Why "eye-dyllic"?

For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it.
For every truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it.
For every love there is a heart somewhere to receive it.

—Ivan Panin, Russian mathematician 1855-1942

Permit me to take an aside... I find the word "blog" unattractive and incongruous with the substance that I welcome at my personal favorites. The poet in me cringes at the way "blog" falls flat on the tongue. It doesn't dance or spin or even remotely capture the spirit of the blogger. The word "blog," a shortened version of "weblog," reminds me of a clumsy pet with no pedigree.

With that out of my system, I am approaching my 200th post and I find myself reflecting on my blog's name. I've read other accounts involving the birthing and naming of blogs, and I realize that there was no epiphany for me. Honestly, the naming of this blog was spontaneous. I didn't sit cross legged on some lofty precipice or cloister myself in a remote region of California (like that could happen.) The naming of this blog was almost instantaneous and it occurred as a natural flow of this journaling stream.

Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines the word idyllic as: 1 : pleasing or picturesque in natural simplicity 2 : of, relating to, or being an idyll

...and the word "idyll" is described as:
1 a: a simple descriptive work in poetry or prose that deals with rustic life or pastoral scenes or suggests a mood of peace and contentment b: a narrative poem (as Tennyson's Idylls of the King) treating an epic, romantic, or tragic theme 2 a: a lighthearted carefree episode that is a fit subject for an idyll b: a romantic interlude

At this blog's conception, it seemed a fitting choice to name it "eye-dyllic" as a way of giving sight to a word brimming with romantic images. It is much like handing my guests a pair of binoculars and pointing. To my delight, my visitors hand those same field glasses back to me, turning my attention to something I haven't yet seen!

A Giveaway & Galumphing

SWEET WILLIAM CUPCAKES - VICTORIA MAGAZINE

Yumdiddlyicious! The Sweet William Cupcakes were originally featured in TeaTime magazine, May/June 2006. The full recipe is available at the above Victoria Magazine link.

Becky K from Hospitality Lane is celebrating her 200th post with a Giveaway! I congratulate Becky K and I share her enthusiasm since I believe this will be my 198th post. Her Giveaway features — among other things — a $15.00 Hallmark gift card and a realistic teacup candle where I truly wanted to add cream and sugar! Please mention that KJ from eye-dyllic sent you! Click HERE to enter.

Victoria Rose

In a few short weeks, the frosty bundles on branches will yield to nests and the hungry chorus of chirps! Presently, our California weather is cold and precipitous, and our local mountains are wearing caps of snow.

In the spirit of my very first post on this blog, it's time once again to GALUMPH! A more lively definition of this word is "to move forward with leaps and bounds." This word makes me smile and because I'm smiling, I feel motivated to do something! I have a bulleted list of To-Do's and a future to work on.

• SCROLL 1 POST DOWN TO CHECK OUT SOME GOOD NEWS!
  

Brian & Briana

A FLOWER WITH HEART!

My attraction to the above flower—aside from it's natural beauty—is the noticeable heart in the center. It's obviously shaped by shadows, but isn't it pretty? I am unsure as to what kind of flower this is, so perhaps my gardening friends will help me out.

~<3 ~<3 ~<3

Brian & Briana (Meaning: Noble, strong, virtuous; hill; Briana is a form of Brian)

I AM BURSTING WITH NEWS! As a preface, allow me to set the stage. I have one daughter, Briana, and two sons, Bryce and Brock. My eldest, Briana, attends college and teaches dance at the performing arts studio where I am also employed. She has been happily dating a young man by the name of Brian for some time. Brian is wrapping up his last year of college as a music composition major.

Last Friday, Brian called to speak with Barry, my husband. After redirecting Brian to Barry's cell phone, my "knower" kicked in. Since Barry so often allows unrecognized numbers to go into message mode, I immediately called to advise him of this extremely important call. Shortly afterwards, I redialed Barry's number. My instincts had come to fruition. Brian was indeed planning to propose to Briana the following day! He wanted his family and mine to be there as a surprise to Briana who was clueless.

On Saturday morning, after Brian picked up his princess, we secretly followed them to Corona Del Mar. What a beautiful day for a proposal! The ocean sparkled as if sprinkled with glitter, and chilly temperatures had been upstaged by a preview of spring. Our two families gathered at a lookout point at the cliff's edge, joined by a few strangers eager to share our excitement. The lovebirds were picnicking on the rocks below, Brian glancing up occasionally to make sure that the guests were assembled.

Then it happened. With Briana standing and Brian on his knees, he asked for her hand in marriage. I fully expected that I was going to cry but the moment accelerated past my tears! Soon they were embracing and Briana was turning with astonishment to the cheering crowd on the cliff top!

As we toasted with Martinelli's Sparkling Cider at some nearby picnic benches, Briana was still giddy and bewildered. The adults laughed and rehashed the details leading up to the event, while the younger boys (8 and under) became distracted by the call of sandy hills and rocks to traverse. It was a joyous day mixed with a jumble of maternal emotions that I'm frankly still sorting through...

~<3 ~<3 ~<3

TO TICKLE YOUR FANCY

• The Apronista is giving away an Emmeline Apron Pattern! These aprons are beautiful! For details and a chance to win, simply click HERE.
  
• Cast your vote in the Food Survey just 1 post below.
  
• Receive a free Limerick How-to (.pdf) for the upcoming Limerick Contest; 2 posts down.
• Photos of the engaged couple will follow!
  

Setting Our Priorities

Opinion Polls & Market Research

From St. Valentine's to St. Patty's

From St. Valentine's to St. Patty's

VALENTINE GIVEAWAY

Ruth Welter at Artful Creations is giving away a sweet treasure in honor of Valentine's Day! The winner will receive a framed tile called Ocean View (not pictured), which was inspired by an original watercolor on canvas painting that Ruth regards as one of her favorites. The tile measures 6" square and comes with a peg on the back for standing, or it can be hung on a wall.

Her work is remarkable! I have one of her mini masterpieces draped over the glass knob of a pedestal jar. It is a beautiful and delicately hand-painted pink rose on an eggshell!

The Deadline to enter is Tuesday, February 19th. Click HERE to enter.

COMING SOON

In March, I will be hosting a LIMERICK CONTEST! You may submit as many original limericks as your wee heart desires. This contest will run from March 7th to March 17th, after which you will be invited to vote for your favorite entries. There will be an official post starting on March 7th. If you would like to receive a Limerick How-to (pdf) containing examples, just email me and I will be happy to send it your way.