Saturday 21 September 2024

Moonflower Murders, Ukrainian Embroidery, and Mabon


Moonflower Murders
My sister got me hooked on last season's Magpie Murders on PBS, a very clever British series involving two completely different but related storylines with dual roles for all the actors. Now I'm watching the new season, Moonflower Murders, which has just started on PBS. It's equally good so far! Any other fans out there?


Ukrainian Embroidery
I've always loved this beautiful artistic expression of Ukrainian culture. This week I finally made it to a local exhibit on its last day to see some stunning vintage pieces (all handwork, of course). Here's the exhibit poster and a few photos I took of my faves --


Mabon
Yesterday evening, I attended a celebration of the Autumn Equinox (Mabon) at a local Unitarian Universalist church. The gathering's special guests were two indigenous elders who led us in some drumming and singing. I enjoyed the opportunity to use my hoop drum again!


33 comments:

Tom said...

...I enjoy many BBC shows on PBS, but haven't watched this one. The embroidery is gorgeous. Blessing to you.

Bob said...

You got me hooked on the latest season of Grantchester so I'm going to check out Moonflower Murders.
The embroider is lovely; it reminds me of the kind that Carlos aunt used to do. Bold colors.

Marie Smith said...

I enjoy Sunday night television on PBS, including Moonflower Murders. Have a great weekend, Debra.

How do we know said...

Loved Ukrainian embroidery. It is so much like central Asian embroidery styles! Even the motifs are so familar! Something universal about flowers, leaves, and embroidery.

Boud said...

Another equinox already. I can't keep up. I like the complications of the Magpie mysteries, so I'll have to look out for this.

Travel said...

A great week, many things to enjoy.

Pixie said...

I'll have to check both of those series out. Thanks for the recommendation. Ukrainian embroidery and pysanka are both so beautiful and intricate. Happy equinox.

Moving with Mitchell said...

You lead a rich and enlightened life! Thanks for sharing it with us.

Liz Hinds said...

You had me at drumming! Love a bit of drumming. I loved Magpie Murders but didn't know there was a new series. Shall have to hunt.

Mike said...

Looking up Unitarian Universalist church in Wikipedia can get you lost for quite a while.

Yvonne said...

I loved the Magpie Murders. I'll definitely check out the Moonflower one. I love all embroidery. It is definitely one artform that takes much patience and a desire to strive for perfection.

Mistress Maddie said...

I loved the Magpie Murders, but for some reason I'm having trouble staying interested in Moonflower Murders. I am however enjoying a show now airing called the Madame Blanc Mysteries with Sally Lindsay. It also has Sue Holderness who played Mrs Rossi from the show, Still Open All Hours.

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ Mike -- Yes, I see what you mean! Try looking up "Unitarian Universalism" instead for a single entry!

Kirk said...

Who'd a thunk you could get some spiritual use out of Scrabble tiles?

Lady M said...

Well aren't you just a wealth of information? I enjoyed the Magpie Murders and will start Moonflower tonight. That embroidery is to die for. Happy Equinox!

Fundy Blue said...

Happy weekend, Debra! I haven't seen the PBS murder series, but I've read both of Anthony Horowitz's books with the same titles. I discovered him as a writer when I found a paperback of his left behind at the Kahului Airport. The embroidery at the exhibit is beautiful, but must be painstaking to do. Your Mabon service sounds like a special event. We have so much to learn from Indigenous people. Enjoy autumn, Debra!

John Going Gently said...

Leslie is adorable I met her years ago , a delightful woman

bobbie said...

That embroidery is GORGEOUS!!!
bobbie

roentare said...

The embroidery is indeed very impressive

angela said...

Such beautiful stitching. Blessed mabon

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ Fundy Blue -- Anthony Horowitz wrote the TV series too, based on his novels. And oh Louise, now you've made me nostalgic for Kahului!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ John Going Gently -- Oh, that's exciting! She is such a wonderful actor and shines in both Magpie and Moonflower. I enjoy her ongoing role in "World on Fire," too, even though her character there is much less sympathetic.

DB Stewart said...

I teach English to adult Ukrainians who have emigrated to our community; they tell me that there has been a huge resurgence in wearing traditional embroidered clothing.

Jamie Ghione said...

The embroidery looks great!

BootsandBraids said...

Magpie Murders had me on the edge of my seat. Looking forward to this new season.

Tundra Bunny said...

Magpie Murders was terrific and I've been eagerly awaiting the sequel! It's finally here and I'm savouring every episode... did you notice Anthony Horowitz' "Hitchcockian cameo" in Episode 1? He floated by Susan Ryland when she was scooping leaves from the swimming pool!

Debra She Who Seeks said...

@ Tundra Bunny -- I certainly noticed the tourist floating by in the pool, but didn't know it was the author, LOL! Thanks for that tidbit of interesting info!

baili said...

my laptop could not load the clip of Magpie Murders ,your description if the series is tempting Debra
i would like to watch some intelligent plot indeed
your embroidery shots are awesome .How pretty this hand art is ,reminds me my mom strongly!
bravo for your drumming my friend
blessings

e said...

I have not yet seen either of those series but they come highly recommended by a friend who is a mystery buff.
My sister-in-law's mother has created amazing embroidered garments and wall-hangings back when they lived in Ukraine and she was working as an aerospace engineer. Her daughter does not do much embroidery but she sewed all sorts of clothing for her kids. Talented needle women, both of them.
Mabon Blessings to you too, Debra. I love the Turn of the Wheel from Summer to Autumn.

Ur-spo said...

Have never heard the word Mabon; hey! I learned something!

Fundy Blue said...

Sorry about that, Debra! I've got to check the tv series. I have my fingers crossed that I can get over to Maui this winter, even if just for a day. Have a good one!

peppylady (Dora) said...

I recall embroidery set of dish towel for an Aunt of mine.

Kathy G said...

I am in awe of Ukrainian embroiderers. The level of detail in their work is amazing.