Rose Notes

Black, White & Chilly

In slippers and nightgown, I went out on my sister, Judy's, deck to capture a couple early morning snow shots. I definitiely needed better foot gear.

Knowing there could be snow, I bought boots before I left California. Does my sister have boots for her life in La Grande (zone 4), Oregon? No. She hardly even has a pair of gloves! That's the way it is with locals. Anyway, my boots kept my feet nice and toasty. I was very careful where I made my tracks too. I didn't want to muss up the pretty picture.

The shots above were all taken from my sister's garden. Thank you rose hips for the spot of color.

Isn't this the cutest garden shed? Judy's husband, Roger, built it with their grandson, Tyler, when he was only twelve.

Happy New Year!

Walk on the earth as if you were on holy land. ~John Muir

Ringing in the New Year

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. ~Seneca

I love this little fairy ring– it circled a white rose bouquet I made last December. I'm not up to my blogging best yet-- so I'm letting my archives do the visuals. This came from my first blog-- the one that got me ready for this one.

Hello Snow

Weather people said there would be no snow in La Grande, Oregon for Christmas.

As we began our ascent of Mt. Emily, wet snow hit the car window and soon became white and flaky. When we reached the top, Judy (my sister) and Roger (her husband) wondered if there would be snow on the ground at their home.

Indeed there was snow, and this is what I awoke to on Monday morning. I grabbed the camera before I even got out of bed for a little lacy window fun and

a footnote to prove, I guess to myself, that I was there. What fun we had!

More to come . . .

I'm a little creaky getting back to the blog.

Bokeh Bye Bye

I'm off to La Grande, Oregon to visit my family for the holidays.

I'll miss you all, but I'll be back soon, hopefully with lots to share.

Wishing you, dear friends, the Happiest of Holidays with your family and friends!

About the Shots

I have a silver Honda CRV, and its frosty roof was my premier photo op, after our recent frost. I'm pretending here that I live in winter wonderland. I hope the snow lasts in Oregon, so I can shoot the real thing. Funny how this looks like the ocean. (I need a quote about the unity of all things.) Later!

Check out the blog on the 28th- I'll be back.

The Other Christmas Tree

It started with the beaded snowflake, and a few silver balls. I wanted the tree to be simple for our new aqua room. Who am I kidding? Once the silver balls were in place along came . . .I don't love the tree's final look and thought that rather than show it to you, I'd get lost in a bokeh boogie. Not fair you say? O.K. Here are before and after shots (minus the finishing touch of ornaments in the pot). And here's what the same little topiary fir looked like last year. We've had this tree for four years now–– I think it's time for planting.

And this obsessed Chrsitmas tree decorator/photographer needs to chill.

The Game Changer (roses)

When it comes, the landscape listens ––
Shadows –– hold their breath ––
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death ––

from 258– Emily Dickinson

Bonus Bouquet (Roses)

Christmas was just around the corner, so the wishful rose arranger, thought she'd make a centerpiece bouquet with a dash of glitz. Who wouldn't want this on their holiday table? 

The lone sweet pea in the garden got top billing, but the bouquet looked pretty hot from all sides. Why you wonder? Well, the flower arranger had gorgeous components, and didn't have to harvest a single stem.

Leftovers

Some of you might remember that big bouquet I did for the choral event. The next morning I got the whole thing back kerplunked into a five-gallon bucket. Loads of good stuff for a "Christmas in November" rose bouquet.

The fake mercury glass pot needed a liner– thank you yogurt container.

For You Photogs

Rose kisses !

Christmas Paint Box

Christmas . . . is not an eternal event at all, but a piece of one's home that one carries in one's heart.~  Freya Stark

Commenters, you were so cute yesterday. Everyone seemed to want the metal Christmas tree I posted. You must know I would have told you where it was from, if I could have. I got it at Smith and Hawken, and I'm sorry to say, they are no longer in business. I searched for Heirloom Ornament Tree, and could only find it on EBAY. It's a good buy though, as originally, it was about twice as much.

What's with the Picture?

I guess it was about four years ago that I treated myself to the Container Store's ornament storage boxes. Of course, they are different now, so I can't supply a link. I was ecstatic to group the baubles by color, and take pictures. I took a zillion– I promise this is the only one I'll show you. By now, in years past, I'd have made the rounds to my favorite ornament suppliers, but this year, since I spend umpteen hours creating these posts, I haven't purchased a single ornament!

PS Our trees are never decorated the same, so I need lots of ornaments. I forgot that I was originally going to title this post Cheap Thrills. In the best sense of the words though. For me, the color and sparkle of glass ornaments are almost as good as real jewels.

Ornament Hanger

A few years ago, all excited, my sister, Judy, told me she bought a small metal Christmas tree. My response, "Oh . . . ummmmm . . . oh nice."

Then last year at a Christmas party, fickle me saw the very tree, and immediately wanted one. When I saw it for half price at the end of the season, I snapped it up and put it in the garage, until yesterday.

My glitzy renditions of nature's bounty had a perfect new home.

It usually takes me forever to decorate a tree. This one was so fun and I love seeing light and space around the little sparkly beauties.

A few quick snaps found me entranced with the photo ops– it was more fun than dodging branches and lights.

Not a great shot, but if I was you, I'd want to see the whole thing.

My friend, Jean (who gave the party last year), calls this tree an ornament hanger. I didn't get it, but that was before I decorated it.

Thanks Jean and Judy !

We have a real tree too– if I get some good shots . . . we'll see.