Lily of the Valley - May's flower of the month in the care of my garden fairy.

Lily of the Valley from my Garden - ©CindyRippe2013

Well, the lily of the valley flowers have finally bloomed!  I know they are late this year but with everything else taking so long to bloom I'm not even sure when they should have opened.  I've been checking for flowers for the last two weeks!  Lily of the Valley is May's Flower of the Month and I had hoped to post an illustration this year drawn from my own garden. The photo from last year turned out to be a Snowdrop.  oops!  There are fewer flowers on my plants this year overall but the delicate little bells are a welcome addition to my desk. I share some each year with my neighbor, Grace, as she says they are one of her favorite flowers.

I'll be drawing and painting them soon, but not today.  Too many other things to do!  Not to worry though.  My little garden fairy will take care of them for me until tomorrow.

Who would have thought it possible that a tiny little flower could preoccupy a person so completely that there simply wasn't room for any other thought. Sophie Scholl 

Sweet and Simple - Daisies are April's Flower of the Month

April-Birth-Flower-Simple-and-Sweet-©Cindy-Rippe-2013

April's Flower of the Month is the Daisy.  So sweet and simple!  It's also known as a happy flower.
Daisies symbolize; innocence, purity and new beginnings.  I think they should also stand for simplicity. (Something that I long for today!)

The victorian meanings include; Loyal Love and I Will Never Tell.  I remember playing the "loves me - love's me not" game.   Did you ever do that? 

Daisies are like sunshine to the ground. - Drew Barrymore

March Flower of the Month - Waiting for the Daffodil and New Beginnings

Daffodils - Flower of the Month for March - ©CindyRippe2013

The Birth Flower of the Month is Daffodil (or Jonquil). The Victorian meaning is New Beginnings.  Very appropriate for me right now.  I am patiently waiting for the snow to melt, the flowers to start blooming and for my business re-organization project to finish (or get to a point where I can think of something other than the mess) I've often thought that the new year should start in Spring when everything is bursting with new life.  Maybe that does happen in some part of the world.

I'm still working hard at the organization and prep for my design business.  There are days when I feel like one door after another is closed to me and others when I get excited over something simple that I've figured out.  That's life I guess.  I heard something the other day about those doors.  I think it was Joel Olsteen that said something like; Just imagine that there are 37 doors that you have to face.  Each time one closes say "well, there are only 36 more to go".  Isn't that a cool idea?  To be honest I've probably faced more than the 37 already but I still trust that it's all going to work out.

It's what we trust in but don't yet see that keeps us going. 2 Corinthians 5:7

February Flower of the Month - Primrose

Primrose - February Flower of the Month - ©CindyRippe2013

February's birth flower is the Primrose.  The alternate is Violet. I have this little primrose plant in my window.  It keeps company with the Amaryllis and brightens up the kitchen. I'll post a picture of the cozy pair for you in tomorrow's post.

The Victorian language of flowers gives the Primrose meaning as: Young Love, I can't live without you, and I am yours forever.  How appropriate for the month of February and Valentine's Day! 

 

*The Primrose has the botanic name of Primula vulgaris and is a low to the ground herb that flowers and is found mainly in western and southern Europe including the British Isles. It is also known as the Common Primrose and the English Primrose. It is one of the earliest spring flowers to bloom, and when left alone can quickly cover the ground in open woods and forests.

The Primrose is a relatively small flower, generally 25-40mm across and is normally found in a light yellow, almost white hue, with a bright yellow center. However, in some areas wild pink Primrose can be found growing, and as with the Carnation, cultivators have created Primrose in various other colors. *Botanical info source: babies online

Love is the answer, and you know that for sure; Love is a flower, you've got to let it grow. John Lennon

All art requires Courage

Autumn Harvest - my first Charcoal Still Life ('96) - ©CindyRippe2013

All art requires courage. ~Anne Tucker

I've started working on my interactive online Botanical classes again.  I've been teaching drawing/design/technique classes for over 20 years.  If you've followed me at all (or read the name of this blog) you know that I'm inspired to create images of flowers and botanicals.  Most of them have an inspirational theme but it's always about nature.

Last year about this time I recorded two online classes with Interactive Artist Magazine with the intention of launching my own online classes immediately after that.  I had already planned to take my business in that direction and have so much experience in the creative industries as a national teacher, professional demonstrator, author, consultant and even a stint as a guest on QVC.  I figured it would be "a piece of cake" and allow me to work from my home studio more.  The travel across the United States was getting harder while caring for my family (and myself) so I thought was a great idea. Well, here we are.  It's almost a year later and I've been working on my classes VERY slowly.  I've let life and all of it's chaos take center stage and put my art business on the side. I'm still teaching at a few national conventions but I've become an expert at excuses.

This morning, as I walked past the china cabinet, my charcoal sketch caught my attention.  I don't usually look at it because I can see all of my mistakes, but today I could almost hear it saying, "Last year you made the choice to change things in your life to allow you to focus on your art business.  This year it's about accomplishments. What are you afraid of?  Get busy and share your knowledge with other artists that want to grow too."  A powerful thought for a 16 year old charcoal sketch to inspire!  I guess all artists are growing in one way or another.  Either by brushing up on their skills, learning new techniques or getting over the fear that nobody will be interested.  I've decided to do it for myself, with hopes that thousands of artists will come along for the ride, and I hope that I'll be able to get them past their own art fears. 

“For God's gifts and His call are irrevocable. (He never withdraws them when once they are given, and He does not change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call.)”  Romans 11:29 (Amplified Bible)

January Flower of the Month - Carnation

©CindyRippe 2013 - January Flower of the Month - Carnation

The carnation, January's flower of the month, is a common flower that's been popular over the years for Mother's Day and for corsages and boutonnnieres.  I haven't had success growing them (not enough sun in my yard) and don't think of them when purchasing flowers at the market.  I forgot how good they smelled!  I think I'll buy them more often this year.

There are many flower meanings for the carnation including admiration, beauty, love, distinction, pride and gratitude.  Each color also has a different meaning according to the Victorian Language of Flowers.  The white ones represent pure love, friendship, endearment, good luck, sweet and lovely.

I chose friendship because I've had so much support from my friends over the past year.  I look forward to seeing them more often in 2013!

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you. No longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.  John 15:12-15

December Flower of the Month - Holly

Holly is the alternate for Narcissus as December's Flower of the Month.  As usual there are many
Victorian meanings for Holly including foresight, defense, domestic happiness, and enchantment.

I chose Domestic Happiness because family is so important to me, especially during this season of Christ's birth.  I can surely understand why defense would be one of the meanings after photographing this variety with such sharp points on the leaves. We found huge trees loaded with berries on our walk through the Missouri Botanical Gardens a few weeks ago.

"The Romans decorated their hallways with holly garlands for their mid-winter celebration, Saturnalia. Medieval monks called the holly the Holy Tree and believed holly would keep away evil spirits and protects their homes from lightening. The pointed leaves represented the crown of thorns worn by Jesus, and the red berries symbolized drops of his blood." source - http://www.livingartsoriginals.com

We tried to get a good picture in front of one of the Holly trees.  The sunshine was perfect for capturing the holly but not so flattering to us.  Hope you can see OUR domestic happiness shining through the picture though.  Wishing you and yours a blessed Christmas and New Year!

And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear.  And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy that will be for all the people.  For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.   Luke 2:9-12

November Flower of the Month - Chrysanthemum

©CindyRippe 2012

 November's Flower of the Month is the Chrysanthemum.

I found several meanings for the Chrysanthemum flower.  It symbolizes, truth, optimism, joy and perfection.  The Japanese have a festival each year to celebrate Happiness.  With so many colors and varieties available and the abundance of flowers how can it not be a happy flower?

All the changes in my life lately have me searching for the truth in what is the best thing to do in each of many situations.  This huge group of mums reaching through the weathered wooden fence represents a simple truth to me.     

The seasons are changing - just like my life.

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.  James 1:17

October Flower of the Month - Aster

I love to see the waves of purple Asters amongst all the yellow and orange leaves in Autumn.  The Aster is a tiny flower but makes a strong statement with an abundance of flowers that cover the plant.

Asters have a flower meaning of patience, love, daintiness and good luck. Patience is the perfect meaning for me though.  There are so many challenges and changes in my life right now and I need to remind myself to be patient while working my way through each one.

May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy, giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. Colossians 1:11-12

A Single Day - The Last Days of Summer and Morning Glories

Heavenly Blues - Color Study - ©Cindy Rippe 2012

I'm working on a Mixed Media Color Study.   I knew right away I'd be painting flowers and since the Morning Glory is September's Birth Flower that was my obvious choice. (for more about the Color Study see the notes at the end of this post)

I started thinking about the Morning Glory and how it lives and shares it's beauty for only one day.  There are new flowers each day.  As each flower blooms they are pollinated by happy bees that are attracted by it's beauty and become drunk with the sweet nectar.  There is beauty and joy for those who are lucky enough to see them. The twirly, swirly vines reach for the sun and grasp for a strong hold against the winds.  The lush leaves provide shade and shelter from the heat of the sun. After the joy and fleeting beauty each flower shrivels up and the task of creating seeds for next year begins. 

September days are like that.  The last days of summer beauty and time to prepare for new and exciting things ahead.  We treasure each beautiful day a little more than usual because we know that it won't last much longer.  It's a time to look forward to something new and plan for the next task. We are also reaching and grasping for ways to prepare for these upcoming events by surrounding ourselves with faith, knowledge, and the support of friends and family. Then we get down to business and work hard to allow our project to finally bloom.

Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.  Proverbs 16:3 NIV

NOTES: This "Heavenly Blues" design is part a series of small paintings using a variety of painting, stamping and decoupage techniques that I'm doing to get my creativity back. I painted it on a color  swatch card from Dutch Boy. I spotted it at the hardware store right after I accepted a design challenge for Kelly Hoernig's Art Amusement facebook group. The theme for this week is "squares" so this collection of colorful hues was the perfect surface.

Hanging out at Fabulously Creative Friday with Jennifer Rizzo.  Hop on over to see more creative ideas! 

September Flower of the Month ©Cindy Rippe 2012

The Morning Glory is one of the birth flowers for the month of September.  Aster is the most common but I used it last year and since the arbor near the Conservatory at Pilcher Park Nature Center is still loaded with these magnificent flowers I couldn't resist. 

The meanings for Morning Glory from The Language of Flowers book and other sources include: Love in vain, Loves you, affection,flirtation, and admiration.  Each flower only lives for one day.

This little group of flowers remind me of close friends making the most of the short time they have together. The sun was perfect, creating a glow of joy and happiness.

Please take the time to enjoy even a short visit with your friends and make sure to let them know how much you care.

Love one another with brotherly affection. Out do one another in showing honor. Romans 12:10

August Flower of the Month - Gladiola

August - Gladiola Flower of the Month - ©Cindy Rippe 2012 - http://www.cindyrippe.blogspot.com

The flower of the month for August is Gladiola.  It has several meanings. I chose strength and, boy oh boy, did I ever need it!
The trials of life hit hard starting on July 29th with Mom falling in the back yard.  She's doing better now but has a long way to go for rehab.  Trying to balance life as a caregiver preparing for and completing a travel teaching job kept me stressed and tired many days. There were many beautiful moments and lots of help to get me (and the rest of the family) through!

So the Gladiola is perfect this month for:

Mom - Who needed the strength to endure the pain and to keep calm when she didn't understand.
Lee - Who did so much to help and, once again, patiently held the fort down at home while I concentrated on Mom's care.
Family & Friends - Those that stepped up and helped when they could.
My Sister and I - That just couldn't figure out how we'd make it through another minute sometimes and chose to use humor whenever possible.  We did a good job Bev!
Beauty - The gladiola flowers are so pretty they give you pause to appreciate the wonders of nature that God provides.

Little did I know that I'd be posting this at the end of the month (skidding in to home plate at the last second!) or that the bible verse I had chosen for the week she fell would also be so perfect.  I'm sure that it was in the Grand Plan though!


I Can Do All Things Through Christ Who Strengthens Me   Philippians 4:13

July Flower of the Month - Delphinium

July Flower of the Month

Delphinium grandiflorum - ©Cindy Rippe July 2012

July's flower, Delphinium/Larkspur, is certainly a nice representation of Summer.  You may recognize this flower as I also chose it for my First Day of Summer Post "Summer Blues" in June.  In the Victorian Language of Flowers the Delphinium represents Levity or Lightness of spirit.  This busy bee is a perfect example of that message as she levitates from one blossom to another doing her job with what seems to be a light spirit.

Let's not forget that Levity also stands for happiness and humor.  We can all use a little of that each day and July seems to be a nice time to find it!

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Philippians 4:4 ESV

Nothing in Nature is Perfect - Family Caregivers

This whole experience as one of Mom's Caregivers hasn't been easy, that's for sure!  Each day (heck each minute!) can reveal a change in mood or health.  Things aren't perfect but we haven't given up and keep trying to do our best to help her to stay with us "in the moment".

Mom has always loved roses.  A trip to the Rose Garden at the Chicago Botanic Garden this morning was good for both of us.  We were overwhelmed with the beauty of hundreds of thousands of blooms, in every shape and color.  All of the flowers were beautiful but as I zoomed in for closer photographs I noticed that on every blossom there was at least one imperfection.  I was reminded that even though there are things that Mom's done to hurt or confuse me, she still has her overall beauty as a person and I need to keep trying my best to see that instead of the imperfections of her disease. I also need to remind myself not to be so hard on myself as a caregiver.  I'm not perfect either! 

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.  2 Corinthians 4:16

Linking to: Seeds of Faith and

June Flower of the Month - Rose

Planter in my garden - ©Cindy Rippe - 2012

The flower for the month of June is the Rose.  Love and Beauty are the most common meanings for the Rose.  The specific meanings vary according to color if you want to send a hidden message like they did in Victorian times according to the Language of Flowers.

My grandmother "Grammy" became an expert at growing hybrid varieties that seemed so exotic to me as a child.  She put things like fish heads (eeeww!), egg shells, and coffee grounds in the ground around each plant.  The combination created the perfect soil I guess because the flowers were beautiful. Today you can grow low maintenance varieties like the yellow "KnockOut" brand I planted at Mom's. They bloom from May through November without much work or the need to add fish heads :)  I hope you take some time to enjoy the delicate beauty of your favorite color and variety and share the love with your friends and family.

Flowers are Love's truest language. Park Benjamin

Linking up to:

May Flower of the Month - Lily of the Valley

 

Lily of the Valley is the flower of the month for May.  While working on sketches this morning I came across this beauty that I captured at the Morton Arboretum.  I love the little green details on the tips of the petals.

The meanings for Lily of the Valley from The Language of Flowers book include: Sweetness, Humility, Returning Happiness, and Trustworthy.

Today I chose happiness and wish the same for you!

 
I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live.  Ecclesiastes 3:12