My Shabby Chic Chair Affair

Our deck chairs, after too much sun, rain, wind, and wear.

I am not your typical shabby chic kinda chick,

 

although I do appreciate a little scruffiness

Newly sanded, awaiting the next step.

here and there, in a finely 
chiseled table or a charming chair.

Primed and prepped.

When pressed, I will admit

 to an affinity for the distressed.

 

  But, I bet that even die-hard fans of this deco
trend would probably agree that this patina is

way too weathered - even for their time-worn tastes!

 Don't let the floral frou frou fool you -

'Next!' Chairs cue up for a shabby to chic technique.

it was definitely time for a tune-up!

Freshly painted in a soft sheen of aquamarine,

their cool, blue hue, was the 
direct result of a colour crush

 on this good looking gate. Remember those words
of devotion I uttered when I first gazed upon it?

''...Quiet and unassuming, (it) spoke to me

in whispery tones, just loud enough to become 

a lovely inspiration for a future patio project, 

(to be posted soon), in my own garden.''

I kept my promise.

And that calls for a toast:

'To the shabby and the worn:
do not fret - for, you too,
 one day shall be reborn!'

Thanks for visiting
and happy weekend!

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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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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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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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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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