Audubon Gardens

On a recent trip to Louisiana we visited the Audubon Gardens in New Orleans. What a gorgeous day we had, as we rode the St Charles Streetcar to the beautifully landscaped gardens that were in full bloom. At one point, the fountain you see here had 2 Labrador Retrievers circling it, trying to get at the mallard ducks who were paddling around. I think those dogs would have been at it all day if their owners hadn't pulled them back.

May is upon us!

Blue barlow is ringing in this month in the JAKE & META 2013 "Year in Bloom" mini desktop calendar. May is off to an overcast start here in North Carolina, but warmer days are around the corner! Also ushered in by spring is at least one indigo bunting in the backyard. I'll try to snap a photo. We haven't seen him since 2010, and if you've never seen one, they're quite something—like a bluebird on steroids. Stay tuned!

Opal innocence in March

March is here and spring's on the horizon with all of its beautiful flowers. Every image has a story, and this petite flower's is, "All these little blooms crowded together look as though they're clamoring for attention, with their moustached faces disguised as pink petals!" Note: calendars are now half off at JAKEandMETA.com.

February's verbena

Time to turn over a new panel in your JAKE & META "Year in Bloom" mini desktop calendar! I think of purple when I think of February—must be because amethyst is the gemstone for February. Looking forward to warmer weather when flowers like these verbena will be in bloom. Meanwhile, let it snow!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! Today is the day to break out your 2013 "Year in Bloom" mini desktop calendar from JAKE & META. A year full of new flower illustrations, ready to greet you each month. If you don't have yours yet, order it here. Here's to a healthy, happy 2013!

It runs in the family

My young nephew James drew this fish, and one of my favorite things about it is the big smile on its face. To me it represents how he (James) feels, and it makes me smile when he smiles. This masterpiece, along with a selection of drawings from his classmates, hung in a university art gallery for a bit. When asked if he knew why or how his was chosen, James responded, "Because it's so good." Can't beat that!

Blazing sunset

We get the most amazing sunsets where we live. This one is from the other night. The cows across the street were quietly grazing under the beautiful pink, orange, and blazing yellow sky, not seeming to even notice the spectacular sight. But I did.