Monday, May 27, 2013

FROM PATIO TO PORCH

My previous cake: double layered and documented!
Yesterday, after decorating my triple layered, strawberry gateau and styling it on a pretty, lace engraved cake stand, I carefully carried it out to the patio, excited to take a few photos to share with you.  Just as the late, afternoon sun softly lit the scene, my Sony Cyber Shot 3.2 Mega Pixel DSC-P72 digital camera suddenly conked out on me! 
Our patio, a few days ago
Actually, it hadn't  been cooperating in the last few weeks, but I was in denial. I tried to revive it by inserting new alkaline batteries, but nothing. Funnily, it turns on, but a few seconds later, shuts down. So, until I make the trek into town for two new rechargeables, (hoping they will resuscitate it), I won't be featuring images from my home, but from cyberspace, where there are millions, and many of them, magnificent!
This mostly red, white and green porch is so darn cute, isn't it? The combination of a cedar shingled and brick exterior, potted red geraniums bordering the stairs and tiny, but quaint, seating area, all speak of simpler times. Surrounded by a lush, low levelled garden, this porch is fresh and fun, bursting with old-fashioned charm. 
Equally sweet, this simply styled, cottage-y porch also in red, white and green, evokes pure relaxation as it seems to be a quiet place, where one can playfully swing into a siesta slumber, and awaken to a cup of coffee and sugary treats. Again, is the presence of cheery geraniums coincidental or do these undemanding flowers create a calm and soothing space for deep sleep? 
Softly merging blue into the colour scheme adds an airiness, a whisper of seaside serenity. The mosaic of roughly cut stone brings to mind piles of pebbles on the shore, and how they feel under bare feet: a massage of mini mountains, slightly painful, before the spa splash into the sea!
In the late afternoon, a bike ride with friends and a visit to the ice cream parlour awaits! What could be more indulgent? When I first came across this cedar shingled porch with the periwinkle blue door and flower box, overflowing with a bundle of blooms, I felt a rush of happiness. Romantic, rustic, red and refreshing, this porch, for me, is truly enchanting! I wish I could just walk straight into my computer screen and into this storybook splendour!
But, alas, here on the island, a great many porches are perched high above the Sea of Crete, where boldly coloured beauties brighten the sky and sea, like beads of passion waking a waveless, swell of blue. Their heavy terracotta pots grounding them, they stand straight and strong, resilient against any whipping winds that may threaten their collective stature.

Hope you enjoyed this little peek 
at some of my favourite porches.

Thanks so much for coming along!

Poppy


All images except first two: Google


64 comments:

  1. Yes, we do indeed have the same taste.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Primary colours, cheery charm; it doesn't take much to make us happy!:)

      Delete
  2. Replies
    1. Some prefer the mountains to the sea, but I'll take a pretty porch anywhere!

      Delete
  3. nice porches : ) Hope you are able to get your camera working, as in I hope that new batteries are all that it needs : )

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Debra. I hope to go into town on Thursday; crossing my fingers!

      Delete
  4. Your patio looks so pretty against that gorgeous blue sky (It's raining here!!)
    Lovely porches especially the one with the green chairs.
    http://missbbobochic.blogspot.co.uk/

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I love rain; I find it romantic and refreshing! But, then again, we get it in very small doses here, so absence makes the heart grow fonder, I guess! Hope you get some sunny days, soon!:)

      Delete
  5. Your patio is really amazing! I love the colors and the architecture of the house!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, so very much! When I was designing the exterior of the house, I wanted it to be a mix of French Country and Neoclassical Greek. The patio is elevated and has sculpted marble columns, which is quite romantic, I think!

      Delete
  6. Hi Poppy, This is the perfect patio inspiration for this rainy Seattle morning. I agree.. we must figure out a why to just jump into our computer screens so we can fully enjoy the beauty here:) :) The pops of color.. the blue, red, yellow.. happy colors and a breath of fresh air.

    Hope you are having a wonderful day Poppy! xxleslie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Perhaps in the far future, we will be able to do that, Leslie, just as Samantha wriggled her nose in 'Bewitched', and instantly appeared in other times and lands, we will walk into our screens and wander around some ideal locations, like magic!;)


      Delete
  7. Hi Poppy! There is nothing like a cozy porch to sit and watch the world go by!! Lovely!!!
    xo Kris

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Kris! Yes, it's certainly relaxing, especially when you have good company and peace of heart.

      Delete
  8. Replies
    1. Wow! That's so sweet! Thank you! It is quite picturesque and peaceful, a place where I can think and breathe!

      Delete
  9. Hi,

    As soon as I leave this comment, I'll fix your link.

    Happy Blue Monday, Poppy.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Happy Blue Monday to you, too, Sally and thanks for hosting!

      Delete
  10. Poppy, Oh I so needed to see this porch inspirations.. I copied and pasted some to my images for my back porch . We are thinking about an addition,so this was right up my alley... Thanks for sharing.. I hope you are having a good day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. How wonderful! Glad you found some ideas; they are pretty contagious, these colourful cubbyholes!

      Delete
  11. EVERY image is beautiful. Like you I love color and I could live in any of those houses.

    I hope you get your camera fixed. I am sharing with my husband because I like his better so I don't always have it with me. I guess my camera is fine, but his spoiled me. He needs his for his work (oil painter) so I can't steal it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Carol, I am quite dependent on it, not only for pictures here, but also for snapping the latest happenings and sending them over to my daughter in Toronto! I truly find the internet amazing for that!

      Delete
  12. I hope your camera is fixed soon. I use mine all the time, too! Loved your porch pictures...great minds must think alike because just yesterday I was pinning porch pictures to Pinterest. It looks like you have two patios - perhaps a rooftop one, too?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Melanie,

      No, that last image is not my rooftop! We also have sea views, but are further away from the water than this particular patio!

      Delete
  13. Popy
    I would be happy with any of your sample porches!
    But yours, perched high above the sea sure has a gorgeous view
    most of the others don't, I bet.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We certainly do have beautiful views of the sea and surrounding countryside from the upstairs veranda, (black, iron balusters); it's a lovely place for afternoon coffee! The patio (marble columns) is just off the kitchen, which is convenient for al fresco dining from the onset of spring!

      Delete
  14. Oh Poppy, These make me sigh deeply....I feel like we could sit on one of those porches sipping a beverage while conversing and enjoying the view.:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Lucy, that sounds lovely and you are always welcomed! I spend hours with friends, sitting on both the veranda and the patio, pondering life's many wonders and it truly is freeing, especially being out in the open air and sky!

      Delete
  15. Oh yes, I did enjoy this treat to porches and vistas outside my own home & country. I especially like the mostly green & red porch.

    I hope your camera problems are resolved quickly !

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Just got some new Energizer batteries ( I had been using new generic ones), for under 4 Euros and so far everything seems to be working! My husband talked me out of the rechargeables, which were quite pricey, (17 Euros). Yay! Will try them out tomorrow, fingers crossed!

      Delete
  16. My dear,

    Your cake looks delicious and is probably pretty close to your famous coconut cream pie in tastefulness (but nothing can beat that, surely?)

    Porches are more of an American/Canadian feature than English. I love them! If I could build a house from scratch now, I'd make sure I'd have one, despite the awful English weather. There is something cosy and inviting about walking up to a house and seeing a porch decorated with fragrant flowers, a traditional rocking chair and a small coffee table with some cool lemonade and some rustic, hot buttered bread. It also reminds me strongly of the southern parts of the USA, and the films depicting southern houses.
    I picture a homely atmosphere with a family gathered on a porch, talking, telling stories and taking it easy on a lazy Sunday afternoon/evening, when the sun is about to set. Idyllic! Something similar to The Waltons.

    Loved your pictures and your description, as always. Goodnight, Poppy;)

    Love,
    Mxoxoxox

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hello my sweet friend,

      You have described the comforts of a porch to a T! For someone who hasn't grown up with porches, you sure have a great understanding and feeling about them! Perhaps living in Greece and sitting on your balcony in the city and later your veranda, here in the village, has given you a taste of the unique atmosphere that can be enjoyed on a little ol' porch. The enclosure of this seating area has everything to do with its coziness! The closest I have to a porch is my patio, where our families have shared meals and memories in the past and looking forward to your visit this July, to continue the tradition! xoxo

      Delete
  17. Your porch is dreamy and I love the inspirational photos you shared! I can't wait to get geraniums for our yard. I have some sprucing to do!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Michele! I find that geraniums are so easy to take care of, they're very low maintenance AND they burst with colour, so that even if you only have one or two on display, they bloom with brilliance!

      Delete
  18. What a beautiful porch you have a such a gorgous view! I know you must spend alot of relaxing time enjoying it. Your cake looks delicious! It was fun seeing all the summer decorated porches, love the geraniums!
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Nancy! There's nothing like pink and red geraniums to instantly brighten up and space with bold hits of colour. I love the way they shine in the sunlight.

      Delete
  19. Poppy, I hope you get your camera back soon! What a lovely cake you have made and I love all of your porch inspiration. I have nominated your blog for the Liebster award! Your blog is just lovely!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Stacy! I have made several strawberry desserts this spring. These berries are so deliciously sweet and pretty and RED!

      Delete
  20. You picked some beautiful ones! I'm jealous.
    Liz

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm sure you have some pretty porches with views to the sea and gorgeous gardens in Florida, Liz!

      Delete
  21. Those are some beautiful porches you shared!

    Hope you're able to get your camera working again. That dessert looks marvelous!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Manuela. Got it to turn on and snapped a few shots of my flowers, but am having problems with the memory stick! It's only letting me take a few photos at a time!:(

      Delete
  22. What a beautiful blog you have. I just found you through French Country Cottage. I love the porches! I am your newest follower. Would love you to stop by my blog at http://homeandlifestyledesign.blogspot.com
    Thanks, Patty

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Patty! So nice to meet you! Will pop over to visit as soon as I get a chance!

      Delete
  23. Just found your blog, I'm so refreshed. What a great life......Andrea

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Andrea! Have you got a webpage, would love to drop by!

      Delete
  24. What beautiful porches. I love all the color and it looks like you have your own slice of heaven in Greece. Red is such a cheerful color and I love your patio and flowers as well! New follower on GFC.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Diane,

      Thanks! So nice to meet you and thrilled that you are following!:) Red does make me smile and passionately inspires me; it's magical! Looking forward to visiting and following you back!

      Delete
  25. Poppy, I've had camera issues and computer issues for some time now, and I finally decided to just use my IPAD and my phone. But oh, how I miss my camera. Particularly when it comes to shooting tablescapes. It's the detail I miss. For now, though, I'm trying to make lemons from lemonade because we are into some major house repairs.

    I love the scenes you chose for us today. It makes me want to get out and do things to our porch on our retreat in St. Augustine to make it equally as welcoming. i have been so busy racing around that I haven't paid much attention to it of late. I did, however, garden in a small area in the back yard. Am hoping the plants survive! ;-)

    I love any scenes of Greece. It must be breathtaking in person.

    XO,

    Sheila

    ReplyDelete
  26. It's late. I meant lemonade from lemons and not vice versa. LOL

    ReplyDelete
  27. So sorry about your camera! Isn't that frustrating???

    Porches. I love them. I grew up in a community where people sat on their porches and chatted with everyone that walked by. For many years I didn't have one. One of the thing that sold us on the cottage was the wrap-around bluestone porch. I love the photos you've shared and every time I see a photo of your beautiful home and of Crete, I long to visit. I can just feel that sun on my face!

    Thanks so much for joining in this week.

    xo
    Claudia

    ReplyDelete
  28. Your patio is lovely and rivals any of the inspiration pictures. You are one of the fan favorites tomorrow at the Sunday Showcase from the Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House. Pop on in and grab a Sunday Showcase button. Hope to see you again at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kathryn! I will definitely be there again!

      Delete
  29. Beautiful images,I especially love the painted ceiling! Those are very common in southern USA where I am. Hope your camera is ok! Take care - Dawn @ We Call It Junkin

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Painted ceilings are so refreshing and cozy, that added extra touch of detail makes them unique!

      Delete
  30. Hello Poppy,

    Your cake looks delicious and
    I love your porch!

    The other photos are beautiful
    as well.

    Bear Hugs,
    Carolyn

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Carolyn! How sweet! I wish I could have shared my THREE tiered strawberry wonder, but maybe next time, if and when my 'assistant' decides to cooperate!:)

      Delete
  31. Hello Penny, I've been there! I am sorry to hear about your camera problems. I hope you can or have gotten them resolved. Love these inspirations - also drawn to the red geraniums. I do appreciate you shairng with A Return to Loveliness,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  32. Good Afternoon Penny, I adore porches, but here in England it is too cold, so many people have conservatories instead. So you can sit inside with the sunshine beaming through the windows, but keeping the cold outside.
    My favourite porch is the last one, the white wicker furniture and the red and white cushions....I just love it.
    .... but given the choice, give me the beautiful view you enjoy from your house of the Sea of Crete..... just gorgeous.
    Best wishes
    Daphne

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, I know all about those very pretty and practical conservatories and have had the pleasure of sitting in one for 10 days when I visited my very good friend, Maria, who lives in West Sussex. Have you got one? Do you use it all year round?

      Delete
  33. Thanks for posting this nice and descriptive post. Keep on posting these kinds of informative posts in future also.
    patio

    ReplyDelete
  34. The second porch of red, white, and green is my pick. How peaceful. I love rockers too. Hope you get your camera issues worked out soon. I just bought a new one a few months back because mine just would not work any more either. Thanks for sharing!

    Please join us again Thursday at:
    The HomeAcre Hop

    ~Ann

    ReplyDelete
  35. My favorite is the covered porch with the green chairs and the geraniums - love them!!! I do appreciate you sharing with Home and Garden Thursday,
    Kathy

    ReplyDelete
  36. Oh I just love a pretty porch! I hope I never live in a house without one!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to comment. I really appreciate hearing from all of you! Have a great day!