Tale-ing Fragments #11: Expedition log - fin

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          -

Texts appearing  in the journal: 

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:

Dearest Margret, 

It is comforting to know that my own sister does not despise me for

I love you with all my heart, but what do you know of desire?

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 -