Welcome to the Plant Parade for May, 2015, or a ‘Symphony of Colors’!!

With Spring showing off the different flowers, a remarkable sight begins grabbing our attention!! We notice that the flowers are not the only attraction, but small insects that have brilliant and colorful wings start ‘strutting’ their stuff!! They put on a grand show of flitting and swirling around the flowers and amaze us with their beauty!! How can there be so many unique shapes of the Butterflies? But, watch, when they land on a flower, we have stereo colors. . .both are competing for our attention! But, wait, competing or becoming one? A flower alone is sometimes breathtaking, but with a Butterfly so brilliant with its own remarkable markings, wow, what a kaleidoscope of colors!!

This month we are going to paint brilliant flowers with equally brilliant Butterflies attached to them. We will call it a “Symphony of Colors”!!

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Floral Plant Parade reference photograph courtesy of WetCanvas Library and DominicM

Planting – Creating a Beautiful Nook and Cranny

On By TimelessladyIn Planting10 Comments
Oxalis
Oxalis

I am in the process of moving my houseplants outdoors to yard, patio and screened-in porch for the summertime. One of my favorite “vacation” locations for a plant is within the crabapple where the tree trunk branches off into three separate limbs. The split forms a delightful little nook and cranny, a perfect spot to set a potted plant.

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To help the plant stand level I placed a rock from my flower bed border within the tree limbs. Voila`… A perfect shelf.

Praise – Take the Name

On By TimelessladyIn Praise4 Comments

Sun Blossoms,
Sun Blossoms

The message of a good gospel hymn is timeless. Technology is a great thing, but along with all the gadgets that accompany us everywhere, we need to remember to keep the ‘Name of Jesus’ with us at all times. This hymn by Lydia O. Baxter was written in 1874. I’ve included a video of the hymn sung by one of my favorite groups…The Chuck Wagon Gang.

“Take the Name of Jesus with you,
Child of sorrow and of woe,
It will joy and comfort give you;
Take it then, where’er you go.

Chorus:
Precious Name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of heav’n.
Precious Name, O how sweet!
Hope of earth and joy of heav’n.

Take the Name of Jesus ever,
As a shield from every snare;
If temptations round you gather,
Breathe that holy Name in prayer.

O the precious Name of Jesus!
How it thrills our souls with joy,
When His loving arms receive us,
And His songs our tongues employ!

At the Name of Jesus bowing,
Falling prostrate at His feet,
King of kings in heaven we’ll crown Him,
When our journey is complete.”
~ Lydia O. Baxter

Perspective – Pray, Sing and Praise

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective3 Comments

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.” ~ James 5:13

Photograph courtesy of morguefile/orchid
Photograph courtesy of morguefile/orchid

I struggle so often to find a daily post. My mind and spirit become bound by current events and the horrors people all around the globe are facing each day. As I go about my daily life, living out the things I post about, at the back of my mind is a constant thought, like the proverbial hamster on the wheel, “What is going on in our world? How can the evil be stopped?”

I don’t have the answer; I don’t have the solution…but God does. And so, I will wait upon him…praying…singing…and praising his Holy Name.

“God wants to avert judgment, and He’s simply looking for one person who will pay the price in prayer and in faith and in commitment, whatever it takes, to get a hold of God and not let loose.” ~ Del Fehsenfeld Jr.

Photo & Phascination – Abstracts?

On By TimelessladyIn Phascination, Photo Challenge at WordpressLeave a comment

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Intricate.”

Intricate: what does it mean to you? Show us your interpretation”

oyster 2 cropped

Abstract paintings often appear simple, but in reality can be very intricate in their planning and placement of shapes. The beautiful abstract above, however, is not a painting, but a close-up view of the inner shell of a humble oyster. I find oysters beautiful. Here’s another look at the intricacy of the design uncropped.

oyster 2

Next time you’re on a sandy beach, take a moment to admire an ordinary oyster shell. My husband and I often find instances of pareidolia in the designs of the oyster shells.

“Pareidolia (/pærɨˈdoʊliə/ parr-i-DOH-lee-ə) is a psychological phenomenon involving a vague or random stimulus (often an image or sound) which is perceived as significant.

Common examples of this are seeing images of animals or faces in clouds, the man in the moon, the moon rabbit, and hearing hidden messages on phonograph records when they are played in reverse.

Pareidolia is the visual form of apophenia, which is the perception of patterns within random data.” ~ Wikipedia

And then, of course, there are those amazing pearls…

Phlowers – May Day

On By TimelessladyIn PhlowersLeave a comment

APRIL SHOWERS HAVE BROUGHT MAY FLOWERS…

Crabapple Blossoms
Crabapple Blossoms

MAY FLOWERS ALWAYS LINE YOUR PATH AND SUNSHINE LIGHT YOUR DAY.

MAY SONGBIRDS SERENADE YOUR EVERY STEP ALONG THE WAY.

MAY A RAINBOW RUN BESIDE YOU IN A SKY THAT’S ALWAYS BLUE.

AND MAY HAPPINESS FILL YOUR HEART EACH DAY YOUR WHOLE LIFE THROUGH.”

~ IRISH BLESSING

Projects & Planting – Yard Sale Makeovers

On By TimelessladyIn Planting, Projects4 Comments

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I love going to yard sales in search of bargains and one-of-a-kind items. Last year, I bought a wiry bird feeder for a dollar. I had every intention of using it for the birds when I spotted it, but on arriving home, found a piece was missing. What to do? Toss it and declare the purchase a loss, or shelve it, and let ideas percolate. Well, near a year later, I put a plastic pot inside the wire, planted a few spider plantlets I rooted over the winter, and “Wow!” I love my new planter hanging in the pine.

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Another example is this decorative bird house I found a few years ago for just a quarter. It sat on my front steps for two years, but during the winter lost most of its roof. Ragged, but still sturdy, I decided to update the bird house with some Johnny-Jump-Ups. I LOVE IT! It sits in a bed of  ivy under the pine tree. Better yet, I can snip off a flower now and then for pressing. Think “makeover” before you toss out the accumulating junk we all seem to collect.  Look around your garage, basement and attic for “trashy” items you can update for the garden. Fun!

Pressed Flowers – April 2015 Part I

On By TimelessladyIn Pressed Flowers2 Comments

I’m re-blogging what I’ve found to be the best way to process most of the plant material I use for pressed flower artwork. My favorite way to use pressed flowers is in the creation of greeting cards. If you’ve attempted to buy a finely crafted greeting card lately, I’m sure you’ve walked away from the rack in a state of shock…most of these cards are outrageously overpriced. Dollar store greeting cards fill in the void nicely, but there are special events when an inexpensive greeting card isn’t a good choice. A handmade pressed flower card is often the perfect alternative. Throughout the next month or two, I’ll be posting a few of my favorite pressed flower greeting card tips.

It’s time to begin restocking my pressed flower supply. I love using wildflowers, they are often small and airy, perfect for pressed flower compositions. One caution though when using wildflowers, be sure that you are not using a plant that is protected as threatened and endangered in your state. To see a listing of your State’s Protected Wildflowers check out this site: US Government list of Threatened and Endangered Plants.

I have found that the best way to retain the colors of most flowers and foliage is to flash press them in a microwave. I don’t use the expensive microwave presses; I have found the best way is to use an old book. The book must have very porous paper, it must not have gold or silver leafing on the spine or page edges, and a smaller book works best. Most of the books I use are from the 1930’s and 1940’s. You can find books of this age at yard sales and thrift stores. They are usually very inexpensive.

1. Separate your flowers into thinner petaled flowers and foliage, and thicker varieties.

3. Lay the blossoms and foliage on the page. These vincas have a thick stem that will not press well behind the open faced blooms. After I lay them out on the page I cut off that stem. For the side pressed blossoms, I leave the stem intact. I also include several buds of the flower.

4. Shut the book and rubber band the edges. For thin varieties of flowers and foliage I microwave between 15 and 30 seconds. This provides the heat that speeds up the drying process. The book should not be hot, only gently warm to the touch. For thicker varieties of flowers and foliage I heat for 30 – 60 seconds. As with anything microwave temperatures vary, you will have to experiment to see what works best for you. After pressing, clean out any residue left behind in your microwave by heating a cup of water with lemon or citrus peel, and then wiping away the moisture from the sides.

5. Don’t open the book, leave the rubber bands in place and put your book under a heavy weight.

6. Your flowers should be dried and ready to use within 3 – 7 days. To remove them from the pages of the book, gently slide a soft paint brush beneath the edges.

I use large books to store my pressed flowers. I place them on acid free paper and label the sides, leaving the edges hanging over the book pages about 1/2 inch. This helps me find exactly the type of flower I want when I am composing a picture.

The flowers and foliage are ready to use. In coming days and weeks I’ll give more tips on how I compose, glue and use my pressed flower projects.