Tarpon Fishing in the Keys~

~Tarpon Fishing off the Florida Keys~

My husband is in Florida for two weeks of Tarpon fishing with his very best bud.

He will return well rested, deliriously happy, ready to get back to work before the next fishing trip and with lots of color in his cheeks.

*I hope that your days are sunny, warm, with just a whisper of a breeze, that you catch...and release, and that you wear your sunscreen.*

Moonlit White and {gray} Gardens~

~Moon Garden at Night~

After years of gardening for others, I finally had the time and the know how to plan my own gardens.

One of the first gardens I designed, was a white or moonlit garden.

A moonlit garden consists of annuals, for constant summer blooms, perennials for year to year beauty, and gray foliage.



During the day, these gardens are to me, the most beautiful as I have an affinity for white flowers and gray foliage.

Annuals:

* Impatiens, Nicotiana, Nierembergia, Cosmos, Salvia, Geraniums, Dianthus, Poppies, Cleome, Violas, Lobelia, Morning Glory... the list could go on and on. Choose white varieties and in varying heights.

~*~
Gray foliage annuals:

* Dusty Miller, Licorice plant. There are a few nice varieties of Dusty Miller-some with very lacy foliage.

~ Gray Foliage~

Perennials:

*Delphinium, Candytuft, Snow-In-Summer, Creeping Phlox, Lupine, Iris, Lilies, Chrysanthemum, Salvia, Hollyhocks, Lily-of-the-Valley, Feverfew, Daisy, Baby's Breath, Musk Mallow, Pearly Everlasting, ....... on and on!
~*~

Gray Foliage perennials:

* Lambs Ears, Silver Mound Artemisia, Common Sage.

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Use white flowering bulbs for the first signs of the spring.

* Hyacinth, Allium, Oxalis, Tulips, Ranunculus, Scilla, Freesia, Crocus, Narcissus, Sparaxis.

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For height and depth I suggest white hydrangea-"Annabelle'. To add interest to your winter Moonlit garden a couple of dwarf evergreens take on the appearance of snow sculpture.

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*Many of the plants and bulbs listed here may be considered "tender" where you live. Some of the annuals will continue flowering longer if you are in a warmer climate.

~*~

These are the plants that I have had the most success with in my white garden. My choices were based on a mostly sunny spot where there was some dappled shade from near-by trees. If you have a shady area the plant selections can be easily adjusted with the help of your trusted garden center. There are endless possibilities of glorious white annuals, perennials and beautiful gray foliage plants. If you are planning a new garden, I recommend a white moonlit garden. They are eye-catching during the day, and at night, especially when there is a full moon, a lit candle or a few luminaries - truly magnificent.

*My blog-roll mysteriously disappeared earlier this morning!!! I'm correcting the problem/

Photos courtesy of Google search.

Another view~ Ponte Vecchio

~Ponte Vecchio~ Florence, Italy~

This is another little glimpse of the painting I did for my friend, commemorating our trip.

What else can you say about this special place? Jewelry galore! At every turn there is a shop window over-flowing with gold and gems.

The view of the Arno and the distant hillside is breathtaking.

I would love to set up a small table and illustrate the view and characters surrounding.

~Thank-You PvE~

Lifescape's 100th Post~

~A Spring Bouquet For You~

When I started my blog back in January, the thought of my 100th post felt like it was light years away.

"Thank you" to all of the wonderful friends I have made in the past few months. This has become an important part of my day~ pouring a cup of coffee, sitting down to catch up on what each of you have shared. The family tales, delicious recipes, heart-warming stories, book reviews, art, helpful tips, and the beautiful photography are part of what makes each of you unique and special. The inspiration and kindness has been overwhelming.

Life takes us on the most unexpected and incredible journeys. I am so grateful to be sharing this adventure with each of you.

~*~

I am sincerely blessed.

Sidewalk Cafe in Lucca

~Sidewalk Cafe in Lucca~

This is a small section of a Lifescape that I illustrated for a friend after we spent 12 days in Italy. I call it- The Adventure of a Lifetime!

What could be any better than spending 12 glorious days in Florence and Lucca with worlds best travel mate?

A huge Thank-You to a special someone for uploading images of this painting so I can share it with you. I am technically challenged... and she is technically savvy- no, she is just plain savvy all the way around.

A long, over-due project~

~A very stylish trash bag~

I'll be searching for these...for my really nice trash!

On Mother's Day, after our guests had left, I continued with the purging of a six-year-build-up of things under our eaves.

That's where I put my old clothes, bags, shoes and in general, anything else that didn't have a home.

I was in one of those ruthless, tossing moods.

I sent eight bags to the Good Will and six bags went into the trash...

{And a few things were saved out for someone special with a flair for re-styling}.

I packed seasonal things in clear containers, and put a wardrobe on wheels in there for winter coats.

I feel as though I could entertain in there now.

It was one of those projects that I had been putting off for 6 years! In the summer it was too warm in there and too cold during the winter months. This was the perfect weekend to accomplish such a task.

Do you have a project weighing heavy? One that will clear the way for you to set forth on new endeavors?

~*~

~Mom and Jonathan~

A few of you asked to see the portrait I had done for my husband and son a few years ago.

Jonathan and I were both a bit younger when the photo was taken by a dear friend, outside of her home on a crisp October day.

My mistake, it was done in pastel, not watercolor.

This is a slightly different pose from my entry on Monday, but I love that we are having a little smooch.

Mother's Day 2009~

~Jonathan and Mom~

It was a wonderful Mother's Day here. Our Grandchildren, Erin and Jack came for a short visit. There were games of Candyland, Wii, walks down by the lake, cooking, "girlie-time", but not near enough sleep for any of us.

Still, what's a weekend for anyway? Lot's of fun, playing, and if a couple of sleep-deprived nights go along with it...who cares?

I love this picture of my son and I. A few years ago, I had a watercolor done for my husband and one for my son for Christmas using this photo. I think that may be another post.

I hope that your weekend and your Mother's Day was special and filled with wonderful memories.