Memorial Day Video
“War must be, while we defend our lives against a destroyer who would devour all; but I do not love the bright sword for its sharpness, nor the arrow for its swiftness, nor the warrior for his glory. I love only that which they defend.” J.R.R. Tolkien, The Two Towers In the past we have paid tribute to the brave men and women who fight valiantly to preserve our freedom. Today, we’ve compiled those tributes into a YouTube video to showcases handkerchiefs from WWI and WWII. The musical accompaniment is “Hymn to the Fallen” sung by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. As you view the video, you’ll...
Read MoreInsects
Having lauded the glories of gardens and the virtues of vegetables, it’s time to acknowledge those who make it all possible…no, not gardeners….think smaller………..infinitely smaller………yep, insects. Those most beautiful pollinators – butterflies are frequently featured on handkerchiefs. “Butterflies are not insects… they are self propelled flowers.” Robert A. Heinlein, The Cat Who Walks Through Walls Their inspiring metamorphosis from crawling creature to winged wonder has led several cultures to imbue them with the symbolism of rebirth and new beginnings, which is why butterfly images are...
Read MoreFruits and Veggies
Is there anything better than fresh corn, asparagus or vine ripened tomatoes in summer? Fresh blueberry, cherry or strawberry rhubarb pie? Fresh peaches in August? We’re approaching the season that is truly “ripe” with pleasure. You can tout all the highfalutin’ flash freeze phenomena you want; nothing beats the real deal ripe off the vine. “The soil is the great connector of lives, the source and destination of all…Without proper care for it we can have no community, because without proper care for it we can have no life.” Wendell Berry, The Unsettling of America: Culture and...
Read MoreBotanical Beauty
The season of growth and reawakening has arrived. A time when the sun warms both the earth and our spirits, and drops us at the doorstep of restoration. Gardens have for centuries nourished and sustained, inspired and enriched our spirit. They provide both playground and classroom for endless learning. From Buitchart to Boboli to Shalimar Bagan, from Versailles to Villa D’Este, from Giverny to Exbury and beyond. We’ll focus less on the manicured masterpieces of world renown, and instead spotlight the simple pleasures we can all enjoy. As far back as 450 B.C. the book of Ecclesiastes...
Read MoreThink Pink
Once upon a time long ago in a land far, far away known as Dallas, there lived a beautiful young girl named Brandes (rhymes with Candace) who adored the color pink. From the tip of her little knit cap to the bows on her teensy slippers – pink. Her jammies, blankie, teddy bear, and bedroom – pink; her petticoat, sweater, suitcase, even her Christmas stocking – pink! Methinks perhaps she was on to something and wise beyond her years. Tailors and couturiers have known for eons that the rosy hue flatters everyone, men and women alike, enhancing every skin tone. (Ever seen Oprah in raspberry?...
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