Inspired by Iris

Standing in the kitchen this morning, half awake and waiting for the kettle to boil, I glanced outside to see which birds were enjoying the feeder. Then I noticed that six deep purple buds on the Iris had opened! 

 Named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris indeed comes in a rainbow of colors and in many heights. All have the classic, impossibly intricate flowers. The flowers are constructed with three upright "standard" petals and three drooping "fall" petals, which are often different colors.

 This faithful Iris, planted in front of our Bay tree, has bloomed year after year. And with each sucessive year there are more blooms. I've never cut one to enjoy inside because I wanted them to last as long as possible. But with six blooming all at once, I decided to treat my family to it's beauty and place one in a crystal vase.

 

 Do you talk to objects sometimes? I couldn't help but murmur, "you sure are pretty!" as I gazed at the Iris. Inspired by the cutting, I knew the perfect teacup from which to sip my morning cuppa. It is covered in lovely shades of lavender and lilac.

 

  

After a sip or two of my Kusmi Troika tea it was easy to see the charming cluster of flowers decorating the inside rim.

I'd love an Iris ball gown if I were a fairy, wouldn't you?

 Tea, an Iris and a few pages of Shakespeare to start my day.

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October Gave a Party~

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.

George Cooper

A whirlwind of activities occupy us as the leaves begin to exchange their glossy green coats for those of scarlet. We enjoyed Homecoming and Parent's Weekend at College Girl's campus the weekend before last, and Handyman was happy to get a free university baseball cap (I got one too). College Girl had her sorority initiation this past weekend, so now she is a full-fledged Kappa Alpha Theta! I can't wait to make a scrapbook page about it and already have a title in mind. Meanwhile, I am putting out the Fall decorations little by little...some will be displayed until Halloween while other things stay out until Thanksgiving.

I bought the Sherlock Holmes hat and pipe last year on clearance after October 31, and I think it looks great next to the typewriter. The spiffy velour hat with the orange ribbon was a gift from one of my dearest friends. I was wearing it around the house the other day to elicit a laugh from hubby and daughter and it made me want to play Monster Mash or Thriller and get my groove on! Or bust a move, or whatever the current term is - haha!

the living room clock

our Spring wreath dressed for Autumn

The front porch

Since it is Tuesday I'm going to share one of my pretty teacups. It has Hydrangeas on it which are a favorite of mine.

The Hydrangea bushes in our backyard only have one blossom each on them. It is time for me to trim them back for the coming winter. I will miss the enormous deep pink pom-poms they display all summer, but can reminisce while sipping from this charming cup.

Royal Patrician

Just inside, below the rim, is a Hydrangea branch all abloom

The handle, base and rim are lined with gold

It is mid term week, so I think College Girl is going to need a few extra cups of Chamomile tea to steady her nerves and help her get a full night's rest. Tis the season where our kettle will be busier than ever. :)

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