Wednesday, July 9, 2014

A cottage diary

The ravens woke up the privet quite early today—their loudly, raspy grouse filling up the space with mystery and awesomeness; however a different intonation this time from the turmoil of yesterday afternoon, which, I should say this keeps me listening and learning every day.  


I am convinced that this little town is the cradle of the “Walking Dead” people.  You see them everywhere, eating at restaurants, shopping for food at Walmart—particularly at Walmart, strolling on your neighborhood and such… I have never seen people in such a deplorable conditions and it is mostly due to the abuse of amphetamines, which is a big deal in this State.  One of them walked by our little cottage early this morning and commented on how our property had never looked better or nicer than now… what a pleasing compliment to all of our hard work.


 I'm so in love with my little white cottage in the woods... 


A fairytale cottage in and out...


Nature goes through an early fall around here… mid summer has its own share of falling leaves, I should say.  And perhaps this phenomenon is more noticeable here, compared to our seasons up North, because autumn is so remarkably perceptible up there… but leaves do fall on summer time here.  Perhaps it's something to do with the intense heat and the natural process of renovation and restoration?  I guess.


I have also discovered the benefits of daily watering in the South.  With no sprinklers to do the job, relying on rain only is not enough during the relentless summer’s days.  Watering daily has made a huge improvement on my plants.  I only wish I had learned this before my once gorgeous Maple Leaf Hydrangea was gone… I’m still hoping to see some new life coming out of it.  


Pulling weeds has proven a most beneficial thing for the soul. It teaches you patience, and perseverance.   


I am in love with my Crepe Myrtle bushes, and they are doing lovely.  I have bought yet another variety—the Natchez Crape Myrtle with striking clusters of delicate white blooms from June to September.  I planted it on the East side of the house, at the edge of the patio. It will not only add beauty to our surroundings, but I'm also anticipating some much needed shade.


My Morning Glories and Moon Flowers I planted by seeds haven’t bloom yet, and I find this to be a most unique and strange a thing, as the plants are as healthily as they can be and all covered up in lustrous green leaves…


 

I knew something was definitely missing here in this corner every time I passed by… 


 What a tremendous difference paint can make on old, dilapidating things.   


 I love this European blue I’d chosen for my brown shutters.  It definitely is a happy color.

Rust-Oleum Satin Lagoon Ultra Cover 2x 

I cannot deny that it is hot, and summers are relentless here, thus making the work outside a more complex of a thing.  But I cannot be any happier, or blessed in our new surroundings; enjoying, as I am, my days up to their very holly core.  This morning, as I was watering the garden this thought came heavy upon me as I realized what a happy woman I am living here, with equally all its goodness and the not so good, with a garden to nurture and care for, birds as I’d never seen before and in such amazing variety and amount, with an extraordinary abundance of Nature all around, and plenty of leisure to enjoy them!  I am truly blessed. 
 

My humblest of thank YOU’s Father of light… 

From my little heart of hearts to your infinite One.


LINKING TO:
HOME AND GARDEN THURSDAY

COTTAGE STYLE PARTY

FISHTAIL COTTAGE

13 comments:

  1. You have created a beautiful haven in your new state Cielo! I love what you have done in your garden and I know just how much joy you must be getting from it. I can't wait to see it in a year! I'm so glad you are loving your new surrounding but I bet your friends here miss you terribly.
    Thank you for your lovely comment...having you come by today was a special treat for me. Your blog was one of the first blogs I fell in love with when I was a 'lurker'.
    hugs...

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  2. Really like your new Blog Header. Yes the heat is hard to withstand sometimes. Don't over do. You'll have a heat stroke. (lol ) I believe you have found your place on this earth and are taking very special care of it. It is looking gorgeous. So sorry the baking soda has not helped you. Guess it does for some and don't for others. Have a wonderful day. Go have a tall glass of iced tea.. Jenny

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    1. Oh Jenny, but it really has helped! I bought a huge box of it and I'm using it every evening before going to bed in my baths... I'm even using it as a talc all over my body when dried, because it really helps calm down the itching. I guess I'm very sensible to those noxious weeds out there. I’m finally on Prednisone also and doing much better… Thank you for sharing the secret of healing with me...

      Cielo

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    2. Oh and I'm really loving my new blog header too. It really speaks to me... it looks like a painting of my own little white cottage in a sense... the kitty on the porch looks a lot like the one I have wandering around here and I even got a birdhouse on a tall poll like that... oh and the hanging baskets on the country porch... and well, I think it really looks like my real cottage... so that's it for now. ;)

      Cielo

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  3. Hi Cielo...your blog header is just beautiful....I don't know where you find all the lovely pictures you post, but this one is definitely one of my favorites. Who wouldn't want a house like that. All your plants and flowers are looking so great and healthy. Between your loving touch and the southern humidity your yard looks like it has been this way a long time, not just a few months. Must be hard on you to have to be inside more than you are used to. Its been in the middle high 80's here and that's right on the edge of when I come inside and put the AC on. The magic still surrounds you and I see the fairies are coming to visit more often too.
    Sherry

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  4. Hello
    I was sent here from Tessa from Here There Be Musing blog ! I love your blogs and your story of your little white cottage in the woods which is lovely by the way . Fantastic photography and I do like the the gypsy part spiritual and free . I am looking forward to following you and keeping up with you in your neck of the woods ! Thanks for sharing , Have a wonderful weekend !

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    1. Oh how nice... and thank you for letting me share bits of my life with you. Welcome to my little world.

      Cielo

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  5. Cielo, I am so delighted that you're finding happiness in your new home and your new garden. You've done an amazing transformation so far - of which I am not surprised! It is quite different in the south than from the west - there are benefits to both and you've adapted quite well! I do love Crape Myrtles too - this is their best time of year in our garden - I am delighted to share that your post will be featured in this week's Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

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  6. Hello! I am visiting from Lavender Garden Cottage! Your garden is lovely and I love the color you painted your shutters!
    Blessings, Cecilia

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  7. I love how everything is coming together at your little white cottage Cielo. You are creating another magical space. I can only imagine the things to come. It already looks like a little piece of heaven. So serene and peaceful. I hope it is bringing you happiness and true joy.

    Abrazos amiga.

    Janet

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  8. I was going to ask if you would assist me in adding music on my blog. I am not too good at that sort of thing and yuu seem to be very good at it. Can you help??

    Thanks,

    Janet

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  9. Que c'est beau, j'adore aussi la musique. Je vous embrasse de la Sologne.

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  10. You my dear have done tremendous things your cottage in the woods is amazing as I read late into the night awaiting to hear about my new princess thats coming she on here way but not quite yet excitment to wait and read about your new cottage .. With love Janice

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