flowers | Magpie and Muttonfly

A little something

22 April, 2013 by moi 4 Comments

For the most part, my weekend filled to overflowing with the mundane.

After the goings-on of last week, mundane proved quite lovely, indeed.

In betwixt projects and errands, my mom and I took my grandma on a little outing. We ordered flavored Coca-Colas, to go—chocolate, green apple, and cherry {the cherry that sits at the bottom, soaking up all the carbonated goodness, is the very best part!}.

We went to a park. We drove downtown. I pulled off to the side every now and again, parked, and ran down the sidewalk to snap a picture or two. I meandered back to the car, my grandma threw up the peace sign through the sunroof, and we laughed.

You see, sometimes it’s under a canopy of an overcast sky, that colors truly learn to dance. Sometimes it’s in holding your breath, that you learn to appreciate a deep, untroubled sigh. And sometimes it’s in a big expanse of darkness that you see just how beautiful and precious the little things can be . . .

Frivolity tinged with gratitude

25 May, 2012 by moi

{old candle jars make some of the best vases}

Oh, how I love the blooms of a peony. Cut on Monday and promptly brought indoors, these have graced our kitchen counter for the past five days. They’ve aged quite well, wouldn’t you agree?

Many a story surrounds the peony. One legend has it, Asclepius (the Greek god of healing medicine and healing) grew jealous of his pupil, Paeon. Zeus, taking pity on the poor mortal, saved him from the the wrath of Asclephius by turning Paeon into a peony. Even today, the bark, roots, seeds, and flowers of the peony continue the healing practices of Paeon–healing the body through traditional Eastern medicine and healing the soul by adding a splash of color to the bareness of winter.

In our garden, they’re the first of the perennials to bloom. And they always seem to do so quite suddenly, as if bounding from the soil–party hats askew, noise makers in hand, confetti falling from the bluest of skies–to announce colorful days ahead. They do say mischievous nymphs hide in its petals. Perhaps that’s why ants love them so–they don’t want to miss out on the party.

Then, just like that, the flowers are gone and the plant sits content as a backdrop to surrounding blooms.

No wonder the peony symbolizes good fortune, a happy life.

So whether or not you’re heading into a holiday weekend, a peony to you. May you have the good fortune to wake up each morning healthy and in good spirits, surrounded by those you love, in a land that is free–with just enough wealth to cover everything you need, plus a little extra to share. May you recognize the good fortune to have those who willing to give their lives, so you might enjoy such luxuries. May you be thankful for the good fortune to have had those in your life who have gone before–even if you find the time together much too brief. May you test your life against the touchstone of happiness, and find it happy, indeed.

A bright Memorial Day weekend to you, my friends!

Brought to you by the letter “F”

22 May, 2012 by moi

So, what begins with the letter “F” you may ask? Why, Fanciful Flowers, of course!

Sure, more oft than not, less is more. Not so with flowers. While traditional blossoms are pleasing to the eye, new varieties offer twice the fun. No doubt you’ll find the likes of double impatiens and petunias at your local nursery; but you just might be something of a fanatic when it comes to bulbs {seems spring has barely begun, and already time to order for fall planting}.

Granted, I could simply be speaking for myself. But who am I kidding? Fanciful flowers are like a party on the petals. And who doesn’t love a fabulous garden fete? Exactly.

From top to bottom, left to right: double columbine | double daffodils | | double tiger lilies |

ruffled poppies | double tulips | double primrose

Have your flowers and eat them, too!

24 April, 2012 by moi

{Oma's Streusel Coffee Cake with Edible Flowers | Americaner-Wiesbadener Kaffeklatsch}

You realize, don’t you, one week from today is May 1st–and that, my friends, is May Day!

Not to be confused with a call of distress, May Day is the celebration of all things spring. Sure, there’s many a sketchy tradition associated with the holiday {Care to take a prance around the May pole? Thank you, but no}. I, on the other hand, tend to focus on the flowers. After all, it seems the perfect time to brighten the day of someone you love.

Of course, if you haven’t the means nor the inclination to purchase and deliver flowers, how about whipping up a little something sweet? Sprinkle candied, edible flowers about and voila–instant party!

Check out this helpful article from Epicurious on growing, cooking, and eating flowers.
Follow Martha’s how-to on candied flowers.
Take note of the edible flower that beats all others {or so she claims}.
Not into a whole cake–how about cupcakes? You might try Strawberry Rose or lemon-scented blueberry cupcakes–maybe even these Hummingbird cupcakes with pineapple flowers.
And let’s not forget about the delivery: this hybrid DIY cupcake packaging would be a great way to give individual cupcakes. You’d need only add a ribbon to match the petals and a custom label to be oh-so impressive!

Taking my cue from the flowers

18 July, 2011 by moi

Though I cannot pen a poem to save my life, I can understand how many wax poetic in regard to flowers. There’s just something about them. And mornings are best. It’s in the morning the sun peeks over the fence, the squirrels chatter, the birds sing, the butterflies dance–and I am fairly certain, amid it all, the flowers laugh.

One of these days I’m not going to let dragging the hose around make me grouchy. One of these days I’m going to join the party. Who knows? It just might be the key to my own sweet success.