A Celebration with Sunflowers

 In 1867, suffragists in Kansas adopted the sunflower — the state flower of Kansas, as a symbol of their campaign.  From then on, yellow — and gold, became associated with the national women's suffrage movement.

It was described as “the color of light and life, is as the torch that guides our purpose, pure and unswerving.”

Elizabeth Cady Stanton used it as her pseudonym when writing articles for the first women's newspaper “The Lily.”

In the 1867 Kansas campaign, supporters wore yellow ribbons in commemoration of both, suffrage and the state flower.  Gradually, it became the symbol of suffrage nationally.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment, and, because I so enjoy sunflowers, I'm dedicating this lunch to this beautiful flower.

The botanical name for the sunflower is Helianthus Anuus — “Helios,” meaning sun and "Anthos" meaning flower, and it is related to the daisy family.

Some of the most common meanings ascribed to sunflowers are long life, faith, loyalty and vitality.  The suffrage movement chose well.

I prepared Chicken Farfalline Salad, with corn, scallions, and red peppers, with fresh Parmesan cheese lavishly grated on top, a simple salad to celebrate an enormous achievement in American history, and for women.

An interesting tidbit, Farfalline is the miniature version of farfalle, which means “butterfly.”  I'm delighted with the idea of these beautiful flowers being surrounded by butterflies — a powerful combination of the strong and the feminine.  Let's celebrate this vital achievement by voting in these upcoming elections!

Flatware:  Napoleon Bee, by Wallace

Black dinner plates:  The Dollar Tree

Rattan Chargers:  Pottery Barn

Amber Water Goblets:  Mikasa French Countryside in gold (discontinued)

Wine glasses:  The Dollar Tree

Napkins:  Sferra in Marigold

Napkin Rings:  Houzz

Sunflower Pillow:  Pottery Barn

When your son sends you a picture from Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, while hooked up to an IV because he's dehydrated.  He and his team worked four hours outside with a heat index of 130º Fahrenheit.

Let's all take a minute to be grateful for our troops — and our air conditioning units.  As a mother, I'm also sending up a prayer of gratitude that he's okay.

Happy birthday to my very own Apatosaurus —

The gentlest of giants!

I love you, Lee!

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

 A refreshing summer salad and main course, all in a single glass.

Happy Sunday!

Flowers, and music, and bees, oh, my!

And tea!  Oh, my, my!  All from Australia!  Thank you to a dear Facebook friend, Dewita Carson, for this unbelievably thoughtful card and tea bag that have traveled halfway around the world!  Your card reminds me of how much goodness there is in the world, and how worthwhile life is, and how much we should treasure friendships!  You are an angel!

The hydrangeas are from my garden!  We finally got some blooms this year!

The description on the teabag says: "A fruity mango blend with Australian Native Plants and other ingredients that have been recognized to help relax and calm the mind.  This blend is designed to help you focus on the positive aspects of life."  I'll take it!

Dewita enjoys creating multi-media art, like in this card . . .

Always with her audience preferences in mind . . .

Here's to friendship and the land Down Under!

Positive

 

Let's not be positive this year . . .

The Frog Prince Is Having a Tea Party

You may recall an earlier Tea with the Prince, in which I introduced you to His Royal Highness.  Well, it seems like he's done it again.  He's hosting yet another tea party!  I'm beginning to find that the Prince is a bit of a troublemaker, and when he and his friends get together, there are some interesting goings on in the court.

This time, not only has he brought his usual entourage . . .

But he's also invited some new guests, including Prince Cornelius, the Chameleon, from the nearby Pond Kingdom of Williams-Sonoma . . .

Prince Cornelius has been a worry from the very beginning.  Out of 8 napkins, only one had his image.  I wonder if he was getting rid of the competition.  And now, I'm not sure I've enough cucumber sandwiches on hand to satisfy his appetite.  He seems to be eyeing the guests suspiciously . . .

Some of the guests seem to have decked themselves out in all their finery . . .

Miss Bee is standing scandalously close to that frog - and with no chaperone in sight!  Fly, Miss Bee!  Do not stay too close to that ne'er-do-well!

Everyone is anxious for a spot of tea, and they are staying very close to my new Botanical Porcelain Duo Teapot and Cup, a gift from my husband on our recent anniversary . . .

They hope I may be serving my preferred Oolong tea, but I'm not sure if caffeine is the thing to have this crowd imbibing.  Perhaps a nice, soothing cup of chamomile would be best.

Uh-oh!  Prince Cornelius is getting ready to pounce!

Here, Your Highness, have some of my Cucumber Sandwiches!  I have plenty, and when you are done, I'll read you a story . . .

Once upon a time . . .

Shrimp Cobb Salad

I love salads, and, in the summer, I really indulge!

 No recipe needed.