Kaseys Korner

Starting over...

For those of you who read my blog, maybe you've wondered at the long unexplained absence??  I really should have dropped in for an update but my heart was so heavy & posting on the blog seemed so trivial while swirling in the vortex of grief. 

To my friends who don't know ~ I lost a dear member of my family on Dec 6th ~ my favorite Aunt Shirley.  We always had a very special bond ~ from my earliest childhood memory, growing stronger thru early adulthood & no doubt continuing beyond her death.  She played such a pivotal role in my life, I'm still reaching for the phone & reeling all over again when I can't connect. 

These past three years have been rough, an emotional roller coaster ~ especially 2012.  She was diagnosed with Ovarian cancer in Dec 2008 and fought a battle Hercules would be proud of....  For a time it appeared she had won but the relief & reprieve was short lived.  In May of 2012 she was admitted to hospice (now you know why the blog suffered last year) then came the call I'd been dreading.

It seemed like a double whammy, losing her right before the holidays like that.  Needless to say, they were memorable for all the wrong reasons.  Thank goodness I had gotten a head start on the decorating & shopping or things would have been pretty dismal for my daughter. 

Now I'm trying to look forward, forcing myself to go thru the motions of daily life & hoping if I do it enough, I'll feel like I'm actually back to living it.  

Peppermint Candy Cane Sugar Scrub I made for holidays gifts ~ get the recipe here.

Thank you to everyone for the Christmas wishes.  I'm sorry I didn't get to your blogs to return them ~ I just wasn't (and still am not very much) on the computer ~ except for Pinterest.  Pinning has been my salvation throughout this process ~ a happy, enjoyable activity where I momentarily forget my sorrow & escape to a more beautiful life.  Whatever it takes, right??

Thanks also for letting me share this very personal post.  Part of "behaving my way back to normal" will be trying to get back to posting.  Bear with me please... 

Gardening is usually my healing balm & I need it more than ever now....

 

 

 

Election night 2012

A personal note as I watch the incoming election results.   Feeling so many emotions....

I feel lucky.  

Lucky to be born American where a peaceful voting process is the norm.  To vote without threat of persecution or retaliation is a not a right to be taken lightly.

Above:  Aquilegia 'Blackberry Pleat'

I feel grateful.

Grateful to the women who went before me.   Making it feel like going to the polls is a "given" when I know very well it's been anything but. 

In my lifetime, voting has always been a choice.  I never choose not to exercise that hard earned right...

David Austins 'Jubilee Celebration'

I feel excited.

I'm a resident of a swing state (Colorado) which makes me feel like my vote is all the more important.

Above:  Eurasian Collared Dove on birdhouse tuteur.

I feel proud.

However the night ends.  We have a democratic process, we all get a say. 

If we don't like what's going on, the power of our collective voice can create a change.

Above:  Miniature Rose 'Cupcake'

Did you use your "power?" 

I feel relieved. 

That the political phone calls and campaign ads will cease.  Whew!

Above:  Primula 'vialii'

It feels like it's been a loooonnngg election.  I wonder how the candidates feel???  They must be exhausted.... 

Props to them both for having the fortitude and conviction to run. 

Above:  Rufous hummingbird.

I feel hopeful.

I always do. 

I don't know why? 

Sometimes it's a state hard to maintain but without it, what do we have????

 

 

 

Garden Alchemy

Sounds intriguing, doesn't it?? 

I wish it were me collecting blossoms from the garden & coaxing wildly amazing aromas from the combinations ~ wonder how hard that would be to do?

There's really no need to experiment tho (except for the fun of it) since a company called Thymes has already done an exceptional job. 

and far be it from me to keep information this delicious to myself. 

I love, love, love the fresh light fragrance ~ I chose 'Wild Angelica' as my favorite from the selection I had to pick from.  The website features so many more incredible looking scents tho....

Wish I could smell/try them all!

Summer light.  Super yum.  Garden perfect. 

If you're looking for a fragrance and aren't familiar with Thymes, I highly recommend checking them out. (I'm not getting an endorsement for telling you that either ~ I wish!!  I just fell head over heels for the product!)

And the name isn't too shabby either....  ;-)

 

 

Halloween 2010 wrap up

It was a perfect Halloween in many ways and a disaster in others.  Nothing life altering as far as the latter, just minor inconveniences.  Like my sewing machine broke (yikes) before I ever even started sewing my daughter's cupcake costume.  I've never "rigged" anything before in my life ~ don't ask me why not, now that I've done it ~ it was actually pretty easy!  But I still like the security of knowing an outfit is not going to fall apart!  Anyway, forced to find an alternative, I resorted to a combination of handstitching, stapling, pinning, velcroing, etc., fretting the entire time about the durability of what I was creating.  I shouldn't have bothered.  Once the costume was finished, my daughter REFUSED to wear it.  She ended up trick or treating in her Hawaiian girl outfit from two years ago.  Someone has to appreciate what I labored over, so guess what?  Yep, I picked you!  Here's the cupcake costume, propped on my dining room table:

Please tell me it's not totally ridiculous or something at least encouraging so I feel like I didn't completely waste my time!  I'm wondering if I should bother storing it for next year ~ what are the chances it might get worn then???  I definitely think we should go a little less elaborate ~ that way I don't have so much time/labor invested if it doesn't work out...

Then, there were the Jack O'Lanterns.  I think I omitted to tell you a theme was planned (we're big on those around here) ~ Cat and Mouse.  You saw the "Mouse O'Lantern" but the "Cat O'Lantern" never really quite worked out.  It ended up looking more like a mouse:

or maybe a cross between the two?!!  I think by the time I finished the costume, I was in a desperate rush?  We really should learn not to procrastinate...  I don't even think darkness gave it more cat-like qualities:

No themes next year, no fancy costumes either.  We're going to keep it simple, go with the flow then there will be nothing to stress about, right?!!

Enough of that, let's get to the perfect part of the night ~ besides having a great time (once the creative part of the holiday was behind us) the weather couldn't have been more perfect.  That's three years in a row we've had a snowless Halloween ~ definitely worth mentioning if you live in Colorado!  Wonder how long we can keep that roll going??!!  Hope your holiday was good too.

 

Stanley Hotel

For all my friends, neighbors and family who have been aghast that I've lived in Colorado for 14 years and never once ventured into the Rocky Mountains ~ take a deep breath and exhale.   I've cleared that hurdle with a drive to Estes Park (I know ~ not that far, but it still counts!)   My destination was the Stanley Hotel ~ a world class, luxurious hotel made famous by the Steven King movie "The Shining."  I had a few flashbacks to certain scenes while I was there ~ although I did not go past the infamous Room 217. 

The exterior of the hotel is a pristine white, capped off by a brick red roof ~ I think I read "Georgian" style architecture:

Here's a slightly different angle which shows more accurately how large it is:

For those of you who like a little history, the hotel was built as a summer resort catering to the rich and famous by Freelan O. Steamer (of Stanley Steamer fame).  It was first opened in 1909.  There are unparalleled views of the Rocky Mountains from the front veranda which I, unfortunately, did not take one photo of.  The hotel entrance is at the rear, which is where we parked and entered, hoping to have lunch outside on the patio:

However, as you can see, it was not being used that day.  The weather was blustery, overcast and coolish (in the 60's) so we proceeded indoors where we wanted to tour anyway.  Anyone who loves historical homes would certainly appreciate the craftsmanship inside.  The woodwork was spectacular and everything gleaming.  Below, the piano (that is said to be haunted by Freelan's wife ~ I guess she still plays it from time to time):

We went thru the (empty) Billards room ~ entrance behind the piano, the music room (which also apparently is the location for ghostly parties) and this room which I've already forgotten the name of:

After lunch, we hit the veranda:

where I missed taking the mountain shot but got the already winterized pool:

So now, I say to all of you who have prodded, pushed and harassed me, it WAS worth seeing but will I go back often?  Only if someone drops a beach and an ocean up there. 

What can I say?  I'm not a "mountain girl," but the Stanley Hotel is truly INCREDIBLE.

crazee days

I can't believe what a whirlwind the last few days have been.  On Saturday I found out my dearest neighbors husband had passed away.  He was 85 years old and lived an incredible life but it still seems like it was too soon.  When I think about the cycle of life, I think about how much my own garden has taught me  ~ watching the birth/death/rebirth sequence occur over and over again right before my eyes.  It's comforting and yet harsh at the same time.    A tangible reality check that nothing lasts forever yet life always goes on.  Still, when someone you know passes, it gives you pause.  Makes you think about their life, your life, what's important, what's missing, what's left to do, etc.  I was doing that last night ~ yes, I know, deep, huh?  But reflection is good and necessary and often the kick needed to get in gear and do something (before it's too late) that's on our own lists.   The trick is to act on it before complacency lulls us in again...  I hope I can do that.

I also thought about how photography, like life, is often a "one shot" deal ~ maybe you only get one chance to capture a Monarch on Eupatorium maculatum 'Gateway' (Joe Pye):

or maybe you notice how quickly time passes because only "yesterday" you were planting pumpkin seeds and today they have reached maturation ~ how did that happen?

 

Summer, the season of "life," is winding down.  I dread it as many of you know all too well.  The signs are irrefutable tho ~ the birds have started harvesting gorging themselves on berry-laden Viburnums:

and today ~ the start of another school year. *sigh* 

No way to stop it. 

Any of it. 

Must learn to move gracefully with it....

two years today

I bravely made my blog public then held my breath to see if anyone would find it in cyberspace.  A few of you did and thrill me still each time you leave a comment.  This morning, in honor of the two years behind the "screen," I thought I would give you a little insight into why I run my blog the way I do.  In hopes you'll stick with me, I am providing photos taken at our nearby Butterfly Pavilion to brighten the day and possibly lessen the boredom.  :-)

I post often, 269 posts to be exact (this past year).  Quite a few less than the 355 posts from the first year but that's okay.  It's good, even healthy to slack off sometimes, right?  Why so much you might ask?  I have a Mother who lives far away.  Clear as crystal now, right?  If I don't post, she thinks something is wrong.  Just kidding (but barely).   

There's another reason I'm so chatty, a more serious reason actually.  Like many other people I have aspirations of writing a book.  No, not garden related, fiction.  Blogging daily (or often) is a good way to improve writing skills and get in the habit of writing.  So in that way, I'm selfish.

I've also learned, thru the process of reading blogs, that I must have ADD.  It isn't something I was ever cognizant of having before (while in school).  I'm thinking it must be an adaptation to our fast-paced, get-it-instantly society?  All I know is if a blog is too "wordy" I have difficulty following/concentrating.  Therefore, in my own blog, I try to counteract that by breaking up the post with as many photos as possible.  aahhhh, now you get it, right?!

While I like to learn (and have learned a LOT) from other blogs, blogging is primarily entertainment for me.  Like most people in life, I've endured quite a few challenges ~ some of which remain on going ~ because of them, my blog (and my garden) are my retreats.  My sanctuaries of respite.  Someplace that is never too serious, never to heavy but rather more uplifting & upbeat.  Gardening is my hobby, my stress relief, etc., (and now so is blogging), neither are things I'm prepared to beat myself up about ~ I have a day job for that. 

 

Along with maintaining my blog, I try to read as many other blogs as I have time.  Some days that's quite a few, other days zero.  If I find your blog interesting, I'll leave a comment and come back.  If I've commented three times and get zero response, I move on (unless the blog is ROCK STAR quality, then I just abandon commenting and only read!).  I did not understand this interpersonal nature when I first started blogging.  I naively thought the blog was only about me.  Now that I understand (and relationships have developed), I promise to do my best to uphold my end of our friendship.

 

Posting often forces me to use my camera more (never a hardship) which in turn has made me a better photographer.  A side benefit, I never expected.  Looking for something to photograph each day sharpens your powers of observation as well.

I know there will be lulls and upturns, (mood swings even??) but I intend to keep blogging as long as it makes me happy and the benefits outweigh the costs!  I thank you all for the time you give me when you click "Kasey's Korner" and read my posts.  Those are valuable minutes in every way and very much appreciated. 

Whew, that was longer than I intended.  See what happens?  The blog gets me carried away!  Perhaps now you better understand the methods behind my madness!!!

Creating photo displays

Yesterday morning I got up and discovered one of my kitchen cabinet hinges had broken during the night ~  the cabinet door was hanging by the bottom hinge.  It's the second time that's happened to one of my cabinet doors in this house.  Something I've never experienced in any other home.  Strangeness. 

Anyway, after taking my daughter to school, I headed to Lowes for replacement hinges and saw so much spring yumminess I could hardly focus on the purpose of my visit.  Bulbs in boxes for forcing (cool bulbs too like Scillia, Dahlias, Callas, etc.), awesome garden lanterns that I've never noticed them carrying before, bazillions of orchids and of course tons of seeds and all the starting stuff that goes along with them.  In a way I was glad my hinge broke ~ I hadn't planned a visit but now I'll be back to browse again. 

 

Scillia peruviana from Spring '09

After securing the hinge and rehanging my cabinet door, I got back to work on my latest project ~ a wall of photos.  I see tons of AMAZING photos on the blogs I read and I always wonder what the photographer does with them.  What do you do with your photos??  Something I've been wanting to do forever is frame and hang my favorites.  Finally, I'm doing it!! 

 

For this particular area, I'm using color photographs so I have to keep a consistent palette in mind but I am thinking I might replicate the idea with florals in black & white elsewhere.  What do you think?  Do you do this in your home?  What happens to all your beautiful photographs?  I'd love to hear.

from Hawaii with love

Butterball, our Lhasa Apso, must have known something was up yesterday morning ~ I kept finding him hanging over the arm of my office chair ~ gazing intently out the window. 

If I called him, he would look at me, but wouldn't budge from his "window on the world" position:

Until the Fed-Ex lady showed up, that is.  Then he came alive and so did I!  After just writing about orchids yesterday, I'm feeling beyond spoiled by my new package:

Could it really be "a Live Orchid Plant??"  Oh my.  Yes it could.  Nestled securely inside the box, flown all the way from Hawaii, (Bob's Tropical's) was a Slipper "Paph" Orchid:

How wonderful is that?  As you can see, the bud is a solid dark, rich, burgundy color.  What you can't see is there's another bud coming up amongst the foliage as well.  WOW.  How lucky can one girl get?  The tropical card enclosed:

had this message:

I so more than like it,  I LOVE it!  You're the BEST brother ever.  Thank you ten million times over Thomas.  What an amazing & thoughtful surprise.  I will be enjoying this one for many years to come.

 

Gardening by Letter

On the 4th, I promised you a look at my "Gardening by Letter" loot but unfortunately I was so busy meeting a deadline on the 5th that I didn't have time to do a proper post.  I decided to wait another day when I could do the contents of my package "justice!"  It was quite a package too ~ wait till you see.  You'll all wish you had signed up for Anna's project.  I hardly expected anything so lavish.  I always knew gardeners were generous people but you all really kicked it up some notches. 

There were books on assembling scarecrows (the pressure is on for this Fall!), seeds, coffee, cookies, and even slipper socks (see that little scrap of pink at the right edge of the photo?)

 

Beautiful handmade cards (which you know I appreciate), a lavender sachet that smells absolutely divine, a friend ornament, napkins, and the list goes on....

Fabulous needlepoint gifts (these are a labor of love & time ~ thank you), gorgeous soap ~ too beautiful to ever use, more napkins and lovely cards with the nicest messages written inside.  Still, I'm not done!  What did I ever do to deserve all this?

Have I mentioned seeds?  I received so many seeds there is no excuse to not have the most glorious garden come summer.  It's extra special that many are collected from your own gardens and are ones I've actually drooled over in pictures from your blogs!  I love the idea of turning your own photos into cards like the card on the left ~ done by Shutterfly.  Cool idea!  I even got a CD!  Besides being generous, gardeners are multi-talented!  I can't wait to take a listen.

Fancy butterfly stickers, more seeds (in my favorite, fabulous color ~ pink!  Yay!) postcards and photo cards.  Everything was just wonderful.  Thank you to every one who participated and extra special thanks to Anna, who organized the project.  Seriously, I was blown away by the contents (and large size of the package) when it arrived.  I've gone thru the envelopes time and time again, marveling at all the treasures inside them.  I'm trying so hard to keep everything together that came together so I can go around and personally thank you on your blogs.  I hope I haven't mixed anything up.

In case you don't know about the Gardening by Letter project, it was organized early last spring by Anna, of FlowerGardenGirl blog fame (who has now most ambitiously created a new phenomenal site called Decorate a Garden).  I believe there were 11 (or 12?) participants.  Each participant was assigned a month.  We mailed Anna cards for each month and she so graciously took on the task of mailing out the cards to that months recipient.  It was a big job for her to keep us all on task and tackle the shipping.  The project is finishing up now ~ Anna's turn is this month then it's officially wrapped up.  I have to say, it was a most delightful experience and introduced me to some new blogs I wasn't familiar with yet.  If you click on the "Gardening by Letter" category on my blog sidebar, you can see each of my contributions (except for Anna's which I haven't posted yet).

Now do you see why I couldn't post yesterday when I was pressed for time?