Tuesday, June 30, 2009

A Perfect Day

The rain has moved on
And left a new day
Nothing seems to move everything is still
It’s just a perfect day

The shadows and light
That move with the wind
Hidden violets grow splashed with summer spray
Just another perfect day

On the wild and misty hillside
Fear is nature’s warning
Hunger here is never far away

And all of this world
Is for children who play
Days that never end
always should remain
Another perfect day

(Lyrics to song by Miriam Stockley
sung by her in the video below.)





Musings from FL zone 10






Sunday, June 28, 2009

My other blog



This is something I've been thinking about for awhile and finally started it this morning. It is called A Treasure Garden of Thoughts, Quotes and Words.

We'll see how it goes.

Have a great week.




Musings from FL zone 10



A Perfect Mess

Over and over again, through recent years we've heard about decluttering. There are lots of books, videos, you tube presentations, etc. on this subject. People have made a lot of money on this subject and people have gotten rid of tons of items from their lives.

Decluttering is a hard thing to do for most people. I know, I am one of them. One thing that has helped here in our little cottage is NOT bringing anymore stuff into it. We no longer go to yard sales, flea markets or thrift shops looking for more to add to our collections. We've decided we have enough. I read lots of blogs, magazine articles etc. and the lure of going to these places is strong. But living in our small space, and with the economy the way it is, it's easier to resist buying these days.

One thing we can't stop buying though is books. We love to read all kinds of sujbects. I found a book that sounded really interesting a few years ago, at a good price, and it's what I will be quoting from in this post.

The book is 'A Perfect Mess' ~ The Hidden Benefits of Disorder. How crammed closets, cluttered offices, and on-the-fly planning make the world a better place ~ by Eric Abrahamson & David. H. Freedman.

******

Messy homes can provide a far more inviting and nurturing environment than highly ordered ones. For one thing, cluttered homes tell us more about the personalities of its occupants than do homes stripped to their carefully arranged essentials. It's the optional, extraneous items we leave lying around that bear the stamp of our quirky inner selves.

All kinds of wonderful, valuable, and useful things get thrown out in the name of organizing. Organizers will tell you to err heavily on the side of chucking out, often offering the justification that if you haven't used the itme in a year it must not be useful to you. This is silly; follow this advice and you'll get rid of items that might have ultimately proved invaluable. A better yardstick than frequency of use is potential value and replaceability.

Part of the problem is that when it comes to getting organized, people tend to think in terms of Big Bang projects intended to utterly wipe out mess. That leads to the mass excising of a large percentage of possessions, which beside making for a potentially painful experience also increases the chances of throwing out things that will be sorely missed. Instead, why not throw out just enough to restore a comfortable amount of space and order, limiting the carnage to those items that prove no-brainers when it comes to telling the junk from the good stuff. There's no place like home for maintaining some some sentimental mess, after all.

As both John Steinbeck and the University of Texas researchers pointed out, our personalities tend to be more clearly expressed in our disorder than in our neatness. When we are being ruthless about ridding ourselves of what naturally accumulates around us and about meticulously straightening out what remains, we are in a sense tidying our identities. The truth is, we are all at least a bit of a mess ~ and all the more interesting for it.

******

So, I am going to work on relaxing more and not stressing about keeping a perfectly, decluttered space to live and play in. We will continue to get rid of 'no-brainers'.

What you see is what you get when you visit, a glimpse into our personalities, quirky, fun, weird. At our age who cares. We are not trying to keep up with anyone. We are trying to just take each day as it comes going with the flow.

That's it from the hot, humid south. I need to get up and wash dishes, enjoying the view out the window, and feeling thankful for my many blessings.









A house is who you are, not who you ought to be.

~ Jill Robinson ~




Heat, humidity, seeds planted

Good morning. I hope all of you are enjoying another gift of a day in this life we are living in.

It is overcast, hot and humid here. We had a few thunderstorms this past week, and some expected later today. All of this rain has caused everything to grow like crazy. I was out earlier this morning to do some weeding, trimming and planting seeds and seedlings. Well, I was only out there about 30 minutes and couldn't take it anymore. My clothes were sopping, as the sweat was flowing.

I did get some seeds of Brunfelsia americana ~ Lady of the Night planted. Another FL gardener recently sent these seeds to me and I look forward to watching them grow and bloom. I can hardly wait to smell their scent which is supposed to be wonderful.

The picture below is not mine, it is from Flowers of India

This is a rare plant, hard to find, and I'm happy to have been given some seeds.

Sweetly Intriguing is the Brunfelsia Americana

In lieu of a chemical or artificial air freshener, the Brunfelsia Americana is a perfect way to create a pleasant fragrance indoors, as well as on your deck or in your yard. Simply trim a stem of flowers and set it in water in whatever room you choose. Guests will love to discuss its captivating scent every time they enter your home! A single flower emits such a robust perfume that your entire house will be bathed in its naturally sweet aroma without using environmentally harmful chemicals.



I was happy to see that a nice fat seedling of the dwarf white orchid tree has come up. This has a delicate, sweet perfume. These seeds were sent to me by another FL gardener. The picture below is from the website link above.




I am looking forward to watching this grow and bloom also. There are several newbies in my gardens I've been watching, grown mostly from seed, one received as a baby plant that was about 6" tall, now it's a couple of feet. They are popcorn cassia, desert cassia, St. Vincent Lilac vine, and Queen's Wreath. I will post pictures when then bloom.

Happy gardening and have a great week.




The seed is hope;
the flower is joy.

Author Unknown





Musings from FL zone 10



Thursday, June 25, 2009

This news has me worried



I read something today that is really disturbing. It was about the national energy tax that may get passed tonight and if it does it is going to hurt us all.

****

This national energy tax would possibly be the largest tax increase in American history, cause gas and electricity prices to skyrocket, and add to our already spiraling federal deficit.

The energy tax would:

1. Reduce aggregate gross domestic product (GDP) by $9.6 trillion
2. Destroy an average of 1-3 million jobs, every year
3. Raise electricity rates 90 percent after adjusting for inflation
4. Raise inflation-adjusted gasoline prices by 74 percent
5. Raise residential natural gas prices by 55 percent
6. Raise an average family's annual energy bill by $1,500 annually
7. Increase the federal debt by 26 percent, which is $29,150 per person

Dan Varroney

****

I try to keep my blog upbeat and positive, but sometimes I hear something that bothers me and this energy tax bill is one of them. The powers that be are making laws and rules that are hurting our country and we the citizens will suffer the consequences.

May God have mercy on us all. We may be in for some really rough times. If so, may we be given the grace and strength to keep on living each day with peace and dignity.

Sincerely,




Musings from FL zone 10





Sunday, June 21, 2009

Bloom Where You Are Planted

Good morning Friends ~ Hope you are having a lovely Sunday. It is overcast this morning. Yesterday it was miserably hot out, feeling like it was in the low 100's with the humidity/heat index. Summer is definitely here.

But, as the title states, regardless of the weather, or where we live, we can all 'bloom were we are planted'.

Here is another excerpt from the book Simple Abundance ~ A Daybook of Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach, about blooming where we are planted.

"I have discovered that if we are to flourish as creative beings, if we are to grow into Wholeness, we must bloom wherever we are planted. Right now, you might not have the perfect career, home, or relationship. Few of us do. But if you have the gift of today, you've got another chance to re-create your circumstances and make them as perfect as it's possible to do with the resources you have."

(click on pictures for larger image)













"Today is the day the Lord hath made,
let me rejoice and be glad in it".




Musings from FL zone 10





Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Encountering the Sacred in the Ordinary




Good morning Friends. Here it is the middle of the week. Today I want to work indoors, 'homecaring'. I read wonderful, beautiful blogs about the lovely, homes and gardens out there and feel like such a 'loser'. Neither my home or gardens are immaculate. I don't see how these ladies can do it all, big homes, big gardens, some have children, some work. I have a tiny cottage, no children, enough gardens, work part-time. Every thing is shiny, pristine, clean, no dust, decorated just right in these blogs and I read in wonder and awe. I am inspired to get up and 'do something'.

Sarah Ban Breathnach also inspires me in her book, Simple Abundance. I recommend it highly as a great read. I've picked it up over and over again through the years for motivation. I will post a few excerpts from the section on the month of May, where she speaks on the home and order.

"With fresh eyes and a loving, appreciative heart, we reconsider our daily rounds. As we learn to savor everyday epiphanies, we encounter the Sacred in the ordinary."

Epiphany ~ a sudden, intuitive perception of or insight into the reality or essential meaning of something, usually initiated by some simple, homely, or commonplace occurrence or experience.

"Everyday epiphanies encourage us to cherish everything. Today a new sun has risen. Everything lives. Everything can speak to your soul passionately if you will be still enough to listen.

Begin believing that the time, energy, and emotion you invest daily in the soulcraft of homecaring ~ carving out a haven for yourself and those dear to you ~ is a sacred endeavor. Life holds no more guarantees for us than it did for our Victorian foremothers. Yet they face the future with full hearts, determined to create a lasting work of art: a happy, secure, and beautiful retreat of love and laughter. ~ We can too."

I will close today's musing with the following from this book.

"While money certainly helps us express ourselves through our surroundings, creating a warm, inviting home that reflects our own personality doesn't have to begin by hiring a decorator or pulling out our credit cards or checkbook.

Today, no matter where or how you live, look upon your home through the eyes of Love. Walk around the rooms and offer thanks for the walls and roof that safely enclose you and yours. Pause for a moment to consider all the women who have lost their homes through death, divorce, debt, or disaster. Be grateful for the home you have, knowing that, at this moment, all you have is all you truly need."





Musings from FL zone 10





Monday, June 15, 2009

Bless You



Good evening blogging friends. Hope your week has gotten off to a great start.

This morning I received a link to a lovely presentation that I wanted to share here with you all. It was a wonderful way to start the morning.

Hugs ~ FlowerLady

Bless You





Musings from FL zone 10.



Saturday, June 13, 2009

Caldwell Pink found shrub rose

Good morning Friends ~ Hope your weekend is a good one.

Today I want to show and tell about a sweet little rose I've had for many, many years called Caldwell Pink.

It is easy to grow, blooms regularly and has a sweet, delicate scent. For more information, please click on this link, Caldwell Pink.






(click on photos for larger image)
























Friday, June 12, 2009

Breathe! You Are Alive

Here it is Friday already. The week zipped by. We haven't had any rain since that stormy weather Sunday. The real feel temperature has been in the low 100's just about every day. Summer is definitely here.

I've started a new garden project, an arbor and will post pictures after it is done.

I came across a real character who calls herself The Tinfoilhatlady on you tube earlier.

Here is one that you might enjoy.

The poem is taken from the book 'Breathe! You Are Alive' by Thich Nhat Hanh.

******




Monday, June 8, 2009

Sunday's Stormy Weather

The storm passed us on Saturday, but not yesterday. Holy cow! It was awful, strong winds blowing the heavy rains sideways, and hail. Not our usual afternoon thunderstorm weather, it was worse. We had a section of privacy fencing blown down, neighbors had trees down, holes from hail in plant leaves are seen all over. I'm thankful we did not have worse, like the folks in the mid section of the country with golf ball and baseball size hail and tornadoes. That would totally freak me out.



Clouds




This is from my chair looking out before the bad stuff came.


Looking out the scullery window, wish I would have gotten pictures when it was blowing sideways when it was at it's worst.


Here I am outside after the storm blew over, to see what the damages were. Front patio off the library. A potted tree blown over.


This is looking north down our driveway. We curbside shopped that huge fish hanging on the fence. I think it is 11' long. It was the only place we had to hang it. I'm a pisces so we couldn't leave this on the side of the road. Although, some of you will disagree. What is she crazy? Hmmm, I might agree with that.



In this picture you can see the driveway is two river channels heading toward the street.



This is looking west along the front of our property. I see that I need to get out there and edge the sidewalk as the one foot swale stuff is overgrown. Last weekend when we had the heavy downpour in a short period of time, the street was flooded so that we had water up over the sidewalk.


This is from our driveway looking southeast, still some storm clouds around, moving northward.



Front path underwater. Rose canes from main garden arbor blown off into path also.




The jacuzzi that I had just cleaned and refilled earlier in the day.

It was so inviting before the storm, dang, look at all that debris in there now.

(It is now cleaned out, thanks to DH and we put the screen cover back on.)



Tork does not know what to make of all the water,

she walked gingerly around the edges, not into wading.



This is inside the secret garden.



I saw my reflection in a window, so here I am in real life.








Saturday, June 6, 2009

Storm Coming

As I was sitting here piddling in my computer, I noticed that the sky had a certain cast in color, and I could hear thunder in the distance, so I grabbed the camera and headed out.

This first picture was from the back of the house, looking east.



This next picture was from up front looking south east. What a treat!



The last picture was looking west, a totally different color of sky.



The storm passed us by after all.

Have a nice evening everyone and a peaceful, healing good night's sleep.






Where the close up pictures are taken


Good morning everyone. It is cooler out this morning after yesterday afternoon's nasty thunderstorm with torrential rains. It is very humid out though, but the rain has been great for our drought stricken part of the country.

After weed-wacking and mowing this week and sweeping paths, I decided to take some pictures of where I garden and where the pictures of my flowers in bloom are taken.

I don't have wide or long vistas. I mostly have hallways and rooms here on our 1/4 acre. Right now there isn't too much in bloom as things have gone through their first flushes. I'm also adding more color by growing things from seed, it just takes a little longer, so patience is required.

Hope you all have a lovely weekend, playing in your gardens or whatever summer projects you are doing.

Please click on the picture below to see a green, summer tour. There are descriptions under each picture in the album. Please excuse the rusty color on some of the white pieces, it is the swampy, rusty well-water that so. FL has which stains everything.











Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Walking Iris - Neomarica

This is a wonderful plant. I don't even remember where I got it, I've had it for years and years. It might have come from the local flea market where I bought plants many years ago. There is a blue one that I'd love to have, but haven't seen it yet. I'll see if any of the gardeners have it in the FL forum I visit.

Here is info I found this morning to do this post.


"As a member of the Iris family from Brazil, there are approximately 15 species of Neomarica found throughout the tropical Americas. The genus name "neomarica" means new 'marica'. Plants in the genus were previously called Marica from the name of a nymph. The Latin word ‘neo’ (new) was added when it was discovered that Marica had already been used to define another genus—Cipura.


The Neomarica is commonly called Walking Iris because the flowering stalks take root after bending over and making contact with the ground. Thus, the iris appears to "walk" as it fills the garden with graceful foliage and flowers. The walking iris is also called the Apostle plant from the belief that a Neomarica will not bloom until the plant has 12 leaves.


The walking iris is produced from rhizomes and forms vigorous clumps of foliage and spring-flowering blooms reaching up to 3 feet or more. The unusual, yet attractive, flowers of walking iris appear to grow out of its sword-like, gray-green leaves. In actuality, the stem bearing the flowers is fanned out, resembling the leaves. These are followed by small plants (or offsets) that make aerial roots, which establish themselves quite easily. The flowers of walking iris also open only for a day and then take a short rest to open again several days later. This rest and bloom cycle goes on for 4-6 weeks."


For more information on click this iris click on Walking Iris

I just took this picture a few minutes ago to show you the leaves. The flower stalk bends over, and when it touches the ground starts rooting. This plant is in a pot with Desert Cassia, and yellow million bells. Behind it in the terra cotta pot is Jewels of Opar.




This is a close-up of the flower, which is a couple of inches across at the most.



Hope you are all enjoying the beginning of your summer. It is hot and steamy here once again. I mowed earlier and it's miserable out. There's more outdoor work to do, but that will have to be for another morning.

It looks like we're going to get some more rain. Afternoon T-storms are our normal summer weather pattern. I'm sure glad our drought is over.

Have a nice afternoon whatever you are doing, wherever you are.