Wednesday, November 18, 2015

The Savoring of Fall... Sweet Alyssum: Worth Beyond Beauty

Hello Everyone...
It’s been a while since I have written a post.
I have been so very busy with
family and preparing for the
craft show this weekend.

I don't do many craft shows as yet
but hope to increase my attendance 
little by littleI keep trying.
That's the main thing.
In a couple of days,
I will be sharing some of the things that
I have been making.

And I have been working on the house
just a little. Many of our kids are coming for
Thanksgiving and all the grandkids will be here!
We are very excited about that!
~FAMILY~

**************
There is a lot of talk about the coming holidays
and I, myself, have been working on Christmas
ideas and working on projects. 
It's all very fun and exciting!
AND the reality of blog life and creating.
( I enjoy it :)

I L*O*V*E
the Christmas spirit, warmth..
the festive wrappings
and the personal, handmade gifts.
They have that home-spun
charm that keeps me in touch with
a simpler time.

But in my heart and home,
I try to keep the present sacred. 
Protecting it the best I can.
It's like living in two different worlds.

So here, I celebrate..
savor the last Sweet Alyssum of the season.
(And isn't her Zinnia friend pretty?)

In the language of flowers,
this dainty, gorgeous blossom means

~Worth Beyond Beauty~

Isn't that so very charming?
They are so gorgeous and the scent that
they offer truly is a sweet aroma.

But they are anything but delicate.
They can stand up to hardy frosts
and severe drought conditions.

A true, little lady
with a pioneer spirit.

There's a little story about these in the picture.
I searched and searched for some
at all of the big building supply stores.
And at as many nurseries as I could visit.
I was going to really stock up upon finding
how drought tolerant they are.
I had had them before but really didn't
understand their worth.

Well, there were none to be found
ANYWHERE!
I searched all spring and into the summer.

After returning from Ohio, after having been
gone for 6 weeks, there was a small patch 
of about two inches wide 
growing in my whiskey barrel.

I was so excited! 
I watered them and fed them and they filled that barrel from one side to the other.

Sometimes, when I don't have
a lot of something, I tend to appreciate
it more... to protect it and really
be attentive.

There are some things that I didn't know
about this precious plant.

She's edible, belonging to
the mustard family,
contains vitamin C
and can be added to salads
or sandwiches for a spicy flavor.
I will surely try this next year!

{Before the below-freezing temperatures came,
I pulled most of them from the whiskey barrel
and put them all around the house 
in pretty bowls filled with water.
I wanted to enjoy them for as long as possible!}

Aww..the Zinnia has a heart in the center! :)

Historically, they were used to treat 
animal bites and rabies. 
The name in Greek means:
"WITHOUT MADNESS"
They also have a bit of  folklore history. 
{I know this is getting a bit long!}
This part is just for fun.

She is said to be protective against glamour spells and hexes.
Plant it around the house to deflect spells intended to mislead you.
The sweet scent evokes peaceful energy and emotional balance.
Wear a sprig on your lapel or in your pocket 
to calm angry encounters.
(Possible aroma therapy?)

But, sincerely..

I hope that you enjoyed 
learning about this beautiful little flower
with her delicate petals,
and delightful scent. 

And if I could, 
I would offer each of my friends
a lovely bouquet of these
special flowers.

Thank you so much for coming by. 
I wish you blessings of peace 
and a creative week.

Tamara
 XO





6 comments:

Roosterhead Designs said...

Worth Beyond Beauty~ Very thought provoking Tamara! I appreciate this beautiful post and the lovely photo's of the Alyssum and Zinnia.
(You're a natural w/the camera:) Isn't it funny how we just seem to 'kick into gear' come this holiday time!? Instant busy...
Wishing you a very successful Show, and I'll write soon! Blessings, ~Karen

Tamara said...

Hi Karen..
So much to do and so many people to enjoy and experiences to take in! Thank you for your kind words.. And for your wishes for the show. There's always so many nice people and a festive atmosphere. Best wishes for your weekend..

Blessings to you,
Tamara

suziqu's thread works said...

The beautiful Zinnia! and a beautiful thoughtful post Tamara!
x Suzy

Kezzie said...

She's so beautiful, Miss Zinnia and I love the Greek interpretation!! How lovely that you grew whilst you were in Ohio!x

Tamara said...

Thank you Suzy! and for your visit..
Blessings to you,
Tamara

white and vintage said...

Hello Tamara,
I have found to your lovely blog. Your pictures of the Zinia are so nice.
I wish you a nice week,
hugs Christine