As far as I know, bee balm is not native to the part of the East Coast where I was raised. When I first saw this “weed” flourishing on the roadsides and the margins of fields in Michigan over thirty years ago, I remember a rapturous sense of discovery- so exotic were its lavender petals and exhuberant foliage. This morning, running with Buddy (our sweet yellow lab/sharpei mix) past lush stands of bee balm, I thought how commonplace such beauty can seem because of mere familiarity. We see things differently when we are traveling on foot. This is so in a suite of Mary Beth Slonneger’s photos entitled “Walking Distance”. Within the few blocks of her Iowa City neighborhood, Slonneger’s keen eye finds subtle color, mystery, and beauty. I’ve just finished installing these pieces in the gallery, and Craig and I invite you to stop by and take a peek!
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Actually, it’s I, Priscilla/Wink who wrote about bee balm. Craig edited my remarks, someone has to, but I’m the part of this duo who knows about such things as bee balm. Also, as a point of information, Craig is from the gentle state of Iowa, and I was raised in the megalopolis that stretches from Boston to Atlanta: the East Coast.
So nice to read about “Priscilla’s Gallery and Studio”…Mandy said you have a beautiful space. I am very happy for you!
We have had a fun couple of weeks with Mandy and Paul and their two dogs (Keechay and Duke), Monkey, their cat…..plus our two cats. Bruce is remarkably tolerant while holding down the company.
Love, Ginny
GINNY! I would guess that there’s not much bee balm in St. Geo., UT. It was great to see Mandy looking hale and hearty, and I would expect nothing but tolerance from the ever forbearing Bruce.
Snail mail soon about life in C.R. after the flood.