• As promised, my little group of Vintage by Crystal creations.
I bought the two bunny rabbits first, then the Easter rabbit on the egg, then the Santa, and now the Butterfly Rider.
They’re smallish, they don’t take up too much room and they’re charming. What could be better?
You can find her on Etsy under Vintage by Crystal.
• I’ve been concerned about the giant Boston Fern that I brought in from the porch. It takes up a lot of real estate and we all know that ferns can be picky and hard to care for. They like moisture. With the heat on, I worry about it drying out and there have certainly been a lot of dead fronds that I’ve had to clean up. I’m now watering it more and misting it every time I water.
There are good signs, like this:
Several of these new fronds are growing out of the center of the plant. (Gosh, it was hard to get a good picture of this! They’re so tiny.) Anyway, I’m hopeful at the moment. Fingers crossed!
• I don’t know if you know about this little book; only 126 pages long, smallish – the size of a pamphlet, but it is essential reading for the times we’re living in. I actually bought it last fall in New Orleans, but Don and I only started reading it aloud to each other this morning. It’s a powerful and easy to read warning about tyranny, using examples from the 20th century.
You’ll be shocked – or maybe you won’t be – by the direct connection to what is happening in our present.
I’ve seen it recommended over and over during the past year and a half. And now I see why. Snyder is a Professor at Yale. It’s inexpensive, too – just $8.99.
• I finished Righteous by Joe Ide this morning. (Reading in the morning = the best.) I can’t recommend this series highly enough. Ide has a unique voice and a unique character in IQ. I’m going to order his newest, Wrecked. But in the meantime, I’m starting The Comforts of Home by Susan Hill. And Louise Penny arrives in my mailbox today.
Happy Tuesday.
Wendy T says
Claudia, in addition to misting, have you considered placing the Boston fern pot onto a bed of pebbles in water? That will raise the humidity but, of course, you’ll have to add water as needed and occasionally rinse the pebbles and change out the water entirely.
I was dismissed from jury duty. From the questionnaire prospective jurors completed last week, I assume I was not deemed an appropriate juror since I disclosed that I had prior knowledge of the subject (asbestos exposure) from having worked in public health. I did a quick and unscientific survey of the group as we were waiting outside the courtroom for an hour (I got there early). There were about 150 of us. Less that 5% were reading books or e-readers. That was actually a bit sad… At least 75% were on their smartphones, maybe some were reading books? Most were probably on social media or surfing. About 5% (all men) were actually talking on their phones, conducting business. And the best? — the one woman who was practicing her dance moves! She looked a bit like you, Claudia, and with not a care in the world except for getting those steps right. It was fun to watch her but I didn’t get the nerve up to ask her about the dancing.
Claudia says
Too hard to do that, as the pot is already raised up on another pot and adding a bed of pebbles would be a recipe for disaster. So far, so good with what I’m doing.
Love your story about the woman practicing her dance moves! I’m betting you were dismissed because of your prior knowledge, Wendy. But you did your civic duty and showed up. Good for you!
Linda @ A La Carte says
Boston ferns are very high maintenance! I think misting will help. I love your collection of Vintage by Crystal. I hung my little Flamingo on my bedroom tree and will take a photo to share. Her creations are amazing. I do love your Santa!
Ashleigh left today and I had errands to run and therapy. Now I’m home and ready for some reading snuggled up under my blanket! Tomorrow I’ll have to get to some laundry. Always something isn’t it. I will order that book. Ashleigh and I had some very intense conversations about this very subject.
Linda @ A La Carte says
Claudia, I just bought ‘On Tyranny’ on Amazon and it is selling for $6.39!
Claudia says
Oh, great! Good news!
Claudia says
I know you must be missing Ashleigh already, my friend.
jeanie says
Your Crystal creations are exquisite. I can see why you fell and fell hard! Savor the season!
Claudia says
I will. You, too!
Chris K in Wisconsin says
I have given up on wintering over Boston Ferns. I have zero luck. They shed terribly and I end up with such a mess. They grow beautifully for me outside all summer, and I feel like a murderer when I leave them out, but I have tried giving them to anyone who will take them, but everyone I know has the same problem. I winter over several different plants, but ferns just don’t work for me. Kudos to you for your success. I do hope it continues!!
Going to order the book. Thanks for the recommendation! Hope you had a good Tuesday.
Claudia says
They do shed terribly! I hope I can keep it going, but I’m definitely wary.
Donnamae says
Your Crystal creations are simply lovely. Do you normally keep them together, or are they spread throughout the cottage? They look great together….but are unique enough to stand alone.
Today my friend and I went on a field trip for haircuts. When our stylist moved…we didn’t want to lose her…so we have made the 30 min. trek for 2 years now. Afterwards a trip to the thrift store was in order. I found some vintage looking ornaments, and a couple of paperweights to add to my collection. Oh, happy day!
You might want to give your Boston fern a warm shower once a week or so. Then it could sit in the steam for a bit…..they like that. Good luck! ;)
Claudia says
They’re spread throughout the cottage, Donnamae.
Yay for finding treasures!
Marilyn says
I love your Vintage display.
Marilyn
Claudia says
Thank you, Marilyn!
tammy j says
I keep thinking I’ll wake up well! not yet. but reading your posts makes me smile.
thought of you the other day having to go in so early. but I’m like you. cutting it close makes me too nervous. I’ve always preferred to already BE there! take care dearest bean! xo
Claudia says
Oh Tammy, I hope you feel better very soon, my friend. Take care of yourself, my friend.
nancybluemoon says
Your Vintage by Crystal collection is so sweet and old-fashioned looking…the tyranny book sounds like a good read..I will look in to it!
nancybluemoon says
Claudia the book is only $3.99 on Kindle!!
Claudia says
Whoo hoo!
Claudia says
It is a very good read and a powerful reminder of what we have to do to fight tyranny.