Swirly Frogs

I had been pondering for a while what to do with the Froggin' Yarn. Very much not a color I'd ever pick myself and the pattern seemed too busy for such an already busy yarn. I found this Swirl Sock pattern a few months ago and thought it would be perfect, and I finally got around to winding the yarn and casting on this week. I had the sport weight so it was a very quick knit!


I have a lot of leftover yarn and I think I'll be making something for my 18 month old nephew with it. Probably more appropriate :) Though I am happy with how these turned out!

Lily of the valley

My favorite flower is the Lily of the Valley. It's a French tradition to buy sprigs of lily of the valley ("muguet") on May 1st, which is also Labor Day, as it brings good luck for the whole year and marks the arrival of spring.

I love the smell of this flower and am always looking forward to the few weeks when it blooms. We bought a house last year and I was happy to see that there are lots of them on our tiny garden patch!

birthday lilacs

Lilacs have always been my favorite flower because although they bloom in spring everywhere else, in Alaska, they bloom between my moms birthday and my birthday in June. Just about a week apart, I always looked forward to the week where we could smell them and enjoy them for my birthday. The very smell brings back the sweet memories of celebrating the summer birthdays. In winter in Alaska, that's a nice memory to bring up. It's more than just a favorite flower, it's a lifetime of memories!

summer indeed

when does summer end at your home? this year our last strawberries are still on on the first week of november. how would you like to have a few? add to these a little crushed meringue and a little whipped cream. summer indeed!!!

Favorite Flower

Hyacinths are my favorite flower! I don't know if its the fragrant smell, the gorgeous colors, or that they always seem to be a sign of Spring for me, but I just love them! In the spring, I always have hyacinths in the house and the aroma is amazing!

I've loved everyone's flowers so far!!!

Happy Knitting!
xoxo Irishgirlieknits

Sunflower

If you never driven past a sunflower farm in late September, then this is something you should put on your 'bucket list'. This is my favorite flower for so many reasons. The way it turns its' face to the sun throughout the day. The many shapes, sizes and colors. The beauty of an acre of sunflowers and the same flower is beautiful in a simple kitchen garden. The way the yellow finches, juncos and chickadees flit about feasting on the seeds. And then, next spring, they've reseeded themselves and send up surprises all along the garden path.

Thank you

I haven't responded to this post yet because I just can't pick a favorite. It's like asking me which of my kids I like best! I just love, love, love flowers. Everyday I check this blog and everyday is a pure joy to see all the photos of the different flowers. I just want to thank all of you who have taken the time to post comments and such beautiful pictures to brighten my day!

Lilacs

My favorite flower is the lilac.
The village I grew up in is nicknamed the Lilac Village, there is a park as well as festivals in the spring dedicated to the flower.

Common Daisy

I am a huge fan of the very simple Common Daisy. I love them and grow as many around the house as I can. They have the ability to always bring a smile to my face. Great as a cut flower, or for "he loves me, he loves me not game". Daisies have so many purposes, they have astringent qualities, greens can be eaten, stems can be woven into necklaces, tiaras, etc.



Who can resist the daisy? Not me.

Me, Mom and the Johnny Jump-ups

I love flowers. I love their colors, smells and the way they change the landscape. And I love the way flowers and memories of my mom intertwine.

One of my very favorites is the little Johnny Jump-up.

We lived on a farm and my mom loved to walk around the place and explore all the hollows, woods and ponds. Mom and her copy of Ewell Gibbons', Stalking the Wild -- something or other. When school was out I would go along. We would hunt for all sorts of stuff; hickory nuts, elder flowers, day lily buds; depending on the season, filling her backpack before heading home. She would show me flowers and plants growing wild on the farm and told me their tricks and gave cautions. "Don't eat that Jewell weed. It'll kill you." or "Don't want to eat that persimmon before it's dead ripe, you'll be sorry."

But our favorite hike was in the spring when we would walk to a far field. As we went up the rise our conversation would stop and the anticipation would set in. At the crest we would stop and gaze down into the valley, trying to see through the trees to our clearing. Wondering if our timing was right or were we too early, or maybe we were just a bit too late or, heaven forbid, had the winter been too cold... then down the slope towards the bit of woods. There in the valley would be the Johnny Jump-ups, forming a pool of purple flower water filling the clearing between the trees. We would stand and look for the longest time. Our timing was perfect and the magic was back.

These little members of violet family grow wild, their petals arranged like the violet but with the coloring of a pansy. The purple in them shades from a deep rich purple to a light, almost lavender, the gold from old jewelry to pale yellow. Their little faces nod up and down in the breeze from lovely green leaves. They are not big and fancy but to me they carry memories of spring, a valley and my mother. They are magic.