.: Little Amanita mushrooms growing up in my houseplants that were brought outdoors :.
Over these past few days I have stepped away from these spaces online. The children call me out to play in the green grass and in the sun, the gardens call to me to give them a drink and to plant new friends aside them, and when we place a seashell upon our ear the beach calls to us. My bare feet have felt the cool grass, the mud in the gardens and the sand at the ocean...
Today I am happy to have you over, lets sit for a moment on my newly found yellow bench and visit on my front porch!
.: An iron garden spade greets us on the side of the front door :.
A garden spade door-knocker has been added next to the red front door. This was a gift from many years ago that has never been used. This old home's front porch seemed like the perfect place to finally use it.
This branch wreath was a yard sale find. Sans the silk flowers that I carefully removed to reveal a natural greeting to the front door.
.: A painted iron serves as a paperweight holding old magazines that bring me inspiration .
This outdoor space truly belongs to our sweet cat. A re-purposed vintage bench and catnip growing up in containers all around makes him feel right at home.
There are still a few corners of home that I am enjoying working on since we moved this Spring. Now that summer has arrived, this covered porch feels like a perfect place to add some beauty and comfort to a previously unused space.
.: My oldest son can most always be found drawing. Here he sketches his cat :.
.: A mix of wild and homegrown flowers sits in a teapot on the porch table :.
I have always taken great joy in gathering and creating flower bouquets since I was a young girl. My home always features flowers in every quiet corner. I enjoy it most when the children gather bouquets of their own!
The children and I gathered this bouquet from both wild plants and plants in the garden. The scent of Honeysuckle fills the air around the yard and now in this space in the most intoxicating way.
.: This happy banner has been moved outdoors to our porch :.
This banner was strung across our living room. I couldn't resist bringing it outdoors. We find that hese banners bring with them a celebratory nature--this one makes me mindful of celebrating life!
A few pieces of fabric that make up this banner belonged to my grandmother from so many years ago. She had scraps set away in her hope chest after creating with them. I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate her than by adding her fabric to this banner.
.: A mix of shells and stones found on trips to the Ocean :.
We appreciate collecting many treasures from the ocean that is near to our home. Displaying them on this porch table brings a special remembrance of our time together finding each shell and stone. I also enjoy bringing home these elements of the beach to remind us of this new landscape.
.:My daughter is interested in bird-watching. Here she is poring through the Audubon Bird guide:.
As soon as this space was transformed into a living area, my children have been drawn to it. Breakfast has been eaten out here in the mornings while the sun is still waking up and the hummingbirds can be heard buzzing near us at feeders I set up all around the open window arches.
Aside from this space "belonging to our cat" I also joke that this is my new blog office. With a pleasant view of my clothesline to my right, I am able to sit for a moment in the evening to say hello to you!
.: Adding stones to planters that were found on trips to the ocean :.
We started placing some of the smooth stones that we are finding at the ocean into our planters. It brings about such a peaceful environment. I also hope to gather some of the larger stones next to this planter on the ground.
In each planter herbs are now growing. They lend a lovely scent to our time spent out here. The children have really enjoyed having them nearby to 'snack' on. They also appreciate gathering catmint nearby to share with the cat.
.:A painted iron serves as a paperweight for old magazines that continue to bring inspiration:.
I mentioned hanging hummingbird feeders--it is such a gift to have these visitors. We also set out many songbird feeders that are within close view. The children and I enjoy finding out new feathered friend's names through consulting the Audubon book.
.: A few glass insulators that I collect :.
I have always been intrigued by these glass telephone pole insulators. I found these today under the eaves of the shed! What a delight for me to find! They now sit along the open window sill gathering up sunlight that passes through them and add a lovely color in this space.
.: I am appreciating the bright colors that share themselves through this space! :.
We are truly enjoying this newly created living space! It is a spot to gather during the day and later in the evenings by candlelight.
