Flower Power

Flowers are so much a part of the earths natural beauty....we as gardeners are the "monets" of our own invourment ...we have the creative power to paint our own personal space by using our knowledge of gardening......so join me and let's share some ideas and get started on our journey into the wonderful world of everything from gardening to throwing some great southern parties..........Southern Soup is for anyone ........throw in some travel, great food, wildlife, and some Southen Style and the sky is the limit.....Welcome



Saturday, July 23, 2011

"MAKE A SPLASH"

 So many of us are drawn to water........It seems to connect us to our mother earth.....Millions of us flock to the beaches every year for vacation trying to fill our natural quest to be near water.....Whether it is playing for hours in the swimming pool or dancing in the ocean waves, ........to me, there's nothing like the rhythm of those ocean waves......ahhhhh.... those beautiful ocean waves .......crashing to the shore.......the sound of them magically transcends me to another place,  just as the sound of falling water does.....no wonder we enjoy fountains so much, it mimics the very sounds that still our minds and soothe our souls...
 Whether indoors or out, water features awaken our senses.....The sound of moving or falling water has always been known to be an important part of life.....WATER IS LIFE.....calming the spirit and allowing our spirit to relax and feel a part of nature......
 The word "fountain" in latin "Fontis" means a source or spring.......Garden features are made to mimic the sounds of moving or falling water, with an effortless descent into various types of basins.....
 I could sit on my patio by my garden, and listen to my fountains all day and night....there is nothing quiet like it......the very sounds they make bring a sense of calm and relaxation, like a steady rain on a tin roof in the night......."A Garden Locked....a Fountain sealed....a Garden Fountain is a well of Living Water".....Song of Solomon...4:12.....Fountains and Gardens just go hand and hand....I have several placed here and there....some small and some large....all of which I enjoy so much.....Placing a fountain in your garden is a must....it is the ultimate addition, allowing the still of the flowers and plants to come alive...Even the birds "Make a Splash" as they bathe with delight in a fountains cascading shower....

 If you don't have a fountain of your own in your garden........What are You Waiting For???.....Make your garden come alive ....."MAKE A SPLASH".......and add your own melody of falling water....then sit back.....grab your favorite book......and  RELAX....AAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHH......:D


Wednesday, July 20, 2011

"Southern Nights and Fireflies"




          GLEN CAMBELL sang a song a long time ago, around 1977, called "Southern Nights". Since Glen grew up in Arkansas, he could appreciate a warm and balmy Southern Night....His dad told him once when he was young, that this was the best time of his life and he didn't even know it......I feel that way now.....except I know it very well.....As the heat of the hot Mississippi day gives way to a beautiful star filled Southern Night,  I can't help remembering many Southern Nights of the past myself.......Only in the south as day turns into night, do lightning bugs (fireflies) set the night aglow in perfect harmony, as if conducting their own light show just for me to see.......as a young girl, I spent a lot of nights chasing fireflies, playing with  childhood friends and laying on the ground looking up at the star lit sky............ repeating .....Star light...Star bright.... I wish I may..... I wish I might...I wish upon a star tonight..........only dreaming of the many Southern Nights to come.....excited about the prospect of new challenges and being all grown up......Tonight, as I sit here on another balmy Southern Night, watching fireflies blink on and off in unison, looking up at the star filled night,  I feel much as I did when I was that young girl so many Southern Nights past........I still feel that excitement about the many tomorrows to come and all the memories yet to be made.......on this.......my famous "Southern Night"........Thanks for the song Glen..........

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Magical Beauty at Lands End in "Cabo San Lucas"

                   Welcome to an inside look at my eleven day vacation in Cabo...........


Cabo San Lucas is one of the worlds most unique vacation destinations...I will be sharing with you some of  the highlights and pictures of my eleven day vacation and the endless varied charms of this magical city......Cabo San Lucas is located at the sun-drenched terminus of Mexico's Baja peninsula and is surrounded by the Pacific ocean and the Sea of Cortez with miles of striking dessert terrain, Los Cobas encompasses the very distinct cities of Cabo San Lucas and the older city, San Jose' del Cabo.....The city ignites an energy that permeates from the Sea of Cortez to the mountains above, making you feel as if you have landed in paradise.......views of Land's End can be seen from anywhere you choose to stay.....My family chose to stay at  'Villa La Estancia", with its impeccable accommodations, pampering services, and exceptional  outdoor activities, this 156 suite,  six star,  beach resort offers endless privacy and is located close to the best restaurants, shopping, and nightlife. Our family choose to stay in the 7,000 square foot penthouse overlooking the miles of white sand, with a breathtaking view of Land's End......our concierge greeted us with freshly made margaritas, fresh peeled and sliced fruit with guacamole, salsa and chips......and of course a welcoming smile.........The serene turquoise waters and romantic breezes of the Sea of Cortez lures you to quickly begin your adventure here, as lush majestic palms sway in the breeze and traditional Mexican architecture surrounds you........After soaking up some rays and playing in the sparkling waters of the sea, jet skiing out to see the Arch at lovers beach, horse back riding at sunset along the path that leads to the cliff's beyond....each night our family showered and dressed looking forward to the experience of the cities fine cuisine and nightlife.......we enjoyed world class cuisine at many of Cabos finest restaurants, one of our favorites, Sunset Point, "Da Mona Lisa", known for its majestic sunsets, our dining table was placed outside exotically atop the edge of a cliff jutting out above the picturesque views of the sun setting on the Sea of Cortez..........As we watched the sun set behind the desert mountains, and day turned into night , the city came alive with dancing city lights that seemed to melt into the sea........the experience was beyond magical, and sharing it with my wonderful family is what dreams are made of.......ahhhhhh if time could only stand still...........changeing to a more festive type atmosphere we ventured down towards the marina to a Cabo favorite called," The Office"......This restaurant is located beachside with tables placed right by the sea......you can hear the waves lapping to the shore and the cool ocean breeze blows the smell of mexican cuisine your way....be sure to wear your flip flops, the tables and chairs are set  right on top of the sand..............your met with live music, clowns making balloon figures for the kids and my favorite "Rambo" offering free shots of tequila and a picture of him with you while wearing this big mexican sombrero........great food and a lively atmosphere for sure here...........then there is "Edith's "...........this is a sister restaurant of  "The Office", but with a totally different atmosphere.........Just steps away from the beach, Edith's offers more personal fine dinning .....If walking on the street it would be easy to miss the small sign and door , but once you step through the door it opens up into lush palm tree lined colored walls of burnt orange, teal blues and reds...a tiered thatch roof  ceiling that is amazing, the moon shining right through.....with many lighted lanterns dangling from the thatched roofs and the exotic palms, the music of flowing water from the many fountains placed here and there......creating an ambiance that was totally mesmerizing.....when we first entered, to the left was a huge open grill placed so we could watch as the chef's cooked each and every dish, beautifully decorated to please the eye...so pretty, I almost hated to disturb it.....but........what the heck ..........I dove right in........Food was excellent, experience was fabulous........."Edith's" is a must if you ever visit this enchanted city......your choices for an excellent meal are almost endless.......our concierge helped arrange horses for all twelve of us to ride along the beach at sunset adding to our adventures.....along with jet skiing...playing with the dolphins...topped off with our numerous trips to our fabulous spa ......there just wasn't enough time to do it all......so next trip.....snorkeling and dune buggies are a must........sooooooooo..........if you want to have the time of your life and a change of pace I would definitely advise you to hop on a plane and head to" Cabo San Lucas" where the Pacific meets the Sea of Cortez and bask in this magical paradise...........................I promise it will be a vacation of a lifetime..:D
                                

Southern Rains

Southern Rains
amazing color on a cloud filled day

Rain Drops are falling on my head

Rain Drops are falling on my head
A beautiful rose soaking up some raindrops

red pentas

red pentas
little red stars huddled together

black-eyed susans

black-eyed susans
a ray of sun on a cloudy day

angel wing begonias

angel wing begonias
thank heaven for a good summer rain