A Symphony of Blooms

 

Lucky me, my father-in-law was out of town-

so, I got to use his ticket to attend

the 34th Annual Floral Design Showcase

titled "A Symphony of Blooms".  It was

a fun ladies night out with my mother-in-law 

and her friend Mary, who's an absolute crack-up.

The timing was perfect.  

It's good for the spirit to be

surrounded by flowers and all that color 

in the middle of winter.

 From what I understand, it's a fundraiser for

the William Fremd High School music program.

And really, what a brilliant idea for fundraiser, right?

The event had six different local florists who

designed stellar arrangements right there in front

of everyone.  Then, right when they'd finish the 

arrangement, it'd get raffled off.  My mother-in-law and I didn't win. 

Mary won though.  So, that was exciting. 

Here's a list of all the florists that were there:

Sylvia's Flowers & Home

Barrington Flower Shop

Busse's Flowers and Gifts, Inc.

Prairie Basket Floral Design

Kinsch Village Florist, Inc.   *My favorite.  Modern & fresh design.

Flowers by Grattoni

 

  

I was so happy to see that one of the designers used my favorite flowers, the anthrium.

Sometimes, it seems like this flower gets forgotten about.  But, I just love it. :o)

double surprise awesomeness

To my pleasant surprise,

I was welcomed home today

by Christmas flowers

from the mister

& that's not all -

he made the best chili ever.

Double surprise awesomeness!

Splash of Color

 

They cut down our big pine tree.  Our shade. Our privacy.

The poor tree was past it's best -

But, I miss it already.   The yard feels so naked now... 

The same week the tree disappeared, the association sent out new 

rules to follow.  Just what we need more rules-

No decorations in the common area 

(which is everywhere except your patio),

No rock gardens, solar lights, wind chimes, bug zappers, fountains

Absolutely no birdfeeders whatsoever, etc.  

& the list goes on (and on and on). 

Enough rules to make us all go crazy.

I just don't understand the logic to having so many rules.

(I'm most annoyed that I had to take down my birdfeeder. 

I love watching the birds & they love our top quality bird seed.  

What's the worst thing a birdfeeder can bring?  

A squirrel or something?  I like them too.)

Never fear though.  We're fighting the nakedness (& the absurd rules) with a 

little splash of color from the smallest container garden ever 

(that doesn't extend past our patio).

green coffee cup

.

daisies in a green coffee cup

could cheer anyone up

hope they brighten up your day too

Just Putzin Around

Just putzin around

having a laugh 

because that's what 

we like to do

 

Purple, Bronze, & Chihuahuas

 

 purple, bronze, chihuahuas!

Quigley's Castle

I aspire to be an eccentric old lady one day.  

(I'm fairly certain I'm on the right path.)

Our trip to Quigley's Castle right outside of Eureka Springs

reminded me of my goal.  

Mrs. Elise Quigley (1910 - 1984) seems

like she was quite a character, someone I can imagine

sipping a cup of coffee with talking about crafty things and 

stories of days gone by. 

When we arrived at Quigley's Castle, 

we were greeted by her granddaughter.

She gave us a little history about her grandma & grandpa.

Now, this is where it gets good.

Mrs. Quigley was a woman who knew exactly what she wanted

and once she decided she wanted her dream home built,

she took matters into her own hands.

One day, when Mr. Quigley was away at work, 

she and her five children tore down the house.

(But she moved all their things to the chicken house first.)

Can you imagine how shocked Mr. Quigley must have been when he got home?

So, the family started building the dream house - 

now known as Quigley's Castle.

It was built from lumber from their land and by their own hands.

The two-story home used Mrs. Quigley's 

rock collection instead of brick or wood for the outside walls.

What a grand way to display a rock collection!  

She started collecting rocks when she was just nine years old.  

One of those, I will use all of these someday collection dreams come true.

When we walked inside the castle, it smelled just like 

my great grandma's house - very familiar and homey - and was full of surprises.

Indoor plants, over 50 years old now that are 2-stories tall now

An entire wall that was a collage of collected butterflies -crafted by Mrs. Quigley herself

A gun above the bed

plates above the stove.  (I love decorative plates)

and a lot of other collections

Now for the outside, the garden, the grand finale.

Wow, it was stunning and also full of surprises.

glass bottle sculptures

 of course beautiful blooms

  
rock art

a throne fit for a king (or a Mr. Quigley)

and the friendliest little guard dog you'll ever meet
to escort you to the gate on your way out