Peonies

Beautiful Peonies. I wish you could smell them through the computer screen! They are absolutely Heavenly!!! They only bloom once a year (like tulips and lillies) so when they are out, you have to, you must, stop and smell the peonies.
I picked these a couple of days ago and used a recycled drink jar for my vase. I don't think it does the peonies unjustness, but rather brings a spin of old world charm. I had to bring them to my office so I could enjoy them all week long.

Porch Swing and Flowers

AH....the porch swing. So many ideas wrapped up in one little picture - lazy days, salads, smiles, easy times, talking, waving to people as they walk by.

Our family loves the porch swing! We have three porches and they all offer their own quaintness. This one is perfect because it's on the cool side of the house in the summer and gets the perfect breeze all day long. We wave to passers-by and sip lemonade and talk when we are out on the porch. Things magically slow down and I love it!

In the evenings, we turn on the porch light and fan. It glows like it is it's own room and radiates well-being.


These are my favorite little flowers with the most amazing smell. These are Lily of the Valley. They only bloom once a year, so time stops for me when I can appreciate these delicate beauties.

I picked one the other day and rolled the little bell between my fingers to get the most scent. Absolutely wonderful!

So much fragrance in just a centimeter of beauty.

The purple Phlox is also an early bloomer, blooming once a year as well. It's so pretty to see the gorgeous flowers peeking out and then showcased right by the porch.

Splendidly Spring

Every blog I've looked at in the last few days has had beautiful pictures of spring blooms. It's impossible to go by and not notice the amazing flowers out for everyone's pleasure.
Just playing around with the photos...


This is the dogwood in full bloom in front of our little house. The porch is inviting me to sit on the swing and love the spring!

These are crabapple blooms on the side of the house. It feels like you are under a warm spray of bright snow...

Same photo as the top in sepia, but the real thing.

Another view of the dogwood, but with the seasonally retired chimney in the background.

Daffodils or Jonquils

I'm not sure what the difference is but I love them all the same. These daffodils are springing up everywhere, I just happened to catch the early ones (yeeeeee). I have some that are still budding and will pop next week! Who couldn't love these little spring surprises that say lovliness?

And to my late Uncle Kenneth, the skinny, little, hard-working hands-on man...thanks for sharing the delicate placement of all those little bulbs that bloom every year with your strong, worn hands that make me think of you! I know you couldn't wait for your wife to see the peeking of spring.

Hay Bales and Gardens

We are not quite there yet, I realize that, but this is what I crave this time of year! I feel stretched to be inticed by the warm weather and still confined by the cool weather.

I can't wait to see the green leaves and beautiful blossoms in the garden. These are pictures from last year that I look at to help me get excited about the "planning" for this year. Every garden needs a plan even if the plan is one container on the porch with a tomato plant in it. It's funny how pennies on the dollar can make you feel so good.


The hay bales were beautiful but the garden is a source of our food, a test of deligency, and a reward of self-accomplishment. So the question is... Is utility the antonym for creativity? Or... Does utility beget creativity? I think creativity comes from utility and some of the most creative things have come from a spin-off of the most practical items.
How is a garden creative? You might creatively share the harvest, or creatively try a new recipe. You might put a plant on the front porch that brings joy to people walking down the street. I've seen veggies growing out of old coffee cans, beautiful planters, and even old tires. Be creative and use what you have.
These pictures are nature's true colors. I did not enhance any of them. They are generously green...naturally.


My challenge is for you to think about planting something this Spring....don't plant yet...just think about it.
Post in the comment section you think you might plant, and I will give you personal support!!!

Starting Out

Well, it's my first blog post. I'm a little nervous and excited all at the same time. What a wonderful thing to share life experiences and artfull expressions that encourage people to use their talents. Since I don't have an amazing piece to post quite yet, I'll start with the winter wonderland outside the window...