Monday, July 15, 2013

Expanse of beauty...and Smurfs?

This is the view that I am privileged to glimpse when I walk
 a few short blocks from The Humble Bungalow...
I love the vibrant colour.


It is definitely rugged terrain...

  exposed to the gale force winds from Juan de Fuca Strait
very little that is delicate or frail survives...
hardy plants and heather grow free

There is a lot to take in on my walking route...
some are unexpected
like the otters that were sunbathing on the concrete path the other morning.
I was distressed to see a fellow throwing rocks at them 
I presume so they would to sit up and he could snap a picture with his camera.
Fortunately someone else shouted at him to stop before I got into the act...

a few blocks farther along on the grassy boulevard...


Smurfs and "friends" 
reclining on a makeshift bench


looks like an enchanted kingdom
who has had a hand in the creation of this whimsy?


Mother Nature's work
always in fashion
and dressed appropriately for the season.


simple beauty
a feast for the eyes and soul


 I love the organic in nature
and I find that natural touches 
inside
 The Humble Bungalow
are a good mix with the arts and crafts design of our bungalow.


I found this shell at a thrift shop
it reminds me of one of my favourite books...
"A Gift From the Sea" by Ann Morrow Lindbergh

Speaking of books
 I received an email form a reader who wanted to know what I was reading...

This week it is a novel by Santa Montefiore 
"The French Gardener"
it is a well written light summer read

It is set in a vast Dorset garden and weaves a tale of plants, garden design and beauty 
the frailties of the human spirit
LOVE
~ ~ ~
 a French gardener 
 the ladies of the manor house, 
their families, 
the village
~ ~ ~
    a passion of pottering about in the dirt
has redemptive and healing power.

You can read more here...



a neighbour's cat has decided that he likes our front porch
we refer to him as "Ginger" for the lack of a better name


he's quite a handsome specimen
and loves to sleep on our Welcome mat!


Graham Thomas
a hardy David Austin rose
cheerfully blooming in the back corner of The Humble Bungalow Garden.

Until next time...
Enjoy your week!


18 comments:

Susan B said...

What a stunning landscape! It reminds me of portions of the Northern California coast between San Franscisco and Santa Cruz. Ginger is indeed a handsome fellow, and that yellow rose is a beauty.

Iris H said...

What a beautiful area you live in and how lucky you are to have this within a stroll of where you live. Beautiful pictures!

Unknown said...

What a stunning blue the sea is complimented by the heather,reminds me of the rockery Cornish coast.

Pondside said...

That's one of my favourite walks. I've never seen a Smurf there though!
There is better stylist/colour expert than nature.

Sandra Sallin said...

Your walk is beautiful. I walk in the hills and love it, but your's is much better. I also read that book and found it very relaxing and enjoyable.

Jennifer said...

What a gorgeous walk you have. Just beautiful. What do your cats think of Ginger? I'm so impressed with your rose growing ability. They're so lovely.

Susan said...

I agree with Une Femme, your walk landscape reminds me of my favorites parts of the California coast. I love "Ginger" and your thrifted shell. Your blog is something I look forward to--and makes me wonder if I should write one too.

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Nature does have a way with flair...
those Smurfs are still resting on that bench!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

I think the Northern California coast looks very similar...perhaps a bit more exposed and rugged.
When Mr. HB and I venture south I hope we will meet up with you une femme...

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Walking is so very energizing...be it hills or the seafront.
I think perhaps that you mught get the better work out on those hills!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

My friend whose sister lives in Cornwall and has just moved into a waterfront home that perches on the rocky cliffs agrees with you!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

The cats here are making kitty cat paw marks all over the windows!
They communicate through the glass!

hostess of the humble bungalow said...

Susan...
if you have any inkling to write please do it...
and let me know where I can find your blog...
I'd love to read it!

Anonymous said...

Regarding "Ginger" the cat: Even though he's taken over your front porch, I bet he won't give you the time of day! :)

La Vie Quotidienne said...

What a beautiful place to walk everyday...it must really sooth your soul. I am forced to walk on ordinary sidewalks, I really do envy you.

Thanks for the book recommendation, I am always looking for another good book to read.

Lorrie said...

There is always something to feast the eyes upon during a walk along our shores. Beautiful colors and compositions that restore the soul.

I read The French Gardener a few months ago and thoroughly enjoyed its lightness. Enjoy!

Janet Higgs said...

You are looking very svelte! Congratulations!

aurora raby said...

Great great view of the coast. It looks wonderful. I so miss not living near the sea even after more than thirty years. We are pretty much central with the nearest coastline being Wales. However, this countryside is very beautiful indeed and I can walk out up the lane and across the fields. Enjoying this great summer that we are experiencing in England!

Best Wishes