I remember her sitting close to the window in the sunroom at the ranch near Bailey with views of mountains pouring in along with the morning sunlight. I stepped in closer to get a better look. She was stunning and vibrant; looking much younger than her untold years. Artists wanted to capture her essence in whatever medium they worked. Men and women alike were taken with her, often pausing to question her roots; her origin and genealogy. The sight of her evoked thoughts of tropical surroundings, and the romance and elegance that went hand in hand in the dreaminess of it all.
The idea that beauty existed in such rare form without the whole world having knowledge was difficult to comprehend. A sight certain never to be forgotten by those of us there that day.
On many occasions since my first meeting with Mrs. Jimmy Spangler, the thought of her crossed my mind, and I found myself wanting to see her again. On warm spring mornings, and hot summer afternoons, I wished for her company. As I drank my first cup of coffee gearing up for the day's work ahead; or reviving myself with a tall glass of iced tea and taking cover from the heat of the day; my imagination placed her in my presence.
Funny how it seems that when someone or something disrupts my flow of thoughts, that same someone or something will materialize in some fashion. A phone call from out of nowhere, a de'ja vu type sighting; or a chance meeting while out and about. The latter was my reconnection with Mrs. Spangler.
On my way to one destination, I changed my mind at the last minute and pulled into another. The garden center drew me in for some reason, so I began to browse. I didn't immediately recognize her, and bent down for a closer view. I wondered how long she'd been sitting there, since I had already passed by a time or two. Her name tag read "Mrs. Jimmy Spangler." I couldn't believe it, and gently scooped her up into my arms. She was charming and alluring, just as I'd remembered.
I brought her home with me. Neither of us are sorry about that, even as closer inspection revealed that
my Mrs. Jimmy Spangler is a miniature offspring of the specimen I'd seen the first time. She lives in a smaller sun room with a view of the city. But, it's the same sun streaming in, and she is mine just the same. In time, she will blossom and fill new eyes with her wonder.
The "Mrs. Jimmy Spangler" Hibiscus, is a tropical plant that thrives in full sun. Distinguished by flowers in hot pink with a yellow edge. Vigorous growth and a profusion of color are produced when exposed to full sun and heat. Requires lots of water and good drainage. Excellent for patio planters.