March the month of the flowers

March this year was one of the saddest months I have ever experienced.

It is not only the remembrance of my dad who passed away 19 years ago and I still miss him so much.

It was also that we had in the family more doctors' appointments and tests to do.

And there were also some more sad things which I am unable to mention in public right now but I will share in due time when things clear up.They were events that proved to me that there is so much hatred in this world, so many mean people around us unfortunately.

So in order not to make this blog post morbid I will focus on the beauty around me as I try to catch it and feel it through my senses and my camera lens every day.

March is the month of flowers for me.The month started with a walk at the park and as the sun was shining and the trees were blooming I felt so relaxed.

 While walking around the park I spotted little red and white bracelets hanging from the trees. They were probably made by volunteers for people to take and wear as the custom is here for March.

So I took one too and wore it all month along with the one I made for myself. I made a similar one for a colleague at school.

The LOVE one is the one I got from the tree.The butterfly one is the one I made and the next photo is the one I got from a colleague.

That day at the seafront the horizon wasn't very clear but still the athletes were training and made such a difference.

As winter this year was exceptionally bad all of my plants were frozen to death! So I cleaned the balcony, threw away all old plants and pots and rearranged things. I also planted a few new plants to add colour and freshness to the balcony.

 So every day I go out to the balcony and look at my plants.

 I talk to my little gnome gardener.

 I take lots of close ups.

 I even use my macro lens to reveal details. Doesn't this look like velvet?

 My pansies planted inside an old pot that had broken have grown a lot.Now the gnome gardener is sitting under them in the shade.

 Look at all this colour and detail. Pity these flowers don't last long.

 But I love looking at them from inside my bedroom.

 And  I love using them as prompts to take more beautiful photos. Doesn't this Maria Kanteraki doll look great with my flowers?

 And this beautifully smelling carnation looks so great with my daddy's photo.19 years in the end of March since he died and I miss him all the time more and more.He loved flowers.He planted them everywhere.He wanted a house with a garden and since he couldn't have it, he opted with a flat with a balcony and filled it with plants in pots.I didn't get his green fingers or my mum's and definitely not his talent in pastry making.He made amazing cakes, his strawberry birthday cake was my all time favourite. He made delicious baklava.I never managed to make it myself but still I am the confectioner's daughter!

In March we spent a weekend of performance at the town of Kastoria with the Teacher's association Drama Club.You can read all about it here in this blogpost.

 March is the month of the National Holiday on the 25th.I put the flag out.

And we ate the traditional cod nuggets made by my mum with the family.

 We walked the seafront more.

 We also had one more performance for the Social Clinic. Unfortunately not many people came.

In March I only had time to attend one theatrical performance. It was "Skinothysies" by the group ProvaTaMesanyhta where my friend Christina takes part. The performance was excellent. I especially loved the talented Giota (the girl in black).She is an amazing actress. My friend Christina made the lovely costumes. 

 I wanted to congratulate her for her whole effort as she is so talented and stitched this little sheep for her. The pattern is free from La Comtesse & le point de croix.

 With school we spent a day at the park and it was such a bright day.

And of course I spent some time at Koumpi Coffee and crafts cafe making lavender sachets for Syzoe with the guidance of Anna of In My Closet.

 These are the ones I made and gave to the charity.

March at school. Our talented Art teacher made these lovely Kyra Sarakosti dolls for every class.

You can read about the custom of Kyra Sarakosti (Mrs Lent) here.

She also made lovely decorations for Spring but I unfortunately didn't take photos of them all.

We celebrated the 25th of March at school too. Some children were dressed up in traditional costumes.

Barca in March was as always very very sweet.

She seemed to enjoy the sun so much.She missed it too as much as we did.

In March I read

and loved all books.They were bought from Merimna bazaar last year.

In March I stitched lots of Easter eggs.These two I found as a pattern in an old Cross stitcher magazine. They were for cards but I adapted them into ornaments.

 I also stitched this for an exchange organised by dear Kaye of Kitten Stitching. I don't know if this has been received yet. I found the pattern for free at Snowflower Diaries blog. I adapted it into a framed ornament.

 I also stitched an Easter card from pinterest.

 Here are a couple of photos of the sheep.

 I also stitched more eggs. This pattern is from a Hama beads pattern which I adapted into cross stitch.

In March the mail brought a card from beautiful Skiathos island and two cross stitch magazines from the Netherlands from my dear friend Frieda.

Also I received a gift for Barca from the talented Katerina of beh1nd. Barca really loved it.

I also received another gift, this lovely frame in which I put my wedding photo with the men of my heart!

I didn't attend my ceramics course in March due to other responsibilities and chores. But I went one day and brought back home some more of my things that were ready.One more dish, a set of coaster and some little items that I will use in future.

In March I bought Daphne's Diary again.

In March I gave away these chairs I had collected from the curb to people who will make something beautiful from them! I am eager to see what they will make. I am in  a decluttering mode.

 This was my desktop during the month. Geninne always catches the spirit of the season!

 I hope you had a great March and that you are enjoying Spring as much as we do here!