My best times in the garden happen in the early morning: Dew-kissed strawberries, slow bumblebees (an oxymoron, I know) and flowers backlit by the new-day sun.
New-day sun. Brother sun. Makes me think of the 1972 movie, Brother Sun, Sister Moon — the story of St. Francis of Assisi. Directed by Franco Zeffirelli with soundtrack by Donovan. When the movie arrived in our little movie theater in Lakewood Center, Washington, I went to see it with my friends. Then with Mom. “That’s the story of St. Francis,” she announced as we left the theater lobby. “Really?” I knew nothing about saints and wondered if they were real people and if I could ever be like them.
As for the movie, I was so captivated by it, I went to see it again. And again. So many times I lost count. To avoid using up all of my allowance, I snuck through the side door of the building with my cassette tape deck under my coat to record the songs during the movie.
I’ve watched the movie probably 30 times. If you haven’t seen it, I’ll watch it with you.
But I digress. Terribly. Here is the image from this morning’s stroll through our oceanside garden. Our B&B guests weren’t up yet. A quiet time for me.
I’m Marion Owen. I work, relax, and love life in Kodiak, Alaska. I’ve worked on research ships, created photographs that hang in The Smithsonian, given up cheese and meat, and enjoy watching bumblebees and snowflakes. And somewhere along the line, I co-authored the New York Times bestseller, Chicken Soup for the Gardener’s Soul. I’m learning how to not do too much. To be authentic, embrace joy, and not burn the oatmeal.
Thank you for being here,
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Jayne Hurlbut
July 3, 2014 at 9:29 AMHi Marion, I took your recommendation and checked out the movie from the KCLS. I had never even heard of it. I travelled with Marianne Binetti and friends to Assisi where we stayed at the Ideal Hotel for a week and visited many of the ancient landmarks seen in the movie! You would enjoy the visit too I’m sure! Your news clip with Marty on Kodiak, your BnB, gardens and cooking all call for Clarke and I to visit you.
marionowen
July 3, 2014 at 9:33 AMHi Jayne… on this sunny day on Kodiak Island, your comment popped up just as I was heading out to the garden. Yes, Marianne Binetti is a wonderful energizer bunny — a bundle of positive energy for sure. Truly, it would be a pleasure to share Kodiak with you and Clark. If you love wildflowers, mid to late June is great. Send me a note to my [email protected] or call my cell 907-539-5009. Meanwhile, cheers and blessings to you, Marion
Eva
June 23, 2014 at 9:18 PMLovely photo of the poppies, Marion! I agree with Robin wholeheartedly – your photography does keep getting better and better! It was a happy day when I stumbled upon your gardening and photography talents : ))
As for the movie, I remember seeing it in college, at one of the midnight weekend specials. It moved me greatly then, and I’d love to see it again. May have to travel to Kodiak and take you up on that offer….
marionowen
June 24, 2014 at 11:01 AMOh, thanks Eva! And yes, bop on down to Kodiak for a movie viewing. I have friends here in Kodiak who are suggesting a potluck movie-dinner this winter. Cheers and blessings to you. And hey, my 2015 calendar just arrived. Beautiful.
Eva
June 24, 2014 at 12:22 PMCan’t wait to see the new calendar!! Thanks for the update : )
Debra Slagle
June 22, 2014 at 12:41 PMI love the blue poppies. So beautiful. I live in Ohio, zone 5. I am going to check into these for next year. Also, I am going to watch the movie. Never saw it. I was in my 20’s in the 70’s, but was busy working and raising a kid and a husband, so I missed it. Thanks for beautiful post.
marionowen
June 24, 2014 at 11:02 AMYou are most welcome, Debra. Ohio might be a tad hot, but you can always try. As for the movie. Well worth seeing again.
All the best to you, and thanks for the inspiration. Cheers, Marion
Robin
June 21, 2014 at 4:33 PMYour photography gets better and better and it is an honor to let us readers watch your progress. This one of Blue Poppy — spectacular. Thank you for sharing.
marionowen
June 22, 2014 at 11:05 AMAnd thanks, Robin. For fun, you might enjoy this TV clip where I’m featured on a morning show: http://www.ktva.com/exploring-kodiak-with-marion-owen-872/
Deborah
June 20, 2014 at 6:38 PMI, too, loved Brother Sun, Sister Moon – a powerful and poignant film, simply told. I’ve been talking about it this past year and no one has heard of it before or seems interested in the story. I’m glad you raised it up a level in the common consciousness.
Any recommendations for good seed suppliers for the blue poppies?
marionowen
June 20, 2014 at 10:13 PMI grow the “standard” meconopsis and a variety I was told was “grandis.” I’m happy to save seeds for you from either one, but you’ll have to remind me! Here is a link to one line of seeds. http://www.swallowtailgardenseeds.com/perennials/meconopsis_poppy.html#gsc.tab=0
So how fund to meet a fellow Brother Sun, Sister Moon fan. I’m often surprised at how few people have seen it. One more thing, if you can get your hands on a used copy of Saints Who Moved the World (I’ve also seen Saints That Moved the World). I’m convinced that the director read the account for the film. The book was written in the 40s and covers the lives of 5 saints. Amazing accounts.
Les & Pat Tremaine
June 20, 2014 at 5:03 PMThanks so much for the beautiful photo of your poppies. Yours do better than mine and I always have to replace 2 each year that don’t come back here in Palmer. I only have 4. We are having 70+ weather today and sunny and plants are almost a month ahead of schedule. We still talk about our trip to Kodiak in 2006 and the great weather (except for our halibut trip) and the fun dinner cruise and seeing your garden. Pat Tremaine
marionowen
June 20, 2014 at 10:19 PMSo good to hear from you! We just returned from tonight’s dinner cruise. Beautiful sunshine. Our season is a good 3 weeks ahead as well. What will our fall season be like? Big hugs, Marion