The simple pleasures of home shine brighter
when the spirit of God intertwines our hearts
with His gentle Joy.

Sunday, April 7, 2013

Breath of Fresh Air. . .

Some of my friends await Spring to enjoy
wearing their flip~flops. . .

some to don their brightly hued wardrobe. . .

but for me, On Crooked Creek,
it's that first breath of fresh air!!!


This is my first Spring since retiring!
Now that the interior  Spring cleaning
has been accomplished, it's time to move to the exterior.




Although I'm truly not an out~of~doors person,
I do enjoy morning coffee and late afternoon tea on the deck.



Prior to 2009, we had a concrete slab patio
original to our 1970's Ranch Style Home! 
During the replacement of the sewer line,
the concrete had to be removed. In its place,
"Mr. Ed" and our son, built a deck for us to enjoy!



During Easter weekend,
"Mr. Ed" and I scrubbed all the decking
and patio furniture. Mother Nature gave the deck a good rinsing
and now all that is needed is bringing out the Spring decor!




I felt I'd "gotten into a rut" 
and needed a breath of fresh air beginning.

So~o~o. . .
I enlisted the help of a dear friend 
to breathe a breath of  fresh air into our out~of~door space!


We began with a blank, clean, fresh slate!


The patio table and chairs where "Mr. Ed" and I 
enjoy evening tea and conversation. . .before.




Ah~h~h. . .
the fresh space, now angled just off the corner of the deck
where "Mr. Ed" and I will relax at day's end. . .after! ! !




This  a m a z i n g  shelf vignette
is the designing talent of my dear friend!






I adore how she staged my chocolate hued terra cotta pots!!! 
We both agree that the faux ivy 
will soon be replaced with real plants.



My friend, once again, 
brings freshness to this seating area! 
Perfect spot for morning coffee!!!

Which is a "good thing",
as both "Mr. Ed" and I had claimed this spot
prior to the make~over!





And while it may still be a spot of contention. . .
I have a feeling that comfy, vintage quilt
has my name written all over it!!!




Arranging my out~of~door decor accessories
on the etagere was accomplished 
by combining both of our creative talents!



"Mr. Ed" grows Sunflowers,
just for me, every year On Crooked Creek!
So~o~o. . . you can't image the joy this display,
done by my friend, gives me!!!

I adore how she positioned the black wire basket on its side!
I tucked in a few pieces of fern and Sunflower seed packets
I received from my Florida Pen Pal!!!



The wind is ever present here on the Prairie, 
thus explaining the blown over seed packet!



* * * * * * * Tip * * * * * * *
My friend gave a few suggestions:
1) Consider outdoor lighting on the deck perimeter!
2) The addition of some real plants for terra cotta pots!
3) Purchase of an over~size concrete bird for the bird cage!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *



All~in~all, 
I feel so~o~o very blessed 
to have had such an amazing day designing and creating
a fresh new look On Crooked Creek's back deck
with my dear friend!!!




As we enjoyed our Tea With A View  (here),
a sense of peace and tranquility flooded over my soul!
This beautiful reflection of my friends talents 
beckons me to come out~of~doors and breathe in. . .
a breath of fresh air!!!


Until next time. . .


On Crooked Creek will be joining


www.betweennapsontheporch.net 

Metamorphosis Monday !


And. . .

Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for
Inspire Me Tuesday!


And. . .

www.stonegable.blogspot.com

Yvonne @ StoneGable for


And. . .

www.commonground-do.com

Debra @ Common Ground for
Be Inspired Friday!


Be sure to visit
for you’ll come away
filled with amazing inspirations
for use in your own home décor!

17 comments:

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh, Pat...how pretty everything looks! I love the bird tablecloth and the lantern with the nest! Enjoy this first spring of retirement! :-) Hugs...Debbie

Mary Ann said...

This is my first retired spring, too, and I'm going to make our deck over as well... yours came out great!

Mary@mydogsmygardenandmary said...

This is my first spring after retiring 3 years ago that I felt like doing anything outdoors. Now I can't seem to stay in doors. I love how you and your friend decorated your deck. It really looks so welcoming.

Your luncheon tea looks so yummy. Enjoy.
Mary

podso said...

LOL. My first " retire" spring too. I am amazed at how much I neglected in the past few years. Looking forward to much more time. Your transformation looks great!

~✽Mumsy✽~ said...

They looked so pretty and you did well making them look so springy!

Marigene said...

I love the way you are celebrating the arrival of spring here on the prairie, Pat!

White Lace and Promises said...

Such darling lanterns, birdhouses, with just the perfect display of everything!!!! Love it! Such wish I had a deck-even a small deck would do.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Pat, your deck looks SPRINGTIME FRESH!!!! It truly IS a breath of fresh air. I did the same thing today, with the TINY space I have right now. I am so antsy for us to get our deck built!And our gardening plans approved so we can get GOING!!!! Your table looks so pretty to, wish I could share a cup and some conversation with you too. XO, Pinky

Okio B Designs said...

Your spring touches are just perfect!

Jeanine

NanaDiana said...

Oh My! It IS a breath of fresh air. It sure turned out great and I can see that you will enjoy spending more time out there than you did before. I know you are not a big "outdoor" person but I bet this might change your mind a bit. Blessings to you- xo Diana

Babs said...

Great job and how much fun to decorate with a friend. You've given me several ideas for my baker's rack. Happy Spring!

Cindy @ Dwellings-The Heart of Your Home said...

So pretty, the perfect spot to enjoy the Spring weather! Would love for you to come share at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy

Melissa@daisymaebelle.com said...

It all looks so pretty! Enjoy your retirement! Life to the full! Melissa @ DaisyMaeBelle

Anonymous said...

She did a beautiful display, everything just looks so natural, like it should be the way it is! Wonderful! Patty/BC

Anonymous said...

It looks beautiful Pat. I know you will enjoy this wonderful space. We had our coffee on the back porch this morning. Love doing that, when weather allows.

Unknown said...

Your wooden deck looks beautiful. I find it appealing as it matched perfectly with the sidings and the roof. I also like the fixtures you placed in there. They all look lovely! The colorful plants and the rabbit figures make me feel like I'm in a farm land wherein I can rest, relax, and enjoy.

Julio Wells

Micupoftea said...

Enjoy your retirement...looks like you are off to a good start! :)