... chrysanthemums - and no, you haven't arrived at the wrong page! I'm thinking about December Dailies and Late Bloomers. In truth, I've never quite forgiven the creator of The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie for having the central character disparage chrysanthemums as "such serviceable flowers". In some parts of the world they are, in fact, much revered as symbols of renewal. When I turned the corner of the path near the gate on my way to school on chilly, misty November mornings, they were often the only bright colour in the garden, with their curved and criss-crossing tawny petals, tips flecked with ruby and gold. At the start of December, Mum would carefully cut the last of them and pop them into a jug where, with judicious looking-after and refreshing of water, they would last until nearly Christmas. So it seemed appropriate to get out my watersoluble colouring pencils and make a title page for my Book of December Days.
So for Late Bloomers everywhere, and those who have special memories of a loved one, let's hear it for ... 'mums. :)
A lovely way to honour your Mum's memory and her excellent preserving. I think your illustrations are beautiful and I think that focusing on the beautiful memories and creating will help you through a difficult time. I hope so. My very best wishes to you all and I look forward to seeing more of your December Days.
Posted by: Jen Hart | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 01:29 AM
So beautiful Alexa - the memories, the image and the sentiment. I love this as a December Daily cover with its focus on the season rather than the festivity
Posted by: helena | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 08:07 AM
I agree with Helena....and this is the perfect cover for you this year.
Posted by: Jacky S | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 09:14 AM
Lovely drawings Alexa! Great way to remember your Mum:) I'm looking forward to seeing more of this album too.
Posted by: linda | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 09:46 AM
fabulous illustrations and yes let's hear it for mums. do we ever get over losing them? I fear not! :-(
Posted by: Kjjc | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 09:47 AM
Beautiful Alexa. Both the drawing and the memories the memories it represents. An unusual and poignant beginning for your book of December days x
Posted by: Fiona | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 12:14 PM
Beautiful drawing, and what a touching way to honor your mum at the beginning of your journal. First holidays without loved ones are so hard. I'll be keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Posted by: Karen Walker | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 12:42 PM
Love your choice of subject matter, and your artwork is fantastic. Nice combination of text and sketching.
Rinda
Posted by: rinda | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 04:40 PM
Great sneak peeks Alexa and I love your sketches of the flowers. Loking forward to seeing more :) Px
Posted by: Paul B | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 05:45 PM
I love chrysanths at this time of year too..lovely paintings Alexa!
aLISON XX
Posted by: Alison | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 09:08 PM
I am not a fan of chrysanthemums but your drawing and colors make them look better than in real life! :P
Posted by: Nathalie | Saturday, 24 November 2012 at 11:59 PM
I love them! They've always seemed like cheerful little flowers to me - hard workers too, I think
Posted by: Sian | Sunday, 25 November 2012 at 10:35 AM
you are so talented.... both in writing meaningful words and drawing amazing pictures xxx
Posted by: furrypig | Sunday, 25 November 2012 at 04:37 PM
I'm so touched by your pairing of delicate drawings and the emotional words.
Posted by: Missus Wookie | Sunday, 25 November 2012 at 06:38 PM
What a tribute to both 'Mum's Alexa! Lovely! A wonderful touch of YOUR Christmas memory and not the "norm" to begin your book.
Posted by: Suzanna | Sunday, 25 November 2012 at 07:34 PM
Ditto. Ditto. Ditto...the most lovely tribute to your Mum and mums. Makes me smile in appreciation and I look forward to your dailies.
Cheers~.
Posted by: Honoré | Monday, 26 November 2012 at 01:18 AM
garden flowers in November?... hmmm I'm living in the wrong place :)
Your cover is so pretty. I love those bits of ribbon too. Look forward to seeing your pages :)
Posted by: Ginger | Tuesday, 27 November 2012 at 04:32 AM
I always have mums in the fall but they are not in my top ten of flowers. Your painting of them brought to reality would change that, Alexa :)
Posted by: Beverly | Tuesday, 27 November 2012 at 04:09 PM
Beautiful paintings and beautiful words, Alexa. A precious memory of your Mum.
Posted by: sandie | Tuesday, 27 November 2012 at 10:20 PM
Lovely illustrations Alexa, and mums should always be applauded for the colors they bring to our lives!
Posted by: S | Wednesday, 28 November 2012 at 03:12 PM
What a lovely post in tribute to mums - both kinds! I love chrysanths - they are the flower for November - my birthday month. I am thinking of you often - and sending love. J xx
Posted by: Jen | Wednesday, 28 November 2012 at 09:45 PM
Beautiful drawings Alexa and what a fantastic tribute to your mum.
Posted by: ifa | Thursday, 29 November 2012 at 06:24 PM
Hi Alexa, This is a beautiful and delicate drawings of chrysanthemums. I really like the fragility of your composition. What a brilliant way of honouring your mother and the start of the festive season. Andy
Posted by: Andy Lean | Tuesday, 04 December 2012 at 09:47 PM
Absolutely! This is such a lovely front page for your December Daily, I like that it's not 'Christmas'
Posted by: Miriam | Saturday, 08 December 2012 at 10:24 AM