bud and bloom

"So, the name of the shop. Bud and Bloom. Is that from Whistler?"
Surprise, and speculation, flickered over her face. "As a matter of fact, it is. You're the first to tag it."
"One of my brothers is big on stuff like that. I can't remember the quote exactly. Something about
perfect in its bud as in its bloom."

Chesapeake Blue

____________

The masterpiece should appear as the flower to the painter.. 

perfect in its bud as in its bloom.. 

with no reason to explain its presence.. 

no mission to fulfill.. 

a joy to the artist, a delusion to the philanthropist.. 

a puzzle to the botanist.. 

an accident of sentiment and alliteration to the literary man.

James McNeill Whistler

_________________

 (the pictures - and roses - are mine)

a thousand years

"I came through time for you, Libby. Don't ever, ever think I made a mistake."
She shook her head. "I'm afraid you'll think so."
"'Time is… Time was… Time is past'," he murmured. "My time is in the past, Libby. With you."
Her eyes filmed over again. "I love you so much, Caleb. I'll make you happy."
"I'm counting on it."

Time Was

________________

Christina Perry

And all along I believed I would find you
Time has brought your heart to me
I have loved you for a thousand years
I love you for a thousand more

_________________

 "I wanted you to have something from your time." 

He felt a little foolish, not ready to admit that he had
spent months scouring antique shops. "When I saw this, it was… well, like fate. Don't cry."
"I have to." She sniffled, then raised her drenched eyes to his. 

"It survived. All this time."
"The best things do."

Times Change

wine and the art of seduction

He picked up the bottle of wine he‟d opened. “I got white because of the chicken, but I didn‟t know what kind you liked. This is supposed to be good.”
“Supposed?”
“I don‟t know a lot about wine. I looked it up.”
She took the glass he offered, sampled, watching him all the while. “Your research paid off.”

Vision in White

__________

For the gentlemen: a masterclass in how to deal expertly with women and wine.

Does it matter what wine is poured when the intention is to seduce? And if so, what bottles might it be good to open? I ask these questions because I was browsing in wine merchants Lea & Sandeman last Friday when a chap, who I’ll call Mr X, walked in and asked for help.

“I have an important date tonight,” I overheard him say.
“She likes white wine. What should I buy?” 
He twinkled. “My life is in your hands.”



TELEGRAPH

 
_______________________________

What she knew about wine wouldn't fill a thimble, but she
sipped because it was expected. Then her brows lifted. "This isn't anything like what they serve down at the pub."
"I wouldn't think so." He considered what they called the house white down at Shiney's one shaky step up from horse piss.

Rising Tides