It's been raining for days and the budding peonies are all so heavy with water that they are leaning to the ground. Last evening I picked one nearly ready to open, brought it inside and put it in the studio where the light was darkening. Did you know that flowers sleep at night? Just like us, they rest in the cool darkness and recover the energy spent photosynthesizing all day.
This morning it was waiting for me, fully open, reflecting the soft light in every exquisite petal.
There are lots of pretty little surprises around here.
Places that catch the light (and the dust).
Bits that I've collected. Or made. Scenes that make me stop and think about how long I've been at this.
In fact, my next post here will be my 1000th!
And that's something to celebrate with all of you, my friends!
Have a lovely holiday weekend and I hope to see you back here next week. xoC
Wow Charlotte - congratulations on 1,000 posts! Beautiful photos -- buttons and peonies...two of my favorite things in the whole wide world! Have a lovely weekend!
Posted by: Laurie | May 25, 2012 at 11:36 AM
I miss the peonies! Can't wait to see you in France Charlotte - I am getting really excited!!
Posted by: kaari meng | May 25, 2012 at 12:20 PM
It just seems as though sweetness abounds around you! I love your peonies; I can almost smell the intoxicating scent! Have fun in France! I will miss hanging out with you there!
Posted by: Julie B. | May 25, 2012 at 12:31 PM
Wow, that's cool! Congrats on so many postings and SO much inspiration through the years. Hugs, Heidi
Posted by: Heidi Woodruff | May 25, 2012 at 12:58 PM
Isn't that exciting! Can't wait to celebrate my first year of blogging in October. I was late in jumping on the blogging bandwagon but soooo happy that I did!
Congrats,Charlotte!!
Posted by: kadee | May 25, 2012 at 01:00 PM
Break out the champagne! I thank you for your 1000th post, and the 999 that preceded it....I was entertained or inspired or both, by each one.
ps...France with Kaari Meng! You are a lucky girl.
Posted by: karen on bainbridge island | May 25, 2012 at 04:00 PM
What a gorgeous peony. I'm waiting impatiently for mine to open. It's sunny here, so maybe it will be soon. Love all the little glimpses - and isn't dust a part of all of our lives? Congrats on reaching 1000 posts!
Posted by: Lorrie | May 25, 2012 at 08:33 PM
Congratulations, Charlotte. Thank you so much for giving so much of yourself to all of us. I, too, have loved every post and appreciate what you've added to my life and the lives of your followers.
Posted by: Suzy McQ | May 25, 2012 at 09:19 PM
Incredible...1000! Love your perfect peony and all those bits and pieces. Happy weekend!
Posted by: Laura @ 52 FLEA | May 25, 2012 at 09:24 PM
COngratulations! I love checking in to see what you have been creating. So inspiring. :D
Posted by: Kathy Aho in MInnesota | May 25, 2012 at 11:50 PM
Congratulations on 1000 posts! I picked a bouquet of peonies today. The ones that are blooming now are like yours. I have some deep claret singles that will open this weekend. Both from my Gram's garden - a piece of her lives on where ever I live through her garden. Have a beautiful weekend.
Posted by: Jeannie | May 26, 2012 at 03:04 AM
Lovely photos on this post... looking forward to 1000 more!
Posted by: Jenny b harris | May 26, 2012 at 08:14 AM
wow! 1000 posts, congratulations! I always enjoy my visits to your lovely blog and leave full of inspiration... I'm looking forward to your next 1000 :) Happy Memorial Day!
Posted by: mercedes scott | May 26, 2012 at 09:31 AM
I have never SEEN a peony in person. :)
What a lovely bloom. Congratulations on 1000 posts...little bits of loveliness for us to share. Thank you.
I hope it's a sweet weekend!
~april
Posted by: april | May 26, 2012 at 10:40 AM
Can't wait to read your 1000 post!! I have enjoyed them all!
So many lovely words, pretty pictures, stories of family and of course your beautiful sewing and crafts. Thank you so much!
Laura
Posted by: Laura | May 26, 2012 at 01:32 PM
What a marvelous accomplishment Charlotte! I love this post and am jealous of the rain you've been having. It's drought city out here! Can't wait to see you when you are here for the ME Workshop.
Posted by: Nicki | May 26, 2012 at 01:48 PM
I have loved all 999 posts!! Hope you never stop, Charlotte! Have a happy Memorial Day weekend full of pretty-ness!!
monica
Posted by: Monica Fullerton | May 26, 2012 at 01:51 PM
I am envious of those peonies. I must try to plant some in my garden, meager as it may be. How exciting to be approaching your 1000th post. Congrats!
Posted by: Heather | May 27, 2012 at 12:58 AM
Gorgeous peonies!
Congratulations on your upcoming 1000th post! It's been such a pleasure to visit here with you.
Wishing you a lovely holiday weekend Charlotte,
Sally
Posted by: Sally | May 27, 2012 at 11:41 AM
Sweet. You have inspired me to take up embroidery.
Posted by: Eduarda Schroder | May 31, 2012 at 12:46 PM