Oh, it's beautiful outside these days.
Beautiful wonderful days.
And grand, great huge surprises in the form of…
Fruit blossoms.
My now 3 year old volunteer peach tree has first & huge incredible blossoms.
It's a baby of the 30+ year old peach tree.
If you think of what it takes in necessary cold days and water to get a peach pit to germinate, well, it's just miraculous really (especially here in the land of sun). It decided to be born in a perfect bed in the veggie garden. A gift from nature to be sure.
And blossoming so early in its life.
Just wow.
The bees flutter by as Miles sniffs and licks the blooms himself.
Miley, let your mother take your picture I say.
Come on open your eyes Miley.
I can't, the sun is too bright.
🙂
Beautiful sweet soul.
Lucky me for getting to love him so.
My entire being is smiling on these earliest of almost spring days.
Those fresh tender petals and leaves are just beyond words.
Isn't it such a wonderful time?
I know some of you aren't here yet, so I took these with you in mind.
Lots going on in the land of sun.
The matthiolas are ruffled as ever.
Like layers of frosting, loving the cool mornings.
Perfect pale pink.
Delphiniums reach for the sky, as I wait wait wait.
Can't wait for them to open.
I hear the light crunching of my tiny shadow.
Right behind me as always, ready to run for fear of being grabbed.
Please Matty just one pic, please?
Snap.
He is soooo loveable, but only when he feels like it.
All the other times, I let him be his skittish kooky self.
He follows me to my new favorite place.
Marveling at the volunteer.
We stroll around listening to the endless chatter of hummingbirds.
The loud single chirps of the cardinals.
The silent quick moves of the vermillion fly catchers.
I turn on the irrigation and like early morning clock work…
Whether it's my hose or the sprinkler, the hummies are ready for a bath.
So cute.
I looooove bath time.
Sweeties, aren't they?
They follow us around, flower to flower.
Miley running ahead with his giant log, Matty behind me quietly mimicking my steps.
Carolina jasmine droops with flowers as wisteria flowers form.
Oh my!!
It's happening.
I'm giddy, I can't help it.
I pruned my 38 rose bushes just in time because the warmth came in and made them explode with new leaves.
It's excitement overload for a garden lover I tell ya.
The plum trees are all blossoms too.
The bees are in heeeeaven.
I watch them, inspired to paint them.
They have all sorts of funny maneuvers.
I end with my obsession.
Sweet tree.
About 3 or 4 years old.
I think the first year it was hidden in the tomatillos.
When I noticed it I just let marigolds self seed around it.
And now…
Bliss blooms.
Creating joy for furry and non furry creatures all around.
(and can you believe there are 3 other peach volunteers coming up, it's amazing, but it's what happens when you put your peach pits in the compost)
Haha!
What glorious delicious weather.
Such beautiful days.
I'm painting outside, finishing some clay pieces I started in early winter.
I really enjoyed my unintended year off of making lots of things.
I hadn't even realized I needed it.
I guess no vacations for 9 years can do that to you.
I still made art, but not like I had years before.
It was a wonderful amazing year filled with sooo many happenings.
I really needed it, I'm so refueled I'm bursting.
Even my joy vaults are all full.
Now I'm all inspired and making things with mad delight.
I hiked and hiked and hiked my heart out for a year and 2 months.
Then…
I had 3 scary incidences with weirdos in the last 2 weeks, and the last one was very creepy and could have been bad but I reacted early as I stay very alert on my surroundings and escaped being grabbed. Horrible.
I was refusing to be hindered by fear, but creepy men chasing you or trying to get you in their motor home kind of changes your perspective.
I decided it was definitely time for change.
Soooooo…
I ordered a giant trampoline for my garden.
I'm so excited.
And I'll only go hike with people now instead of alone.
I had a giant trampoline and pool my whole life until I moved off to be an adult.
I looove doing hills but weirdos are weirdos.
I like weirdos, but scary men in the middle of nowhere, not so much.
Man, they sure take the fun out of fun.
I love running my garden track & walking & other stuff.
But I need some other excitement too.
Soooo, jumping it is.
And maybe it's time for a lap pool?
I can't wait to jump.
Two more days.
Then I jump.
For now it's paint and blooms and dogs and clay.
And looooots of furry hugs and kisses.
How are you out there in the world?
What's going on out there?
I'm in the sun listening to the Lost in the Dream album by War on Drugs.
I love refinding songs in my Ipod that I enjoy.
Lovely days indeed.
xoxo
Love, V
Thank you so much for sharing your spring with us! Here in Rhode Island all I have are my daffodils, tulips and such peeking about two inches out of the ground! But soon it will be beautiful in the Ocean State! (I am glad you are safe. Be careful!)
I was so happy to see your post today. I am just itching for spring! Here in Massachusetts, it is in the 30s today…Brrrrrrrr. I always get so excited to hear about your pup antics! Their little personalities always make me smile. That is such a great picture of Matty! And the one of Miles with his eyes closed made me laugh out loud. I am sorry to hear about your hiking creepers. And I am so glad that you were able to escape safely. That is so scary. I live just off the Appalachian trail and I love hiking, but I will never hike alone for safety reasons. When I was younger, I was out on a walk and a guy try to get me in his car, after that, I am more cautious. Your trampoline sounds like the most perfectly fun thing! So many people would just get a treadmill. I love how you think outside the box!
LOVE your post! Miley needs a snazzy pair of shades 😉
I recently read the book “The Night Garden” and it made me think of your magical gardens. Here we are facing our third snowstorm in 2 weeks. Brrrr…. enjoy the sun, hummingbirds and blooms.((hugs)) from up North,
Nathalie
I’m sorry the scary weirdos are getting in the way of your fun! But I’m super glad you’re safe and sound.💜
I love all the pictures of blooms and pups and birds and bees. It’s incredibly windy and rainy here today, even the seagulls are lying low… So it’s extra lovely to see all the sunshine. Just a few more weeks and I can safely plant my bulbs and seeds… I can hardly wait! Lots of love to you and your pups and you Mister! Xoxo
Looks so heavenly Vanessa!!! Love the hummingbird shots! So happy you are feeling rejuvenated and you are ready to plunge into what you enjoy doing! Glad you have decided to run with a buddy! How scary it must have been to meet these crazy weirdos while you were running! I still would maybe take a group! You need to really be careful! You crack me up>>>>a trampoline!!! LOL!!! Have fun but do be careful!!
So far I have stock and freesias popping up with all my other assorted plants. I actually planted only sunflowers and one seed bag of wild flowers and also my gifted cypress vine seeds from Anne Berbling! I gave up on my beloved hollyhocks as they attracted some awful bugs that returned the last couple of years and destroyed there beauty! I feel like everything is blooming so early because of our great weather and I fear we are going to be dry and Hot by the time April rolls along!
Hugs to You Matty and Miles! <3<3<3
Hello Vanessa, Everything is fine here. I don’t have spring fever yet though because here in SO.CAl. We didn’t get hardly any Winter. I do love Winter.I’m very disappointed it didn’t rain enough.Sounds like Your so enjoying the outburst of Spring.I’m so glad to hear Your not hiking by Yourself anymore.May God continue to bless You and Your loved ones-Denise
Gorgeous photos. So glad you are safe. I hope you were able to report them. That makes me angry. It is one of the joys of living here. On the other hand, the trampoline sounds like so much fun. My sister’s daughter jumped on hers until she wore it out, now it is time for a new one when her birthday comes. It’s a great form of exercise. Enjoy. xoxo Su
Gorgeous peach blooms dearie. That pic of Miles squinting…adorable. Yes, Spring has sprung. Lots of blossoms…so inspiring! Freaky men are oh so scary indeed! Stay safe! We got a trampoline for my girls and they absolutely love it. I can’t jump on it, but it looks like so much fun! 🙂 xo Jen
Your beautiful photos of flowering trees are just what the doctor ordered! Even the more so, because we had rain, sleet and then snow today. Spring is near, but winter is not going to give up easily. Thank you so much for sharing!
What in the world??? That’s truly awful and scary when a person can’t even walk for fitness and pleasure. Sorry, sweetie – but glad things are ok and you are making other plans to grab more joy out of life. The trampoline sounds like fun! Another thing that’s a blast and great for the hips, core and legs — is a hula hoop. Put on your best music and get swirling. Talk about losing yourself to the moment. <3
In Florida we're enjoying the last days of the longest "winter" ever. It finally feels like Spring around here and my "Shooting Star" tree is going nuts -- it's just breathtaking.
No! Take care out there. Sounds as if someone had been watching and was familiar with your hiking schedule. You seem to be more the trampoline type anyway…airborne. You are my breath of fresh air. I just wish I could get you automatically coming into my e-mail because I don’t catch every post and usually make a point of reading several at one time.
I always love your garden tours and today especially where the temp this morning is 30 and I am in bed with a terrible cold– could just feel that warm sun—at least another month here before we see anything blooming other than crocuses. Glad you got away from the weird stranger! Enjoy jumping on your trampoline.
I know, isn’t it? 3 incidences really close together got my attention. But the last one on Thursday- a man turned around (u-turn) and followed me on a big 4 wheeler then hid in a wash, stopped his 4 wheeler, took off his camo jacket then ran up from the wash toward me & tried to grab me. I saw him way ahead of time and as he lunged, I pulled back & ran into the road with my mace & just ran & ran towards cars where it’s populated. I also called ML and he was there in 60 seconds. It was just so strange and could have been a bad situation. I just looove going uphill everyday so I’ll find a solution. But I can’t do a treadmill again yet, I’ve had too many in life and they bore me so I’ll jump for now. Oh yes, I love hoola hooping! I had a special weighted one made a couple years ago. Sooo fun! <3 <3
Vickie, my daffodils came and went so fast it wasn’t funny. But don’t you love those first peeks? It’s so exciting! I have a few hyacinths hanging on, but it’s a bit sunny for them even in the shade. You’ll have such a beautiful summer when I am wilting haha!! 😉 <3
Lovely post, Vanessa and very welcomed. I am SO ready for spring and your posts always inspire me. Thanks for sharing your many gifts. We all benefit from them.
Robyn, I love that you love the pups antics! I guess I won’t be hiking alone either. It seemed very safe, alas, I guess even safe places are unsafe when some creep is around. 2 weeks ago this very sketchy guy tried to get me to get into his motor home 3 times. I’m like, ya no, not gonna happen. Crazy. Then last Thursday beyond creepy weirdo tried to grab me. I’ve had treadmills and steppers, but I just love outdoors you know? I have a garden trail I can run but all of a sudden too much running is hurting me, darn! That’s why I love going uphill. For now I’ll jump. Really hiking was just a mind cleanse and a sense of freedom. I’m sad to have to change it up, but let’s see how jumping goes, haha! <3
Nathalie, Ooooo, the night garden, how wonderful! Miley totally needs shades and a hat, haha!! xoxo! Stay warm!! <3
Annalee (such a pretty name), Hi there you!! Ooooo, it’s cold up there huh? Well, when I am frying in the summer you can send down some breeze. We have had no winter, it’s tres bizarre. Or, maybe not bizarre at all with global warming. It was 90′ when it should have been snowing at my house. So, we’ll see how the coming months look. Apparently it will be 88′ on the weekend and then 64′ on Monday, which entirely explains the bizarre Arizona concept, hahaha!! <3 <3
Oh yes, we will be dry and hot too, yikes! I was not, repeat, not going to plant flower seeds this year. I was going to minimize my chores so I could travel this summer. Alas, I couldn’t resist and planted some seeds. We’ll see what happens. Mister Lovee says he will tend my gardens if I decide to go gallivanting, yay! My 38 rose bushes are full of fresh leaves and I spent all afternoon pruning a rose vine that has almost encapsulated my little gallery building (now used as a 2nd office). Some of the vines I pulled out last night were over 20 ft. long and I slept with thorns in my finger which are quite sore now as I type, haha! Ooo, seeds from dear Anne, can’t wait to see how they flourish. Ok, I babble now, lots of love Kelly!! xoxo
Oh yes Denise, the need for rain… sigh… I think we will get some next week, I certainly hope you do as well. Yes I am indeed enjoying this spring flurry, such a joy! Lots of good thoughts and wonderfulness to you! <3
Oooo, trampoline fun. I bought the biggest I could find. I loved jumping as a kid so I can’t wait. I hope I LOVE it and don’t go, oh boring, next, hahaha! xoxo
Well, we could use some of your grand rain around here. I think we might get some next week. The flowering trees are bliss in person. You’ll have yours soon I hope. Stay warm William!! 🙂
Oh yes, airborne!! SO much fun. You’re so delightful <3 Oh, so for blog post notifications, you could try using Bloglovin' maybe? I think they notify for new posts. I have a link up in the navigation bar under the blog banner. I can't wait for my trampoline, although I LOVE the freedom of being out in nature. I'll still go but with someone. I've already bribed ML to wait for me in the car as I do hills, haha! I tried to change up my schedule a lot, but I think it was just place and time, creep shows up and there you are. I'll be very careful. In fact I was sort of prepared for anything. I tried some practice moves often for when someone is grabbing you and I always carry mace on my shirt. But you know, when it happens it's still shocking and you have to be ready to react. I was so ready and did well on Thursday but it still had me tembling all day. Eeks! Thanks for being great! <3
Janet, oh no! A terrible cold is the pits. I wish you could sit in my sun and bake some of that cold away. I hope you feel better so soon <3 <3
Seriously? We are about 3 months away from this! Why do I live in the land of Snow’s? Beautiful picutes!
Yaaaaaaaay for the trampoline! I’m so glad you’re safe, yikes. I absolutely can’t wait to see your new creations and pictures. I understand needing to go inward to refuel. I’m glad to see you, I think of you often. I wish I could post a pic here… Sean and I had a miracle baby girl! 3 mos new…. Morgan Theresa :)) were so in love, but the cats aren’t. Ha! Xo Heidi
It’s so nice seeing all those signs of spring by you. The weather here goes from 60 one day to 30 & snow the next. The last snow storm brought 15 inches by my friend just over the state line in Indiana! We’re supposed to get 4-5 inches tonight & then back up to 60 for the weekend! Spring is really crazy here.
I’m glad you are safe! If anybody hurt you, they would have to deal with the lot of us blog people coming after them! :0)
We live in a safe area with nice walking/bike trails. We recently had a guy who tried to attack a couple of women on one of them. They caught him before he hurt anyone. I guess no place is truly safe. It’s too bad that it’s extra hard for women to do anything alone.
Please keep sharing those warm, sunny, flowery pictures with those of us who have longer winters!
That is so scary. I am so sorry that happened. People can be creepy.
Your pictures are so pretty. I love spring. We have had some beautiful warm, sunny days between the rain. I have been seeing daffodils in bloom. The pink magnolias are blooming too.
We have seeds germinating for the garden. Peas are planted in the garden.
Hey there sweet lady! Lovely to read your post! Our garden is starting to bloom as well. We are also a land of sun out here in Santa Barbara! Our wisteria and Jasmine are starting to pop! Two of my favorite things!!!!!
On the issue of the creep, check out a self defense program called model mugging. It is international and I am pretty sure there will be one in either Phoenix or Tucson. I used to teach it and I can say with confidence that it is the best program out there. Very realistic and very effective! You actually learn to fight full strength against a “model” of a “mugger”. It is sooooo powerful!
Love, love love that you are getting a trampoline! I used to have one when I was in my 30s and have been thinking of getting one again. I got the safety walls/net around it so I could go bonkers and do flips and twists and not go flying off the thing. It was loads of fun! Have ML take pictures of you airborne. Would love to see!
Love reading your blog as always,
Wishing you lots of beautiful blooms and fabulous flips!!!
Love, Tricia
It will be quite awhile before I see this in my part of the country so thank you for reminding me that spring will indeed be here, sooner or later! It’s simply beautiful!
Your home, pets and wildlife friends are so magical!
Hope there will be no more creeps!
Oh no! Darn those scary weirdos! I walk around my neighborhood late at night sometimes when I get off work and I usually see no one, but sometimes I worry. But I feel like having our new pup Dallas with me would probably discourage people. He is the biggest sweetheart ever, but strangers don’t know that and he looks like could be kind of intimidating. Anyway, I’m sorry your hiking got ruined! I have been wanting to do more hiking lately and hopefully take Dallas, but he isn’t in good enough shape yet. Trampolines are super fun and I am jealous!
I am so glad the creepy man (men) did not get you. My youngest sister was out doing a 12-day Medallion Treasure Hunt in Minnesota this past January, and she ended up in a little known park where two men came out of the shadows and began closing in on her so she ran like the wind and did not stop until she knew she had left them far behind her. Too bad women still have to protect themselves just because they are women in the world of men. It sucks! That is my extent of cursing. Ha!
I’ve had strange men follow me out of mall exits, and I have done a double turn-around and have gone back into the mall. I am very aware of my surroundings especially if it involves creepy men. And it doesn’t matter how young or old a woman is, creepy men are what they are, creepy!
On to your more lovely Garden of Eden…. It looks like a bumper crop of blossoms this year!
Trampolines are good for getting blood to the brain and oxygen too.
Okay…I am sounding like a dictionary doctor.
Take care, have fun, enjoy your creative passions, be well, play the piano, and enjoy your weekends for fun time!
I can’t wait to see what your latest clay creature looks like!
I do have a latest post on my blog with photos of mixed media goodies I completed or am working on which have a very long, long way to being completed.
Always love and hugs,
Miss Teresa
I read exactly what happened to You Vanessa. Doesn’t it just seem unreal.Horrible, for one thing. I know from experience when one of those creeps just even barely tries something You NEVER EVER forget it.The only answer I know for Myself is I only exercise outside with My husband.Even now that He’s 71 is still feel so safe with Him. Love Denise
I’m glad you’re finding alternatives and only going out there with safe people accompanying you. I worried about you out there on your own quite a lot, actually. There’s nut jobs everywhere, sadly.
Your garden pictures are lovely!! We’re just starting spring here, I think I need to get out and prune my roses today and tomorrow, it’s warm and rainy starting yesterday…yay!!! Your garden is an inspiration. We live in a new house, with a new yard. The soil is pretty bad, but it seems to grow stuff anyway and we’ve started a compost pile, so we’re going to improve it over time. I’m so looking forward to having a garden that’s a joy and a thrill, and that’s full of birds and squirrels and blooms. Sigh. Can’t wait!!!
xxxooo