A Flower Market Birthday

So my birthday was a few days ago and for several years now, at a loss for what to get me (I have everything I could ever want) my adorable husband  takes me to the San Francisco Flower Market.

I go crazy buying flowers and he patiently pays for everything and follows me along holding my purchases.  We then go out to breakfast and once home, I happily arrange my flowers and place vases throughout the house.

The best birthday gift ever.

A treat for the eyes and the nose.

Promise me, you’ll click the photos to see the floral display in its full glory.

 

 

 

 

 

I wander from nursery stall to stall …the place is huge, nonetheless stalwart husband carries my spoils.

 

 

 

 

 

Such choices – such temptation…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There’s a floral supply stall with amazing ribbon choices.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But, in the end, I have three lovely bouquets at home.  Tulips are not yet opened – but had to show you anyway.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So here’s a question – what luxuries would you give yourself if you were very wealthy?

For me it would be fresh flowers in the house year round…and I’m lucky because with my garden, I am able to have them most all of spring and summer.

And while we’re fantasizing about luxuries –  I would also require fresh towels and sheets every day.*

Maybe I belong in a hotel?

 * Of course, not with our current drought – fantasy only.

The Book Tingle

Just on the heels of my gushing post on Nora Ephron and her marvelous essay On Rapture…comes this.

Stop whatever you are doing and go to one of my favorite book blogs — HERE Savidge Reads.

He talks about “The Book Tingle” and to quote Mr. Savidge:

There is an almost unexplainable feeling from the start which lasts until the final full stop. Not for a single moment does the book let you down, or indeed out of its grasp, you are effectively spell bound by it. It feels like all the rest of the world goes completely out of your mind and all that is left is you, the book and the author’s words. It is the prose, the characters, the atmosphere, everything! You almost feel, without it sounding arrogant, that this book was written just for you.

Isn’t that wonderful?  Doesn’t it just speak to any book lover?  Can you blame me that I have a big old book crush on Mr. Savidge.

Got me thinking about my “Tingle” worthy books:

The Shadow of the Wind, The Magician’s Assistant, A Fine Balance, anything by Kate Morton, Prodigal Summer, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay, The Thirteenth Tale, The Piano Tuner, Cutting for Stone, Gone with the Wind, and I’m with Savidge – Rebecca.

I’m sure I’m skipping many but in the meantime …

What are your “Tingle” books?

Epic Book Sale!

Started today & runs through Sunday

The Friends of the San Francisco Public Library

Spring Book Sale.

Even Buzzfeed is buzzing about it (sorry)

27 Photos That Prove This Is The Most Epic Book Sale Ever

If you love books and live anywhere near San Francisco – make a trip to this massive used book sale.

Click HERE for Photos

 

 

And now ~~A Tuesday Art Break

 “Reading Chaucer” by Philip Jackson

 

Isn’t she lovely?  I used to have a postcard of this sculpture and I could gaze upon it for hours.  I sent the postcard to a good friend, but by chance, I just tripped across the image again on the internet.

It’s by the famous British artist, Philip Jackson.  This is from a 2012 exhibition at Chichester Cathedral. You can see a quick video of the exhibit HERE.   I find his works hauntingly beautiful and thought I would share.  This is my favorite of his works but see what you think, you can see his pieces HERE.

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In other news, and with apologies to my frozen East Coast readers, I have been busy in the garden – planting first crop of lettuce, spinach, chard and feeding my roses.

 

 

 

 

But I am reading two library books – both non-fiction

THIS

and THIS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So stay tuned.

 

No words — just love

 

Photo by Connie Stover

My Uncle Bob

My dear Uncle Bob is dying.

(this is Bob, on the right, with my husband in Muir Woods several years ago.)

Those are tough words to write…but having suffered the ravages of Alzheimer’s, the doctors tell us Bob is in his last days.

Connie — his lover, partner, best friend and wife has been with him every step of this horrible journey and she is steadfast with him even now — holding his hand, caressing his brow and giving him the little snippets of love he can still understand.

His son has been at his side, his sister (my mother) has reminisced with him almost daily about their childhood memories, friends and neighbors call in to discuss sports or his beloved dogs, but now there is nothing more to be done.  It’s just a matter of time — so they say. Bob stopped eating and taking liquids days ago.  Many have weighed in and pray he will go quickly rather than suffer any more — but I wonder.

Why is he still here?

I think Uncle Bob is hanging on – because he feels the enormous love surrounding him.  Why not struggle to stay here in this world just a little bit longer? Why not, despite all odds, stay with his most beloved — just to feel those moments of connection -and perhaps even happiness?

None of us know what the dying feel in their last days, but I hope they know the love of all their cherished ones, both present and past, who surround them at the end.

Maybe Uncle Bob isn’t actually suffering as much as he is clinging to the world he just can’t say goodby to – at least not yet – no not quite yet OK?.

I love you Uncle Bob.