Of stars and shadows

The floor of the woods is a carpet of white stars, it looks as though huge lacy snowflakes have fallen and landed on the green bluebell shoots. The stars are actually white wood anemones, white with a subtle hint of lilac on their throats.

And all the while it seemed as if someone were following me and there, I caught a glimpse of a shadowy girl who I just couldn't seem to shake off.

Wood Anemone "Windflower" or Anemone Nemerosa

Greek legend says that "Anemos", the wind, sends his namesake the anemones in the earliest sping to herald his coming.

I say this is all very well but who's that girl?

xXx

I want buckets full of flowers.....

.....yes, I want to fill every room with the sweet scent of spring blooms and the unexpected burst of colour a jam jar stuffed with vibrant perky stems provides. Don't get me wrong, I am not into stuffy, prissy starched arrangements, no I am after the spriggy, shaggy, tumbling sort of posy that is thrown together with the confidence of a great artist.

I think the nicest gift a girl could ever receive is a year of flowers delivered to her door, seasonal posies to lift our spirits and brighten our days. This is of course a very decadent thought and I suspect diamonds may come cheaper!

I think in order to satiate this craving of mine I must take a virtual trip to Columbia Road Flower Market, I hope you can come too?

First we need to head over to the East End

This illustration is by Lucinda Rogers~ I am such a fan of her work, you may have seen some of her paintings in Country Living Magazine?

Open House is a brilliant shop we must call in here...

But first let's admire the flowers

I do feel better for that! Perhaps one day I will have buckets of flowers delivered to my door. Until then.....

A tiny garden posy in a mustard jar will do just as well.

Have a lovely week

xXx

Love you Magpie

Once upon a time there was a beautiful Magpie and she had two little chicks to care for and nurture.........

.......and one day the chicks flew away as they were all grown up and ready to face the world.

And they never forget all that she had done for them and they love her

In my mother's house

There was happiness

I wrapped my myself in it

Was my chrysalis

As my life unfolds

See a pattern through

Of you protecting me

And I protecting you

What was that you'd say

Make your own mistakes

And when you're grown

Make sure that you remain the same

Now I realise

What was on your mind

When I left your side

Like a butter fly

"Butterfly" Corrine Bailey Rae

Happy Mother's Day Magpie

xXx

Apple Blossom

Nod to Pen at Cottage Industry,

simply had to include her doily tree in this photo montage

as it seemed so perfect amongst the buds and blossoms.

Ok I admit I am becoming a little obsessive on this subject ( see my Eve's Pudding post here)

but I make no apologies as it has spurred me to share this beautiful fairytale of a song by Esperanza Spalding.

I can't begin to explain the loveliness so when you have a quiet moment have a listen.........

Esperanza Spalding - Apple Blossom(part. Milton Nascimento)

Just had to paint the blossom currently starring on the kitchen table.

Thank you to Belinda at Wild Acre who made me brave enough to show you x

Indigo-violet spring

Morning broke bright - crisp - blue - and clear.

Hooray - This early bird has a stall at the Hever Spring Fair today.

The fair is being held in the pavilion at Hever Castle in Kent ( childhood home of Anne Boleyn. )

Walking from the car park at 7.30 am towards the lake the day was full of extraordinary promise. ( Before you think me terribly organised to be up and at them at such an ungodly hour I should say that the Lane is only two miles from the castle and I packed the car last night! )

I promptly set about unpacking my wares!

As I was finishing a friend whispered that she wanted to whizz out and see if the "blue garden" was out. The Blue Garden? What blue garden? I quizzed as she disappeared round the bend and through an archway.

Oh my goodness this exquisite garden unfurled before me, all hyacinths, violets and pansies sweet scents wafted into the morning breeze. All encasedwithin wonderful old brick walls I simply want to show you how beautiful it is.....

Just heavenly.....

Hmm, must get back to work!

xXx