January can be a fickle month, but it always interesting to see what is growing in the coldest and darkest days. By joining in with Cathy many of us gather what there is in the garden and post on Mondays.
My Aunty Prue used to love watching TV and when I was young, used to have a catch phrase: "Never mind the quality feel the width". I could never understand this having had my early years abroad, and being young had no knowledge of the many European cultures and certainly didn't understand British humour. This was the title of a comedy series which I have just found on i-player, and really this is also now a 'historical piece' in itself and wonder whether it would now be aired given the current sensibilities.
I twisted it and as I also like small things made my own version: 'never mind the width feel the quality'. That is why I would say when you see this very small arrangement: never mind the size see the quality and beauty.
A few of cyclamen coum from two plants growing out in the borders with one slightly lighter blooms than the other, leaves from Ophiopogan, the dark is nigrescens, the variegated is Little Tabby. I bought this on one of my 'let's cure the winter blues outing'...and you can use the link to find out what works for me. You'll smile for sure, a different place each year mind. The spring is from shrub is Lophomyrtus x ralphii 'Little Star'.
When I was still at school I read Vol de Nuit and Le Petit Prince of course in French, but did not take much note of this man' life or background. I came across The Prince of the Skies by Antonio Iturbe, on the new book stand in our local lending library, and took a punt of it, grabbed it and brought it home. That was on Christmas Eve. I had a book to finish for one of the book clubs, so this was on a back burner. Since picking it up, I have been eager to sit down and read through two or three chapters at a time.
For a while I shall be 'on sabbatical' from my Henton book club to pursue my own avenue of reading. I rushed through A Net for Small Fishes which I found quite horrific in places, a little drawn out in parts, but with enlightening final chapters. I find having to read two books for clubs each month is too much at present, and may well dip in to each club, as there are now sufficient members in each to make viable groups.
Such a sweet little vase - of high quality of course!! The variegated ophiopogon looks most intriguing, not something I have heard of. Not having been involved in a book club before I always wondered what it would be like reading something you hadn't chosen to read, and what it would be like dissecting it afterwards - although I suppose that's what we did for O and A level English Lit..!
ReplyDeleteIn principle I found the book club most enlightening, and will continue to receive their recommendations, and have been invited to their discussions whether I have read the book or not. It is just that with a few things on, reading at speed does not fit the spot from an enjoyment point of view. Sometimes to I like to take a long time to read and to absorb good writing.
DeleteIt's a sweet arrangement, Noelle. I like the vase, which picks up the foliage colors, too. I've had similar reactions to the constraints of book club choices - while group choices can expand one's reading universe, they don't always hit the spot with respect to your own mood. My fiction book club fell apart due to circumstances but, before it did, I'd argued for format breaks allowing individual members to each speak to the group about their current favorite novels.
ReplyDeleteI enjoy the social aspect of the discussion meetings for sure, but am ready for a break of a few months, though I shall continue to post recommendations. If only to make a record of the best ones.
DeleteBritish humor is often lost on me. Though I agree about quality and your cyclamen is wonderful! I have enjoyed your book recommendations and doubt I could cope with a book club at all. Enjoy your sabbatical.
ReplyDeleteSmall arrangements are every bit as valid as huge ones. I love the color and charm of the cyclamen. Lophomyrtus is unfamiliar to me. It has an interesting foliage. Have good fun following your book interests for a while on your own. My book club often veers away from where we started. I must admit some titles I didn't want to read have been impactful and memorable, but not always. The club has been a great source of friendship and support too so I try to stick with it. Trying to train myself to stay off the computer--that really eats into my reading time. Have a good week.
ReplyDeleteYes, the computer does eat up the hours!
DeleteThat's a beautiful arrangement Noelle and the bamboo mat underneath is a lovely finishing touch. I read 'Vol De Nuit' too in French as part of my 'A'level French course. I've not heard of the 'The Prince Of Skies' book so will find out more about it. I'm interested to hear that you are taking a break from one of your reading groups. I also find that the two books a month especially if lengthy reads can leave little time for other reading including gardening books 😂
ReplyDeleteLovely cyclamen, and I like the bamboo mat you have used too. Any vase, large or small, is precious at this time of year!
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