a blog about plants, cats and other lovely creatures

Thursday, June 12, 2014

hot days


A heat wave has come upon us.
But the flowers are still thriving.
This is my vegetable garden. 
Chives, parsley, nasturtium, and three balcony tomato plants. 
Plus a lobelia to feed the eyes.
In the evening, the air finally cools down a bit.
This is the time for a glass of pinot grigio with some sparkling water and 
a drop of homemade elderflower syrup. Delicious and refreshing.
Have a nice evening.








Thursday, May 15, 2014

Friday, May 9, 2014

prayer for Ukraine

Yesterday we celebrated Liberation Day, the end on World War II. I cannot help worrying about the current Ukrainian crisis that threatens with an outbreak of a new war. The closest I ever got to Ukraine was 4 years ago, nevertheless, it is a close country. We spent the holiday on my partner's piece of land (yes, I have been an unfaithfully gardenless gardener and I will write about that another time), and I made a little prayer flag embroidered with the word світ (Ukrainian for peace) and a little wooden Ukrainian orthodox cross.



The idea came from this wonderful Prayer Flag Project that I recently came across, started by Vivika Hansen DeNegre:

 "She invited people from around the world to to join her in making Prayer Flags. Each flag is created in the artists own style, then hung outside for a while, its words and sentiment dissolving into the wind and being spread to all whom the wind touches. They are a living, breathing, kinetic journal of our hopes, dreams and concerns."

The project itself is inspired by the ancient tradition of Buddhist prayer flags which we also have hanging on a young walnut tree.



 I have invited some friends to join me in creating little prayer flags that we willl hang on this dead old bush on the lot, for our prayers for peace to be carried by the wind into the world.


In the meantime, we supported the peaceful message by singing some mantras by the fire...



Wednesday, May 7, 2014

in May...


...the weather is nice and warm, so the kitties can finally enjoy a little bit of "outdoors".

We had a very mild winter but still, it was no fun for them staying on the balcony... 
until recently
This spring I planted fuchsia, chrysanthemum and lobelia in the window boxes on my balcony. What colors will the fuchsias turn out?
An early visitor...
I bet she's curious, too.





I am back


Dear friends,

Just wanted to let you know that I haven't disappeared and you will be hearing from me more often now. I hope. 

I've missed you.