Here we are more than a third of the way through February and life has conspired to keep me so busy I haven’t had a proper chance to blog regularly. This will simply not do! Especially during this month which is sanctioned as holding our one socially acceptable love holiday. I have so many things I love and so many of them to share. It’s time for a little love roundup!
If you know me at all, you know I love vintage cards and I’m especially partial to Valentines. Don’t you love the idea of a pair of cupids knocking at your door delivering baskets of delights?
Here’s one of the things they’ve actually delivered – an early bouquet. These are Solomias, a member of the Dianthus family which are often known as “flowers of love.” Carnations and pinks are also members of the Dianthus family, and while I’ve never had Solomias before, I suspect they’ll be as long-lasting. They have a delicate carnation-y scent as well, and since almost half of the stems are still in bud, I suspect this bouquet will be giving me many many days of pleasure.
Here’s another variety of flower to love as well – these textile beauties by artist Laurence Aguerre.
Back in the 1930s radiologist Dain Tasker started photographing flowers using x-ray film. The images are extraordinarily beautiful.
Talking about things I love, bees are never far from mind.
Image my excitement when I discovered this experimental music featuring 40,00o bees! Feel the buzz.
Equally heart-warming is the project Emily Blistein came up with – Love is Mightier. She invited designers to create artwork extolling love over fear and created postcards to sell with all the proceeds going to support local anti-gun violence organizations. I’m certainly loving supporting that.
Rachel Ball has a love of sentences.
Designer/inventor Dominic Wilcox clearly has a brain populated with plenty of ideas he’s willing to make happen. I love the directional shoes, and just last night friends and I were discussing alternate uses for fans. We didn’t think of this teacup application.
Frankly I don’t know anyone who doesn’t love a little peek into other’s creative spaces. Here’s a look into the studios of 100 famous artists.
Although I don’t have a fabulous photo to post of my studio, I’ll give you a peek at one object in mine with a bit of a Valentine’s theme…
Top of the reading recommendation list this week is the graphic novel published back in 2004 – Persepolis: The Story of a Childhood by Marjane Satrapi. It’s an autobiographical tale of her life as a young girl in Iran during the Islamic Revolution. In keeping with my practice of rating using floriography, the Victorian language of flowers, I’m awarding this book a bouquet of red tulips. Red tulips signify true love, and the national flower of Iran happens to be the inverted tulip.
And finally, as we’re heading into Valentine’s weekend, I can’t resist sharing a recipe I’ll be whipping up – Lavender Honey Truffles. You can find a recipe here.
There you have it – a few things that are making my heart happy as we head into the happy heart holiday. Whatever your relationship with Valentine’s Day – whether it is something you celebrate, something you scorn, or any variation in between – I do encourage you to share a thing or two that you love. Do tell – you know I want to hear.
oh my … the x-rayed photos of flowers. I am mesmerized. soft and inviting. mystical.
Persepolis is on my to-read list this year. I’ve never read a graphic novel and this one comes highly recommended. It hasn’t made it to the top of the list yet.
and am putting the lavendar honey truffles on my to make list! divine.
I’m totally swooning over those x-rays as well. I look forward to hearing about what else you’re reading this year – you’ve always got something I’m inspired by.
Hi Deborah – the bouquets look lovely .. I’ve got some carnations too – which are so pretty … just having flowers around is a blessing. There are quite a few amazing bee-hive creations being made today – it’s wonderful to see. Love the x-ray flowers too .. Your little bird house is a cutie … filled with hearts and love – a delight …
While the lavender and honey truffles – must taste divine … have a happy weekend – cheers HIlary
I totally agree Hilary that having flowers around is a blessing. And there’s nothing more cheery during winter as well. Wishing you a lovely week.
Your photos of the things you love is lovely! I especially enjoy seeing your valentine box. Looking forward to seeing a photo of your studio in a future post. 🙂
Thanks Elda.