Buffalo River

This week we joined friends to kayak on the Buffalo National River in Arkansas. If you’ve never been there, it’s well worth the trip. We’re lucky enough to live in the general area and can visit fairly frequently. Although the weather was mostly chilly and damp we managed to do a little kayaking and some hiking. The wild flowers were beautiful.

National Buffalo River

Triple Falls

Shooting Star

Jack in the Pulpit

First Signs of Spring

Besides the robins returning, this little Reticulata Iris is always the first to bloom.

Amaryllis-Love It Or Leave It

The amaryllis wall quilt is finished. ( See previous post.) I painted the background with Liquitex acrylics. The paint is just transparent enough to let the first background show through so the green is mottled.  I finished it letting the petals stick out around the edges and satin stitching all around the outer edge. All that green and red is a little too Crhistmasy. I don’t love it but it’s better than it was.  I’m leaving it. Onward to better stuff, I hope.

Amaryllis Bulbs

The following picture is scanned from the latest White Flower Farm catalog. Click link to see the actual page.

Note that this bulb is in a vase of pebbles. Years ago I bought a bunch of amaryllis bulbs and put each one in a tall vase with just a dab of water in the bottom. Roots formed, gorgeous flowers emerged, and I gave them away as Christmas gifts. Last year Susan gave me three wonderful bulbs that I photographed repeatedly and shared on this blog. I’ve tended them all summer and now leaves just started forming a few weeks ago. In moving them into the house for the winter, their pot fell off the deck, dropping 10′ or so, the pot smashed but the bulbs look o.k. except that most of the roots broke on the biggest one. Since they are out of the dirt, I put them in vases with clear glass marbles  or pebbles. We’ll see how they grow. Will keep you posted. I know you’ll be breathlessly awaiting the outcome!!!!!

Lemons to Lemonade

You’ve heard the old saying:  “When you get lemons, make lemonade” haven’t you? Well, here’s the lemon; an out-of-focus picture of my flower bed. They were ALL out of focus.

And here is the “lemonade” after being manipulated in photoshop.

I think I can do something with this.

Detail

The current wall quilt, that I’ve been working on, is finished. I don’t want to show the whole photograph until it’s been exhibited, but here is a detail.

It is a photo image with stick figures silk screened over it, hand dyed silk velvet with pieced cotton satin stitch-appliqued on top. Hand quilted and machine quilted. The silk velvet was difficult to work with, but not so difficult that I don’t want to try it again. The drape and sheen are so beautiful.

Three peonies

It must be due to the cool, wet Spring that we’ve had, that the peonies are outstanding this year.  I think they have inspired me to create a wall quilt that I’m working on now. Too soon to post a picture, but stay tuned!

Beauty in the Ugly

Here is a photograph of two wilted tulips taken at dusk on the dinning room table, way under exposed. After playing in photoshop this was the result. Not bad; I think.

Spring Abounds

I hiked on a little trail through the woods near my house. What a beautiful Spring after so much cold, wet weather. Watch out for the ticks and chiggers; they’re out there too!  Ask me how I know!

Four Tulips

I’m having way too much fun with this new camera.