Monique and I can’t help ourselves when it comes to flowers, and I hope you’re not bored that we’re bringing more of them today. But they are beautiful, and it is Spring …
Long-term readers of this blog know I’m firmly in the Margaret Olley trenches when it comes to housework:
I’ve never liked housework. I get by doing little chores when I feel like them, in between paintings. Who wants to chase dust all their life? You can spend your whole lifetime cleaning the house. I like watching the patina grow. If the house looks dirty, buy another bunch of flowers is my advice. (Margaret Olley)
I must say, I don’t like watching the patina grow, but I don’t see the point in cleaning every five minutes either—which, with two dogs and three teenagers, is what it would take to keep this house clean. So, I turn a blind eye to as much as I can, and bring in the fresh flowers.
Our garden’s blooming at the moment—roses, lemon blossom, daisies—but these tangerine ranunculus are from my weekly treat of fresh flowers from a local florist.
This fortnight Monique’s been buffeted by crowds of people at her work, sapping her energy and draining her desire to do anything but the necessary. During the day, she’s been up and down like a yo-yo, attending to multiple demands for tickets, food, explaining the same things over and over. Each night, sleep’s eluded her and she’s wondered how she’d stand up the next day and do it all again.
And then this morning, as she embraced a day at home and the promise of nearly three weeks’ break, she took time out to breathe the fresh air, feel the warm wind on her skin, and look at how Spring has dressed her garden.
These Californian poppies were standing tall despite the wind—and there’s been plenty of that lately. Today, they were her inspiration to dig deeper for energy and keep on going.
These poppies are striking and bold and beautiful—especially against the vibrant green and the soft blue of the sky. Nature’s pick-me-up.
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As Monique will be away next week, we won’t be posting our usual Midweek Moment.
If you’d like to look back on some of our past moments, click here, and please visit Monique’s website, too, if you want to see more of her writing and photography.
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Gorgeous photos as usual, Louise – nice to see that Spring has sprung where you are. ???? Oh, and I’m also of the Margaret Olley school of cleaning lol!
When I reach the other side, I’m heading straight for Margaret’s soul to thank her! Spring has sprung in the garden, but we’re still waiting for the weather to catch up! 🙂
Lol, yes indeed! 🙂 Autumn is well and truly here now, the leaves are turning, the days sunny and cool with that richness to the air you only get at this time of year. If it wasn’t for the stinking head cold I have at the moment, I’d be really enjoying it! 🙂
Autumn is glorious—a season of change and turning. The only bad thing about it is that you know Winter is on the way! I hope your head cold clears soon so you can enjoy it. 🙂 x
Thanks, Louise. It’s thrown my work schedule off a bit, and to be honest I’m still not 100%! However, onwards and upwards – I’ll enjoy these glorious autumn days while we’ve got them and, dare I say it, I’m hoping for some snow this year. At the moment this seems like a wonderful idea – however, ask me in January and I might not be so sure 😀
You poor thing—here’s to a quick recovery. I hope you’re in bed and reading! And I’ve heard that a cold Winter and snow is forecast for you guys. Fingers crossed. xx
Ooh, fingers crossed – I would love that! And yes, I’ve done a bit of reading this weekend, which has been a nice change from the usual running around. Think I might need to do a bit more of the former and less of the latter! Hope you’re well xx
Again, I am unable to pick a favourite. Both photos are exquisite, luscious and juicy. I love Spring because of all the new growth. Things have gone absolutely mad up here on the mountain.
I love both photos today, too, Pinky. I probably shouldn’t say I love my own photo, but sometimes I do! I bet your mountain is a burst of colour—lucky you! 🙂
I love flowers! So thank you very much for these gorgeous pics of Spring! Stunning colours! x
Spring flowers can’t be beaten for freshness and vibrancy. Thanks Marlish. 🙂