Welcome To My Garden!

I have always wanted a beautiful cottage garden. Unfortunately, I have not had that opportunity until now. When we bought the home we live in now, there were no gardens, plants or flowers to be found. So, I rolled up my sleeves and went to work.

As you can see in the before picture, things were pretty dull. No wonder the birds and butterflies never came. Thanks to good friends and wonderful sales, my dream came true. Of course, a lot of hard work went into to also.

Today, the garden is coming along nicely. I have added a couple more gardens on the property and hope to have a secret garden completed for my four granddaughters to play in within the next five years.

Nothing is more satisfying than to sit back and look at your accomplishments and enyoy the beauty.

"Life's a journey, not a destination"

Steven Tyler hit the nail on the head and what a journey it has been. But you know what, I wouldn't change one day of it. If my journey had been different, would I have been? As I creep closer to 50, I have taken a good look at my life and what I have accomplished. Am I where I want to be? Where do I want to be in 10 years? Have I set some realistic goals that I want to reach?

I have been blessed to have great parents, a wonderful husband and fabulous children and grandchildren. Even though my life has been a roller coaster of emotions, I have always kept my faith that something bigger than life itself watches over me and guides me to my next adventure.

They say that what doesn't kill you, will make you stronger. There have been many different losses in my life. I lost a brother and a son and recently lost my Dad. There have been many severed relationships in my life. Some of which were due to the choices they made and some due to me deciding they were a negative impact in my life.

When I was going through a tough time, my Mom, who is my best friend, gave me a book with a CD in it of a song written by Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance. Those lyrics said it all.

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat
But always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
I hope you still feel small
When you stand by the ocean
Whenever one door closes, I hope one more opens
Promise me you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Living might mean taking chances
But they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake
But it's worth making
Don't let some hell bent heart
Leave you bitter
When you come close to selling out Reconsider
Give the heavens above
More than just a passing glance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
I hope you dance

Thank you Mom! You were right. If I had not taken these words to heart, I never would have met my wonderful husband, my soul mate.