jennifer, Author at Hopeful Homemaker

Composition in Nature part II

June 21, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

Ok, here are the second half of my “nature” photos from our recent trip.

I thought this tree was so interesting. The trunk seems to be composed of last year’s growth being pruned off. I love that the leaves are graceful and fern-like, and the play of pattern next to the traditional palm leaves is beautiful.

All the enormous leaves were stunning.

I know I should remember the name of these blue flowers but it’s escaping me. I loved the size of them and how they were planted in mass. They remind me a bit of the allium that is more common where I live. Can anyone help me with the name? It was fun to see them all over the place.

And how cool are these tree trunks? We were all impressed by their spikes. I think the brown spikes on the lime green trunk is so pretty.

Fern leaves are always pretty.

The first thing I noticed about this fern was its herringbone type pattern formed by the closeness of each stem. Kind of a sawtooth herringbone pattern. Isn’t it pretty?! Of all the things I noticed, this might be my favorite.

It’s always interesting to see an old, mature tree sprout a tiny little branch near it’s base.

Lastly, the play of leaves here was so interesting. In the foreground are tulip leaves dying back with a pretty bush behind. I don’t know what it is, but the graceful little leaves and the colors reminded me of a burning bush. Of course the red leaves add interest and depth to the view, and the palm branch gracefully draping itself over the bush is unusually pretty. In my own landscaping I lean too often to flowers to provide interest. This picture reminds me that greenery can play off itself in startling beauty if planted well, a lesson I’m trying to take to heart.

It is all so beautiful; a reminder of our infinitely creative Father in Heaven. How grateful I am for His generosity in creating such a beautiful home away from home for us.

Have you noticed something beautiful lately?

Hopeful Homemaker

Composition in Nature

June 20, 2011 jennifer Musings on Life and Beauty

I couldn’t help but observe the flowers and vegetation while we were in California earlier this month. I took pictures of some plants and trees that caught my eye because of their detail and pattern.

These were bushes growing outside the hotel. I love the coral, orange and yellow colors in this flower. Anyone know what it’s called? Gorgeous.

These trees were growing outside the hotel as well. The leaves were somewhat sparse and yellowing and I don’t know if that is normal or unhealthy. Either way, they had these amazing red flowers on them.

I asked the employees at the front desk what kind of tree it is. They were all clueless and one of them had never even noticed them. Seriously? I’m so curious to know the name of this tree. The flowers were spectacular and I also noticed hummingbirds buzzing around them.

I thought the base of this tree was fascinating. Are those roots that have wrapped around the trunk of the tree?

The basketweave/crosshatch pattern on the palm trees is also beautiful. It’s fun to be reminded that so many of the patterns and designs we see in textiles are merely copycat interpretations of nature.

Honeysuckle is my husband’s favorite fragrant plant. I agree that it’s scent is heavenly. I saw an entire hillside covered with it. Sigh.

I’ll be back tomorrow with the second half of my pictures. Have a great day!
Jennifer

A Year of Habits, no. 24

June 19, 2011 jennifer Helpfulness of Habit

Happy Father’s Day! I hope it’s been a great one for all the fathers in your life. Ours has been a fairly normal day with children bouncing back and forth between wonderful and frustrating. I had a nice talk with my one in a million Dad and hope that my efforts in our home here allowed my husband an enjoyable day.

The week has been so busy that it’s hard to believe we drove home from California on Monday. Part of me wants to scream with frustration that June is more than half over yet at the same time I know there’s nothing to be done about it. We’re in the crazy years and we’d better enjoy them.

Habits. Hmmm. With the children we’re focusing on the habit of obedience. Obedience not because it makes sense to you or because you agree with your parents or because they gave you enough incentive to listen to them. Obedience because it is the right thing, because sometimes your parents can’t explain to you why something needs to be done, obedience because it is proper and respectful. We’ve slid too far down the path of leniency in this area and are hiking back up.

The children are also doing well with their gardens. I love watching them!

We need to work on swimming. I purchased a family summer pass to our local fitness center so we can improve.

Personally I am doing really well in a couple of areas. I decided this year I need to spend more time outdoors. I’m doing a lot of gardening (loving every minute) and we’re eating dinner beneath our cherry tree almost every night.

I’m also reading a great deal. Other things aren’t happening as a result (sewing and more housekeeping would be nice) but I feel good about investing in my own education and believe that my children need to see me slow down and read good books alongside them.

The whole struggle with things, laundry, messes, etc. still gets to me. I want to get things to a manageable place and feel discouraged that my progress is so slow. I keep reminding myself to work at it when it’s appropriate, but to change gears and enjoy my children when it’s time to do that. I had some very sweet moments with my youngest three this week.

One thing the week did NOT provide was adequate sleep. Our son leaves at 5 a.m. for his High Adventure camp so I’d best get some rest. I hope your week is wonderful.

Jennifer