I know the photo is odd but if you look to the left you can see the dried up sheath that I thought would never bloom. You can also see the long inflorescence emerging with two blossoms. Happy day!

Orchids are a joy. Usually they just sit there being green. Yes, they need water and light and nourishment. And then they decide to bloom. I was watering the orchids upstairs and got that surprise today. The odd thing is this; the Brown Eyes corsage orchid that I have always loved put out a couple of blooms last year. The blooms begin encased or hidden in a green leaf like sheath. Unfortunately, I have seen times when these stopped developing, which is referred to as an aborted blossom. Last year this particular plant had this happen to at least two blooming stems. The surprise today was when I noticed emerging from these dried up sheaths two blooming stems. One has one blossom and the other has two. I will try to get a photo in the sunlight tomorrow.

Who ever heard of May flowers in full bloom in the middle of March? That is what we get this year and who’s complaining.  There is so much going on I haven’t had time to get posts written.  I’ll download a photo of the finished painting you have been following and also one of the surprise cymbidium.  I’ll probably post this blog and then download the photos on a separate blog.

The second class is doing amazingly well.  Everyone is so dedicated and talented.  I could never have hoped for a more wonderful group of people to work with for my first group.  I’ve taught a little before but just a week end or a basics class.  This group has gotten into the nitty – gritty and they are doing so well.

I have finished a number of small portraits this winter. I had my next one scaled out and drawn in detail but I just could not envision this piece on the smaller canvas I had chosen.  Back to the drawing board to redo the whole sketch.  I’m really glad I did.  I have begun this piece and hope it comes along quickly because the gallery is looking for a specific theme of work and this will fit right in.

Of course I have been struggling with severe pain which has not abated even with all the therapy I have put myself through.  This takes a lot of time, not only for the therapy sessions but for the home exercises as well.  I even drove two hours every week for acupuncture.  Unfortunately, I cannot say it helped, although I am still hopeful some improvement will manifest itself.

I am going to be the featured artist in a small show in New Alexandria on the evening of June  9th. It will be hosted by New Growth Galleries, owned and operated by conservator Jeffrey Rouse.  It will be a sampling of early sketches and one portrait which demonstrate the journey from dream to reality of an artist. I hope to see all of you there if you are conveniently located to make the trip.  I will download the photos I mentioned in the beginning of this blog.  Enjoy spring.  Shalom, Diana