Sunday, 6 July 2025

A Beautiful Hotel & The Orchid Greenhouse Café

Back in 2022 Jonny celebrated his 54th birthday. In 2021 I made him a birthday card showing him trekking around the Kinneret, or the Sea of Galilee, with some friends. In 2022 his wife sent me a photo of a beautiful hotel in Greece that the couple had stayed in and asked me to create a card showing them in front of it. Apparently their room was the one with the balcony, in the centre of the building, and they loved it!
A few months after Jonny's birthday, it was Mizzie's turn to celebrate. It was a short time after Mister Handmade in Israel and I lost our youngest son and I was finding it hard to work, but Jonny knew that my cards were important to his wife, so wrote and asked me if I could perhaps make her a birthday card. He suggested a design showing Mizzie and me on one of our tiyulim (a walk or hike). Every couple of weeks, in the months after my son passed away, we would go out into the Jerusalem countryside for a short walk in nature and then I would find a nice café for dinner. One of our favourite picks was the Orchid Greenhouse Café at Kibbutz Ma'ale HaHamisha in the Judean hills, just off the Jerusalem-Tel Aviv highway. The café is a charming place, set in a greenhouse; half of it is used as a café and the other half an orchid nursery. The dairy and vegan food is delicious and the service is excellent. We have both been back. 
I was unsure whether I could even create a card with me on it or whether Mizzie would want me on her birthday card, but Jonny was sure that she would love it.
I decided to show the two of us sitting in our favourite café, with the beautiful orchids in the background. We are enjoying a cup of tea, or in my case, coffee, and sharing a big slice of lemon cheesecake for dessert (as we once did!). And just to point out the obvious, Mizzie is on the left, with brown hair. I am on the right, with my grey curls.
It turned out that Mizzie was very happy with her card and, as it happened, she loved the Orchid Greenhouse Café so much that she went back there with her whole family on her birthday.
"Thank you so much for the beautiful card, it means so much... You're so creative and talented!" she wrote to me, adding "The Lisa card MADE my birthday!"

16 comments:

hels said...

I love the Cafe in the background. Not just because the architecture is special but because the cafe gives the meal a context. Well done.

VeggieMummy said...

2 beautiful cards. I especially love the one with the cafe, because who wouldn't want to sit in a greenhouse full of orchids eating lemon cheesecake?! xx

Teresa @ My Bookish World said...

This blog offers such a poignant and personal look into your life, blending thoughtful reflections on current events and personal milestones with your beautiful handmade creations. It's truly a testament to how creativity can thrive even amidst challenging times. Thank you for sharing your unique perspective and lovely work!

Kim Carberry said...

What fantastic cards. I love how you have put landmarks in the background and you are on a card too!.
The Orchid Greenhouse cafe sounds like such a gorgeous place to spend some time.

Carol @Comfort Spring Station said...

I love that you're finally in a card. The restaurant also sounds fabulous amid orchids.

Linda's Relaxing Lair said...

What beautiful and creative cards.

Joanne said...

Aw, those cards are fabulous and I love hearing the stories behind them.

Melynda@Scratch Made Food! said...

What a lovely card! I am so glad you could see your way to producing this card, and what a wonderful idea for a beautiful and unique cafe! Visiting from #MMBC!

gluten Free A_Z Blog said...

Your well thought out cards tell the stories of so many people's lives. I love hearing about them and your life in Israel. The card of you and your friend together is very special.

Veronica Lee said...

Both cards are gorgeous, especially the café one.
Dining surrounded by orchids sounds dreamy.

Mami Made It said...

Beautiful cards! I'm always amazed at how similar you can make people with nothing but cardboard and how expressive they are. That's art!

Susan said...

These are so beautiful ~ so creative!!!

Lisa Garfinkle said...

This card is fabulous! I’m always amazed at how you capture so much personality with just a few simple lines. I’ll definitely have to visit that café next time we’re nearby.

EricaSta said...

Understand very well, that doing Art is a fine work for you. Your cards are wonderful with the smiling ladies.
Greetings by Heidrun

Jayne said...

Aw, I love that you finally get to star in your own cards! Hehe. These are both fabulous designs, Lisa. x

Amy Johnson said...

Such fun cards reliving awesome memories!