“Everything has beauty, but not everyone can see it.” — Confucius silky lightweight floss rises in commonplace world beauty shows power * * * Silky strands of milkweed fiber drift from burst pods. Naturally buoyant and water repellent, milkweed floss was valued during World War II to fill life jackets for soldiers. Two 20-pound bags … More Lightweight Power
“Our greatest strength lies in the gentleness and tenderness of our heart.” — Rumi tiny touch says much affection told with warmth strength and tenderness # # # Visitor to Great Elephant Migration exhibit fell in love with baby elephant and tucked tiny flower behind its ear. Each sculpture crafted from the invasive lantana weed … More Up Close and Personal
“LOVE will lay a carpet of treasures under your feet.” — Rumi smooth softness invites magic carpet softens bumps long miles disappear * * * Lily pads border pond with magic carpet • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Magic Carpet” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2024
“In the world of chaos, let lavender be your calm oasis.” — Anonymous measure of calmness lavender-steeped breath of air unbottled healing * * * A versatile and fragrant herb, lavender offers numerous benefits, from stress relief to culinary delight • Photo by Jan Logozzo • “Calming” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2024
“Some memories are unforgettable, remaining ever vivid and heartwarming!” — Joseph B. Wirthlin beautiful and rich vivid hues lively color the stuff of delight * * * Fodder of memories ~ When hydrangeas are at their boldest, enjoy up close and personal • Explore how to put color to work with its shades and hues, … More Vividness
“It’s our challenges and obstacles that give us layers of depth and make us interesting.” — Ellen DeGeneres layer on layer sculpture of gentle edges nature’s creation * * * How often do we go right by the sweet spots of our environment without observing their display of beauty? Being aware is a first step … More Awareness
“Find a space where you can be creative and a place where you are open for free thinking, you want to enjoy what you are doing and do what you are best at.” — David Karp palette of colors creative sanctuary subtle influence * * * Greens and Blues ~ With so many sizes, colors, … More Subtle Influence
“People are most creative when they care about their work and they’re stretching their skills.” — Teresa Amabile stretch the way you see woven basket with pansies wren sees otherwise * * * See beyond the expected ~ Hanging basket of pansies. Nest nestled in folds. Check out “Say Yes! to Your Creative Self” for … More Stretching Exercises
“I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.” — Georgia O’Keeffe bobbles of color determined by soil and sun organic painting * * * With their pom-poms of varying shades of purple, pink and blue, Hydrangeas are a virtual … More Organic Painting
“Sometimes the embers are better than the campfire.” — Thomas Overbury flames shrink to embers before bursting forth again restoring day’s light * * * Radiant Heat ~ With its throat of gold, this glowing red daylily illuminates the garden • Photos by Jan Logozzo • “Glowing Embers” haiku by Mary O’Connor © 2024 Say … More Radiant Heat
Life Is Full of Sweet Spots 