Advent is here, a time of quiet contemplation and preparation...in some alternate universe. These days it seems that these weeks are increasingly filled with performances, events, and tasks.
The expression on this face reflects what many are feeling. It's filled with leaves from Berberis 'Orange Rocket', berries from Dichroa febrifuga, and blooms from Jasminum nudiflorum and Persicaria 'Red Dragon'.
the arrangement is joined by this pressure gauge found discarded at work after a furnace repair and a few jewels from the stained glass hoard.
A moderate amount of pressure can be a good thing although sometimes pressure releases in rather destructive ways. Many of you know that I have family in Alaska where an earthquake and multiple aftershocks recently hit. Fortunately no one was hurt and their homes weren't damaged. However there were a lot of things thrown around and broken, even from furniture strapped and bolted to the walls. My sister lost much of her china which was sad for her but it makes Christmas shopping much easier for me.
Tremendous pressure can be destructive but it can also create diamonds. In this season of pressure, may you find some quiet moments to appreciate the sparkle and magic.
Glad to hear your family was OK. Looked pretty scary to me. I've never cut any of my Berberis 'Orange Rocket' for arrangements. Do the stems grow back pretty well? I don't want to wind up with bare spots but that is very attractive foliage.
ReplyDeleteWhat a thoughtful post and a good reference to the diamonds - I turned the calendar over to December when we got home yesterday and got a shock when I realised how close Christms was and how many things 'need' to be done before then... I hadn't heard about the Alaskan earthquake but an pleased your family is safe. Brilliant vase and props as always
ReplyDeleteIf not for the earthquake bit, the pressure gauge added to the vase display would make this post quite funny and a good way to describe the season.
ReplyDeleteBut there is the scary aftermath of your sister's living space, and if nothing else it reminds us of the what's important in life.
Thank you for the update on your family. I kept meaning to email you to check in. The vase (especially its expression) seems perfect for the season, your floral and foliage additions lovely.
ReplyDeleteI thought of you and your family when I heard about the quake. It's remarkable that there were no serious injuries reported. I'm glad your family members and their homes, if not their china, are unscathed. I doubt our 65+ year old house would fare well in a 7.0 quake but we're planning a retrofit next year to improve its chances. Authorities here constantly remind us that we're "overdue" and need to be prepared but I'm not sure anyone is ever ready for an event like that.
ReplyDeleteThis is a joyful vase and hopefully will make people smile. I'm refusing the feel the pressure. Quiet contemplation sounds much better. How shocking for your sister, I'm pleased to hear they are ok.
ReplyDeleteSo glad your family is safe - that must have been so scary!
ReplyDeleteI do not enjoy this time of year - the face on the vase says it!
Even though I only spend Christmas with family every alternate year and this year is my year off, it is hard to avoid aspects of it. I'm trying to go into hibernation until it's over!
I did see the news about the AK earthquake. I am so glad you family is ok. Seeing all that broken china made me sad for her. I love dishes. I can just imagine how she feels. Your head vase tells the tale of the season. ARGH... hustle and bustle. Happy IAVOM. I hope you get a few of those quiet moments to yourself too.
ReplyDeleteA very creative vase again....and I am glad your family is OK.
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, at this time of year we can all become a bit frazzled and for our sanity, we need to step back, take a deep breath and stop to smell the roses, or enjoy some thing that is beautiful or peaceful.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear your family was not hurt, but sorry about your sister's china.
Happy December ~ FlowerLady
So glad to hear your family is ok after the earthquake. The pressure gauge was a great save, I love it as a prop for today's arrangement.
ReplyDeleteI had to scroll down to see what you referenced as "this face," and then I chuckled when I saw it. So true! I've never found this season to allow much time for quiet contemplation, even for those of us who seek it and are semi-retired. LOL. Perfect elements for this IVOM! Sorry to hear that some family members had some damage from the Alaska earthquake, and losing all her china...that's sad. But as you say, it makes shopping easier and things can be replaced.
ReplyDeleteI loved your diminutive arrangement and the addition of the pressure gauge. and then there was that awful reality of seismic pressure being released, smashing all the pretty things. That is a good reminder to stop and enjoy the season, release some pressure, and not let it build up to a big kaboom. Gotta' stop and have fun
ReplyDeletePeter, so sorry for the scary moments your family felt in Alaska. The vase is great--love the use of Berberis 'Orange Rocket'.
ReplyDeleteScary time for your family, but glad no one was hurt. Your sister must have been dismayed to see her lovely china in shards.
ReplyDeleteI like your summation of the holiday season in your vase this week. I'm trying to pace myself and let a fair bit go so that I can be relaxed to enjoy the events I am attending. I hope your season is filled with many peaceful moments!
You always have such amazing vases Peter! I hope you have a stress-free and sparkly advent as well, and let's also hope that the earth has let off enough pressure for a while too.
ReplyDeleteAn earthquake must be such a scary thing, I’m relieved your family suffered no more serious loss. Sentimental things can be difficult to replace though.
ReplyDeleteI have been watching shearwaters this week, inexplicably called muttonbirds here, which apparently migrate all the way from Alaska to the south coast of Australia to breed. 15,000km. Just amazing.
What a terrifying earthquake, how awful for your sister.
ReplyDeleteI love your arrangement and the expression on the vase made made me laugh.