my springtime garden

The springtime garden is such a happy place for all of us who love to garden. Every which way we look we can see new growth and new buds and blooms. I'm slow to get my garden going this year, but this morning I was able to spend a good hour or so doing what I love - pulling weeds, tidying up the space, and planting a few new items. Here's a little glimpse into my springtime garden.

allium, close-up
I planted these bulbs last fall, so I'm
excited to see them bloom for the 1st time!

another shot of allium

cherry blossoms from our fruit tree

tiny grape hyacinths with lavender,
mint, and chives scattered here and there

one of my favorites - the lilac in our front yard garden
the scent is divine and the petals are beautiful!

not the showiest of flowers, but these lungworts
add so much to my little shade garden
on the north side of our house

a year ago...italy

A year ago my husband and I had just returned from a fabulous vacation in Italy. We spent time in Tuscany, Umbria, and Rome, and what a wonderful time it was! Isn't part of the fun of vacations thinking back and reminiscing about all of the adventures that were had? There's nothing like looking through the photos we took to remember all of the fun and the laughter - happy memories all around! It's also something else to think about everything that's happened in the time since this trip. What a year we've had! 

Here's a photo that sums up the lovely bucolic feel of where we stayed in Chiusi, Tuscany...truly, a small slice of heaven!

walking through an olive grove

And, a little glimpse of the gorgeous grounds.

music for a monday: ludovico einaudi's oltremare

Without a doubt, Ludovico Einaudi's creations are some of the most transportive music out there. Here's his "Oltremarre" set to beautiful scenery of San Luis Obispo, California. Enjoy!

happy mother's day

Wishing my dear mom and all moms out there a wonderful Mother's Day. 

by Mary Cassatt, 1900

mother and child by picasso

Tomorrow is Mother's Day here in the States, so I thought we could enjoy a little mother and child art. Here's Picasso's take on the subject. Quite lovely, isn't it?

flowerful friday - from the springtime garden

The bulbs in my garden are continuing to bloom, adding lots of little bursts of color here and there. I picked these four - checkered lily, daffodil, leucojum (aka spring snowflake), and grape hyacinth - to cluster together for a cute, informal arrangement.  

Happy Friday!

magnolias in bloom, part 2

I can't seem to get enough of the beautiful magnolias in bloom at the University of Wisconsin Arboretum, just a mile or so away from my home. Yesterday I was back at the lovely grounds, and  here are a few photos I took. 

While the star magnolias were in full bloom last week, many of the stunning saucer magnolias are now at their peak. It's wonderful to be able to enjoy springtime!

words to live by: rumi

What is it that you love?

~image credit unknown~

music for a monday: npr's tiny desk series with nicola benedetti

Check out Scottish classical violinist, Nicola Benedetti's performance at NPR's Tiny Desk Series. Here she performs music by John Williams and Bach on her 1717 Strad. Enjoy! 

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black and white photography: cats

Perhaps it's because our feline friends are so incredibly photogenic, but they seem to be the subject of so many wonderful photographs. I know my own ginger tom does actually pose for photos. He seems to enjoy having his photo snapped! Here are some beautiful black and white photographs that capture the movement and stillness of their cat subjects.

by Edouard Boubat, 1972

~unless noted, photo credits unknown~

a touch of red

A little red goes a long way for a bright punch of color. And a lot of red - when done right - can go even further. All of these images are so different in style and substance, but the presence of a little or a lot of red always creates a pop.

by the Japanese master,
Uemura Shoen (1875-1949)
Aren't these colors beautiful?

what's better than a field of
red poppies blooming in Tuscany?

I love this contrast

~unless noted, image credit unknown~

flowerful friday: a spring bouquet from the garden

I picked these from my garden, and I love the mix of cheerful spring colors. The fragrance is heavenly. 

Happy Friday!

magnolias in bloom

Spring, though very late this year, is finally here. At the top of my list of spring favorites, are the magnolias at the UW-Madison Arboretum where the quantity and variety of these lovely trees is quite impressive. The star magnolias are blooming, with all of their showy petals dancing in the warm breeze, sitting underneath these beauties is a perfect way to spend part of a spring day. Here are a few I photographed. 

Click onto to the photos for a larger image.

day dreaming: lavender fields

I love the look of rows and rows of lavender blooms. Visiting Provence during lavender season is on my bucket list of travel destinations. I can't even image how sublime the fragrance must be!

~image credits unknown~