Backyard accessories

These are 2 of 3 bar stools. They are roomy and swivel for all around view.

The brown chairs are part of a full set and come with their own foot rest piece not shown here.

This is paradise in the making. We shall be in the water soon.

:-)

Norms, values, and mores

Groups devise values, which in turn influence norms.

click to enlarge

Mores are rigid, and force conformity. Hopefully Tia Carmen will become enlightened.

Grass Land

I am so excited about my backyard grass. It's finally in.

In rolls.

It goes down in rows.

Yep, I feel the grass!

I have never had a yard with grass.

Fantasies and Deadwood

I first saw these cards known as Pondering Pool, at Changing Hands bookstore. I like visual interpretations of ideas and philosophies, and these even come with a touch of humor.

This one is me: "Chopping up useless thoughts... clearing room to dream."

Being one with the earth

I cherish being able to place my hands in dirt, even if my nails take 2 weeks to recover from the experience. The front yard and I have standing dates 2 or 3 times a year. I bring out the trash bags, the cutting tools, the rake, and the broom.

This fern has been with us for years, loving the shady spot it calls home.

This other fern also likes shade, as does the brand new palm that Grasshopper had to have.

These are more of that fern, and aloe.

These yucas have to be thinned out and cleared of the dry, dark pieces. I can sit with it for hours until they look pretty.

I also pitch forked countless ruelia roots away from the walls in preparation for their washing and painting.

It's garden nirvana.

They will call me from the garden

Echeveria (Ruby Blush)

Echeveria

For our ongoing but almost finished backyard project, I envision having a few of these delights. In Mozambique, we were surrounded by lushness, plenty of fruit trees (fig, papaya, lemon, peach, coconut, guava, mango), and many gorgeous blooming bushes. The desert is a bit more challenging. I have slowly adjusted, albeit kicking and screaming as my mind's eye wouldn't let go of the greenery of the east coast. Yet, the desert holds beauty, that the mind's eye can see only if it is flexible.

Hope, Prayer, and Time

Love this song by Julia Fordham. The lyrics are pretty universal. You can find her here.

Stop that now!

Click picture to enlarge.

Couldn't have described this better myself.

Getting Ready for Some Fun

An upcoming opening has prompted us to get supplied with some goodies for summer fun.

Got the goggles.

And the toys. Just a little longer to go.

Togetherness

The where we all shared meals together before, and after you both were gone.

With Love,

ME

Fire as a metaphor

What's burning?

Matrecos

These tables are staples in all Portuguese social clubs and cafes. The sounds of the game are unique.

We are novices, but this level of expertise must take many years to develop.

The game was invented by this guy, and there's also a human version. Some people are really fanatics.

All in all, this is part of my childhood experience which I can share with my family as we did at a party yesterday.

A woman for women

She's one of those people that enriches anyone in her presence. She's an ordained minister in the Methodist Church and it was fun for me, a Catholic raised girl, to get to know her. She's moving back to her beloved Maryland to work here.

Farewell friend.

Dusk in The Desert

This compensates for the unbearable heat found around these parts this time of year.

The Heat is On!

Monsoon season is upon us. Just step outside at 8:30 AM and see how it fells. Gasp, where did the air go?

Note to self: Must carry water bottle.

An African Soul

To my friend who dares to love.

(picture borrowed from her website)

Here she is in Beira, my birthplace. Visit her blog where she shares her love for Africa.

The sun sets in the valley

VBS - A Week of Fun and Learning

A beaker showing a week's worth of good deeds.

Lyrics to a song.

Singing.

The underlying beauty

This object is amazingly beautiful. Can you tell what it is?

Books

When I find myself with some free time to spend as I wish, I find myself thinking only of the bookstore. Being in a book store is like being with a million people who want nothing but to impart wisdom and share knowledge. The books line the bookshelves waiting to to be opened and eager to touch lives. I cannot be without them. They are good company and enrich my heart and soul. They are friends, like the book "Some of my best friends are books" describes.