Painting – “An Iris with Words” / July’s WetCanvas Plant Parade Challenge

On By TimelessladyIn Painting6 Comments

Iris / Plant Parade Challenge July

I am delighted when I find the time to take part in the WetCanvas Challenges. In July I painted an Iris in watercolor in the Plant Parade Challenge. I went outside my comfort zone and added a bit of word collage to the watercolor. The purist within screamed, “NO! The brave soul in me won and shouted, “Onward!”

The painting, 5 x 7, Winsor & Newton watercolors,  is not my best floral, nor is it my worst. It is a watercolor floral I will remember always though…why…because I DID step out of my comfort zone. Hallelujah!

Iris with Words

You can follow the whole thread here:
July WetCanvas Plant Parade July 2014 Thread

The August Plant Parade Challenge/Daisies/Hosted by Just Jean
You  can find the link here:
August Plant Parade Challenge
 

 

 

 

Perspective – Soon and Very Soon

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective2 Comments

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:3

SONY DSC

In yesterday’s post I spoke of a day on the Atlantic City Boardwalk. The boardwalk can be a place of fun and laughter, but also a place of desolation and homelessness. In an attempt to make a living modern-day “troubadours” sometimes set up their instruments on a portion of the boardwalk and play to the crowds of people passing by.

While we were “strolling the boards” we walked by a woman sitting on a bench. I thought at first she was one of these “troubadours,” but soon realized she was more a prophet. Clapping her hands in a steady rhythm, she was purposefully singing a tune I know well, Andrae Crouch’s beautiful song, “Soon and Very Soon.” I am sure others heard the words as they passed by. I hope they understood the message of the song. God bless the messenger in her effort to spread the Good News.

The message of “Soon and  Very Soon” is the coming of the Kingdom of God. Let’s all spread the “Good News” of the Lord Jesus Christ and his saving grace for all mankind.

To read daily reports of current events and  Biblical prophecies being fulfilled check out this site: Rapture Ready

Atlantic City Boardwalk photograph courtesy of Morguefile.

Places – Steel Pier, Atlantic City, NJ

On By TimelessladyIn Place5 Comments

IMG_2402

Yesterday my husband and I, after living in southern New Jersey for most of our lives, did something for the first time…took the train into Atlantic City. In the past, anytime we’ve been to this famous beach town the trip has been taken in a car. Yesterday we had a great time doing something old and familiar in a totally new way. It was good to walk on the crowded boardwalk, have lunch at “Hard Rock Cafe,” and people watch as we ate at an outside table. Before we left for home we walked out on the New Steel Pier.

The last time I was on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, New Jersey, I was in sixth grade participating in “Safety Day.” Not safety as in staying safe, but as a member of the School Safety Patrol. Remember the yellow bands worn across the chest? I am dating myself I think. That was close to forty-five years ago. I can remember the day perfectly, Gary Puckett and the Union Gap were the performers. I am pretty sure they sang the song “Young Girl.” Uh-oh, I’m dating myself again. 🙂

Although the original Steel Pier burned in 1982, the new pier is full of old-fashioned rides such as the ferris wheel and carousel.

IMG_2406

The Carousel is a Double-Decker. The history of it can be found here: Double Decker Carousel

IMG_2409

A staircase leads up to the second level. I can remember riding on horses just like these as a child, and also in the large canopied sleigh too.

IMG_2410

Carnival games line the entrance and border the pier. New-fangled daredevil rides are present too for those not too faint of heart. There are helicopter tours available on the pier that will carry you along the beachfront or over the city.

The casinos loom large on the other side of the boardwalk…

IMG_2412

…but even in the midst of the most modern of settings, Steel Pier still has an old-fashioned charm.

Plants, Problem-Solving and Pleasure – Tomato

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Pleasures, Problem-Solving2 Comments

IMG_2326

My tomato plants have thrived this year. I have been diligent in removing suckers on the indeterminate plants, and now I am reaping the rewards of the time spent caring for them. I am pleased with the heirloom varieties and also the varieties I planted that are said to contain high amounts of the antioxidant anthocyanin. Indigo Apple, along with Gypsy (another dark tomato) have been welcome additions to the garden.

IMG_2321

I’ve had a few problems, this stem at one point in time had several leaves, now it is bare. I never found the culprit, but I am pretty sure it was a tomato hornworm. I am crossing my fingers that he fell victim to a predatory wasp. Hopefully, he is the only one of his kind to visit my plants this summer, and I won’t feel compelled to whip up an organic spray. I’d much rather hand-pick the pests away or let nature’s predators help me out.

IMG_2324

This is the largest tomato I have ever grown. To protect if from squirrels eager to sample its lushness I surrounded it with hair from my cats. I know it looks ugly, but it worked. Here is the harvested tomato, finishing its ripening process in my kitchen. Success!

IMG_2401

If you don’t have cats or dogs, I’ve read that human hair will also repel critters. Happy Gardening!

Photographs & Perspective – Throwback Thursday & Immigration

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective, Photographs4 Comments

Family

In the photograph above I am the child standing before the elderly woman. She is my great-grandmother, one of the two women whose name I bear. I did not know her well, but do remember that she was tiny but strong. She emigrated legally to the United States from Germany through Ellis Island. She passed through the rigorous inspections that were in place to screen out disease and criminal activity. I am so thankful she came to this blessed land of America.

I believe in immigration, and everyone in the United States should also since a large percentage of us descend from immigrants somewhere down our line. What I do not believe in though is indiscriminately opening our borders to those who would ignore the protocol for entry. I am concerned that our pity for the young children trying to escape poverty and crime is allowing these same children to become a Trojan horse that could carry into our country an extra burden on our struggling economy, disease, pandemics, over-crowding, crime, gang violence and even elevate the threat of terrorism.

What can we do? I’m afraid not much about the current crisis. We can’t change yesterday, but we can do things right today and in the future. Most of all we need to have our eyes wide open concerning those we elect to govern this country. Experience and Constitutional integrity and adherence does matter! We are witnessing the lack of it now in our country…enough said.

Plantings – Wildflower Garden

On By TimelessladyIn Planting2 Comments

IMG_2238

In the late months of Spring, I sowed several packets of wildflowers in empty areas of my garden beds. I’ve been thrilled with the results. The flowers are not showy, but the colors are vibrant and the variety of bloom quite interesting. I also added a few leftover zinnias, marigolds and cosmos from old seed packets I had saved over the years. They are also growing, and when the first wildflowers are spent, I am hoping they will begin to blossom.

IMG_2223

IMG_2227

IMG_2228

IMG_2230

IMG_2231

IMG_2235

IMG_2237

Plant – Coriander/Cilantro

On By TimelessladyIn PlantsLeave a comment

IMG_2338

I am growing coriander, also known as cilantro, in my herb garden this year. Coriander leaves can be used in the place of parsley, in fact, one of the names for this plant is Chinese parsley. I would love to include a beautiful photograph of the plant, but alas, it has already bolted to seed. No worries though, the seed is also a valuable aid to cooking. The seeds are crushed when used in cooking and give a light lemony flavor to the food they season. The seeds lose their flavor when ground, so store them whole until ready to use. They can be roasted to enhance their taste. It is also possible to grow coriander on a windowsill.

IMG_2339

I’m drying my coriander seeds, along with some radish seed pods, for a few days before I store them. I want to make sure they are completely dry to ensure they do not develop any sort of spoilage.

More information on coriander/cilantro can be found here:
Coriander/Cilantro

Pleasures – The Dragonfly Whisperer Returns

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures4 Comments

IMG_2346

The Dragonflies are back. Two years ago I blogged about my close encounter with a dragonfly here: July 2012 Dragonfly Whisperer

Yesterday I once again put a little of my dragonfly knowledge to the test…they will usually land on the highest stems. I gently nudged the fellow/gal off of the garden carrier and sure enough when the dragonfly found rest again it was on my index finger. Drat! Why wasn’t my camera in my pocket when I needed it? I jostled the dragonfly off, ran in the house to get my camera, disturbed his rest on the carrier again and “O Happy Day” he once more chose to land on my index finger. I was able to get a pretty good photograph.

IMG_2348

Here are some interesting dragonfly sites to check out:

Ten Fascinating Facts About Dragonflies

The Dragonfly Woman

Photograph – Poppy Bud

On By TimelessladyIn PhotographsLeave a comment

IMG_2313

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable–if anything is excellent or praiseworthy–think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

People – Mary Ercoli Walsh

On By TimelessladyIn People2 Comments

mary

“For over 20 years Mary Ercoli Walsh has been experimenting with color. Through quilting, mosaics, furniture rehabs, home decorating, jewelry design, polymer clay designs, photography, pottery, graphic design and fine arts she constantly looks to color, pattern and design for inspiration. Be Creative Mary 365 is a challenge and celebration of creativity.
For 365 days Mary will embark on the challenge of a lifetime. She will produce one creative work every day for one complete year.”

mary e walsh art show 2

I love Mary’s art, and I love checking out her blog. The colors are brilliant, the art sensational, and the themes bring me instant happiness. I think you will agree! Take a look at Mary’s blog and the post about her recent art show.

Be Creative Mary Blog

Creative Mary Art Show

I’m not sure how I was lucky enough to find Mary’s blog and art, but it could be our mutual love of Block Island, Rhode Island. Whatever the case, I’m glad I did. She is an inspiration to those of us who love to create.

ceramics

mary e walsh art show 1

A big thank you to Mary for permission to use photographs of her stunning artwork on this blog. All artwork and blog excerpts in this post are the exclusive property of Mary Ercoli Walsh.

Phavorites – Phavorite Site/Budget 101

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites11 Comments

imageedit_4_6047094035

This site has it all when it comes to saving money and cooking from scratch. Check it out and browse, browse, browse. You will definitely find something of interest and possibly a “phavorite” new recipe or tip.

Check out: Budget101.com

Quote – Wisdom on Wednesday

On By TimelessladyIn Quotes4 Comments

IMG_2115

The voices that shape the direction of a nation are not necessarily those that ring out in legislative halls, but those that approach the throne room of God with bold faith.” ~ Charles Stanley – In Touch Devotional for July 23.

Charles Stanley’s “In Touch Daily Devotional” can be found here:
In Touch Daily Devotional

It is easy to feel helpless in the face of the turmoil in our world, but God’s Word tells us to be bold.

So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most. ~Hebrews 4:16

Plants & Potions – Plantain

On By TimelessladyIn Plants, Potions8 Comments

IMG_2251

This outstanding display of the “weed” plantain is clustered around the bird bath in my Square Foot Garden. I thought it especially appropriate that the plant grew in the garden beds. I have let several patches of plantain grow each year into large sized plants. I don’t consider it a weed at all. Plantain is an edible weed. It is also medicinal and can alleviate the itch of poison ivy or the pain of a bee sting. To use plantain for stings and rashes, chew it for a bit and apply to the sore or itchy spot.

IMG_2252

Plantain can also be eaten raw, in a salad, when the leaves are young and small. It can also be cooked. For more information check out this terrific site on “Eat the Weeds” blog by Green Deane: Eat the Weeds/Plantain

IMG_2264

I also make a salve for the skin using plantain. It is very easy. I lightly simmer water and heat olive oil and plantain leaves in a baby food jar. I don’t have a specific measurement, just a half inch of oil or so, and some chopped plantain leaves. I heat for about an hour or ninety minutes, and let the leaves sit in the oil for about 24 hours before straining out. This can also be stored in the fridge for a longer lasting salve. Even if it hardens, as soon as it touches your skin it melts right in.

IMG_2254

I recently read to get the best oil out of herbs and other plants pick them and let them set for about twenty-four hours. This gives you maximum essential oils on the surface of the leaves or flowers.

I have blogged about using plantain in the past, but a good tip is always worthwhile to bring to the “surface” of the blog again. Oftentimes the best ideas get buried in the archives.

Quotes – Billy Graham

On By TimelessladyIn QuotesLeave a comment

echinacea

“To get nations back on their feet, we must first get down on our knees.”
~ Billy Graham

World events are overwhelming. It’s easy to think our prayers are of no consequence in the grand scheme of things. Remember the words in James 5:16:

“Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much.”

Pleasures – Summer Tea in Pink

On By TimelessladyIn Pleasures2 Comments

IMG_2086

In an attempt to use more of my fresh spearmint and lemon balm, I concocted a brew that is beautiful to gaze upon and sensational to the taste. The delicious tea only takes a few minutes to mix up, and a few hours to brew. Place three to four good-sized sprigs of spearmint* and lemon balm** into a the jar, along with two herbal tea bags. I chose Pomegranate and Raspberry Green Tea by Stash. Add about four level teaspoons of sugar for a light sweet taste, or more or less according to your own preferences. Honey would work too. Pour the boiling water almost to the brim, put the lids on and set in the sun for several hours. I don’t know if the sunshine did much in the way of brewing, but the tea sure looked pretty catching the sunbeams within the pink liquid.

I decided to make two jars at one time, and I am so glad I did, the tea is delicious! It has a very delicate taste, almost like a flavored water. If you want more flavor and heartier quality, add another teabag or two. An added bonus: the tea brews up to a gorgeous shade of clear pink. Try it, or try a concoction of your own choosing.

* Spearmint is filled with antioxidants, has anti-fungal properties, relieves digestive problems, can relieve headache, fatigue and stress.

**Lemon Balm is good for digestive problems, alleviates melancholia, calming, reduces sleep problems and restlessness. Might also reduce the growth of some viruses.

Follow Me on Pinterest

Phlowers – Garden Phlowers in Orange & Gold

On By TimelessladyIn PhlowersLeave a comment

IMG_2178

This past week I looked out my back window in the early morning light and saw this amazing squash blossom. The flower was almost double the size of my hand. By afternoon it had withered, hopefully leaving behind a new squash. Even though its time to bloom is fleeting, I think it rivals hibiscus and other large, magnificent flowers in beauty.

I’ve included a few other garden phlowers that are blossoming in shades of orange and gold.

IMG_2182

Trumpet Vine – I grew this one from seed. It has taken several years to reach blooming size, but it was worth the wait. This vine is attractive to hummingbirds.

IMG_2133

Begonia

IMG_2142

Dahlia – The outer edge of the petals are pink, but the inside glows a beautiful coral-orange.

IMG_2134

Marigold

IMG_2132

Flowering Maple

Quick Tip – Scaring Skeeters

On By TimelessladyIn Quick Tip4 Comments

IMG_2150

We recently went camping with the family in Belleplain State Forest. There are quite a few cedar swamps in the area, and we knew we needed to be prepared for an attack of mosquitoes. I read on the Pinterest site that Listerine, because of the eucalyptus and thymol it contains, is a terrific mosquito repellent. The directions were to spray on the ground around you and the mosquitoes would stay away. It worked! We didn’t have any problem at all with the mosquitoes. Now if only we could find something to keep the ticks away. Several of us came home with a passenger aboard our skin. Yuck!

For ease in application I placed the Listerine (I used a generic brand) in an empty window cleaner bottle. My mistake: my first mouthwash purchase was blue mint. It looked exactly the same as the window cleaner. The second time I bought mouthwash as an insect repellent I bought the amber colored Listerine. It definitely did not smell as good, but it worked just the same. Hmmm…maybe next time I will try the green mint flavor. Smile!

Follow Me on Pinterest

Please take a look at the comment section of this post…there are many additional “natural” remedies included in one of the comments. Thanks James!”

Planting – Cactus

On By TimelessladyIn Planting4 Comments

IMG_2130

Two weeks ago the grandsons and I sowed a few cactus seeds in plastic blueberry packages. The square plastic container is aerated with holes, top and bottom. All we needed to do was add some cactus soil, water, and sprinkle the seeds on the top. The cactus sprouted within a week and just fourteen days later are doing very well.

IMG_2143

Prose, People & Place – The Dirty Life/Kristin Kimball Blog/Essex Farm

On By TimelessladyIn People, Place, Prose2 Comments

life on farm:

Okay, I’ll admit it, I am only on page 51 of The Dirty Life. Why am I already raving about this book in a blog post? Well…because…oh the joy of it…I found a blog written by Kristin Kimball and I wanted to share it here: Kristin Kimball Blog

I am enjoying the book, much as a person who is hungry devours a perfect meal. The book is leaving me with an uplifted spirit after each reading. As I read through the first chapters, it was easy to imagine myself, along with Mark and Kristin, on a hunt for the perfect farm. In the next section, titled “Winter,” I will be reading about the planning stages of the farm.

When I searched Google Images for photographs of the farm, oh happy day, I found the blog. I can’t wait to explore some of the posts. Visit the Essex farm today, either through the book, or the blog, or both. You won’t be disappointed.