Color Inspiration

I haven't forgotten the wicker chairs or the front porch that we discussed here.  But, my color choice has changed based on a recent inspiration: 

This is the view out my patios doors every morning, my neighbors newly painted wall and salvia clevelandii (purple sage).  It takes my breath away everyday.

This is my neighbor on the other side and the view out my kitchen window and from the front porch.

 Unfortunately the lighting wasn't great for this photo but you can see that the door and window ledge are a coral color.  

And these are some other views from the front porch.

So, the cushions will be green and yellow with some coral for accents.  You really can't go wrong when Nature chooses your color palette.

Sunday Music

A favorite-Madeleine Peyroux:

Just a place to lay my head.

When we were at Picacho last, I took a few photos of some of the rigs we saw camped there.  If you're familiar with camping, you know that part of the ritual is taking a walk around to check out all the other rigs along with the various camping paraphernalia people just can't leave home without.  We've picked up some really good ideas that we've incorporated and we've seen a lot of things that fall into the "What were they thinking?" category.

The photos below are some of my favorite set-ups.  Simplicity seems to be the theme.

Our humble abode

The Teardrop

Mercedes Sportsmobile

Vintage Airstream Caravelle

The Classic

Ed. to add:  If you want to see some fabulous camping vehicles and equipment, check out Ara's latest post at Oasis of my Soul.

Look what we did!

A group of quilters in my neighborhood put together this beautiful Cactus Blossom quilt which was raffled off to benefit the Civano Community School and Civano Aging in Community.  I'm proud to say my blocks are numbers 5 and 10.  Thanks to Joanna Norman of Forever Green Quilts

for heading the project and getting the quilt into wall-hanging condition. 

 

The raffle was the culmination of The 6th Annual Civano Art & Quilt show, which included a concert by Trails and Rails, a silent auction, used book sale, and plate lunches.  All in all, over $2700 was raised!  The event gets bettere every year and credit for the success goes to the hard work of Mare and Maureen, proprietors of the Inn at Civano and just all-around great community members.

More photos here.

Sunday Music

Do you think life would be boring if we didn't strive to make ourselves better than we are today?

from  mnmlist

You can’t change your entire life.

You can only change your next action.

—

You can’t change a relationship with a loved one.

You can only change your next interaction.

—

You can’t change your entire job.

You can only change your next task.

—

You can’t change your body composition.

You can only change your next meal.

—

You can’t change your fitness level.

You can only start moving.

—

You can’t declutter your entire life.

You can only choose to get rid of one thing, right now.

—

You can’t eliminate your entire debt.

You can only make one payment, or buy one less unnecessary item.

—

You can’t change the past, or control the future.

You can only change what you’re doing right now.

—

You can’t change everything.

You can only change one, small thing.

And that’s all it takes.

My Passionate Affair with the Taxman

I have a secret and it's not something often discussed in mixed company.  Come closer so I can whisper in your ear:  I don't mind paying my taxes. 

Sometimes I am very passionate about professing my feelings about the Taxman, and if you want to see others get really passionate, just say, "I don't mind paying taxes" aloud. It's purple passion, baby!

I've been writing a confessional post in my mind for a few days but then I came upon this  Tax Day Message on Paul Levy's blog (whom I am also passionate about). James Tracy is now my new heartthrob.

I couldn't have said it better myself.

Here's an interesing idea...

From Jacob at Early Retirement Extreme, Building an Intentional Early Retirement Community.

Would you move?

I saw this post at Tiny House Blog a couple of months ago.  Sounds interesting but you'd have to drive miles for everything.  Been there, done that.

Some neighbors of ours moved nearer to "downtown" Tucson about a year ago. They came to our recent block party and made us all jealous because they can walk to just about anything.  Now they're crabby if they have to cross the street to get to a restaurant.  They also did a smart thing by buying a small duplex, renovating and renting out one side.  The 2 of them are living in about 750 sq ft. (their house here was at least 3 times that).  

I could do this. 

If I were to move again...