flowers – Page 30 – Life Is Full of Sweet Spots

Change is the handmaiden Nature requires to do her miracles with. – Mark Twain

September 23, 2013

Handmaiden moths, with their striking colors and transparent wings, mimic venomous wasps in their body shape and the position in which they hold their wings. They are, however, harmless and beautiful creatures, day flying members of the Arctiidae or Tiger moth family—seen here performing their domestic duties in true handmaiden manner in the flower gardens … More Change is the handmaiden Nature requires to do her miracles with. – Mark Twain

Flight of the Monarch

August 26, 2013

He was named for rulers and kings, and drank the sweet nectar of the rose, but it was the way he floated and soared on those magnificent Renaissance wings— frescoes of orange and black—that never failed to give rise to the dreams of a wingless child. ******* “Flight of the Monarch” by Mary O’Connor from … More Flight of the Monarch

Just living is not enough…

July 25, 2013

one must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower. Hans Christian Andersen is probably best remembered as the author of classic fairy tales. But it is his words concerning the importance of sunshine in life that I especially love. So when I was nominated by fellow Love Well Live Well blogger, “Miss Happy Spirits”, to receive the Sunshine … More Just living is not enough…

Summer Moments

July 18, 2013

Henry James defines “Summer afternoon … Summer afternoon” as the “two most beautiful words in the English language.” That may be, but “Wildflowers and the sea” are a close second … if not first. Marsh mallows with loosestrife, photo by Mary O’Connor © 2013

Treasured sculptures of the sea

June 27, 2013

Sanibel Island, Florida, with its 17+ miles of beaches ripe with coquinas and sand dollars, is a favorite shelling beach. So, too, are is the sand of San Jose Island, Texas, with its olive shells and wentletraps, lightning whelks and sundials, and of Silver Strand State Beach on Coronado Island, California, littered with silvery oyster shells, … More Treasured sculptures of the sea

A Lesson from the Peony

June 20, 2013

The Chinese name for the peony is sho yu. It means, simply, most beautiful. The poet Sensei Ogui finds a lesson in its moment of lifetime: Peonies bloom on peony trees. A cat doesn’t become a chicken. Tulips are tulips, not roses. Why can’t we realize this true fact? That to be me is great. … More A Lesson from the Peony

Certified Interior Designer

May 27, 2013

Mother Nature offers her own line of floor coverings — recognized by their “money is no object” appearance, their brilliant colors, their inimitable down to earth feel. Check out my book, Life Is Full of Sweet Spots. You’ll find Mother Nature inside — maybe not her complete line of carpets, but most certainly, a full selection of eye catching … More Certified Interior Designer

Name this Flower

May 20, 2013

Can anyone name this delightful flower I saw in a field by the Connecticut River this weekend? Based on its shape and variegated color, my imagination saw it as an Indian Paintbrush. Curiously though, the images of my wildflower ID resources didn’t match when I later checked it out. Perhaps someone can tell me what it is? Maybe some kind of clover? In the meantime, … More Name this Flower

Finches’ Nest

May 2, 2013

Two finches build a nest of grasses, interwoven with the tiniest of white spring blossoms— soft grasses cradle delicate eggs, blossoms speak to the fragility of hope. * * * Finches’ Nest – photo and poem by Mary O’Connor © 2013