Today at RDP, Punam asks us to get
creative with the word ‘variegated’. Thanks, Punam!
Here’s where the prompt word took me.
My Photo
A few months ago, my husband, who is colorblind, surprised me with a Christmas cactus (photo above). The leaves had a purplish hue, something I’d never seen before in a Christmas cactus. My husband thought the plant looked unusual, but he couldn’t differentiate between the green and purple shading. He told me the woman working in the garden center described it as a ‘variegated’ Christmas cactus. I’d never heard of that variety and wondered if her explanation was just a load of horse fertilizer. I placed the plant on a shelf in my sunroom and didn’t give it much thought other than caring for it as I would any of my other plants. This morning I was stunned to see the Christmas cactus had bloomed with the most beautiful red and purple variegated blossoms. Sometimes it’s nice to be proven wrong!
My Photo
NAR©2025
This is “Colourblind” by Van Morrison
All text and graphics are copyright for Nancy Richy and are not to be used without permission. NAR©2017-present.
The Elephant's Trunk 
beautiful flower, great song
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Truly! Thanks, Dylan.
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It’s so
Beautiful
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What a great surprise that was! Thank you, cara
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You’re most welcome
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Gorgeous blooms!😍
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They are so beautiful in person. It’s definitely become my favorite plant!
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A very pleasant surprise indeed, Nancy … whoops, I’m a day behind, I’ve been proofreading my editor’s copy of my manuscript, as my book’s polishing goes on and on …
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It certainly was and I just love seeing those two tone blossoms. No apologies needed here, dear Ivor. There’s no expiration date on comments. 🥰
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Oh, I’ve been flat chat … “E Day” is tomorrow afternoon, with lovely editor, Judy, and we’ll going through the manuscript again … 📖📘😎
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Oh, good luck with that my friend. Forget your specs! 📕 🥸
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I’ll let Judy handle everything 📘😍🌏
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How did everything go today? 📕 🥰
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Later on my friend 📖📘💙🌏😎
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See … I really am confused! 😆
Good luck, my friend! 🤞🏼
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And staying up late doesn’t help 😎
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😂
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Such a beautiful cactus and gorgeous blooms!
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It was such a surprise when the plant blossomed, Lisa. I love the two-tone flowers. Thank you.
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How gorgeous! And what an amazing bloom for your first year!
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Perfect timing! Our sunroom is full of plants and I’m not sure which one is my favorite but this one is right up there. Thanks, Jodi.
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That’s magic!
Nice slice of Van the Man!
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Yes! I agree on both points. Thank you, dear Keith.
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Oh so pretty! My Christmas cactus usually blooms at Thanksgiving, but it is slow this year!
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This one was a real surprise!
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Ooooh… How cool is that? What a lovely gift to have received.
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I know! It’s one of my favorite plants.
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So lovely!
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Merci!
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😘
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Beautiful bloom and what a lovely gift! 🌼 Thanks for the song intro.
“a load of horse fertilizer” haha
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Just keeping it PG! 😂 My husband knows I love plants and they are frequent gifts from him. I delight in taking care of them, something that is, unfortunately, on hold until my hand heals. 🌺 Thanks very much, Michele ☺️
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PG and PC 😅 You’re very welcome! 💐
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They are spectacular when they bloom, I have had one for years and she gives me a display twice a year 🌺and a great track ❤️
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This is my third Christmas cactus but the only one with bi-colored blossoms. It’s really quite lovely.
A new song for me and I was very glad to find it. I’m glad you like it, Ange. Enjoy your Christmas cactus!
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Pretty!
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Thanks, Blue! I love these plants!
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So true, Nancy, it was a pleasant surprise for you. A beautiful post 👏👏💐
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Yes, it really was, KK. Thank you very much; I’m glad you enjoyed my little story.
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I did enjoy, Nancy. Truly my pleasure 🙏💗
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Yay for Van and for your husband! I was leaning towards a ‘load of horse fertilizer,’ too. Now I will be on the lookout for variegated Christmas cactus. Who knew?
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Not me, Lois! This is definitely a first.
I like that song, too, and I think it might be a new one. I’m glad you liked it.
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Your husband picked a real beauty.
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He did good, Jim! I’ve never had a plant with bicolored flowers. This one is a real beauty.
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Beautiful cacti, and sweet nostalgia with Van the Man!
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Thanks very much, Liz. I’m glad you liked this song; it’s a new one for me.
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