I found my heart in the trees

It's my favorite time of the year, when the air is crisp and cool and the leaves begin to change their colors. The Aspen trees in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains are turning from chartreuse to deep golds to bright orange and even to bittersweet red.
Every year the ski area runs their lifts so folks who only like to hike down the mountain (like me) can enjoy the beautiful scenery.


Being in the mountains is like being in a sea of gold!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

S-s-s-pring!

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."
~ Proverb

I was beginning to worry, but this morning I was greeted with nature's perfect laugh.
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Green Dreamin'

For those of you wondering, I did jinx the warm weather. On the Spring Equinox we received over a foot of snow....some Spring!There may still be snow on the ground, but in my mind it's Spring. During the short moments before I drift off to sleep, I spend my last thoughts on plans for the garden, vibrant color schemes, spectacular succulents and my future greenhouse splurges. Arranged succulents by Flora Grubb Gardens

This year I am particularly inspired with wall gardens, like these from Flora Grubb Gardens in San Francisco. You can make your own with vertical tray kits purchased on the website. Photo via Flora Grubb Gardens
I'm also in love with Woolypockets, the newest and most fascinating way to create, "soft-sided, breathable and modular" gardens. Photos via Woolypockets
One of the finest establishments putting these Woolypockets to use is the Smog Shoppe in Los Angeles, a 100% solar-powered haven for desert plants, vertical gardens and chic vintage furnishings. The Smog Shoppe is available for private events like this wedding hosted in their unique urban oasis. A must see!Photo via Woolypockets
Happy green dreamin'!
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM

Do you play croquet?

I may be jinxing this warm spell we're in, but the sun is shining and the birds are chirping....and my crocus are coming out to say hello. I wore shoes without socks today and yesterday a friend and I took an afternoon walk in the fresh air and not on a treadmill.
The sunshine on our faces felt warm and hinted at the coming days filled with picnics, BBQs, flip flops and of course lawn games. We were lucky enough to walk through a very "official" croquet game in the park.
I have a feeling that games like horseshoes, bocce, wiffle ball, pétanque, and badminton will be all the rage this spring! Who's with me?
-Jessie, Santa Fe, NM