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



Friday, October 21, 2011

FESTIVE FALL "SOUTHERN SEASONS"

                    " FESTIVE FALL"
"He that sincerely loves nature, finds pleasure everywhere."_Vincent Van Gogh

Here in the south "fall" brings about some true southern style living......After the relentless heat and humidity of summer, the changes that come with fall are definitely one of the south's greatest reliefs......As  autumn moves in and summer becomes yesterday's memories, the atmosphere seems to set us all in a different mindset and mood......I think everyone looks forward to the vibrant colors that fall serves up for our viewing pleasure...The face of the fall wind, the feeling of the cool, crisp air, and watching as the summer's green leaves change into an artist palette of fiery reds, glowing oranges, deep burgundy's , and those beautiful golden yellow's, is just short of a "miracle."   "Festive Fall" is a time of reflection but also a time to look forward.....It's a time of anticipation of the many activities that arrive with it......One of the best gifts of autumn are the fun fresh harvest of pumpkins which are placed at front doors and in our homes to bring in the newest season........I have so much fun collecting different kinds, real and decorative, placing several at my own front door to greet my guest when they visit .....When I was a child, I loved the fall, it smelled different, and it felt so good to be outside again after the long hot months of July and August, even September is "stifling" here in the south.....I dearly loved playing in the leaves that my dad would rake into huge piles, all the while watching as more would float to the earths floor as the slightly chilled winds blew....Here the fall meant the state fair would arrive soon and as a child it was the highlight of the season for me....I could almost smell the food cooking before it would even arrive..........Just knowing that it would be here soon was so exciting....I can taste the cotton candy and  those bright red, sticky candied apples now...........mmmmmm........Once the fair came through I knew that halloween was close behind, when all those small ghost and goblins would be prowling the neighborhoods in the night collecting lot's of goody's, while being greeted by cob webs and brightly lit Jack-O-Lanterns....Then there is Thanksgiving..... A special day to bring my wonderful family all together in one place......... Holding true to Southern tradition, it gives me a chance to cook all the dishes that my dear grandmother taught me how to make....Turkey, dressing, sweet potato casserole, and pecan pie are a must in the south.......yum...yum...This is certainly not a time for dieting that's for sure...lol....As families from all over America come together to dine and give thanks, I can't help but have a grateful heart ......."Festive Fall" ...........What a great time of year....There seems to be such harmony in this season....Spring might wake up the earth and bring us brightly colored flowers..........but Fall.........Fall brings it to an end with a melody of mosaic color, before the stark contrast of the winter's icy chill...........So, today, I give thanks for "Festive Fall" a most magical time of year..........I wish all of you beautiful colored landscapes, pumpkins, cotton candy, sticky candied apples, brightly lit Jack-O-Lanterns, and a wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with your loving families..........
"Now, call your friends and join together with family, then get out there and enjoy some "Festive Fall"fun...

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

"SOUTHERN SAYINGS"

WHILE HAVING LUNCH TODAY, I OVER HEARD SOMEONE AT THE TABLE NEXT TO ME TALKING, NOT THAT I WAS EAVESDROPPING, THEY WERE JUST TALKING VERY LOUD .........A SOUTHERN GENTLEMEN SAID: "WELL, THAT GUY WAS RUNNING AROUND "LIKE A CHICKEN WITH HIS HEAD CUT OFF" (confused) BUT HE DIDN'T HAVE A "SNOWBALL'S CHANCE IN HELL" (not very likely) OF FINDING THOSE GIRLS AT THE FAIR LAST NIGHT"............ 

Thursday, October 6, 2011

"SOUTHERN SAYINGS"



"The South Is Where My Heart Is" 
Since I  was born and raised in the south, "Southern Sayings" are something I grew up with.....When I use some of these sayings, usually I  don't even realize that I do it.....Just last night I was talking to my daughter about something and I began to notice some of the southern sayings she used as she was so intensely describing her day ......... She was saying things like "THAT DON'T MEAN A HILL OF BEANS" and "HE TALKED MY EAR OFF".....when she was finished talking, I asked her if, in fact, she realized that she had used those particular "southern sayings."  When she looked at me funny,  I reminded her of a few of the one's that I noticed .."That don't mean a hill of beans" and "He talked my ear off".....she said "Did I really say that?" I asked her if she even knew what they meant...she said, "well no".....and with disbelief she wondered why she even said those things...........lol........


 As we both literally cracked up, I decided that a few times a week I was going to post  a new "Southern Saying".........When most of these sayings are used, us southerner's don't even bat an eye......I will be listening for them as I converse with all my southern friends and family ......Not only do we use these metaphors,  but the style with which we use them is priceless.....You have the good ole' southern boy sayings  like, "Till the cow's come home" or "Hold on to ya britches" and then there is the true Southern Belle sayings .............Southern Belle's were known as the more elite women of the south and developed their own sugary way of purring their words as if they were dripping with southern molasses....lol........like "I  doooooooo declare shuugah"  and always asking someone "well honey, "how is yor mamma"? ........or  "Ya'll come back now,  ya here".....One style is as funny as the other...So every few days I plan to share  a "Southern Saying" for you to enjoy, if you are from the south,  then I'm sure you will recognize most of them.....NOW YOU BE SURE AND CHECK BACK WITH ME YA HEAR...................................................................

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