Faded Hydrangeas

Thank you Amanda!, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Quote for the day:
To obtain a man's opinion of you, make him mad.
Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809 - 1894)

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler"

The quote by ~ Albert Einstein

"Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler" ~ Albert Einstein, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

These flowers are the are the "Summer Snowflake" or Loddon Lily (Leucojum aestivum)

Here's the wikipedia link if you want more information. Apparently they don't care that it's winter in California.

I found them under a tree at Descanso Gardens, in La Canada / Flintridge, California.

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leucojum

"Any man can lose his hat in a fairy-wind."

"Any man can lose his hat in a fairy-wind.", originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I found these magical magnolias at The Huntington Botanical Gardens, in California.

"Faeries, come take me out of this dull world, For I would ride with you upon the wind, Run on the top of the disheveled tide, And dance upon the mountains like a flame." ~ William Butler Yeats, "The Land of Heart's Desire," 1894

Simple Gifts

Simple Gifts, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

This title was inspired by the music at today's historic inauguration.

The rose is layered with an oil texture, and was found in the Descanso Gardens, rose garden.

Here's the Inaugural performance of "Simple Gifts" on youtube, or you can click the title above and it will take you directly there.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=02Ao9jyq5Vk

Winter Blooming Cherry Tree ~ Prunus subhirtella

Happy Martin Luther King Day, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I visited Descanso Gardens during the winter season. I was surprised to learn, while walking through the roses, that there is a Winter Blooming Cherry Tree. Interestingly, in researching this delicate beauty, it is a difficult tree to own. You must find the perfect spot, give it meticulous care, and care for it constantly as it is disease prone.

Descanso Gardens had it located in a sunny spot in the rose garden. Amidst the barren roses, it stood out in all it's glory. For sure, this was my find of the day while visiting this lovely garden.

A camellia from my garden for Artist Stephen B. Whatley

A camellia from my garden for Artist Stephen B. Whatley, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

The internet is a wonderful tool for connection. I have been so lucky to connect with some incredibly creative, caring people here.

I met artist Stephen B.Whatley on Flickr and he could not be a kinder, more wonderful friend. I suspect I will meet him in person one day.

He wrote me such a thoughtful testimonial on Flickr, and I am so grateful to him for that and his friendship.

I am awed by his generosity, and his success as an artist. He has painted the Queen of England, Prince William and Harry, the Crown Jewels and many more of England's royal families, past and present. There aren't enough adjectives to describe how wonderful Stephen is as an artist and a human, so please do take a look at his art.

If you click the title above it will take you to his website, and I've also included his flickr page. Do spend some time browsing his gallery and getting to know him. You will be so happy that you did.

FLICKR:
www.flickr.com/photos/stephenbwhatley/

STEPHEN B. WHATLEY WEB GALLERY:
http://www.stephenbwhatley.com/index.htm

The Ginkgo Tree

The Yellow Tree, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

I visited the Huntington Botanical Gardens in San Marino, California. Everything about that garden is peaceful and magical, but with the changing leaves and blooming camellia's the Japanese Garden was particularly perfect. A must see, if you're in Southern California.

Live with Gratitude

Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. If we take the time, no matter how crazy and troubled we feel, we can find something to be thankful for. ~ Terry Lynn Taylor, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. If we take the time, no matter how crazy and troubled we feel, we can find something to be thankful for. ~ Terry Lynn Taylor

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.

The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt, originally uploaded by Abby Lanes.

Happy Shiny New Year!