Sunday, July 13, 2014

Grapevine Green and Mosaic Aquamarine


Sitting directly under the maple in the front garden
this morning, its leaves dangerously dry from wicked
wind storms and an absence of rain, it still looked 
pretty, shining radiantly in the clear blue sky.


It got me thinking about all the greenery 
that we've planted on our property, 


and how I've neglected to give that necessary 
nod of appreciation to all the members of its clan,

 

which continuously keep us cool and calm, protecting 
us in freshness and shade, when the sun gets miffed and


 moody, and in its madness, melts mere mortals
 in minutes, who dare to stare it in the face!

 
 Right outside our walls, lies a hilly
 field of olive groves, to the north,
 

and a gorgeous grapevine to the east,


that is presently growing the roundest,
 most robust, little juicy jewels you can imagine!


Now, twisting through a trecherous trail 
of tall, spiky, grass skewers 



will eventually lead you to the coast,
 (albeit, with scratchy, red knees).
Pomegranates take centre stage in the fall.

Or, you could leave the tricky leg work for
 another day, to admire the sea from afar,



and instead, dip your dainty toes into ripples
 of cool that are right at your fingertips!


 Thanks for visiting everyone,
and have a wonderful week!


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Thursday, July 10, 2014

Adorable Annuals

  
Early this morning, I found the cutie patooties 
on my patio cuddled together trying to shade each
  other from the scorching heat of the Mediterranean sun.


 Shutters closed, doors locked, and windows sealed, only
 the bravest of beauties confront the blazing, torrid temps.

Portulaca, thriving, since last seen here

 Thankful for refreshing sea views and some shelter
from the eaves trough, the colourful, boxed ones are
  cooler, and thus, more courageous, hanging out on 
the balcony and the terrace, above.


Empty pots, piled on the front lawn, 
await new inhabitants, but the very bright
spot deters those who cannot tolerate full sun.


 Close to amenities, however, (a direct pathway to the
 pool, and just steps away from the main water supply),

 

new tenants were tracked down, and a lease was
signed, (just for the season, of course!).


 Because, in the end, 


whether you're a cutie patootie,


or an adorable, precious kitty,


'made in the shade',


basically comes down to
location, location, location!


Thanks for visiting,
and happy weekend!


 xx
Poppy
P.S. Was away for a few days;
will visit you all tonight!


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Sunday, July 6, 2014

Pink & Purple Pretties

Pink Oleander and Purple Morning Glory

 Pink and purple pretties 
 befriend an abandoned, lonely house,


dabbing the clifftops, up above,
with balls of brush stroke sprouts.


Mingling with leafy greens,
from sweet figs to fruity vines,


they're rudely poked and prodded
  by giant, woodsy twines!


Ah, so peaceful
 are the periwinkle, prickly ones
under the canopy of olive trees,


Still,
the pink and purple pretties stay put, 
to keep their sad friend company. 


Thanks for visiting and
have a wonderful week!


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Thursday, July 3, 2014

Flower Power


These pretty petals are called Portulaca,
 also known as Moss Rose, Pigweed, and Purslane.


Notice anything strange about them? No?
 Okay, let's get a closer look.


How about now?


 That's right! They have two different kinds of leaves!
What used to reside in here was another variety.


Remember these?


I wonder...will the succulent leaved Purslane, above, 
push its way through the already blooming Portulaca, 
and if it does, can you imagine? 

 

These flower boxes will morph into jewellery boxes,
overflowing with a variety of multiplying, glowing gems!


Each one, a pretty, precious piece
   of soft and silky luxury.


 Adorning the skies with clusters of colour,
like a sparkly brooch, the landscape, they cover.

 Thanks for visiting!


Happy 4th of July to 
all my American friends!

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Monday, June 30, 2014

My Now and Before Corridor


This stairway successfully led me to a smart 
and savvy solution this weekend, after repeatedly
 'hitting my head against a brick wall'.
 Yes, this brick wall.


Upon returning to the island, having spent 2 ½ months
in Canada, some vignettes, I felt, needed some revamping,


like this little quintet above. Of course, I had
 visions of marble topped consoles, with curvy,
 wrought iron legs, all accessorized in French accents,
 but my budget is not fluent in such decor dialect!


So, I searched the house, my very own 'mall-on-call',
and climbed the stairs to the master bedroom, 


where, a potential 'purchase' was plucked from its 
original place, nestled in a corner of my bedroom, 


to its new location, in the front entry hall, where 
it can keep company with it's fellow dweller,  


a sweet and petite antique desk, that was
 snatched from right behind those French doors.


Do you remember it?


Here's a hint of how it's been 'restocked'. 
More on this 'floor model' in a future post!


Now, let's see what what we've 'walked out' with:
(ain't that an abundance of alliteration!)

 Before                                                         After 
Before                                                   After

  I believe the '(ex)changes' are more suited to the season,

 

for a lighter, brighter, simpler look.


So, let's see what this 'new', 'now' corridor cost me -
let the number crunching begin:

Pretty petals, gathered from my garden.

 energy source #1, 
(from running  hiking up and down those stairs),
 +
  calories, 
(always a good thing to spend!),
+   
energy source #2,
that the little light bulb in my brain burned...(out!),
=
$0.00
(before and after taxes)!!!


 
 Thanks for visiting!
Happy Canada Day and 4th of July,
 and a big hello to my new followers!

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