My first, ever garden- all organic-and the first "fruit" of my labor only after one week -green bean!  Eggplant, carrots, onions, cherry tomatoes, beefsteak tomatoes & lavender should soon be appearing. In the center of the garden is my dill, chives and sweet basil that I started from seeds indoors. Apparently, some herbs (and flowers-hence the lavender) repel critters & bugs from eating and eventually destroying your veggies. I first plotted off my area for the garden. It is relatively small as it's my first one and I didn't want know what to expect or how it would take. It's maybe 4ft w x 8ft l. I then placed a plastic tarp for a few weeks over this area to deaden the grass. Then the digging (a lot of it!) began~ this was the hardest~ as I dug out all the dead grass and additionally another 4-5 inches deep of dirt. I used two bags of Lambert's all organic garden soil and one bag of all organic cow manure compost. I would have liked to have found horse or cow manure from a local farm, but ran out of time. I used all organic seeds. The entire process maybe cost me thirty to thirty five dollars. I am just so excited. I have always wanted an organic garden and after moving into my house a year ago- I have the most perfect area and backyard. A true blessing. I am an advocate of all natural, pesticide & chemical free and do not even use harsh chemicals in my home. I  only use apple cider vinegar mixed with water & a little drizzle of hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle for most cleaning. My organic garden will save me quite a bit of money as typically my budget doesn't really allow me to buy all organic at the markets. Stay tuned.....I will be posting pictures!

Just living is not enough...one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower. ~ Hans Christian Andersen

Love Saturday morning walks.....Luminous!

Greetings and Happy September!!  Fall.....my favorite time of year. I can't wait to break out my jeans, sweaters and boots and overly indulge in anything pumpkin spiced!  A busy last few months....I underwent some surgery, experienced some minor complications, took some time to heal, re-enrolled to pursue my B.S. in Social Work....along with my full time job, volunteering, an occasional part-time job doing some contract work for a local children's advocacy center, being a mom & managing a home.....Whew......I have been busy and MIA!  I am hoping to carve out ten minutes a few times a week and remember to maintain this blog! It is quite therapeutic actually and allows me to be somewhat creative......which I love!

My view from my front porch......

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September Sky: 

   Hurricane Isaac's Fury:

                                                                                       

        

One of my besties was in town this week. We hadn't seen each other in two years since she moved back to New York and it was just as if we picked up, where we left off. You know those friends- you just click.

Clearly one of my very favorite places to spend time is on my patio. I love my backyard. Silence. Trees. Nature. A simple bird feeder. This is my little nest of complete serenity. 

Easter Sunday

I am so blessed. My children. My mom and I. Easter Sunday. I love them all. ♥

Railroad track fun!

I have always had a thing for photography with trains and railroad tracks.  Well, a short time ago, I went to the Arcadia Rodeo (go figure-hat and boots-this is not my everyday dress!) and I spotted these tracks. So what better time to grab some shots.........and why not, this time, of ME.  I just love the composition of these photos and I had so much fun being on the other side of my lens for once!

Stewart Family ♥

NeedToBreathe Love

Ah. One of my favorite things to do in life. Concerts. How I love these guys, heart & soul : NeedToBreathe at The Ybor Ritz, Tampa, FL~ A night to remember. Front row. I could have touched them...but I didn't. I couldn't...due to security..but that's how close they were.  If you don't know NeedToBreathe; you should. With the sounds of the Banjo; Mandola; Acoustics... The Christian/Pop/Rock band  hails from South Carolina and they have such incredible, natural talent. Their music mirrors good southern rock with a twist of modernism. It's such an awesome eclectic flare, it's hard to describe. The lead singer Bear has thee most unique and mesmerizing voice ever. His brother Bo plays guitar and back ups.  Then there is Seth on bass; Joe on drums and Josh on keyboards. These guys do not even need to use instruments (and sometimes they don't) to be amazing. They can make a drum from a wooden crate...and they do. To get to know them, listen to "Washed By The Water"....this was the first song I had ever heard by them on WAYFM a few years ago and I've been  hooked ever since. I also recommend "Something Beautiful".."Drive All Night"..."Slumber"..."More Time"...."Keep Your Eyes Open"...I have so many favorites. I just love them. I am telling you; you will be hooked. They will be performing at Night Of Joy in Orlando Sept 7th, if you are around, don't miss them- I will be there for sure (my third time seeing them!). You won't regret.  Check them out here http://needtobreathe.net/  and here http://www.thebreathers.com/   I'm a groupie. :)   ps...that would be me and the daughter below....we had so much fun..mom and daughter night.

Everyone loves a fair

Paradise in February

This is why we love Florida in February. 85 degrees in the river district, sunshine, blue skies and dogs that can sunbathe on boats.

If you ever visit the Fort Myers area, be sure to make the downtown river district a top priority. Such beauty and quaintness.  To see more on our historic downtown, go here:  http://www.myriverdistrict.com/

We love birthdays

This little Miss is celebrating her 4th birthday today. She received a bath & pedi in her honor. We thought in the process she was going to have an anxiety attack, but Nervous Nellie survived, just in time for her birthday muffin. She's happy now.

Library books and good intentions

While on vacation last month, my personal goal was to read a book. One book. Seven days of bliss and one book. I had no where to be, had no where to go, no deadlines to meet, and it felt good.  I spent seven days doing whatever it was I pleased. I baked Christmas cookies. I wrapped gifts. I slept in. I took many naps. I watched holiday movies. I spent time with my kids. I sat in my backyard. Just me, my chair, the sun and a book. A book that I chose after a teensy bit of research from a few of my favorite blogs. So off I went to our local library. My list with seven titles. Out of seven, our library had one on my list. I sat in my backyard, reading. Trying to read. Trying to read more. My mind wandered. I heard the neighbors. I heard birds. I tried to read even more. I shut off the radio I had playing as it clearly was distracting me. My mind wandered. After seven days, all I got was to page 28 and a phone call today from our local library. "This is the Lee County Library. This is a courtesy call to you. Our records indicate you have past due library books......"  Gasp. Click. I hung up mid-way. The books. What did I do with the books. Oh yes, the books. They're in my car, in the back seat. They've been riding everywhere with me for the past week or so.....I meant to return them. I meant to read one. I wanted to read one. Now, for the record, I can read some books. There are some books I can't put down. Joyce Meyer for one. I am speaking of novels here. I suddenly feel like I'm back in 1st grade. Over due library books and fines.
Below are my overdue books:   (and my grown boys cowboy boots-size 2- that they each wore when they were 2 years old, one for his cowboy costume at Halloween and the other, just because. I will never give up these boots. I love them....sorry, I just have to toss these in here, because I love them so much!)...see, my mind wanders. Books to boots.
 ps........If anyone has some really good book recommendations for one that has good intentions, but a short attention span........please feel free to leave a comment.......I welcome book recommendations.  Happy Weekend! Happy Reading!

Bulls. Horses. Cowboys. Rodeos.

These are a few of my favorite things. Need I say more. 

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