Russian Olive Trees

Russian Olive trees (Elaeagnus angustifolia) are not native to Wisconsin, so I only learned about them on an earth sciences walk around the University of Wisconsin's (Milwaukee) campus one day in undergrad. Our prof was showing our class the myriad of tree varieties grown there and that is when I met Yuri and Svetlana, my beloved Russian Olives (of course I had to name them!).

I don't usually go for subtle hues or pieces of nature that are not overtly beautiful, but there was something about those twin trees that captivated me. I had to say hello to them every time I passed by their little plot beside the student union. There bark is wild and rough and barely clings, but it flows together out to the silver branches. In late spring, you can find fragrant lemon yellow bell-shaped flowers along the branches. The leaves are long and slim, silver on the backsides and slightly fuzzy. I've never seen the fruit look like anything other than the above picture, but apparently they grow larger, turn yellow or red, and are edible. But don't you have to soak olives in something to be able to eat them anyway? I've never heard of fresh olives...

I bought a baby Russian Olive for my parents' yard years ago but it failed miserably. And then to my absolute horror, I went to visit Yuri and Svetlana one spring day only to find that they'd been cut down. I was inconsolable (well, sort of).

Now that I'm in the Southwest, Russian Olives are ubiquitous and incredibly invasive. That changes them for me a little. But I'll always remember Yuri & Svetlana as they were and what they meant to me.

Appaloosas

My favorite horse! I went through stages as a child, first loving any chestnut-colored horse before transitioning to Duns, and then of course I had a Black Beauty phase. But now (and for awhile) Appaloosas are at the top. And guys, they do have the coolest name. I love the dappled grays. I even love just saying dappled grays!

They are almost otherworldly and totally remind me of this mystical toy horse I had as a child that was more dappled purple than gray. I thought it was Lady Lovely Lock's horse Silky Mane, but that one is just all purple. I do remember putting Pixietails in her mane though... But whatever, this doesn't really have anything to do with Lady Lovely Locks. Or maybe it really does. Maybe everything has to do with Lady Lovely Locks.

I think she needs her own post now.

Iolandra Dambra

I met this artist randomly in Italy while visiting the coastal town of Positano. The church there was hosting her show and her paintings are epic. There are mostly all religious in nature and they're so beautiful glossy and colorful. It was thrilling! I purchased this print but it just cannot do it justice. Her work feels so alive. I love the tones and the lines. I tried to copy her style once and failed miserably. I should probably just leave it up to her!

Art Deco Rings

I've been perusing Albuquerque's antique stores lately and I LOVE that they are full of items from the 1920s and '30s! There's something about that Art Deco style that really catches my eye. I think what I like best is that it is representative of a transitional historical period. Prior to WWI, the Victorians and Edwardians still valued ornate beauty. Flowery poetry, lace, and daydreaming were all the rage. And then the war shattered that idealism and realism started to become in vogue. So Art Deco pieces, especially jewelry, are indicative of that with both filigree and geometry. I love the rectangular gems juxtaposed with old world cuts, the elongated rings that are reminiscent of the sky scrapers from the building boom of the late '30s, and the emphasis on silver instead of the more romantic gold. And for some reason I've found there often seems to be a three motif (three parts to the ring). I haven't figured out what that means yet...

I often pride myself (erroneously) on being anti-diamonds, but I do become a total girl around antique Art Deco diamond rings. I get completely lost in the history of them. How many women have worn them? How many stories are connected to one particular piece? I inherited my great-grandmother's engagement ring from the '20s. It's delicate and discreet (but I wish it was a little more blatantly Art Deco), and I love that I know its story. But part of me prefers the mystery and I'd almost rather that ring were used by a descendant who hadn't known her...

Animals with personalities I wouldn't tolerate in humans

I know some people prefer dogs because of their loyalty and unabashed affection, and that's nice and all, but I prefer my animals to treat me worse than my human friends. To expect affection and then be withholding or abusive. To whine and whine for no reason. To barge in on me wanting whatever it is they want when they want it. To expect the world and give nothing but their presence in return.

In this movie called Playing by Heart, Angelina Jolie's character explains that cats are great because they are so feline, that "[Cats] can look at you with a gaze of unflappable superiority that seems to spring from near total detachment and disinterest." (not unlike the cat in that picture). And it's not just cats! I love pigeons who walk right up to you expecting a handout, or seagulls who don't even bother asking and just take it. Or goats that eat your clothes while you're trying to feed them real food. They're fantastic!

There is something to be said for old, quiet dogs that follow you without fail and lay at your feet in the grass elated when you pet them. But for now I'll take the scratches.