*SOLANUM “Prodigality” This word can mean either excessive spending or bountiful generosity. I suspect this floriographer had the second meaning in mind, as this is the plant family which gives us, among other things, potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants. No, I’m not sure why the other floriographers have ignored the tomato and the eggplant. NoContinue reading “Ranunculus to You: Solanum to Syringa”
Author Archives: uncleblogsy
Twin Peeks
Being funny on a regular basis is no joke. A man who worked behind the scenes during the Golden Age of radio comedy wrote a book about this, called “Funny Men Don’t Laugh”. Among the issues he discusses is the fact that he and his boss (whom, for legal reasons, he could not mentionContinue reading “Twin Peeks”
Getting a Handle On It
So why is the person in the street who asks you for money a “panhandler”? We were discussing, not so long ago, the difference between a hobo and a bum. Of course, a beggar is someone else entirely. A hobo may have an accustomed route for his travels, but a beggar is often toContinue reading “Getting a Handle On It”
Ranunculus to You: Rosebud to Snowdrop
ROSEBUD “Young Girl” This symbolism ought to be obvious. If you want complication, there is a system of messages which can be sent using rosebuds, agreed upon by just about everybody who goes in for such things. If you present your lover with a rosebud with a stem that has all its leaves andContinue reading “Ranunculus to You: Rosebud to Snowdrop”
Physical Development
Once upon a time, there was…. Well, actually, we have discussed him in this space ere this, so this is probably fourth of fifth upon a time. Anyhoo, once there was an artist named Walter Wellman, who made his mark in the postcard world, producing hundreds of cartoons for the enjoyment of postcardContinue reading “Physical Development”
Food and Whine
All right, all right, all right! I’m glad this isn’t one of those online influencer blogs, which prompts thousands of contradictions each day whenever I write something. But enough people have pointed out to me that THEIR grocery stores still stock the classic frozen orange juice with metal ends on the can, justContinue reading “Food and Whine”
Ranunculus to You: Rice to Rose
*RICE “Happiness, Prosperity” *RICE, WILD “Influence” *RING FLOWER “Marriage” ROCKET “Rivalry” ROCKET, QUEEN’S “You Are the Queen of Coquettes” ROSE “Love” The pioneer floriographers, including Mme. De Latour, leaned more toward “Beauty” for the Rose. “Love” may have originated in Frances S. Osgood’s second book. (She has “Beauty” in the first.) But the twentiethContinue reading “Ranunculus to You: Rice to Rose”
Another Flock of Postcards
There are graphic artists whose work is designed to hang on the wall, and there are artists whose work tends in other directions. Some artists find their niche in comic strips while others find it in magazine covers. Some illustrate books and some customize cars. There are artists known for skulls etched on people’sContinue reading “Another Flock of Postcards”
Going Going Bygone
I wonder, every now and then when I have finished wondering if we will ever own cars as energy-efficient as Fred Flintstone’s, how much longer television will continue. My television provider (remember when you used to just turn on the set?) has let me know I can renew service at a higher price ORContinue reading “Going Going Bygone”
Ranunculus to You, Polyanthus to Rhubarb
POLYANTHUS “Pride of Riches” This has so many rich flowers that everyone assumes it’s proud. POLYANTHUS, CRIMSON “The Heart’s Mystery” Elizabeth W. Wirt calls this the Crimson-Heart Polyanthus, which would explain why the floriographers had hearts on their minds. POLYANTHUS, LILAC “Confidence” Confidence is another word which has almost entirely changed itsContinue reading “Ranunculus to You, Polyanthus to Rhubarb”
Blogsy Babbles 