-
Rabbit Romance: My Love Affair With Bunnies
Easter and springtime bring to mind baby chicks, eggs, and of course, bunnies. With their twitchy little noses, fluffy tails, and long, soft ears, rabbits are simply adorable. I have always loved them.
I grew up in a home where my father did not care for pets. Dad had already nixed my request for a kitten or puppy. It was only due to my Mom surreptitiously sneaking him into the backyard along with his rabbit hutch that I came to know and love Oliver. Oliver was a very fat, sweet rabbit, as brown as a bread crust and with feet as big as my hands. When Dad discovered my new pet, he was told that Oliver’s previous owner had departed for college and could no longer care for him. There was no taking him back. Wink wink.
My bunny Oliver. Oliver became my best friend. I would dress him up in baby doll bonnets and Daisy Duke cut-offs, feed him lettuce and carrots, and snuggle with him. I would ride around with him tucked safely inside a white flower-power basket on the front of my bicycle, which often drew astonished looks from folks we passed in the neighborhood.
My love of rabbits only grew with my love of reading about them. Beatrix Potter’s Tale of Peter Rabbit was a favorite of mine. I ended up naming one of my sons Peter; it may have been my adoration for Peter Rabbit. I loved that Peter Rabbit was the naughty one in the family, sneaking into Mr. McGregor’s garden and binging on veggies. After his misadventures, his siblings, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cottontail get fresh bread and blackberry jam but poor Peter gets only chamomile tea and is put to bed. Poor Peter!
Brer Rabbit, created by Joel Chandler Harris, lived in a briar patch and was always one-upping the naughty Brer Fox. I have always admired him because he was resourceful and survived by his wits to escape capture. He was a tricky trickster!
The Velveteen Rabbit, by Margery Williams, is a dear and lovely book I am besotted with. Is there anyone that does not love this classic quote?
Thumper, the bunny in Bambi always reminded me “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” A good life lesson that I need to abide by.
The White Rabbit in Alice and Wonderland always fascinated me, running around helter-skelter with his pocket watch. There was also the March hare who was obsessed with having tea. Never a dull moment for the bunnies in Wonderland!
The Country Bunny and the Little Gold Shoes by Dubose Heyward tempted me with the most magical fairy tale adventures.
Do you have any favorite rabbits or rabbit stories? If so, I would love to hear about them. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and a beautiful Easter!
-
Most Beautiful Sunset Quotes Ever!
The water was glassy and calm, still candy-colored in the afterglow of sunset–Stephen King. There is nothing like watching the sun set in California. Sunsets here are incredibly surreal and beautiful. My obsession with them has fueled my penchant for taking oodles of photos. I thought I would pair my sunset captures with some of my favorite sunset quotes. I hope you enoy them!
A sunset is the sun’s fiery kiss to the night–Crystal Woods. 
Soon it got dusk, a grapy dusk, a purple dusk over tangerine groves and long melon fields; the sun the color of pressed grapes, slashed with burgundy red, the fields the color of love and Spanish mysteries–Jack Kerouac. 
The sky broke like an egg into full sunset and the water caught fire–Pamela Hansford Johnson. 
Clouds come floating into my life, no longer to carry rain or usher storm, but to add color to my sunset sky–Rabindranath Tagore. 
Twilight fell: The sky turned to a light, dusky purple littered with tiny silver stars–J.K. Rowling. 
Softly the evening came with the sunset–Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. 
What can you see on the horizon, why do the white gulls call? Across the sea, a pale moon rises. The ships have come to carry you home. And all will turn to silver glass, a light on the water. Grey ships pass into the west–Annie Lennox. 
When the sun has set, no candle can replace it–George R. R. Martin. 
Sunsets, like childhood, are viewed with wonder not just because they are beautiful but because they are fleeting–Richard Paul Evans. 
It is almost impossible to watch a sunset and not dream–Bern Williams. 
Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer to your goal–Elbert Hubbard. 
No matter where you are in the world, I hope you are able to enjoy your sunsets. Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
-
Seven Best Places for Wildflowers in Monterey County!
It’s spring in Monterey County, and that means wildflowers! As both a hiker and a flower lover, I am always excited this time of year to watch for the profusion of blooms. You can see nearly every color in the rainbow along the coastline, in the canyons, and everywhere in between. Here is a list of some of my favorite places to see wildflowers in my neck of the woods.1. Corral de Tierra. Located midway between Salinas and Monterey, Corral de Tierra is well known for its pastoral beauty. In the spring it features many beautiful wildflowers. There is an abundance of wildflowers along both Corral de Tierra and San Benancio roads as well as at my farm here, including morning glories, shooting stars, jonquils, and lupines. Corral de Tierra is an amazing place to hike and bike and admire these gorgeous blooms.
These heavenly blue flowers cover the hillside along the dirt road I live on. 
Wild jonquils appear at my farm every spring. “I will be the gladdest thing under the sun! I will touch a hundred flowers and not pick one.”–Edna St. Vincent Milay
Wild lupines proliferate on the hillsides in Corral de Tierra. 2. Garrapata State Park, located off Hwy 1, is a heavenly place in springtime. You will not only be treated to amazing views of the coastline, but you will also see colorful wildflowers. During my recent visit, I spotted wild irises, poppies, and Indian paintbrush.
“To see a world in a grain of sand and a heaven in a wildflower” –William Blake.
3. Further south, follow meandering coastal trails to Calla Lily Valley. This magical place will soothe your senses. Calla lilies surround Doud Creek as it rushes into the ocean near a secluded beach.
“I think I like wildflowers best,” I explain. “They just grow wherever they want. No one has to plant them. And then their seed blows in the wind and they find a new place to grow”–Rebecca Donovan
4. Asilomar Beach in Pacific Grove. Beginning in late March and early April, a profusion of ice plants form a brilliant carpet along the coastline here. If you want a truly amazing experience, start at Lovers Point and continue along the Monterey Bay Recreational Trail towards Pebble Beach. You will not be disappointed!
5. Garland Ranch Park. The plethora of trails here offer hikes for every level from beginner to advanced. I have done many different hikes here and I can tell you that spring is a magical time to view wildflowers here. The Terrace trail, in the Garzas Canyon section of the park, is especially popular for monkey flowers and shooting stars.
6. Fort Ord Park. This 7200-acre park is home to over 35 species of rare plants and animals, including a myriad of wildflowers. Hiking and biking are popular activities on the trails winding through this popular place, and it is a sure bet that you will spot some lovely wildflowers this time of year.
7. Toro Park. Located near Corral de Tierra off Highway 68, this park is also a great place to find wildflowers. Hiking and biking trails abound, offering spectacular vistas of the countryside and beautiful views of the emerging wildflowers.
“Love is like wildflowers; it’s often found in the most unlikely places.” –Ralph Waldo Emerson.
I hope that you are able to enjoy the beautiful wildflowers this spring! Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness & beautiful vistas!
-
Happy & Heavenly Pink!
Theses are cupcakes! Can you believe it? @cakesbyjanetaylor. “I believe in pink. I believe that laughing is the best calorie burner. I believe in kissing, kissing a lot. I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day and I believe in miracles.” Audrey Hepburn
Pink piglets @pretty.pink.piggy 
Pink bicycle & flowers @eleanorfordfood. I have always loved the color pink. The color pink is most often associated with romance, sweetness, femininity, and charm. It takes its name from the group of flowers called “pinks”, which belong to the genus Dianthus.
Fairy Tale Craigievar Castle in Scotland, @tis_the_season_to. This captivating color became very popular during the 1700s, when the King of France’s mistress, Madame de Pompadour became enamored with it, and pink and blue became the leading fashion colors in the Court of Versailles.
The original pink craze fashionista. Today it is as popular as ever. Pop and rock stars have chosen it as their names and it has been used as a clothing label for Victoria’s Secret. “Think Pink” is a popular song from the movie Funny Face. And who can forget the films “Pretty in Pink”, starring Molly Ringwald and “The Pink Panther” with Inspector Jacques Clouseau? Pink is also used as an emblem for breast cancer awareness.
A group of flamingos is called, appropriately, a flamboyance! @24style_ 
Garden tableau with pink window, table & chairs @michelle.m.hillier People who like to wear pink are said to be affectionate, sympathetic, and understanding. Pink, once associated with all things feminine & girly is now embraced by men as well. The color is said to have a calming effect and also to evoke joy and happiness.
My pink “naked lady” lilies come back year after year on my farm. Pink often inspires creativity. It also reminds us of springtime, when the earth is rejuvenated and we see flowers budding.
Pink flamingo fun @taylorjoelledesigns “Anything is possible with sunshine and a little pink.” Lilly Pulitzer
French macarons. Did you know that pink is the color most often associated with sweets? There is nothing more magical than a California sunset. I love the way the sky is often painted with shades of pink both at dusk and dawn.
A peaceful sunset at my farm. 
De Tierra Winery down the road from me, framed by pink sky. Pink is often associated with playfulness and charm.
Puppy in pink tutu @elainebjd_fab5 I love all the wonderful shades of pink, from the palest hues to the most shocking hot pinks. Just think of all the things that make life better in pink: cotton candy, balloons, strawberry ice cream, champagne, roses, lipstick, and the list goes on and on.
My pink Aglaonema is not only pretty but also super easy to grow! Some popular pink phrases are “tickled pink”, which means one is happy, and “in the pink”, which means one is healthy.
A beautiful temple in Tokyo @travellerspursuit “Life, when it was good, was indeed pink.” Lydia Michaels
Friendship and tulips @landofinspos I hope that you enjoyed this post and found some pink inspiration. Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, joy, happiness, & beautiful vistas.
Cherry blossoms in the moonlight @wakaponpoco -
Hive & Hum, Living Inspired in Santa Cruz
I had heard great things about Hive & Hum, but I was not prepared for how amazing it would be. I was glad I visited in December, which allowed me to see their fabulous holiday decor. Their Instagram account states they are “an urban mercantile of home, lifestyle & garden and adventures in interior design”. Their motto is “live inspired” and inspired you will certainly be when you walk through the door.
Hive & Hum is a great resource for decorating your home, buying a gift for someone, or locating a unique piece that you won’t find in your local chain store. Think Anthropologie ingenuity meets California originality. It’s a very warm, inviting, and creative setting. “Only good vibes” reads their hashtag on Instagram, and so it is. Super positive energy abounds here.
I was surprised at how large the store is. It is so roomy and airy and inspiring vignettes tantalize around every corner.
Hum & Hive also has handmade jewelry, books, candles, and yes, honey for sale! Other thoughtfully curated items include organic textiles (I really love the handmade Morrocan rugs), gorgeous lighting fixtures, plants, floral arrangements, and the list goes on and on. Interior decorating services are also available.
I love all the oversized wall quotes, from Dalai Lama to Audrey Hepburn! Give yourself plenty of time to explore all the wonderful treasures here. Many pieces of artwork are created locally.
Local art by Mckella Jo, photo courtesy of Hive & Hum. It is located in a great spot, next to the renowned organic River Cafe, which has a huge outdoor pet-friendly deck filled with comfy seating. There is a Patagonia shop on the other side, and around the corner, there is a quaint little antique shop. I highly recommend Hive & Hum. Support local artists and craftsmen as well as small businesses!
Where: 415 River Street, Santa Cruz, Ca 95060.
Phone: 831-421-9028
Hours: Monday-Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-5
Website: Hive & Hum
Don’t forget to check out their Facebook, Instagram & Twitter accounts @hiveandhum for more inspiration!
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness and beautiful vistas.
-
Goat Hill Fair in Santa Cruz County
I had so much fun at the Goat Hill Fair today! If you love farmhouse decor and friendly folks you will love Goat Hill Fair, a biannual antique and vintage treasure event held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds near Watsonville, CA. It is primarily an indoor event with over 100 vendors featuring amazing and beautiful items in three large buildings.
I love this chippy paint baker’s table! Goat Hill Fair began in 2011 by organizer Cyndi Garofalo. It has grown substantially over the years. Once you go you will be hooked! People often return, year after year. For many, it offers a special girlfriend or Mom & daughter bonding experience. Certainly, some gentlemen will enjoy Goat Hill Fair as well!
A plethora of beautiful succulent arrangements. You will find all kinds of fun and interesting items at Goat Hill from architectural salvage items to vintage and antique furniture and decor, folk art, jewelry, wreaths, floral/succulent arrangements, and handmade items. It is very artfully curated and exceptionally organized. You will find great gift ideas as well as festive decor for your home.
Where: Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds – 2601 E. Lake Ave, Watsonville, CA 95076
When: Two shows per year, one in November and one in May. Shows are held for two days, both Saturday and Sunday. 2019 show dates are May 18-19 and November 9-10.
How Much: Tickets sold online and at the gate – $10.00 (good for both days)
Hours: 10 am to 4 pm Saturday and 10 am to 3 pm Sunday
Helpful Tips:
- I would highly recommend purchasing the “Early Goat” tickets that enable admission at 8:30 am, to avoid the huge crowds later. These can be purchased online and are $25.00.
- Free and abundant parking, including handicapped parking, is available
- A variety of food & beverage vendors are available and there is also a bar with beer, wine, Bloody Marys, & mimosas
- A covered tent with seating for dining is available
- No pets are allowed except for service animals
- Purchased items can be held for you at a central kiosk, make sure to get your kiosk ticket from the vendor after you pay for your item(s)
Website: Goat Hill Fair
Phone: 408-221-5054
Email: cyndi_garofalo@yahoo.com
Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love, happiness and beautiful vistas!
-
Clementine & Co. in Carmel, California
Clementine & Company is a stunning shop filled with beautiful home decor, furniture, vintage finds, and gift items. It was founded by two sisters, Emily and Amanda, in 2016. Per their website, the sisters “grew up in a large family with a designer/artist father and a creative mom who flipped houses for a living. The sisters joined forces, put their creative energies together, and opened a shop in picturesque Carmel, CA that incorporates flea market finds with the latest trends in interior design.”
I am always impressed with the stylish decor here and there are always some wonderful surprises! The textiles, lighting, ceramics, furniture, and beautiful decor flood your senses. Every nook and corner is utilized to provide a pleasing view no matter where your gaze wanders.
I love finding inspiration here; the tableaus are so lovely.
It is fun to explore the variety. Always new and interesting finds here! They also have wonderful seasonal decor.
Clementine & Co. also features a professionally curated online store that can ship items right to your doorstep. How’s that for convenience? Check out Clementine & Co. yourself! You will not be disappointed!
Where: 153 Crossroads Blvd. Carmel, California, 93923 (located in the Crossroads Carmel Shopping Center)
Hours: Mon-Sat 10am to 6pm and Sun 11am to 5pm
Phone: (831) 620-1200
Helpful Links: Store Website
My latest snag from Clementine. As a coffee addict, I appreciate the size of this mug in addition to the cute inscription! Thank you for visiting my blog! Wishing you peace, love & happiness!
-
Plant Lover’s Paradise in Santa Cruz, California
If you are as obsessed with plants as I am, you have to visit Santa Cruz. Two of my favorite shops are in this beautiful beachside town. The first is DIG Gardens. Located at 420 Water Street, Santa Cruz, California, it is well worth the trip.
They feature a plethora of plants, textiles, books, candles, pottery, furniture, and interior decorating inspiration. They have one of the largest selections of succulents, cacti, and air plants I have ever seen!
I could spend hours perusing this place, and my pictures are only the tip of the iceberg! They have a huge outdoor area chockful of plant wonders as well! My favorite is the gigantic succulent display. This has become so crazy popular, people are getting married in front of it. For reals!
I’m sure all my plant loving friends are drooling at this point. But wait, there’s more! Botanic And Luxe, located at 701A Front Street in Santa Cruz, California is another sweet spot for your plant fix. It is located just around the corner from the beautiful downtown Santa Cruz area, close to other great shops and restaurants. They also carry gifts and home goods, as well as great decorating inspiration.
Their store is carefully curated and you can feel the loving care they put into creating a welcoming and attractive atmosphere. I love the friendliness of the staff and the way they provide education regarding plant care in a simple, no-nonsense way.
Their air plant selection is amazing. They even have jellyfish air plants! I was also informed that they only purchase their plants through ethical sources, to help protect and maintain our earth’s valuable ecosystems.
In conclusion, dear friends, if you are looking for a botanical pick-me-up, you know where to go. If like me, you have a thing with plants, you will not be disappointed! For more information, see Botanic & Luxe and DIG Gardens
Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love & happiness!
-
Ragged Point: Gateway to Big Sur
Known for its breathtaking views from its perch 400 feet above the wild Pacific coastline, Ragged Point Inn is often called the gateway to Big Sur. Ragged Point consists of not only an Inn, but also a cafe, restaurant, gift shop, mini mart, ice cream parlor, and gas station. It is basically a self-sufficient little community in the remote wilderness that is Big Sur. 
Ragged Point features beautiful flower gardens, fountains, and pathways filled with gently drifting Monarch butterflies and swiftly darting hummingbirds. Fabulous ocean vistas include myriad sightings of seals, dolphins, and migrating whales. Live music is an attraction on weekends and holidays, lasting throughout the summer into October. There are also photo ops at the “Portal to Big Sur”, a wooden sculpture that looks like a big donut (or toilet seat, you decide). There is also a fairly steep and somewhat challenging hiking trail leading down to the beach.
Helpful Tips:- No Wifi unless you are staying at the Inn, and even then it is sketchy
- Expensive gas prices
- No cell service
- Rooms are a bit outdated
- A good place to stop on the long drive between outposts of civilization in the area
- Pets are allowed at the Inn and on the premises
Other Fun Activities in the Area:- Hike to Salmon Creek Falls. This natural waterfall is located 3.6 miles north of Ragged point Inn close to Hwy 1. An interesting feature of the waterfall is that it actually starts out as two waterfalls that merge into one as they cascade down 120 feet. It is a relatively easy and popular hike with a round trip distance of only .25 miles. The pullout for the trailhead is 45 miles south of Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park. The falls are visible from Hwy 1. Salmon Creek Falls is also next to the Silver Peak Wilderness area. For more information, see Salmon Creek Falls
- Visit Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery. Located almost 11 miles south of Ragged Point Inn, the colony includes more than 17,000 elephant seals, which gather seasonally to safely avoid predators and frolic playfully with their pups. Elephant seals are the largest seals in the northern hemisphere. For more information, see Elephant Seals
- Visit Hearst Castle. Located 15 miles south of Ragged Point Inn, Hearst Castle was designed by famed architect Julia Morgan for business magnate William Randolph Hearst. It is nestled on 127 acres of meticulously groomed gardens and terraces. For more information, see Hearst Castle
- Visit San Simeon Pier, 15.5 miles south of Ragged Point Inn. This area is protected by the Marine Life Protection Act and is home to seals, otters, humpback whales, elephant seals, pelicans, ospreys, and much more. For more information, see San Simeon Pier
- Take a tour of Piedras Blancas Light Station, located approximately 9 miles south of Ragged Point. For more information, see Lighthouse
- Visit the romantic village of Cambria, 22 miles south of Ragged Point, for fabulous shopping and delicious sunsets at Moonstone Beach. For more information, see Cambria
- If you are into hiking hidden trails and experiencing isolated beaches, visit the very private Ragged Point Beach. This is 1.8 miles south of Ragged Point Inn. The trailhead starts at a small pull-out parking area on a bend between a blue call box and a “no campfires” sign. The trail is called Ragged Point Cliffside Trail. It is a .6 mile steep and fairly strenuous hike with a 400-foot change in elevation. The black sand beach is extremely private and is flanked by rocky bluffs. There is also a seasonal waterfall here called Black Swift Falls.
- Visit the Big Sur Jade Festival in the Lost Padres National Forest, directly across from Sand Dollar Beach on Hwy 1. This beloved annual festival, which draws people from all over the world, is usually held for three days in October. Multiple vendors sell and showcase their work, ranging from tiny, delicate pieces of jewelry to huge slabs of stone harvested from the sea. For more information, see Big Sur Jade Festival
I hope that you enjoy Ragged Point and the wonderful sights around it! Thank you for visiting my blog. Wishing you peace, love, happiness, and beautiful vistas!
-
15 Things You Should Avoid Feeding Your Chickens
There is nothing more adorable than watching a hen waddling as fast as she can toward you in anticipation of getting a treat. Her little legs moving as fast as she can, her eyes full of excitement. Giving treats to chickens is indeed a fun experience, but it is good to know which treats are bad for your feathered friends. While most fresh fruits and vegetables are fine to feed your flock, the following is a list of treats you want to avoid.Do NOT feed chickens the following, as they can be TOXIC:
- Apple seeds. If you are going to give your chickens apples, make sure to first remove the seeds, as they contain amygdalin, a substance that releases cyanide into the bloodstream when digested.
- Green or sprouted white potatoes. They contain a toxin called solanine, which affects the nervous system (it’s bad for both birds and people). Sweet potatoes are fine to feed chickens!
- Avocados. The pits and skins contain the toxin persin, which can be fatal to chickens. The fleshy part is safe to give them in moderation.
- Chocolate. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to birds and many other pets.
- Uncooked beans, rice or legumes. Uncooked beans contain a toxin called hemaglutin which is dangerous to chickens. Cooking the beans before serving them to the chickens is ok as this kills the toxin.
- Raw eggs. Your chickens may enjoy the taste of raw eggs so much they will eat them from their nesting boxes. It is best to either scramble or boil eggs before feeding them to your flock prevent this.
- Onions, chives, and garlic. These affect the flavor of your hen’s eggs and can contribute to the development of Heinz Anemia.
- Rhubarb. Rhubarb contains oxalic acid, which can cause calcium deficiency. Prolonged exposure can lead to kidney failure.
- Really salty foods. Some salt is okay, but too much can be deadly.
- Moldy food. Never feed any foods that are moldy or rotten. If you wouldn’t eat it, they shouldn’t eat it either.
- Raw meat. Never, ever feed your poultry raw meat. It can carry parasites and diseases. It may also lead to aggressive behavior and cannibalism in your flock.
- Dairy. Chickens aren’t able to digest lactose, but if you want to give small amounts of yogurt, it’s ok. Just know that dairy can cause diarrhea. A good substitute for dairy would be oyster shells.
- Grass clipping and pulled weeds. Never provide this to your chickens as it can lead to an impacted crop. It’s best to let them forage for themselves.
- Raw peanuts. Feeding chickens these legumes is a big NO. They contain a trypsin inhibitor (trypsin is an enzyme that the pancreas makes to help the intestines absorb protein) and can be deadly.
- Eggplant peelings. The flesh is ok, but the peels contain solanine which is toxic.
My chickens prefer the following treats: strawberries, cantaloupe, watermelon, grapes, lettuce, kale, Swiss chard, and broccoli. Let me know what treats your chickens enjoy! Thank you for visiting my blog. You may also enjoy Hen House Inspiration: The 20 Cutest Chicken Coops Ever! and Common Chicken Sayings. Wishing you peace, love, joy, and happy chickens!