This one’s for you, Ashley.

It’s been lovely, sunny weather the past few days in Seattle – which draws me to my little garden.  I’ve done a little weeding, trimming off dead branches and such, and joyfully discovered new growth from last years’ planting.  All three of my clematis vines have buds.

Look at the cute new growth on the sweet woodruff I planted among the rock wall. It’s sending out shoots and hopefully will fill in nicely last year. It’s such a cute plant, isn’t it?  Can’t wait for it’s beautiful white spring flowers to appear.

And look – even my delphinium is sprouting new growth…  you know how I love delphinium. Who am I kidding – I just love flowers! Next to the delphinium is a campanula (canterbury bells) that will grow tall with beautiful white, bell shaped flowers on it. I’ve had it in a pot for 4 years and it’s grown so much I divided it and planted it in three different areas. I’ve done that twice now since I bought it. I love perrenials.

And here comes the hardy geranium. I have several of these – including one that has completely filled up a pot. I hope they get enough sun this year to flourish… against the rock wall is a bit shady.

Now, if only I could keep the stupid yard maintenance people from DIGGING UP MY PLANTS! My garden area is obviously well cared for…. it’s clear that these are wanted plants, rather than weeds. But 2 weeks ago, when I wasn’t looking, they dug up an expensive pink anenome that was LARGE. Left everything else, but they decided it must go. I tracked them down and begged them not to do that anymore. The head guy translated to the workers and told me they wouldn’t do it anymore.

Unfortunately, today while I was at the post office (why do they always come when I’m not here???) they came by and dug up 2 cute little plants that I’ve been so excited to see bloom. Idiots.

So I made a sign for them and put it in the garden, held down with rocks telling them to STOP DIGGING MY PLANTS! Since most of them don’t speak English, I also included a “do not dig” sign that they SHOULD be able to understand. We’ll see if it helps. But I’ve been very annoyed about it all afternoon.

On a happier note, because of the temperate climate here, many “annuals” I neglected to dig up in the fall appear to have survived and will have a head start for summer.   And, of course, the forever blooming pansies that have provided happy color all through the winter are still thriving.  I’ll post a picture of them to take my mind of the random plant abduction by the maintenance crew.

So, how is YOUR garden looking?

One of the many things I love about living near Seattle is the vibrant art community – and particularly the abundant art glass found here.   I remember being fascinated and blown away by the exhibits of Dale Chihuly (yes, he’s from here) during the 2002 Salt Lake Olympics. 

There are literally dozens of art glass studios as well as art institutes/schools here.  I wander through the galleries and shop which featuring local artists and am inspired, wishing I had the light, display space and money to create a gallery of these piece in my home… 

Blown glass, dichroic glass, leaded glass – jewelry, functional pieces and abstract art.  I’d surround myself with this beauty if I could.  Art is not cheap.

Over the past 4 1/2 years I have lived here (has it really been that long??) I have collected 4 stunning leaded glass snowflakes, created by Cheryl Parrott, and a couple of years ago received a fused/dichroic glass pendant from my cousin, Rob (I still love and wear it Rob!). 

When Margie came to visit in October, I took her to a couple of my favorite local art shops where she, too, was astounded at the quality and quantity of local artistry.  I think she must have noticed my longing glances (or perhaps my pulling on her arm to “look at THAT!”) at some of the art glass, because her Christmas gift to me this year was sending me out to pick my favorite glass piece. 

Selecting the perfect piece took repeat visits to several galleries – but one piece just kept calling me back.  When the owner said I could take it home and if it didn’t work, I could return it – I pulled out the American Express and she carefully wrapped it in bubble wrap.   Orange and and purple are not colors that will go with just any decor – but I had hopes that it would go in mine.   The moment it was unwrapped, I knew it would not be leaving my home – it’s PERFECT.   

It’s about 17″ across, and has a custom stand, and looks great in several places in my condo, but I decided it would make the ideal entry piece.  Not sure if you can tell in this photo, but it almost glows when the light hits it.  It sits right next to my front door – so I see it every time I leave my home, or walk down the hall to my bedroom.  

Isn’t it beautiful?   Thanks Margie!

Do you have a favorite piece of art in your home?   Or art that you haven’t acquired but that continues to call to you?

Have you seen this music video yet?  If not – watch and enjoy. 
It’s really well done – and I love the message….

ABC first premiered the song, written/Produced by will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas (lyrics pretty much by Barack Obama) and Bob Dylan’s son, Jesse, and featuring Scarlett Johansson, John Legend, Herbie Hancock, Kate Walsh, Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Adam Rodriquez, Kelly Hu, Amber Valetta and Nick Cannon and others.   

Spread the word, spread the hope… and vote!

Is anyone else creeped out by these Charles Schwab commercials?  Disturbing.  The animation just gives me the willies every time I see one – so much so that I had to blog about it. Lucky you. I can’t imagine this improving their business… 

On the other hand, there are a handful of commercials out right now that always make me chuckle.  They’re stupid, but I always laugh. 

One is the William Shatner as the Price Line Negotiator.  I love his horrible kung fu moves and that he can be such a dork and not take himself seriously.   I also find myself chuckling at the Emerald Nuts commercials…  the Swiss Family Robinson or the “Addicted To Love Girls” that appear at 3pm and mess with the person who’s sleeping because he didn’t eat the nuts to stay awake. Really dumb, but funny.

And lastly – for some reason I smile every time USA Network plays their promo for the upcoming Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. It has these dogs, photographed like models, with wind blowing on them (the Afghan hound is beautiful), etc. as “I’m Too Sexy” plays, or “She’s Like The Wind“….

Any standout commercials for you?