Sunny skies and sweet treats this Mother’s Day.
A happy day off to moms, and those who celebrate them.

May… flowers

Every time my ears perk up.  What could be next?  And here it is.  After a million late nights and fingers worked to exhaustion, Helen graduates this year from the famous Fashion Institute of Technology in NYC.  Of about 300 special occasion gowns reviewed for the 2012 Graduating Student Fashion Show ‘Future of Fashion’, 10 are selected.  Here is Helen’s exquisite handiwork, on the runway.

An exciting evening, electricity in the air, even from here at home.
Congratulations, Helen… and Grandma!  I can’t wait to hear what’s next!

I opened a card stashed away long ago, these slipped out.  The meaning of life found in a cookie?  Perhaps not… but a smile, certainly.

More fortunate moments:

No competition for the botanical garden, but my personal orchid show
unfurls this week.

And a quick visit to class catches me up with a few of my drawing buddies.

Beautiful work… on view and for sale April 28 – May 12.  The artists include: Susan Bogen, Allan Drossman, Itsuko Ishiguro, Sandy Pancrazi, Cynthia Shevelew, Margit Werner-Ergas and Ellen Mulligan.  The opening reception is Saturday, April 28, 2:00 – 4:00 PM.  See the show at 561 Piermont Road, Demarest, NJ 07627. Open Monday-Friday, 9:30-5:00pm, 7:00-10:00pm and Saturday 9:30am-12:30pm.  A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Art School, a hub in northern New Jersey for many active in the creative community, and a valued resource for all ages in our area.

Much anticipated by pottery lovers and not to be missed!

Earth day arrives, and today my little patch of ground receives a welcome gift…
a substantial soaking rain.  Near drought conditions and early warm weather have
been conspiring to begin what may be a very challenging season indeed here in the northeast.  But right now the raindrops are a soothing patter and we will soak up every drop.  So in anticipation of a beautifully rainy day, I’ve gathered up a few of the garden’s early offerings to brighten the atmosphere inside as we enjoy the sights
and sounds of this long awaited weather from a cozy window.

Happy rainy day, earth.

Small keepsakes for the celebrations of renewal & faith that spring brings.

Things take time.  Particularly around here, it seems.  The monarchs started almost
a year ago, and have been on the edge of ready to fly for many months now.  It seems appropriate, though, that just as spring begins in earnest they are finally complete and ready to make their way.  Sometimes in this world we need the spirit
of a butterfly with a promise of forever.  This is my hope for what these little souls may impart.

New beginnings are never far off.  They deserve to be noted, relished.  The full moon of April that precedes Easter is know as the ‘full pink moon’ said to be named for the wild ground phlox, one of the first spring flowers.  Enchanted summer evenings are sure to follow.  But first, a peach-pink moonstone was set on my work table – months now, through winter’s waning days, waiting to become one of my favorites… the pink moon ring. Spring’s pink moon rises tomorrow morning.  And though it’s gone down to the wire, we are ready.