Garden Party

February 26, 2012

"More Than Anything I Must Have Flowers, Always Always" Claude Monet

It's time to plant Sweetpeas!

At least the first planting. Soak your seeds overnight first...not that it's not wet enough outside. Sweetpeas love cold weather!

And they give me hope that the sun will shine again. Last summer berries and Sweetpeas from the garden.

No fancy trellis to string them is needed. We had a storm last week...perfect for a Sweetpea arbor. Last year I used tall corkscrew willow ;)

And you can grow just all shades of pink if you want. Last year I chose pinks and whites. So, remember to plant some Sweetpeas! You'll have armloads to bring inside and to share. And the fragrance...you'll be so glad you did.

Dreaming Spring.

deb <3

February 23, 2012

A Flowery Visit With Brides Past, Planning With Brides For Spring And Summer...

This was originally a very rustic little beach cottage that we transformed into the Brides's cottage for a beautiful wedding on Camano Island last summer.

A peek inside...the chairs were painted on the front porch! ;)

A beachy romantic transformation, the shore is just down the hill.

Brandon and Daisy's wedding. Also my nephew!

Here they are, Daisy in her Floral Crown. Isn't she beautiful? My daughter Lilli left of Brandon's shoulder, and Noelle my niece next to Lilli! It was an amazing day.

Beautiful Ana who married Joe at the beach in Kirkland.

I happen to know they are now proud parents of an adorable puppy named Betty!

Another island wedding here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest! Yep, we do get sun here!

Gina and Ty, the sweetest couple, now with their first baby on the way!

Stay tuned, Spring and Summer weddings just ahead...I am honored to be a part of telling their stories, and to be able to share them here with you.

deb <3

February 20, 2012

Finding Peace, The Rainforest, The Water, A Storm, and My Dad

I am never more at peace than when in the woods.

Mike and I found our way there this weekend, on a road trip around the Olympic Peninsula.

The rain forest is breathtakingly beautiful...lush and green and quiet.

With this rugged stretch of coastline, all in one magical place. We are fortunate to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

And this time of year? All to our self. ;) With a little storm thrown in. I love a storm.

Sometimes in the deep forest,

When I am alone,

Where there is no trail,

When nothing gives evidence of man,

Where all is black earth,

Or brown wood,

Or one of a thousand shades of green,

Except where the sun pierces the shade,

with shafts of gold;

When all is quiet

Except for a breeze,

Or a brook,

Or a bird,

And sometimes not even these,

Joy.

For joy is of the spirit,

And my spirit soars,

Knowing that my God

Has created all of this

For me,

In love.

And suddenly I am not alone here, at all.

In this Eden it is not God alone.

Not me alone.

But God and me,

Together.

Written by my dad who always took us to to the woods, trails only sometimes. ;)

And tomorrow February 21st is his birthday. He is 84.

Happy Birthday Dad. I love you.

Waiting for the ferry here to take us home... I am overwhelmed and so thankful, for all that I have been given, and to be able to call this beautiful place

home. <3

February 17, 2012

Happy Birthday Dear Tiff. I Love You. I Miss You.

Tiffany Faith, Feb 17th 1985-May 7th 2010 Forever loved. Forever missed.

February 15, 2012

Whimsical Day With Shelly

We had a fun get-away day. You know the kind, when you have a lot to do...and you smile and go anyway? We ventured south to Kent to Whimsical Whites

Kathy and Kris met Shelly of Bungalow Bling and me with a cup of tea and amazing cookies! And they'll greet you with the same when you visit!

I've known these ladies for some time, and I promise you'll be happy you visited too!

And this is their very own potpourri...it smells as fresh as it is beautiful. I wanted the entire bowl! So much fun, and if you haven't escaped for awhile? Get going! You'll feel inspired I promise.

Yep. It was a good day.

deb <3

Have you left yet?

February 13, 2012

Tending Our Own Gardens...

I love this garden. No lawn. Masses of color.

(courtesy Minna Mercke Scmidt)

There have been changes for me, sometimes our own gardens need tending.

We as women actually believe we can do it all.

But we can't. And we shouldn't.

I know... now I'm getting personal, but mostly with myself.

It's time to take a breath.

I will be getting soil under my fingernails and sowing seeds in my cutting garden.

I am convinced that flowers could help change the world <3

I will be walking with my dog Roo every morning. ( I called my daughter Lilli, she is my accountibility. And believe me, she will make sure. What was I thinking?)

Mike (my spouse) and I will be heading to the Oregon Coast for a few days to listen to, see, and breath in the ocean. Maybe there will be a storm. We love a good storm.

Mostly I will be seeking and listening. I don't want to miss what He has planned for me.

He is the Creator. The one that all creativity comes from.

It's all about the journey after all.

Happy Valentine's Day

deb <3