ART IN BLOOM
This is the second year we have gone to Art in Bloom at the art museum in Raleigh. I enjoyed this year’s paired arrangements (flowers with paintings or sculpture) as much or more than last year’s. A few I found too drab or just not interesting, but overall, there was a plethora of showy and unusual blooms in vibrant colors creatively constructed to evoke some resemblance to the art piece. Here are photos of some of the arrangements.
This time, I focused more on the shapes of the blooms themselves or their vivid coloring.
In some cases, representing a painting with people or animals in it in flowers was a real challenge. The lion in a standing arrangement was spectacular and complete with long tail and paws.
RECENT READING: THE OTHER ROOSEVELT
The Old Lion by Jeff Shaara
Author Jeff Shaara is perhaps best known for his Civil War trilogy focusing on several of the key battles, bookending novels written by his father. Years ago, I read The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara, a fascinating portrayal of General Joshua Chamberlain and the Battle of Gettysburg.
In The Old Lion, another historical novel, Jeff Shaara takes up presenting aspects of Theodore Roosevelt’s life and career. Done partly as a memoir, with a young reporter interviewing TR in the last year of his life, it provides detailed accounts of Roosevelt’s explorations in the American wilderness, his service in the Spanish American War, and his dangerous expedition in the depths of Brazil. Interspersed are briefer passages about his political life, his accomplishments in government, and his personal life with his wife Edith. The book is long, and while Shaara captivates Roosevelt’s ebullient, brash, and sometimes flamboyant personality, I got bogged down at times in too many details. Recommended for American history buffs.
Watching: The Forsytes (PBS)
The Chief Penguin and I watched and throughly enjoyed Season 4 of Bridgerton focusing on second son Benedict and his love for a household maid. I thought it was excellent and the best of the four seasons. Season 5 is currently in the works.
Netflix hugely hyped and promoted Bridgerton. Likewise, PBS has been advertising and promoting The Forsytes for several months. Lots of short clips and a whole series of lavish video vignettes focusing on different characters and various aspects of this 19th century series. It finally begins this evening.
This series is not a new version of The Forsyte Saga, but rather a re-cast rendition of John Galsworthy’s novels focusing more on the women in the family with more contemporary, i.e. faster, pacing. I’m a big fan of the Forsyte Saga, having read it several times and, excited by all the teasers, I’m very ready for The Forsytes!
Note: Flower photos ©JWFarrington (some rights reserved.)
