Come to my window ... (IF: Homage)

I love the form and shape of plants. I think this is what drew me to become a botanist. I've studied native Hawaiian plants for over 20 years now and yet, they still fascinate me. I guess that is why I've spent my life protecting them. Although this Syngonium is a common, non-native ornamental, and probably a bit invasive in its own right, I can appreciate its beauty. This is my homage to plants. This particular one grows just outside my window.

(And thanks again to Kate Rietz who always gives me great feedback).

Singing the Song of Syngonium

More to come ...
Part 2 - I'm thinking this is looking pretty cool. Still, I'm planning my dark and light areas. The possibilities are endless and it's making me freak out a little. Still, I plug on ...

Part 1 - It must be because I'm right handed but I always start on the right side. I have no idea where this is going at this point but I'm excited at the prospects ...

Heels heal

If you know what the question is, sometimes a new pair of heels is just the answer. At least that's what I tell myself. *smile*

Illustration Friday: Heavy

When things are weighing heavy on your mind, what do you do?

This past week, I got news that my 14-year old cat, Mamo, has cancer and doesn't have much time left with me. So I pray, sit quietly, walk in nature ... and lean on my friends. Counting my blessings comforts me too.

Kate Rietz dedicated this week's Illustration Friday post to us and sent wonderful thoughts our way. Check it out! The girl looks just like me and well, the cat is a little bigger than Mamo, who is a mere 7.5 lbs. LOL Thanks for your well wishes everyone! Mamo is resting comfortably and is enjoying being spoiled. She gets hugs whenever she wants ... and even when she doesn't! :)

Mamo and her "Cone of Silence."

Surinam cherry (IF Garden)

Surinam cherry, or affectionately called Pumpkin cherry, grows like a weed in my garden. We've successfully groomed the bushes so they look like perfectly shaped balls. But then, they never produce fruit now. I found a whole bowl full of these fruit on a weedy bush out back. I'm so excited because I think I have enough for some jam. My mouth waters just thinking about it!

Computer bag and milk snorts

"There is unexpected beauty hidden everywhere in this world — one just has to be open to seeing it. Remember that the next time you sneeze on your monitor." — Nathan Walton

I don't know who Nathan Walton is but I wish I could tell him he made soy milk fly outta my nose when I laughed as I read this.

Spilling the beans ... I've been tagged!

Mellanie (See it. Draw it. Share it.) was so sweet to tag me recently, and Sharon and Robyn tagged me in October (and admittedly I haven't finished until now. :) So, without further delay, here are five little known facts about me:

1. My favorite fruit is watermelon and I could eat a whole one in a single sitting if left to my own devices.
2. I was born on Easter Sunday. Considering the last time it fell on my birthday was 1995 ... and won't until 2014, I think that's pretty cool.
3. As a child, I had a worm dress. It was a dress that had a zillion pockets that I'd fill with worms dug up from the garden. At the end of the day, I'd dig a hole and put the worms back.
4. I have been known to hug a tree every now and then.
And lastly ...
5. France Belleville (Wagonized) and I are birthday twins! We were both born on April 14! (different years of course). Considering I've been a fan of hers since Day 1, I feel pretty special!

And thank you Mellanie for this beautiful Kind Heart Award! It is by far one of the prettiest awards I've ever been conferred. :) I'll be sure to pass it along!