Wizard of Ahhs!

"Toto, I don't believe we're in Kansas anymore."

I don't know if you have noticed, but it seems to me that I have hardly kept up with all of your uplifting comments you put on my posts (which I will take a second and thank you all for blessing me with your sweet words!).  Nor have I touched my Pinterest boards; and I have been having the hardest time finding an opportunity to read or even to comment on other blogs! I know the reason why though–Spring is in full swing here, and there is much to be done around the house when I am not busy working at the Greenhouse. Truly, I think this has been the busiest Spring in my life! Even though it was daunting to look at from the beginning point of view (I'll admit, I did break down a few times), now that I am in the midst of hustle and bustle, I have found it to be quite fun and fulfilling! Soli Deo Gloria (To God be the glory)!




This post is pretty much dedicated to giving you all an update of where and what I have been doing. Two weekends ago, I had the pleasure of helping out at the Greenhouse's Open House, whose theme this year was... You guessed it! Wizard of OZ, or in this case Ahhs. You will understand the exclamatory pun when you scroll down and view the dazzling snapshots Charlotte graciously took of my employer's verdant and colorful merchandise! It really takes one's breath away when you step into a greenhouse in full bloom! You ought to make a note to take a trip to one next year right at the beginning of May; there, awaiting you, will be the all too real land of Ahhs.

Before you scroll down, I have to tell a little story about the familiar faces from the "Wizard of Oz" all near and dear to our hearts: It was the last week in April–I think–when I was off-handedly asked by the owner of the Greenhouse if I had any artistic talent. I modestly replied in the affirmative, and inquired back if my services were needed. They were. At last! Something I could do that I really knew how to do! (Mind you, I have learned a lot since last year's work at the Greenhouse, but I am still learning just about everything all over again it seems!) Thus, of course, I was very willing to work at something I was truly good at and did not need to ask a million questions just to accomplish the task. Yep! In a word, that is what it is like most of the time.

The project I was asked to work on was the completion of an already half-done face of the Cowardly Lion! The spirit of creativity hit me like the twister hit Dorothy's Aunt's house. I couldn't believe how easy it was to transform the half salt-doughed mannequin's face! After years of sleep from this type of work, I still had the touch. Oh yah! It was awesome!

By the time half an afternoon was spent, the Cowardly Lion at last was born into the world of greenhouse plants. The salt dough needed only to be dried. The next time I came to work, I completed the affect by a smattering of paint with the flick of my brush. Done! He was ready to be maned. Now I will say that if the owner had not already done about half of the work, I would gladly take full credit, but as it was, he had his fair share and must needs be applauded before myself. Behold, the mighty King of Beasts (complete with effeminate bow)!  

The owners were so pleased with my work on the Lion, that I was given the pleasure of finishing off the other two male characters of our story. Scarecrow was so much fun! Years ago, Brigi made a living so to speak off of cloth doll making, and yours truly was the hired face painter. So much practice on muslin made this face by far the easiest to replicate. Besides the bundle of burlapped straw, I was given only red and black craft paint! Somehow or other, I managed to figure out how to create the right palate from just those two colors alone: a nice brick red for the nose, a slightly brighter tone for the lips, and what appears to be blueish eyes are actually the black paint gently brushed on. The light blush and shadowing was also done with just the lightest touch of the brush.

Tinman was much more tricky what with the ridges of the two pot rims! Take a good look at him, his body is actually constructed out of plastic pots that had been lying around. A siphon crowns his metally head. The hands? Sanitary gloves filled with mineral mix! Creativity at its finest! I have to say, the owners of the Greenhouse are a great source of creative inspiration for me now, and I take my hat off to their family! Black paint and a thin brush was all I needed for Tinman, and yet another half an afternoon. He was a rusty one, but the task oiled out all of my painter's squeaks and creaks. He turned out well enough I think.

And now, enjoy the rest of the Greenhouse delights!









Charlotte. My, how thankful I am for her. I hope you all are as much in love with her excellent work both as photographer and blogger as I am. There are too many days that go by where I don't make a point to give her a word of encouragement and appreciation. But now as I look over her handiwork, I am just giddy with awe, and as glad for her quick eye. She never disappoints. She never slacks. She is the little engine that could. She is my darling sister. My Charlotte. My laugh-maker still. God bless you Lottie.

What did you think of the Greenhouse?

Do you want to see more of the place?

Did you like my funny friends from the land of Greenhouse Ahhs?

Fondly,

Jessica

The eldest sister & singer