Why Is It So Quiet - Mack Bailey & Rachel Levy.mov

What In The World Is IT?

Ikebana – Japanese for arranged flower.  Wikipedia says…More than simply putting flowers in a container, ikebana is a disciplined art form in which nature and humanity are brought together. Contrary to the idea of floral arrangement as a collection of parti-colored or multicolored arrangement of blooms, ikebana often emphasizes other areas of the plant, such as its stems and leaves, and draws emphasis toward shape, line, form. Though ikebana is a creative expression, it has certain rules governing its form. The artist's intention behind each arrangement is shown through a piece's color combinations, natural shapes, graceful lines, and the usually implied meaning of the arrangement.

The container is a key element of the composition, and various styles of pottery may be used in their construction.

But our customers have come up with some humorous ideas of what it is.  Makes for a lightened day and gets the conversation going.  How about a potato baker?  Or a Lemon Reamer? 

And why is the “spiky thingy” to hold the flowers called a frog?  In short it seems to be a slang term which was in common use by the 1940s. Company catalogs never referred to the items as frogs. They were flower holders, arrangers, or blocks. Only rarely did the term "frog" occur in a patent.  Best guess-- The metal holders sit in water like a frog and are called by the Japanese kenzan.  The name kenzan literally means sword mountain.


I'm thinking though of trying it with the potato!

Where's Cora?

Owning Crescent Moon is the best job Mike and I have ever had.  We get to meet so many interesting folks from all around...and Wednesday even a mascot!  What fun.  Have you spotted "Cora" the armadillo yet?  She has been traveling around with her adopted family, The Hendersons from Tulsa, Oklahoma.  I first bumped into them at the Dahnhardt entrance of the Cotton Exchange with Cora perched on some logs having her picture taken.  Learned then that she was the family's traveling mascot for this trip.  On my way running some errands I went.  An hour later Cora and Dad Willie, Mom Barbara, and Daughter Sarah appeared in Crescent Moon and of course I exclaimed...boisterously "oh can I take your picture with Cora here?"   Anything for a little fun with our customers.  The Hendersons have come to visit us in the past.  Cora has been to their family reunion in Raleigh, at the beach, several restaurants, attractions and even a little glass shop with a loopy owner.  Her next stop?  Duke University.  WooHoo that little armadillo is getting around.  By the way armadillo is Spanish for "little armored one".

Thank you Henderson Family for  making us smile and being good sports.  We can't wait to see who accompanies you next trip.