"Persimmon mood" is my latest watercolor.

Pumpkin seeds must be very resilient because this green pumpkin seeded itself from our compost and was inadvertently planted in our garden this spring. The growth pattern is fascinating with its curly growth from the stem, massive leaves, and progression to new flowers. I spent three days capturing it with my camera along with my Verde Cosi "Wavy Leaf" table linen, deep orange nasturtium, and my Mother's vintage dish which the light passes through. Please purchase Verde Cosi "Wavy Leaf" table linen for your table this fall. 

Hibiscus moscheutos is a species of flowering plant in the family Malvaceae. It is a cold hardy perennial wetland plant. It is a welcome addition to your garden in August when other perennials are often spent from the long summer. There exists numerous varieties. This particular variety color is often referred to as "cherry brandy". Hardy in zones 4 - 9. I love tropical hibiscus but perennial hibiscus moscheutos has blooms that are open and flat, they blow beautifully in the breeze. Hibiscus moscheutos needs plenty of water, especially the first couple of years. It enjoys full sun. The entire plant dies back in winter with a few twigs remaining, I keep them throughout the winter as a marker to pay attention to it in late spring when it starts to emerge. Late summer, August in my 6a zone, these beauties begin to flower with its twisted buds. The blooms are rather fleeting but more develop as they continue to bloom into September. As a cut flower, hibiscus do not last long but are well worth having in your garden.

For most Mothers and caregivers, the statement, the action - “When others come first” is not something we say or even have time to think about. It is just a natural instinct. Often times to get through the day getting the tasks, the chores, the responsibilities and ultimately all those little things we do with others in mind - can go under the radar or slip through the cracks. We ourselves even let it slide off our backs because perhaps if we added it up it may overwhelm us.

There was a nurse who cared for me in the delivery room with my first born child (29 hours of labor)! I’ll never forget her - she became that nurturing, compassionate person I needed at that moment to get through the pain and bewilderment of not knowing how things would turn out. She was on the front lines. 

There is so much good in our communities and it all starts at home.

This Mother’s Day weekend - and I hope it extends longer than a weekend. I acknowledge you who care - care endlessly for others. We have a great responsibility. You are more important than you may give yourself credit for.

In honor of Mother’s Day, Verde Cosi will be donating to the Greater Boston Food Bank.

In memory of my Mother and Grandmother who were unapologetically themselves through it all.

Respectfully yours,

Suzanne Luby Ahrens

Verde Cosi

Three years ago one of my daughters and I discovered this tree. We have made it a tradition to visit it in spring to experience it's beautiful flowers which blow in the wind and fall onto the surrounding rocks. There are no words to describe how magical this is. In celebration of Earth Day I would like to highlight this tree which illustrates the diversity and gift of our natural world.

Halesia Carolina tree is a species flowering plant in the family Styracaceae, native to southeastern United States. It is a vigorous deciduous shrub or tree, bearing masses of pendent, bell - shaped white flowers which develop in spring before leaves appear.

This year I'd like to show you more photography of our gardens and processes in regard to my paintings and designing fabric. This is my set up for plein air painting a series of watercolors in our gardens. I collect plants, propagate some of them, and am simply fascinated with horticulture. Pictured here are pink tree peony, fig, gladiolus murielae, oleander, agapanthus, lavender, blueberry, tulip, poppy, lily. My photograph was taken in May 2019. Reminding us of the miracle of spring into summer. I have a new painting available, introducing "

Watercolor by Suzanne Luby Ahrens ©2020 all rights reserved

Peace.

©2020 Suzanne Luby Ahrens, all rights reserved

I took this beautiful photo to inspire you to try this morning treat. There are many days we may not have time to prepare a detailed breakfast. This green breakfast is simple, quick, and made of completely whole ingredients.

Fresh kiwi, sliced

Half a fresh mango, chopped in medium sized chunks

3/4 cup fresh baby spinach

3/4 cup water

Prepare ingredients, try to find organic if you can. Using an immersion blender combine all ingredients, blend and puree. Garnish with whole slice of kiwi. Enjoy immediately!  

"Somebody's Mother"

by Mary Dow Brine

The woman was old and ragged and gray

And bent with the chill of the Winter's day.

The street was wet with a recent snow

And the woman's feet were aged and slow.

She stood at the crossing and waited long,

Alone, uncared for, amid the throng

Of human beings who passed her by

Nor heeded the glance of her anxious eye.

Down the street, with laughter and shout,

Glad in the freedom of "school let out,"

Came the boys like a flock of sheep, 

Hailing the snow piled white and deep.

Past the woman so old and gray

Hastened the children on their way.

Nor offered a helping hand to her - 

So meek, so timid, afraid to stir

Lest the carriage wheels or the horses' feet

Should crowd her down in the slippery street.

At last came one of the merry troop, 

The gayest laddie of all the group;

He paused beside her and whispered low,

"I'll help you cross, if you wish to go."

Her aged hand on his strong young arm

She placed, and so, without hurt or harm,

He guided the trembling feet along,

Proud that his own were firm and strong.

Then back again to his friends he went,

His young heart happy and well content.

"She's somebody's mother, boys, you know,

For all she's aged and poor and slow,

"And I hope some fellow will lend a hand

To help my mother, you understand,

"If ever she's poor and old and gray,

When her own dear boy is far away."

And "somebody's mother" bowed low her head

In her home that night, and the prayer she said

Was, "God be kind to the noble boy,

Who is somebody's son, and pride and joy!" 

The joy of changing your environment is proven in beautiful spaces that transport you, change your frame of mind, and empower you to live in celebration. I have chosen 4 pillows in Verde Cosi's shop site to suggest for your decor - pink is the color when the sky is grey - a bit of pink in our decor is just the right touch. Verde Cosi is having a buy 1 pillow get the 2nd pillow for FREE. SHOP https://verde-cosi.myshopify.com