Michelle Edwards's Blog, page 2
June 15, 2012
Summer Reading
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One spring, many years ago, I had a reading epiphany in the check-out line at Rainbow, a huge grocery store on St. Paul's seedy University Avenue. That winter, like most Minnesota winters, was long, cold, and snow white. So long that I feared warmth and color would never come back. But they did, of course. And one sunny day that spring, while I waited my turn with the cashier, I spied Summer People on the book rack nearby.
I had been a Marge Piercy fan since my college days. Once, when my oldest daughters were very young, I viewed her up close. Close enough to introduce myself and let her know how much I admired her work. I held back, though. Embarrassed by what I perceived were my own shortcomings as an artist. Instead I observed her and attended to my children's needs.
Summer People is a steamy read. It proved to be a perfect summer companion and a welcomed break from my usual fare of more serious and heavy reading. It opened up my reading vista. And not just for summer.
There's stack of library books on my studio floor. Two, actually. Individual titles are scattered about the house. A small grouping has taken up residence on my night stand. Added to this delicious mix, are the New Yorkers, enticing issues that had the misfortune of arriving on busy winter weeks. Now it's summer, a season of long days filled with the hope of endless possibilities.
What are you reading?
June 7, 2012
Lunaria annua
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Their name comes from what their seed pod looks like after the flowers are gone; they’re biennials, coming back year after year. They’re also called Honesty plant. Never knew honesty was a color. And a majestically purple one at that. Curious. Alison J. Hyde spindyeknit
The plant I thought was a wildflower is a Lunaria annua. It is also known as silver dollar, money plant, and honesty plant. After the plant blooms purple flowers, the coin-like pods appear. Next year I will look out for them.
Thanks to everyone who responded to my query and contest. I'm grateful for all the answers and links you supplied. An extra big thanks to Sharron McElmeel for spread the word to members of her maillist.
There are five winners! Signed copies of A Baker’s Portrait will soon be on the way to Chrissy Postema, Tasha Bergson-Michelson, Marge, Suzanne Metz and Katie Hubert. They correctly identified the”wildflower.” Emails will be sent to the winners. Do contact me if you are a winner and haven’t received an e-notice.
June 1, 2012
Wildflowers
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I am sitting on my thinking rock. The cows in the pasture across the road are sunning themselves. They lead a carefree life of grazing and milling about. But that's not the subject of today's post.
This blog is tucked into the edges of the Internet. And sometimes I hear from a reader. Occasionally with helpful advice. So today I appeal to you to help me identify this delicate and graceful plant. The leaves look like tiny fragile paper coins. I think they prefer the shade. That's where I spotted them.
In gratitude for your help, the reader who furnishes the correct answer will receive a signed copy of my book, A Baker's Portrait.
May 25, 2012
Miss Rumphius
This blog post needs to be short. I am in a bit of hurry this morning. My seeds are soaking. And when my morning studio work is done, I am going to plant them. Lupines. Lupines for my Miss Rumphuis Garden.
Miss Alice Rumphuis, the Miss Rumphuis Barbara Cooney created for us, spread lupine seeds as she walked about. But that was in Maine. And many years ago. My lupine packets strongly advise soaking the seeds in tempid water for 24 hours before planting. And who am I to disagree?
If you haven't met Miss Rumphuis, or even if you are old pal, you will enjoy this lovely Verbatim Studios telling of her story-- narrated by Tara Rose Stromberg, produced by The End Audio Productions, mixed by Roman Chimienti, and edited by Jessica Rondash. click here to visit their Youtube site
Miss Rumphuis
This blog post needs to be short. I am in a bit of hurry this morning. My seeds are soaking. And when my morning studio work is done, I am going to plant them. Lupines. Lupines for my Miss Rumphuis Garden.
Miss Alice Rumphuis, the Miss Rumphuis Barbara Cooney created for us, spread lupine seeds as she walked about. But that was in Maine. And many years ago. My lupine packets strongly advise soaking the seeds in tempid water for 24 hours before planting. And who am I to disagree?
If you haven't met Miss Rumphuis, or even if you are old pal, you will enjoy this lovely Verbatim Studios telling of her story-- narrated by Tara Rose Stromberg, produced by The End Audio Productions, mixed by Roman Chimienti, and edited by Jessica Rondash. click here to visit their Youtube site
May 18, 2012
Where the fairies are
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They appeared on Mother's Day in Hickory Hill Park. We noticed them on our walk, alerted by an unexpected glint in the trees. Fairies. What were they doing in Iowa City?
The answer came later in the week. That's when I discovered their houses scattered here and there. Tiny little places, decorated with bits and pieces of nature. Some brazen, visible, in plain sight. Others, as would be expected, off the path, shaded by bush and bramble.
Have they moved here? Will they stay?
I hope so!
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May 11, 2012
Mother's Day and Memories
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Mother's Day has me and others digging through family pictures and remembering. There was a time when Mother's Day was about my mother, Lillian Edwards. And here's a snapshot from back then, from left to right --me, my brother, Miles, and my sister Lauren.
Happy Mother's Day! Enjoy your memories. Have fun creating new ones.
May 3, 2012
Bows and Branches
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A bow. A hair clip. Found in the park, and later, transplanted to a slender branch about a half mile away. There it waits for the next step in its journey. The branch is broken now. The leaves brown, sway with the wind. Soon it all may blow away. Taking the bow to Kansas, perhaps.
Notes:
What to make some leaves? They are quick, easy, and fun. Guaranteed not to brown.
Small Leaf Pattern (my favorite leaf pattern) Knit
April 27, 2012
Disappearing Iowa Landscape
April 20, 2012
Index Card Inspiration and Treasures
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This has been a week of filing stray ideas, hastily noted quotes, and telephone conversation sketches. Sometimes it's hard for me to let go of even the smallest fragments of my working life. Could they someday be a clue, a sign post needed when I am lost in a story? Who knows. So with hope and confidence, I trim them to size, tack them down on homemade index cards, and accord them a place in my studio.
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