In Memorium

April 30th

is always a somber day for my family and myself.  Ten years ago on this date we lost my brother to a motorcycle accident. He was 23. He was my parent's youngest child and only son.  He was two years younger than me, and the best friend I have ever had.

Every year on this anniversary, we try to get together at his grave site and have a little cemetery picnic.  My brother was a new age kinda guy (even though that term probably has him turning in his grave right now,) and he enjoyed burning candles and incense.  Perhaps he would be more comfortable with the term pagan, although I don't believe any of his interests had anything to do with ritual or religion.  

I enjoy bringing him candles, incense, and beer.  These are the offerings I'm bringing to him today.  I hope he enjoys them!

I'm not religious, and I'm not much of a superstitious person, but I hope that a part of him knows how much 

I miss him.

If you would like to make a little crochet candle holder like the one above, I used this tutorial over on "Nature Nut Notes" blog, and a baby food jar that I cleaned with some goo gone.

Thanks for visiting!

Botanicals, Bugs, and Butterflies

Today is Maria Sibylla Merian's 366th birthday.  Or, I suppose it would be if she were still alive.  I have to thank Google for bringing this to my attention, otherwise I never would have been the wiser.  Maria Merian is one of my all-time favorite artists.  She was an illustrator during the enlightenment era, and her work focuses mostly on plants and insects.  How fitting that I am currently working on some lovely little butterflies! I'm planning to make a little mobile out of them like this one.

Here's a progress pic...

They currently look a little too pastel-y for my taste, but I'm hoping that the black trim will change that.  I'm just not that into pastel colors.  Unfortunately I have a hard time finding mercerized cotton in more color variety from my local yarn shop.  These would be so beautiful in a rich jewel tone!  I suppose I should start ordering supplies online, but I really hate paying shipping charges.  

Thanks for stopping by!