Six-Time Candidate for Presient

What makes the Barbie doll so significant?  Over one billion dolls have been sold. When she was created by Ruth Handler, the intention was for little girls to realize they have choices through the doll.  Barbie is nearing 60 years old next year.  She's gone through 150 careers, and run for president 6 times. She's had over 40 pets.  Her clothes were designed by Mattel's fashion designer Charlotte Johnson. The range of Barbie branded goods is extensive and includes books, apparel, cosmetics and video games.  She's a supporting character in the Pixar films Toy Story 2 and 3.  Andy Warhol's painting of Barbie sold for $1.1 million in 2015. BillyBoy* (his name has an asterisk) was a close friend of Warhol's and owned the portrait.  The portrait of Barbie was a testament to BillyBoy*'s love of Barbie.  He owned tens of thousands of the dolls. In 1984, Billyboy*'s collection was dressed by the famous fashion designers of the day and toured France.  The bbc news story on BillyBoy* is here. Today's pictures interpret Barbie pink.

The Pink Haze of Spring

Once Spring starts to bloom, we are aware of how lovely it is but often miss individual flowers and plants, as there is so much in bloom.  These are Azalea flowers - close-up and in the garden in waves of pink. These bloom mid to end of May. The first to bloom are the early cherries and the Magnolias.  My Star Magnolia opened yesterday.  The pink Saucer Magnolias are showing colour on their buds.  Perhaps later this week we'll se them blooming.

Delphinium Days in July

It is a beautiful month for flowers, and Delphiniums are one of the most spectacular for the clear blues in all tones imaginable.  These were at Plantworld, on Eglinton West at Royal York Road, in Toronto.  It is celebrating 125 years this year.

We're Ready for Our Blossom Trail!

Niagara boasts a beautiful landscape and wonderful fruit orchards that are full of blossoms in the spring.  We're not there yet - but it will be soon...here's a peak of what to expect.  

This image comes from Scott Arboretum, on the grounds of Swathmore College, located just south of Philadelphia.

The little Chionodoxas and Scillas are blooming under my Maple tree...so we're close behind.