Tuesday, June 16, 2015

SUMMER...ARE WE THERE YET?






Photo edited in PicMonkey. Thank you, Celestina, for the idea but couldn't get it right, so did my own thing. 


"Summertime and the livin' is easy"...

Excerpt from Summertime by George Gershwin



It's not quite summer yet.
 We still have
 a few days left 
of spring...






...and while the sun is
 shining brightly overhead,
 there is a soft breeze 
moving the wind chimes...





...and even though
 the cotton may not be high in our area,
 the hydrangeas are reaching tall
 and putting on their
 coats of many colors.









The butterfly bush is
 almost in full bloom
 and is already enticing
 these beautiful creatures
 with its jewel tones.







...and the busy, buzzing bees
 just can't resist 
the sweet smell of lavender.





The mystery flowers, 
which we have finally come to know 
as vintage summer phlox,
 are bursting upon the scene
 and will forever be known
 as the 'mystery flowers'
as no one knows 
where they came from.






In case you haven't heard,
 our dear and talented
blogging friend, Diana,
  is a published author. 
 She has written a book called 
"The Mystery of Lucy and the Dark Woods."

I am about half way through
 and find it hard to put down.

It is a fascinating story 
with twists and turns,
 set in an era of simpler times.

  I won't tell you anymore,
 but I know it will be an
 enjoyable summer read,
 and if you have
 followed Diana's blog at all,
 you will know that it is a story
 told with humor, joy and compassion.

  It is available through Diana's Etsy shop on her blog.





The summer is starting off
 with another piece of the puzzle 
fitting into place
 in the sitting room re-do.

  Our new area rug has arrived.

To refresh your memory
 here is how the room looks 
with the rug we
 "borrowed from the library"...





...even though
 it adds a little spot of color
 to the space...





...I prefer this one
 as I like the different textures
 and I think it 
warms up the room more.






With a bouquet 
of alstromeria in place,
 I'm thinking I like
 how their colors liven up things
so might pick up some pillows
 in those shades.

 What do you think?





Summer
 has come
 a bit early
 this year...


It's a beautiful thing to celebrate.


...Judy...






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17 comments:

  1. Your living room is so pretty...I like your new rug. Your flowers are pretty...our weather is so crazy this year...I am having trouble with my container gardening. Winds and cool nights for awhile and now, HOT. :)

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  2. Hi Judy - looks like beautiful weather in your neighborhood. It is spectacular today here in Wisconsin as well. Love this time of year. I really liked your borrowed rug, but - break out the horns & hooters - your new rug is fantastic!!! You picked a great one. Cute flag pillow on your sofa too! Jane

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  3. Hi Judy, your photo turned out gorgeous. I love what you designed. Lovely flower pics. Your Living room is gorgeous. Love the new rug too.
    I read Diana's book in 2 days. It was a page turner and I thoroughly enjoyed it. My hubby is reading it now.
    Have a nice evening. Hugs,CM

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  4. Summer has definitely arrived in Phoenix, we are expecting 115 for the next 4 or 5 days. I do love your new rug, I too like the texture and the soft color! I have Diana's book sitting here next to me, I will probably wait to start reading it until the weekend! Many blessings, Cindy

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  5. Yep... summer is finally here.
    Enjoying all that summer has to offer... warm weather, gardening, projects, vacations and bbq-ing :)
    Sounds like a good summer reading book. I love to read and nothing beats sitting on the front porch with a good book :)
    Yes.. I think your rug is very pretty, and I like it in that space. Adding some colorful pillows would be perfect too.

    Have a happy day :)

    ~K.

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  6. Hi Judy,
    this is my first time to visit came over from Ivey and Elephants. Loved all your pretty spring pictures,
    they are lovely. Your new rug looks very nice too, so many have neutrals now and I have to say I just
    love that look, and some pillows in those colors would probably look very nice.........and having neutrals
    will make it easier to go with any color really.
    Thanks for sharing with us,
    Blessings, Nelllie

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  7. The room looks lovely. I can't say that I look forward to summer arriving this year...in fact I don't think it ever left as we really didn't have a winter and the drought has made things so difficult.

    Your garden looks lovely and the photos including the butterflies are very pretty. Enjoy the volunteer Phlox, they are great plants.

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  8. I love all your pretty pictures that you have shared today. So many pretty things in the garden and your home is so nicely decorated. Looks great....I like the new rug you have added. The kitty picture is adorable.

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  9. Oh Judy, how I love your sweet and pretty posts. You always share such enchanting photos and your words feel as though I am right there with you having a nice visit over tea :)

    Thank you so much for sharing with Roses of Inspiration. Have a lovely day! Hugs

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  10. I know, it seems we just fly through the seasons! Beautiful reminder to slow it down and appreciate all the beauty each one brings. Lovely post!
    Hugs,
    Patti

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  11. Your flowers are beautiful Judy. I love summer and flowers, gardens, dining outside, warm breezes and more. I can't get enough of it and it flies by too fast! Your new rug looks very nice. Have a good day.

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  12. Thank you so much for stopping by my blog~ I enjoyed my visit here on yours and I will be back! I signed up thru email also! LOVE the pictures of flowers and home. You captured all that is Summer!
    Stacey

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  13. Hi Judy,

    Your garden is so amazing and lovely that I can't help being a tiny bit envious. It's impossible to really be envious of you though -- you're too nice a person for that. :) Truly your flowers are beautiful, though. You and the captain must have really green thumbs!

    I love, love that sweet little easy chair to the right of your sofa!! It's so pretty! How did I not notice that before? Your new rug looks great, and I think the colorful pillows for your room would be nice for summer. Thanks for telling us about Diana's book; it certainly looks interesting. I enjoyed your post, Judy, and I hope you're having a nice weekend! :)

    Hugs to you,

    Denise at Forest Manor

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  14. I have total garden envy Judy! Yours is so beautiful and with all of God's little creatures buzzing and floating around enjoying it too! Your sitting room looks ready for the summer...love the new area carpet. I am so glad that you gave a shout out about Diana's book. I have wanted to order it for my trip down to the beach but with all of the end of school stuff it slipped my mind. I am so going to order it and hope I get it before I leave for Florida. It sounds wonderful! Wishing you a great start to this first week of summer!
    XO Barbara

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  15. Judy- I was gone when you posted this but I just wanted to say THANK YOU for talking about my book. I am glad you like it....ya just never know how something will be received.

    Your home and everything is so lovely, Judy- just warm and welcoming - like you! Thanks again- xo Diana

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  16. Your garden is lovely! Thanks for joining Home Sweet Home!

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Your comments are so special to me...Judy