Posts Tagged ‘flowers’

04.16.12

Posted on: April 16th, 2012
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Giant purple stone vase …

for my sister who died seven years ago today. Loss continues to have a loud voice inside my head, and yet there are still few words to describe the inexplicable. I think of her every time I order anchovy pizza; and she comes to mind whenever I see a purple flower blooming. How did empty become so substantially solid?

I spent most of last week trying to make a drawing for Kukla. Whether or not she would’ve liked any of what I did is still a big question mark in my mind. Che ne so (what do I know)? Maybe it’s not so much what death takes away that causes so much difficulty, but what it leaves behind: all those unanswered questions.

Regardless of what she might’ve thought about the drawings, the wisteria, no doubt, would’ve made her smile.

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Festa Della Donna

Posted on: March 8th, 2012
mimosa

Oggi e la giornata internazionale della donna.

As stated in Wikipedia: it’s a day to remember the social, political, and economic conquests of women, as well as the discriminations and violence that are still in evidence against women in many parts of the world. In Italy the day is celebrated with Mimosa flowers. And, right on schedule, the Mimosa trees are in full bloom. When we were in Rome 4 years ago on March 4th there were mimosa cakes in all the pastry shop windows. I’ve not seen them yet in Foligno, but I’ve not yet been out this morning.

Here’s wishing you a bright sunny day of the women – may we all continue to move forward in creating a peaceful world where equality and justice for all prevails.

Flowers for my mom 12.31.11

Posted on: December 31st, 2011
ahb2011

Summertime!

Posted on: July 4th, 2011
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Happy Independence Day

The garlic scapes have all been cut, one batch of strawberry jam has been made, the perennial borders are a riot of Evening Primrose yellow, and the Mock Orange is bursting with blooms. What could be better than this?!

04.16.11

Posted on: April 16th, 2011
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I’ve been painting purple tulips

for my once-older sister Kukla, who died 6 years ago today. I am older now than she was then, and I am still at a loss for words, while I continue trying to figure out how to move through life carrying this giant hole that she left behind. You wouldn’t think a hole could weigh so much.

Purple was her favorite color. She collected pitchers. And she loved flowers, especially tulips. One of my favorite memories of time spent with her was when we took my mother back to Holland, just the three of us. On a cold rainy day – almost exactly 12 years ago today – we went to visit the Keukenhof gardens. They were in full bloom and my sister was a pig in you-know-what. She was completely delighted by every single glorious bed of color.

Snapshots below are of shopping on the streets in Amsterdam; and my mom’s elementary school – directly across from the little hotel where we stayed.

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