Hyacinths

Hyacinths make beautiful bouquets and in this case a romantic posy. The dense cluster of florets makes an impressive presence and a minimal arrangement is all these bursting stars needed.

Hyacinths are also known for their fragrance. Too bad I cannot be in close proximity with these lovely flowers as I would start sneezing and working with them at length makes my head pound. I have asked some experienced florists if it happens to them and they almost unanimously say yes.

Fragrant flowers such as hyacinths are mostly placed at the shop front and milder ones near their work station. The practicality of the placement has an added advantage, lulling passerby to stop and browse as the fragrance greets their senses miles away.

Brilliant idea.

The Swan Thieves

Kostova's debut bestseller, "The Historian", is one of my favorite reads. The anticipated release of her second book has me glued to B&N's online store for months. Sadly, "The Swan Thieves" is a huge disappointment. It has taken me three weeks to finish the book. That's telling because I can devour a paperback in days.

The plot revolves around an acclaimed artist Robert Oliver attacking a painting, Leda and the Swan by Gilbert Thomas at the National Gallery of Art in D.C. He is arrested and taken under the psychiatric care of Andrew Marlow. Thus begin Dr. Marlow's investigation into the past of Robert Oliver and the motive behind the attack.

A famous painting, a mad artist, a bundle of fragile old letters, plus globe trotting to Impressionist museums, unravelling of clues and piecing of puzzles spanning a century, the book has the making to be an enthralling read.

For some unfathomable reason Kostova has chosen to write the book with each character delivering a monologue breaking as a chapter. With minimal dialogue in some chapters, the narration has completely failed to engage me and worst of all ruined the tempo of the book.

I think great reads have the ability to entice the reader to identify and empathize with the characters. The feeling of having participated in the story makes the book a lingering and memorable read. A pity this is not one of them.

Bonjour

Ranunculus Blossoms

This is going to be a really short post. Simply want to remind myself I do have one of those rare days waking up refreshed and actually feeling happy.

Azalea

This pot of azalea is my first flowering plant. I have always been partial to cut flowers as opposed to potted ones for their convenience. The blossom in this little pot has lasted two full months. As the flowers begin to wilt I start reading up on the care of azaleas. After the first flowering it's recommended to plant the azalea outdoors for the next season. Since I don't have a garden it will have to stay in its pot.

The leaves have grown wild and unruly in the meantime. I am real skeptical about it blooming again but on the off chance that it would, I have kept up with the trimming to keep its original dome shape. It almost has a sorry end in the trash can one day because it is so dry and brittle. I have completely forgotten to water it.

I think this pot is a late bloomer. Spring has come and gone and it's the height of summer. Nonetheless it's a thrill to be counting the new buds. As a debutant there is still much to learn about plants. I am looking forward to the wide circle of buds yet to bloom and happily thinking about choosing my second flowering plant.

Calendar

I can't believe it's August already. Looking back on the last eight months, what have I accomplished? Sadly, not much. Work wise I have managed to get some articles published on a tourism website and a thesis on Shakespeare accepted to an academic website. I have also read a dozen books but do they count? It's pathetic.

Embarrassing to admit I have simply wasted too much time on distracting pastimes. Now that almost three quarters of 2010 has passed, it's time to change gears, say "no" to time killers and really get something done. I must regain my footing, find my balance and set sail again. To remind myself of the preciousness of each day, I have changed my desktop wallpaper to a calendar.

I am an avid follower of Design Sponge. D's has announced late last year there will be a new desktop calendar for each month in 2010. The current August calendar is by far my favorite. I love the colors, the pinks, purples, greys and blues blending seamlessly together. I also love the handwritten calendar, visible yet not loud enough to disturb the whole design. The grand sweep of white feathers is successful in brightening the composition with flamboyance and airiness.

Speaking of flamboyance and immediacy I am reminded of a quote by William James to which I have to adhere from this day on.

To change your life:
Start immediately;
Do it flamboyantly; no exceptions.