"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

"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..........

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
                                

"GOT SOMETHING TO SAY"

Since I have a lot to say..........I find it so much fun to have yard signs in my garden....you know the ones like "Home Sweet Home" and "God bless this Garden".....except I really enjoy the funny ones the best....when guest come to visit, they find themselves reading the short messages out loud...and when one has been found, as they wonder through my gardens, I enjoy watching as their eyes search for another one that might be on the next tree or fence post.......and much to their delight, they do find many tucked here and there........One of my bunko friends once told me ....."You know what I love about your garden ....... you just never know what your going to find.....I was amused..............I love hiding my "Got something to Say" signs all over my gardens........My favorite sign is the picture of one I choose to share on the post that says......"Choosing a dog may be your only chance you get to pick a relative" now isn't that so funny..........and so true.... another one of my favorites says...."WINE DRINKERS WELCOME, beer drinkers by appointment only"...LOL.....soooooo next time you are out and about and you come across one of these little signs with messages on them ......why don't you have some fun...and add a few to your garden to........after all......us gardeners have always ..."Got something to Say".......

Pretty Flowers and Pretty Food.......

Salad Recipe - Romaine Lettuce-cherry tomatoes- mandarin oranges-sliced pears-strawberries-cucumbers-sliced almonds-black olives-green onions-walnuts-feta cheese (optional)-pour a little pear juice from the can over top........ serve chilled with Walnut Raspberry Vinaigrette dressing-Delicious!

Flower arrangements and food go together like flowers and romance....When I have dinner for my family, I like to include flowers from my own garden whenever I can .......adding some candles here and there, even when it is daytime , adds to the beauty of the meal.......Bringing my family together to have dinner is so rewarding to me so I make it a point to make it an inviting experience....flowers are not just for dinner time either, as we all know..... I can't imagine not loving flowers for any occasion......Striking and creative arrangements are simple to make,  whether picked from your own yard or bought from the super market......you can create beautiful arrangements to enjoy......You don't have to have special occasions to have pretty arrangements sitting about.......not having a reason at all is sometimes when we enjoy adding flowers somewhere in our home the most......DO IT FOR YOU...you don't need classes to design arrangements, you just need some motivation mixed with a little inspiration :D.........A small vase of flowers placed by your bath, along with a scented candle flickering nearby can have a soothing effect on the most weary of souls.....If you are an avid gardener like myself, then the sky is your limit....remember ....cutting your flowers makes growing them back something to anticipate...........So pull out your favorite vase or a pretty glass and stuff it full of greenery and blooms....add the flicker of candle light ......sit back in a comfortable chair.......take a deep breath and feel blessed that life is sooooo beautiful......:D
                                                   

Southern Nights......Southern Lights

Creating an ambiance of lighting outdoors is as enchanting as a magic trick that captivates a crowd.....Star light , Star bright,  let's light up the night.......

I love spending time outside in my gardens, sitting on my comfortable wicker chairs, a book and a glass of pinot nior.........it is the most peaceful time of the day for me, so when I planned my outdoor decking I made sure that it was just as inviting at night as it is during the day.......So I designed a plan for 'lighting'. I conjured up a mesmerizing evening setting with quick and easy lighting......tiki torches, pretty candles and flower shaped torches, along with trees strung with rope lighting leading to the evening sky........in the distance a light iluminates a large gold moon hung high up on a tree trunk with shooting stars of metal to view from the outdoor seating......a flower oasis is aglow with a tall tiered fountain filling the night with the music of it's falling water......the lights, the sounds, the moon and musical water fountains........Southern nights, Southern lights, just how it  should be......so light it up, grab a book and a glass of pinot nior,  kick back and enjoy the ambiance of the night......

"Southern Rains"

There is a song called "SOUTHERN RAIN" written by Roger Alan Murrah and sang by Mel Tillis.

     SOMETIMES MY SOUL GETS WEARY AND MY MIND BEGINS TO WONDER

     AND LIKE THAT OLD TRAIN 'THE HUMMINGBIRD' IT GOES TO ALABAMA

     THEY SAY THAT HOME IS WHERE THE HEART IS DOWN IN DIXIE

     AND WHEN YOU GO DOWN TO DIXIE YOUR HEADING FOR HIGHER GROUND....

                                                      "SOUTHERN RAIN"

     LIKE SUNSHINE IT'S A BLESSING SENT FROM HEAVEN

                                                     "SOUTHERN RAIN"

After weeks without a drop of rain......today the showers came......I have lovingly watered my beautiful garden flowers daily and with each day have prayed for the wonderful Southern Rains.......today, falling from the sky like beads from heaven.......my flowers whispered a sigh of relief in the wind......

      I FEEL BETTER WHEN THOSE SOUTHERN WATERS HIT ME

      LIKE THE SUNSHINE, IT'S A BLESSING SENT FROM HEAVEN

                                                        "SOUTHERN RAIN"

      THEY CAN WASH AWAY YOUR CARES IF YOU LET THEM

                                                        "SOUTHERN RAIN"

I hope you enjoy my rain kissed flowers.......I know they enjoyed the rain with each droplet that clings to their pretty petals.......I bow my head and thank GOD for those SOUTHERN RAINS...........