Audrey

Audrey slipped off her jacket as she entered the greenhouse; her orchids lived in a steamy world of their own that had no relationship to the frigid New England wind that was already promising snow. She checked each plant carefully; noting bud and bloom, looking for any sign of disease or pests. The first few minutes were always tense ones; this was her special world, and she would let nothing harm her plants.

Happily, nothing was threatening them today. There were some new blooms to admire; and a few that had passed their prime and needed pinching. She stretched luxuriously in the soft warm air, letting her shoulders relax and putting all thoughts of her day out of her head. This was what she was meant to do; this was what she did best.

© 2008 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads, sterling silver, Dichroic glass by Paula Radke. Hand fabricated, bead-woven collar.

Butterscotch Creme

She let the silky sweetness gather in her mouth; butterscotch creme was more than just a treat, it was a trip back in time. Her Papa had always had butterscotch in his shirt pocket, and he always offered them to her, right away, holding them out before she even came into the house. She never, ever had to ask.

For awhile, after he died, she couldn't bear the smell of butterscotch; its sticky sweetness was repulsive and cloying to her senses. But now, nearly forty years later, it had found the power to open her heart again.

© 2008 Cynthia Newcomer Daniel

Seed beads. Based on Kepler's Star, a bead weaving pattern created by Gwen Fisher of BeAd Infinitum. Hand fabricated.