Kaseys Korner

Dahlia 'Apple Blossom'

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Just like that ~ it's Dahlia season.

Many of you know of my love for this particular dahlia ~ I've grown it in my garden almost every year for the last decade.

That soft blending of pink & yellow never fails to enchant me.  

Depending on conditions, it's sometimes more yellow than pink and vice versa. 

This year, shaded by the Hydrangea 'Limelight' standard, it appears the blooms will be more on the pinkish side.

and we all know, that's perfectly okay with me.  :)

More photos to follow of this luscious dahlia, I'm positively certain....

Edited on 8/4/18:

The second bloom ~ this one yellow ~ maybe the first one was pink just for me???!!

 

Edited again on 09/01/18:

'Apple Blossom' has grown to a height of 5+ feet, into the Hydrangea standard.

 

 

The Museum of Mysteries

** spoiler alert ** I've been on a roll recently reading books by M.J. Rose. She co-authored this novella with Steve Berry who I'm not familiar with tho. It was a quick read ~ only 165 pages ~ and interesting. The protagonist, Cassiopeia, travels from present to past (repeatedly) via a vial of 'henbane' found in an ancient Sabbat Box. How handy would it be to have one of those at your fingertips?

If I keep reading about the occult, I will soon be schooled in (at least some) of the terminology of their craft. I wasn't familiar with a Sabbat Box before I started reading but it makes perfect sense that a herbalist, healer, sorcerer ~ whatever label you choose ~ would have a place to keep their plants and potions together, especially when they needed to be mobile. As demonstrated when it's stolen in the novella, in the wrong hands or using the contents without having been properly educated, it can be a dangerous weapon. 

I am more and more fascinated by the properties of plants and all this reading is really feeding/fueling that interest! I think the modern era we live in has gotten us away from the knowledge of how powerful ingredients found in nature can be. 

This was quick paced, as necessary due to its short nature, and the flashbacks to the Medieval Ages were the best part for me. I almost wish we could have spent more time there. The subject of ancient artifacts always piques my interest ~ then add the irresistible lure of seeing/touching something that's existed for centuries and I'm all in. Too bad 'The Museum of Mysteries' is a fictional place. Who knows, maybe there is one secreted away somewhere by another equally compelling name??

July in the garden

I started this post 7 days ago & exactly like July, the week slipped by in a blink of an eye.

Before I lose track of any more time, a quick catch-up of the garden.

I'm happy to report that very slowly a few bumblebees have shown up.  Even some tiny ones lately.

It was alarming how scarce they were earlier in the summer.

July is always the biggest month for baby birds in my garden and this year is no exception. 

A nest of baby Robins fledged and immediately made themselves at home on my front patio.  This little one was on my front step!

The dearest babies ~ to my heart ~ are the baby Bullock's Orioles.  They are chattering all around the garden and curious about everything. 

I had so many adults visit the feeder this summer until something broke it earlier this week.  I haven't replaced it because it's so near to the time they'll be migrating south but I hope that's not a mistake.

The noisiest babies by far are the Blue Jay fledglings.  They are almost the same size as their parents but their behavior distinguishes them every time.  These photos are not the best but I wanted to share anyway because it shows how they stick together ~ where one goes, the other follows.  Almost in synchrony.  Above they are waiting for one of the parents to come down & feed them.

From birds to flowers:  The 'Elodie' Lilies (still my favorite) were first to bloom and seemed to be over in a flash.

I think the heat may have contributed??  The first 16 days of the month were all above 90 degrees, close to triple digits even.

Luckily others have jumped in to take their place.  'Black Beauty' ~ an heirloom species lily is currently very showy.

They have thrived in spite of neglect and not the most optimal of conditions which is a big plus for them & the gardener (me!)

'Salmon Star' Oriental Lilies are also blooming.

I plant more of these every year but I don't know what happens ~ when it comes time for them to bloom, I'm lucky if I get one or two.

Finally, the Chinese Trumpet Lilies ~ whose specific name eludes me at the moment.

A towering presence of pink.  Just lovely.

and then ~ ta da ~  I have Artichokes in the garden once again!  It's probably the first time in six years.  :)  

I forgot how much I missed them.

The birds gifted me with some sunflowers in the front garden.  I didn't plant them but I sure am thrilled to have them.  What is it about sunflowers that are just so "happy?!!?" 

Summer is flying by way too fast.  I know it's unlikely but I hope August will drag its feet a little!

 

 

Tiffany Blues

** spoiler alert ** Before I get into the book review, I absolutely have to begin by paying homage to whoever created the stunning cover. I would absolutely pick this book off a shelf based on that alone. It's truly a visual masterpiece ~ the color, typography, illustration, everything. Based on this cover & the other book covers I've seen by M.J. Rose, I'd say she has a brilliant designer or art department on her team because they're all outstanding and extremely eye-catching. A coup right there!

Now, moving on to the book content. Perfect title for the story in more ways than one! And fascinating history about the creator of Tiffany's ~ the store with the iconic blue box that makes us women swoon. I loved, loved, loved reading about Tiffany's fabulous estate ~ Laurelton Hall. The author is masterful in her descriptive writing style which makes the reader feel like they're actually "seeing" exactly what the characters are seeing. Reading about Laurelton sparked a curiosity that triggered a google search of my own ~ I wanted to see pictures of it & learn more about the Tiffany family. I was sad to read that a devastating fire really did destroy what must have been a magnificent mansion. I hadn't heard the term 'Tiffany window' before reading this book although I've seen many stained glass windows. So many gorgeous pieces of jewelry, art, lampshades, etc., have resulted from the vision of this one man. It's worth reading about the estate & that history if no other reason. 

If you happen to be an artist, 'Tiffany Blues' would be even more fascinating. The references to styles of painting, capturing light, sculpture, etc., more meaningful than to someone without such a background (like myself.) The fact that Mr. Tiffany opened his fabulous estate as an artists retreat makes its loss even more of a travesty. Reading about the artists & Mr Tiffany, it's easy to see M.J. Rose has knowledge, a deep appreciation and an interest in the world of art. That combined with her research, make the book & story so credible. 

As far as the rest of the book (yes, there's more), the main character, Jenny, has had a tragic, horrible childhood with the exception of a wonderful Mom & Aunt. I struggled tho to accept that her Mother would let her take the "rap" for what was a complete accident. It made for a good story but for someone portrayed as a loving, protective Mother, it was pretty hard to swallow. Even harder to swallow that her Mother would fall in love with someone as shady as the likes of Edward. ick. Still working that one out. Thank God Jenny had the talent to get herself out of the abyss all the losses might otherwise have put her in...

Remember I said the title was perfect in more ways than one? Besides alluding to the store & the man, the most obvious way it's perfect was the jewelry set Mr Tiffany created & named 'Tiffany Blues.' From the description, the pieces were breathtakingly exquisite. I mention them not only because they were so memorable but because of the mystery surrounding their disappearance. The mystery and the lovely romance were sidebars for me. I'm glad they were all wrapped up happily but it was the richness of the historical aspects of the book that captivated me most.  I would have rated this book higher but the way the characters disposed of Edward was distasteful to me. It was a realistic conclusion based on Jenny's fear but I felt like it was an act that would always be "there" and become a wedge between Oliver and her. I couldn't see them ridding themselves of that taint but maybe that's naive of me???

I liked a particular quote of Mr. Tiffany's in the book:
"There is beauty even in broken things. That through the cracks, light still shines."
The quote comes up several times during the course of the book and noteworthy, at the end, when Mr. Tiffany reminded Jenny of it as he sent her away from Laurelton.  He encouraged her to let go of her tragic past & move forward because he knew she had the capacity to do so.  Words to live by for anyone hanging onto a negative event(s).

So grateful to get an early copy of this book. Thank you to Atria Books, M.J. Rose and Netgalley for the ARC. It was my pleasure to read and review.

 

 

A Man Called Ove

** spoiler alert ** Yes, I cried ~ especially "ugly" at the end. But I laughed too. This was such a delightful emotional roller coaster of a book. I'd heard a lot of good things about 'A Man Called Ove' but it was even better than I imagined. A wonderfully written dissection of what comprised the man 'Ove' & made him "tick" the way he did plus a lesson in looking beyond the surface to the depths of a mans true self. Turns out Ove wasn't as impenetrable as he portrayed himself to be. It was so moving to watch Parvaneh break down all the barriers he'd erected. I kept wondering if she had special insight into personalities like his or was it just her being her? 

Whatever it was, thank God she and her family ran over his mailbox on that particular day. His life was enriched from that moment on in a way he never could have predicted. That bedraggled stray cat deserves mentioning too. It showed the same persistence as Parvaneh and to the same effect. It could not have been more endearing. 

I think we've all had a man (or two) like Ove come into orbit around our own lives which is what makes this book resonate so much. Most of us navigate around them because we can't or don't want to deal with their black & white, pain-in-the-butt attitude toward the world and the way things "should" be done. Can't say I haven't done that myself or done my share of "eye-rolling" but could be that's the wrong method & warrants examination? Look what a treasure & unexpected "softy" Ove turned out to be...

A book worthy of all the hype!

 

The Rules of Magic

** spoiler alert ** I feel like I've been a wee bit obsessed with magic these days ~ between this book & 'The Daughters of La Lune' series (just finished,) I'm almost ready to mix a potion or try casting a spell! I wonder if my neighbors would think I was crazy if they saw me in the garden, bent over a cauldron, by moonlight no less!, trying to whip up a batch of the youth extending black soap?!!

This was a wonderful read and I think if you're a fan of 'Practical Magic,' it has to be a "MUST!" Trying to remember when I've read a "prequel" before and I'm not sure I ever have??? It's a great perspective to go before the original best seller & give the reader some insight into beloved characters in their younger days. In 'Practical Magic,' Sally & Gillian's Aunts seemed like pretty cool women but now that I've read their story, there's confirmation they definitely were. 

'The Rules of Magic' eerily illustrates the way patterns in life have a habit of repeating themselves generation after generation. So many similarities! There's a reluctance in all of them to embrace what they are & to fight against being different, repressing their "abnormal" abilities. In the end, they realize that to be their authentic selves, they have to accept those things. So many lessons like that in the book. Loss, love, forgiveness, acceptance, etc. I couldn't stop comparing the two stories while I was reading but you definitely don't have to know anything about 'Practical Magic' to like/read this book. 

All the attempts to thwart the "curse" on the men they love, have heartbreaking consequences. Sally's experience of losing her husband in 'Practical Magic,' is nothing new to Jet & Frances. They both go thru their own versions of loss in 'The Rules of Magic.' In fact, the Aunts maybe even to a worse degree. Jet hardly got to be with Levi at all and I was flat out crying when Haylin passed away. Forewarned is forearmed so be prepared (with tissues) for that part!

I also never knew Sally & Gillian had an Uncle? Didn't remember that or maybe it wasn't mentioned before?! Vincent's story adds an interesting twist to the book & explains how they end up living with the Aunts.

Now I'm hoping Alice Hoffman keeps the magic going and writes a third book about the Owens family ~ this one featuring Sally's girls ~ Kylie and Antonia!!

Downy Woodpecker

Little Downy Woodpecker ~ you have guilted me into putting out some seed!

Other than providing sugar water for the Orioles & Hummingbirds, I don't usually feed the birds during the summer months.

BUT when I look out my window & kept seeing you there, checking for food ~ I caved.

There's seed in the garden in July.  

Hounded

** spoiler alert ** This book read like a comedy which was not at all what I expected from it. The author clearly has a keen sense of humor, instantly evidenced by the hysterical repartee of his main character Atticus ~ a 2000+ yr old Druid who is a cool, slang conscious, ass kicking, anything but geriatric, magician. He definitely doesn't let anything get under his skin but maybe that's what happens when you've been around as long as he has. His dog, Oberon, was equally awesome. They made a great team.

My neighbor recommended this book to me. I had no idea it was an 8 book series at the time or I might never have reserved the first one. She heard me express an interest in Irish Mythology at one neighborhood gathering and promptly served up the title. There is a fair smattering of Celtic Deities, folklore, fae, witches, giants, werewolves, etc., which appear throughout the book (of which I have no idea if they're accurate to Irish mythology or not ~ but I think so?? I confess ignorance in this arena.) It makes for an entertaining read, one where you don't realize you're actually learning any Mythology in the process. Atticus is a combo of modern day (forward thinking, not limited to ancient ways) warrior with supernatural powers and abilities. He mentioned in the book that most magic disappeared during the Iron Age because of how harmful iron was to supernatural beings. That was interesting to think about. I also loved that he got his powers from the Earth and was committed to care for it. I think the planet could use more Druids today!!

Not that I didn't like the book but I can really see it being a popular YA type novel. There was nothing "scary" or "nail biting" about the encounters between the centuries old Druid & other mythological creatures, even tho most of them were trying to kill him. I attributed the reason I didn't find it "nerve-wracking" to his humorous, laid back approach to each hostile circumstance. It was really difficult to be fearful for him when he greeted "foes" in the casual, relaxed manner which was his modus operandi.

Not sure that I will get any of the other books in the series at this moment, but I'm tucking them away in case I'm in need of some lighthearted, Celtic, magic-based reading in the future.

 

'Pearly Gates' Climbing Rose

Another new addition in 2018

This rose will tolerate some shade (which I seem to have more & more of in my garden) and that factor, along with its scrumptious pink coloring, clinched the decision to plant it.  

I think I have enough roses (wait, is that possible??) to keep my desk adorned with a beautiful bloom all season.

That, right there, is a blissful thing.

The Secret Language of Stones

** spoiler alert ** This was by far the best book of the 'Daughters of La Lune' series. I joked after reading the previous one that maybe I was saving the best for last? Even better ~ perhaps I had a moment of clairvoyance ~ picking up a supernatural ability after reading so many pages about the powers of the ancestors of La Lune?!! Now I'm being delusional (!!) but however it worked out, Opaline's story resonated with me more than Delphine's & especially more than Sandrine's. 

Once again, I liked the period the book was written in (Paris, WWI) and especially all the Russia connections ~ like the Dowager Empress & her concern for the fate of her family. Having read much about the last Tsar & the Imperial Family, it was an aspect that seemed realistic ~ that she would be desperate to seek validation about their survival/demise. Also I liked the connection of Pavel Orloff, the jeweler, to Faberge. Reading about the vault full of precious gemstones, tucked away in one of the tunnels under the city of Paris and the theory of smuggled Imperial jewels was all very captivating. I could absolutely believe in stones having energy/magical properties too so I liked that they were the source of Opalines power.

I'm still not sure I understand how she had a "love connection" (for lack of a better phrase) with Jean Luc? I was guessing he was in a coma and that's why he didn't know where he was and it turned out I wasn't far off. I'll have to content myself with "the mystery of magic" being the explanation for how that all transpired. I did like the story line of creating talisman to comfort a person in mourning. I can see how going thru that process & receiving the locket (with message) could provide a bit of consolation in the loss of a loved one. There was a paragraph in reference to the lockets that really spoke to me:

"We talk of ghosts haunting us, our homes, our graveyards, but it is the other way around. The souls of the departed are haunted by "our" grief. We need to give "them" solace and put "them" at peace so "they" can move on. More so for their sake than for our own, To help these departed souls be able to do that is truly a gift." 

That's a concept to think about ~ the deceased needing us to let go. That our grieving could be keeping them from going where they need to go. I always think that's all we have left, the grief but really it's the memories we should hang on to. How terrible if we're holding them up by being so torn up at losing them.

The ending of 'The Secret Language of Stones' resolved itself much better than the other two books in the series too. I wasn't left with questions or feeling unsatisfied in any way. In fact, it was happy all the way around. A good way to wrap!!