Cherry tree bonsai

Oh how I love this. Unfortunalty I can't keep anything alive in the house plant wise. Outside things grow but inside they die rather quickly. I've tried bonsai before. So I must just admire this pretty pink tree.l

Have a Pink day!

My love of pink probably began with...

I really enjoy my pink lifestyle- it is something that I can do to make my life and I hope the lives of those around me, a more pleasant and unique one. I have often wondered why I am so drawn to pink and I think it may have something to do with being a major Barbie doll fanatic as a child. I remember getting my first ( the original doll) Barbie. I saved up my allowance to purchase her.

As time went by Barbie 's world became pink and then pinker and she acquired all the items for living a fun pink life. Maybe that is why I find pink so wonderful?

I collect Barbie dolls, mainly ones in pink or with red hair, and I usually only buy the Silkstone ones. The Barbie above is one I want to purchase this year. She is dressed in pink and she represents to me the beauty of the showgirl. I love the costumes and all the fun props in burlesque shows-- Folies Bergere shows are tasteful and full of sequins, sparkle , feathers, and wonderful outfits.

Did you know that Paris Folies Bergere has hosted Josephine Baker, the French writer Colette, and Charlie Chaplin on its stage--not doing burlesque but their own performances? Recently the queen of modern burlesque Miss Dita von Teese has graced their stage. She is famous for her routines especially her giant martini glass. She is a major collector of vintage clothing, corsets and now has her own line of lingerie as well.

I bet when someone mentions Folies Bergere you don't think of Manet or art but one of Manet's most famous works is titled Bar at the Folies Bergere and depicts a bar maid looking straight out from behind the bar with the audience reflected in mirror behind her.Painted in 1882 and shown at the Paris Salon it has always been a bit of an enigma--because standing at the bar you would not have that view--artistic license I guess.

And this new Showgirl Barbie also reminds me that in November of this year the movie Burlesque will open. Christina Auguilera and Cher are starring in it and I am sure it will be a visual treat and since both are singing it will be even better!! And I hope they offer a cameo to Dita- she is one woman who knows how to dress well and has made burlesque more tasteful

One more Folies Bergere fun fact before I leave you. Christian Louboutin ,of the red sole shoes, had his first job designing shoes at age 16 for Folies Bergere!! And this is sort of neat he just collaborated with Mattel and did a Fashion Barbie!!

So put on your sequins and feathers and go out and

Have a PINK day!

Cherry trees and other loves

I know how mothers must feel worrying about their child even though the child may be fully grown. I have a Yoshino cherry tree in the front garden- she is beautiful and I planted her 12 years ago. One of my reasons for living in the South is our great growing season and the ability to grow Yoshino Cherry trees. I have watched this tree grow from 5 ft to over 20 ft now. She is full and fluffy in spring and when the wind blows we see what the Japanese call "Cherry snow" she drops her white petals sometimes forming a little mound of petals and it sure looks like "snow".

With our extrememly cold weather and its long duration these past few days I am worried about my Yoshino. I wish I had put in more than one cherry tree but I am so happy to have one. I wonder what this cold will do to the bloom quality? I love standing under my tree and just looking up into the cloudlike mass. Some springs I go to Macon to the Cherry Blossom Festival. They have more trees in Macon, Georgia than D.C. has around the tidal basin. Some of the streets are so heavily canopied with Yoshinos that it is like being in the clouds and when you drive down that street you whisper -don't know why but everyone seems to have that reaction.

In Japan they have days for viewing the blossoms and make picnics and parties around this event. I like that idea. Food and pretty blossoms is a winning combination! In the movie Memoirs of a Geisha there is a scene where they are viewing the cherry blossoms and it is a stunning vision. Later I learned that the Yoshino in the movie is actually made of paper blossoms but it appears real on screen.

So on this cold winter night I sit in my warm house a bit worried about my beautiful Yoshino, wishing I could wrap her in something warm and protective but all I have is my love to give her.

Have a pink day!