mother nature's gentle side,
wild flowers and blackberries.
i feel very lucky and blessed
to have been spared her other
side that has devastated much
of the south.

we spent last week in the alabama coastal town of gulf shores.
even though it is just 30 minutes from the house
it seems like we are a million miles from home when we are there.
it has become a tourist town with vibrant souvenir shops on
every corner and the beaches are lined with towers of condos and
rental chairs with blue umbrellas but it has also managed to keep some
of its charm from when it was just a lazy southern beach town.
a 30 yr old ice cream parlor, local clothing boutiques, an art gallery for
local artist, a yummy cheesecake shop, a burger and seafood joint on the ship canal,
seafood markets with local fresh treasures, several state parks, boats to
charter for fishing or dolphin watching, dinner cruises and some of the
best fishing in the gulf of mexico are just a few of the things that can easily fill
your time as well as give you a taste of the flavorful local culture.

however, the best part about a vacation on the beach is to ignore the noise
and commotion, sit back and let nature stir your soul and awaken your senses~
listen to the continuous sound of the waves crashing along the shore,
feel the sand between your toes,
search for seashells,
watch the moon rise over the horizon,
follow the clouds as they disappear,
watch the color show at dusk,
search for sand crabs by flashlight,
fish and crab in the gulf all night,
and then drink coffee in the salty sea breeze before
repeating.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  

patience
has been the most difficult part of changing our habits.
i have discovered that routines and familiarity can lead
to resistance, especially on busy days.
but i am happy to say that even when the girls do not fully
understand why they can't have something or completely
comprehend what i am explaining to them, they have been
troopers. and i can see a change in the way they are
making their own choices.
which is the end goal~ to be conscious consumers.

we spent a fabulous weekend in new orleans,
learning about the history,
soaking up the charm and culture,
standing beside the mississippi river in awe if its enormity,
devouring the cuisine,
listening to its beautiful jazz,
meeting artists and shopping for treasures,
visiting the audubon zoo and
riding the trolley to and from the beautiful garden district.
i have many memories of the visiting the big easy and was glad
to finally share such a vibrant city with the girls.
if you have never visited, you should add it to your list of places to see,
you won't regret it.

since the only thing i seem to take pictures of lately are flowers and such
i decided to make fridays flower day.
have a lovely spring weekend.