As much as I enjoy the making process, there's nothing like the satisfaction of finishing a project.
Especially with long-term projects.
Especially when you're kinda in love with the result.
J's expedition journal is now finished.
I posted two videos this week, one shows the binding process, you can see it here or in my YouTube channel:
The second is a flip-through video where I show all the pages and discuss the story of J (and R), see it here or in my YouTube channel:
There is a lot I could tell you, the story keeps growing in my head, but part of the idea is that you will be able to tell your own version, which could be very different than mine. So for "the great finale" all I'm going to do is post photos of all the pages of the journal and let you look for yourselves.
Bellow the photos I'm adding a list of all the flowers included and their meaning in floriography, plus a transcription of all the texts (I tried my best with the writing, but it's a worn journal after all, so even if the handwrite's okay the text isn't always clear...). I go through all of this in the flip-through video, but I figured some of you might want it written too.
Before I leave you to imagining your stories (I'd love to hear your versions!), I just want to thank you for joining me on this adventure. It was my first try in sharing such a long process and I hope you enjoyed it. I'm a little sad saying goodbye to J, but also very excited about the project I have planned for August, I can't wait to share it, and I hope you'll join me for that too!
Thank you and enjoy the storytelling ;)
xx
Naama
Flowers appearing and their meaning in floriography:
Fern Fascination
Iris Message
Pansy Thoughts
Stephanotis Happiness in marriage
Sweet alyssum Worth
beyond beauty
Lobelia Malevolence, arrogance
Dead leaves Melancholy
Daffodil Regard
Sweet pea Departure, Delicate pleasures
Green
carnation -
Margret's letter:
Dear J-
Three weeks and no word. Your work keeps you
occupied, I am sure, but would you not find time to write a few lines to those
who care for you? The circumstances of your departure are unfortunate, but
please do not imagine they changed my affections. Will you not consider a
change of heart? This cannot be what you truly desire. If-
J's attempt to reply:
I am happy to have
your regards, I only wish I had your support
But
that is too much to hope for
but my presence at
your wedding day can only bring misery. I wish you could understand I
could explain, but this is how is must be. Even if you can accept
forgive me, f others will not. I cannot change my heart more than you
could,
How do I answer
this?
R's note in the insect guide:
I understand.
Please take care,
R.
Note on sweet pea painting:
Through the smoke and morning mists I thought I saw you.
That hazy figure haunts me still.
R's telegram:
Leaving on 23rd. Will you join?
R. Etwood
Note on green carnation painting:
You shrugged and said “I like rare flowers”.
The
smile in your eye was my undoing.
- fin -