I wait all year for this.

blue chicory

As I drive (mule-like) , back and forth to my job each Tuesday and Wednesday (in another part of my life I am a “phlebotomist” in a local lab), I cant help but be excited as July nears, and the roadways become cloaked in blue (and pink and purple and white, of course, but mostly blue) chicory.

Its got to be the colour of heaven’s eyes. We were lucky (fingers still crossed since the season isnt over yet) this year and not very much of the roadway was mowed by highways. Long swaths of blue along the curving roads is certainly inspirational, and yet another reason never to leave this valley.  Having observed this flower (some would rudely call it a weed, or even- heaven forbid, “invasive” Im sure) for a number of years now, I see its not just one shade of blue, but occasionally offers darker, and lighter blues and even now and then a white flower. It is in its full glory when the sun comes out, so you wont see it as much in the early morning or evening. Its an artists delight with its spiky leaves and odd angles and does seem to go on flowering for most of the summer.

Pastels of this particular shade of blue  in my collection are usually used up far too quickly. I have discovered that Cheap Joes (in North Carolina I believe) is a store that carries a multitude of interesting materials for pastellists (and every other kind of artist), though Ive also tried Dakota pastels (also in the U.S.) and  am pleased with them too. It’s hard to find good (relatively inexpensive) pastel suppliers. Anyone with suggestions about this, is always welcome to reply!

cheers for now. Back to the toad picture and planning the next excursion………DB