Sempervivum

[vaneramos]

Flickr provides a cool geotagging function that allows you to plot each image precisely on a map. I have been slowly charting most of the 1,500 images I've uploaded to the site in the past three years. Unfortunately the public view only reveals the locations of 25 images at a time, but in edit mode I can see them all. This reveals an interesting pattern, especially around Kingsmill Avenue and Eramosa River Park. Large collections show up around favourite spots, like a little garden in the boulevard down the block. It features creeping thymes and Sempervivums. I like the way morning light falls across their delicate and contrasting foliage.

S. arachnoideum is blooming just now, same time as other years. The flowers are complete, containing both sexual organs: carpels and stamens. Comparing photos, I observe how these parts appear to fold out of the centre.

I finished unpacking and sorting the mess in the office over the weekend, and spent more than an hour yesterday morning vacuuming filthy corners I haven't reached for years. It becomes a functional and beautiful work space again. I started drawing for the first time in almost two years, taking inspiration from the Sempervivum, which means ever-living.

I've never seen mosquitoes so bad along the Eramosa River, but then I've never been in the habit of walking at 7 a.m. before. This morning a breeze made it possible to stop and stand quietly by the pond for a few moments, but back in the woods there's a cloud. Yesterday I didn't go to the river at all, but found a hole in the fence into an abandoned industrial compound nearby. I've always wondered about that place, now I can begin to document it in photographs.

Comments

[bearfinch.livejournal.com]

I like them because their english name, Hens and Chickens, is cute.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

I love their leaf textures!

[ink-ling.livejournal.com]

Nice fuzziness!

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

A cuddling mass of fuzzy buds...

[estherandmia.livejournal.com]

you are so acurate and thorough in your efforts and work here. I admire your ability to work like that. It reminds of a scientist or librairian.

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

It is like play for me! I think play is the key to creativity.

[leafshimmer.livejournal.com]

Ugh, if the mosquitoes are bad along the Eramosa River, I shudder to think what they're like out at the Farm--ah well!

hugs, Shimmer

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Are you planning to visit there soon? The Eramosa River is ideal for mosquitoes because it is slow-moving, so I doubt the farm would be any worse.

hi there

[(Anonymous)]

I have a few "lurkers" on my blog and so I thought I would at least pop in and say hello. I am just down the road in London and although it will be 14 yrs this summer since my father passed I still feel the pain as I feel yours. The unfeeling unthinking say get over it. Accept that you will not. You will learn to live "with" the pain and it will lessen. It does get better.I drove my friends crazy with " my dad used to say" it keeps him alive for me and because they love me they have learned to accept his little witticisms. the fourite being "ag-ri-noyed" (aggrivated and annoyed).
I ramble too, sorry.
Anyway, whilst perusing your journal I see you are familiar with musical instruments.I have a Thomas Pump Organ sitting in my garage...I know a sin! I am trying to find a home for this lovely piece of Canadiana. Do you know of anyone who might be interested? I can't seems to post with my Livejournal address..hmmm
Pictures may be seen at:
http://myfanwys-journal.blogspot.com/2008/05/thomas-pump-organ.html
Take care I enjoyed my visit.I will be back.
Regards,
Susan

Re: hi there

[vaneramos.livejournal.com]

Thanks for your kind words, Susan. I guess everyone grieves differently, and the process has been unusually gentle on me. We all expected the last months of Mom's cancer to be so painful and degrading, that when she went peacefully and with little pain, I was relieved, and haven't had much cause to feel sad. Maybe something will hit me and I'll start to miss her badly, but for now....

I've worked with pipe organs for a year-and-a-half, but can't claim to be an expert. Someone has asked me to restore a 19th Century reed organ, but there is so much to learn and it would have to be a labour of love, so I'm having second thoughts about getting into it.

I know of a collector in London who might be interested or know someone who is. I could ask around if you like. Would it be okay for me to forward your message and the link to your pictures?