After the Rain

A late Spring shower is a bath for our senses.
It doesn't rain here often so the sound of rain is magical.

Like a hum before bursting into song.

We stop what we're doing and listen

as the rain refreshes the grass and bathes the flowers.

Then, after the rain . . . glistening jewels quiver on delicate spider webs.

Pools of crystal beads lie on a leaf like a broken string of pearls.

Everything is fresh, dust bathed away and stale air cleansed.

Birds take shelter, then venture out after the rain, beady eyes searching for worms.

Pigeons splash in puddles like little children; 

chickadees and finches shake the wet from their feathers, then refuel.

The heat of the day evaporates in the cool mist.

After the rain, the earth turns dark -- rich, fertile, moist.

And it sings.

Breathe it in and listen.

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A Spring Refresh in the Dining Room

Spring has arrived in the dining room.

It doesn't take a major make-over to refresh the dining room with a few Spring touches.

Removing the tablecloth and adding a metal tray with a green-filled garden urn 

instantly changes the mood of the dining room table.

I like to keep it simple. Adding a few old books adds height and interest.

And some fresh violas complete the spring look.

A bit of green in a French champagne bucket brightens up one corner.

A garden statue on the vintage sewing machine base adds a whiff of elegance.

The other corner features some white blossoms, an old mirror, and a vintage violin.

So romantic!

Happy Spring! 

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Follow the Yellow Brick Home, French Country Cottage

A Cozy Change of Scene in the Office

I shuffled into the sunroom this morning to find it snowing outside.

A heavy wet spring snowstorm is not uncommon in Colorado but it's hard to believe 

after yesterday when it was warm enough to tidy the winter garden in T-shirts.

As I stood by the sunroom window, watching the drifting snow suddenly transform into
a horizontal storm, I felt lucky to be indoors where it was warm and cozy. 

And then, I had a thought.

Why not bring my laptop in here, turn on the little gas stove, and move my office for the day?

Setting up at my old farm table, I could look out the windows while working. 

Why didn't I do this sooner?
Isn't it interesting how we view things so differently depending on what we're looking at,
as if seeing through different eyes.

The warmth of the stove felt wonderful on my back as I checked e-mails.

I was excited when I saw several from Realtor Phil. I zeroed in on one cabin that sounded promising so I replied, asking it we could take a look at it. 

If you haven't heard, I'm on a quest to find a rustic mountain cabin,

a getaway from the ever-expanding city. If you missed that post, you can read about it HERE.

Something like this would be perfect!

Once the idea of a cabin became a real possibility, I began envisioning how I'd decorate it. 

Seems like everything I see would look nice in the cabin.

And then there's all the stuff currently stored in the attic 

like my Dad's old rocking chair and some beautiful elk antlers.

At an antique mall I recently found the perfect red plaid throw I'd been looking for, 

a cozy accent to my red farm table. The table and blanket both might make their way to the cabin. 

During my "southwestern" phase years ago, I collected tiny cowboy boots.
I probably have about 30 pairs!

Packed away for years, wouldn't they look cute on a shelf in the cabin?

A vintage Indian print blanket will look nice in the cabin someday too. 

For now, it adds warmth to this green velvet chair. 

This room is always cozy and my thoughts often turn to dreams of my cabin in the mountains. Imagine looking out the window as a majestic elk walks slowly by. 

Here, I'm more likely to see a finch, a nuthatch, a chickadee or a dove visiting my bird feeder. 

Such a lovely distraction. 

Yesterday, we saw a large hawk chase our little birds through the yard, 

It was a thrill as we were sitting on the patio and had front row seats to the chase. 

Happy to report, all little birds escaped unharmed and the hawk continued on his way. 

So, it appears my office assistant thinks we're working way too hard

and has decided it's past nap time.
The first of many naps to come today in one of her many beds.

The snow has slowed down now, leaving a white dusting on the lawn and spring flowers.

This much-needed moisture will be good for the garden and will help green up the grass.

But for now, it's time for a cup of tea and more daydreams. 

Pull up a chair and let's look for mountain cabin ideas on Pinterest. 

Cabin Quest Update:
We went to the mountains this week to see the little cabin mentioned above.
The cabin was perfect -- 365 square feet and adorable.
Sadly, there was another house right next to it that didn't show in the listing photos.
Kind of defeats the whole purpose of a getaway, don't you think?
I'm glad we saw it though. With each viewing, we refine our wish list.
Onward!

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French Country Cottage

Architectural Salvage in the Garden

Recently, I wrote a post about using Architectural Salvage in the home. 

As I was putting it together, I realized I had enough architectural pieces
in the garden and on the patio to write a separate post. 

As they do inside your home, salvaged pieces add texture, warmth 

and a sense of history to your garden and patio. 

This widow's walk railing evokes stories of a woman
watching the harbor for her husband's return from atop her house.

One of my favorite salvaged pieces is this rusty metal arch linking the patio and the garden. 

With solar twinkly lights, it makes the garden feel magical. 

Purchased on a road trip through Oklahoma, I like to imagine
what kind of garden it might have come from.

This ornate fireplace screen adds a historic touch to the patio

while the cement angel is a lovely accessory. 

Old salvaged doors make great outdoor screens.

(This one, an alley find, is hiding the fuse box). 

These metal sconces were electrified at one time.
We removed the wiring and now they hold candles on our patio fence.

I love the look of rusted metal fencing in the garden.

Sometimes, reproduction pieces look just as good as the real thing. 

Old windows are handy inside and out.
Here, I've used one as backing on my potting bench.

This old chimney stone was from my Dad's garden.
I don't know how it came to live in his garden
but now it lives in mine.

Architectural salvaged pieces bring a unique elegance to the garden and patio
with their steadfast beauty from days gone by.

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If you enjoyed your visit, I hope you'll follow me by email.
Just subscribe (it's FREE) in the upper right column of this page.
You can also follow my Pinterest boards to see all my favorite photos.
Thank you!!!

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Linking with:
Shabby Art Boutique, Little Farmstead, Our Southern Home, Dwellings, The Dedicated House,
Between Naps on the Porch, Stone Gable, A Stroll Thru Life, Savvy Southern Style,
Designthusiasm, A Delightsome Life, 21 Rosemary Lane, Petite Haus, French Country Cottage