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 little. I 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