MINDFUL LIFESTYLE & DECOR IN SOUTHERN OREGON STYLE LIVING

Mindful Sunset Destinations in Southern Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Fri, 27 Nov 2015 17:33:00 +0000

What is a mindful walk with God?

There are different definitions of mindfulness specifically one by Kabat-Zinn which defines mindfulness in general as "paying attention, in the present moment, on purpose, non-judgmentally, as if your life depended on it."

Whenever I take a walk on an Oregon beach I am looking for my sentience without complaint in my mind-body. I feel the sand in my toes, the breeze in my hair and I simply notice the here and now devoid of any distracting thoughts about the past or future.

"Prayer is the passport to peace" Thomas S. Monson

To learn more about prayer or meditation you can visit FAMILY PRAYER

I know this, when I create a quite moment which can be a sacred space for myself, I have full access to my intuition and instincts.

Slowing my daily pace down, I begin to notice nature's revery as she consistently brings blessings for simply the beholding of joy. A seal was finding joy in its own sphere and influence beyond the rock pictured above. As I gazed at its ability to traverse the waters I enjoyed the setting sun just touching the cliff to the right.

We call this Oregon driftwood.....smile

As I took my walk alone, my son and his friends practiced their own teenage mindfulness as they felt the tide with skim boarding often surfing their way to little thought or care of mid-week school, sports or instrument practice schedules.

Mindful moments for teens begin with feeling the curl in the waves and allowing the entire mind-body to feel a way to act with the ocean. Again, no thoughts on the past or future given to depression or anxiety just the present moment requiring action towards the goal at hand.

Below I found a unique sunset as the summer fires in Southern Oregon relaxed the sun's brilliance through accumulated haze on the horizon. I call the photo below "sun-dial" as the rock formations in the distance reminded me of nature's way of timing.

“Few of us ever live in the present. We are forever anticipating what is to come or remembering what has gone.”

― Louis L'Amour

And we feel as we search the holy scriptures........nothing wavering.

For someone, the above retreat was created mindfully in pursuit of wonder and then left behind for the discovery of other beachcombers.

Notice here in these photos of my son and his good friend that they both have centered their attention or focus into their bodies in the present moment combining the physical senses and spiritual essence of their entire sentient beings. They are celebrating their awareness of emotional flow and nature's rhythm. The business or busyness of the week days have a way of disconnecting their sentience. Finding mindful activity such as skim boarding, hiking beach cliffs or surfing as a type of weekend deep play brings reintegration of self in relieving and grounded focus. The mind-body rejuvenates itself and prepares for the coming week that is often top heavy with social media, intellectualized class performance and/or a demanding rigor devoid of true balance. I find my son has the moxie and insight following deep play weekends to retrench his weekly schedule in favor of integrated balance which often includes his worthy long term and short term goals.

Prayer and meditation becomes natural for the teenage mind-body as they slow their daily pace in pursuit of themselves in God.

As a mom of 3 boys I find it incredibly rejuvenating in my own mindful practice to disengage from the daily schedule of the week, gather my sons and their friends with their wetsuits, boards and wax and proceed to chase good surf along the Southern Oregon coastline. The joy in the journey is checking the daily surf reports, while grabbing local pizza and ice cream as we go !

In the field of mental health counseling, mindful practice is just another form of what we call "grounding" or what many simply know as a quiet prayer in God's light. Mindful activities such as deep breathing, quiet prayer and other meditative postures or actions call to be in the here and now or in the present moment. For me, being in the here and now means I can find full awareness focused in the present moment of God's light and love versus a dissociated or distracted state of being. For me, when I am fully aware, I no longer have the need for any avoidance behaviors, addictions, excessive activity of any kind or perfectionist ways. I become fully engaged with the ability to deal with life as it simply " is " as I am grounded once again or connected to my entire sentient being and surroundings. Reading my scriptures, such as the Book of Mormon and the Holy Bible on a daily basis brings me profound peace through the written word of God.

Come and enjoy a mindful destination and journey for the mind/body/soul on our Southern Oregon beaches. Here's a link for your exploration and planning
Enjoy the Southern Oregon Coast Experience

The photo below was taken in my backyard in Southern Oregon. I attached a quote to it that I deeply value. I know when I create a mindful space for quiet prayer and contemplation I can continue to remain sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

Below are a few photos I captured recently of my beautiful mom and handsome dad who recently turned 80 years young. We enjoy taking evening walks together on the beach in Southern Oregon. I enjoy simply walking and talking with them as we take in the beauty around us.

Tina Marie's Easter Pie.....A Mindfully Prepared Italian Family Tradition

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Sun, 05 Apr 2015 04:32:00 +0000

When I was a small child I was steeped in the traditions of Tutti a Tavola ! There is something about a mindfully prepared and shared family meal that anchors a family. Not just at holidays, events and celebrations but regularly and reliably held family feasts. Although the specific foods that define a "feast" may vary, the experience is common to us all. In my Italian family, "Tutti a Tavola a mangiare !" simply means "Everybody to the table to eat !" It was time to shut out the rest of the world and mindfully commune as a family.

In the humble beginnings of our very Italian Stolo Family heritage there was a curious pie that played its way through every Easter holiday. It had a way of caressing the adoring faces of children with chipmunk like cheeks full of Easter morning chocolates. With sugar smudged grins we patiently waited for Grandma Marie to arrive at the table with the wonder of the Easter Pie. With orders from our mothers to leave it alone, my cousins Johnny and Bobby Maulucci and I waited patiently as she carefully cut a piece for each one of us. It was thick, dripping with the oils of fragrant Italian cheese and layered with generous portions of pepperoni. As if it could get any better, it was wrapped with a delightfully sweet Italian bread crust that made it an Easter miracle.

Years later I had the privilege of learning from my Aunt Tina Marie, I say this tongue and cheek as we happen to be very close in age, the art of the Easter Pie. She carefully has carried the tradition from her mother, my Grandma Marie mentioned above. With some of our Stolo family living so far apart these days, we cannot always gather around the same Easter tavola so we make the pie our special connection and constant to our Easter Day. My children now enjoy these rustic Italian flavors handed down through the generations with love. It's as if somehow our great Grandma Lucia Panico- Stolo is still lovingly preparing an Easter Pie for us through OUR hands.

Recently my "Aunt Tina " Stolo-Dietz and her husband Larry paid us a visit here in Southern Oregon and taught us how to cook the coveted Easter Pie! We had the best time preparing the ingredients together and watching Tina and Larry step by step.

Tina Stolo-Dietz and Larry Deitz

Here we are gathered in my mom's kitchen ! She was the inspiration for this gathering as we wanted to create the tradition here in our hometown of Grants Pass, Oregon.

Pictured above, Tina applies enough pressure to roll out the Easter Bread dough (recipe below) to approximately 1/8 of an inch. You may desire it a little thicker but take care if you don't want a "bready" crust encasing your filling.

Tina places the rolled-out dough onto a foil pie tin.

My mom Angie (Angela Marie Stolo - Everhard) prepared grilled cheese sandwiches for us while we created the pies together. Yum ! She is another great cook.

Tina uses culinary sheers to cut the excess off from the edges of the pie dough.

Meet Tina, our keeper of the family tradition !

Meet Larry,Tina's sous chef extraordinaire! It's fitting this time of year that I share with you a little about Tina and Larry and the example of service to others they provide. It literally would take an entire page to list the many ways these loving two have shared their ways with others. I will share a few here. On Thanksgiving, they donate their time to St. Catherine's Meals on Wheels delivering 70 dinners to senior citizens.

In addition, they will be participating in the Special Olympics celebration in Los Angeles for the World Games helping the Knights of Columbus provide dinner as well as other venue needs. For Christmas, Tina and Larry hosted a party for 150 foster children with the Knights of Columbus. Two years ago they began an event called "A Day of Sharing", an extravaganza free to all children regardless of their current situation with the intent of providing a safe play environment with a variety of games, foods and arts & crafts, free of the concerns they may daily face.

Larry carefully lines the pie dough with a layer of pepperoni in the pattern pictured below.

Tina attempts to teach me the art of rolling out the bread dough to its proper thickness. I had to try this a couple of times to get it right. If you're not careful, it will become too thick around your filling. Thank heaven I had her tutelage as this took some practice.

Practice makes perfect and Larry kept me laughing through the process!!!

Don't go cheap on the cheese or pepperoni ! Get a plentiful supply and pick your favorite brand.

Cut chunks of the pre-sliced pepperoni to fill the pie over the first layer. It's obvious why this is so deliciously sinful, isn't it ?

Larry prepares the egg, parsley & cheese mixture by whipping it quickly with a wisk.

Pour the egg and cheese mixture over the pepperoni so it looks like this.

Tina fluffs it up with a fork so the egg is dispersed around the pepperoni.

Roll out another thin layer of bread-dough crust and place it over the filling, creating rustic edges. Do not fuss or you will ruin the simplicity of this pie.

With any left-over bread dough, simply braid it and bake it for a preview treat !

Following the recipe, the pies are done when they are golden brown and an inserted skewer or toothpick comes out clean.

Cut and serve warm if you desire but traditionally we eat it at room temperature or cold from the refrigerator.

And, here is the final product ! Tutti a Tavola !

Stolo Family Easter Pie

This recipe makes 6 pies

Easter Bread Dough that serves as crust is as follows:

1 cup of oil

1 1/2 dozen eggs

1/2 cup of milk

1 pkg of yeast

2 1/2 cups of sugar

13 cups of flour

13 tsp baking powder

Mix together flour and baking powder in a bowl. Set aside. In another bowl mix the oil, eggs and sugar. Warm the milk and allow the yeast to bloom. Once bloomed, temper the yeast into the egg mixture. Incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet to form a sticky dough. Allow to rise overnight.

If dough is still sticky while rolling out, add a cup of flour with 1 tsp of baking powder.

Filling:

2 dozen eggs

3 cups of parmesan cheese

1/2 tsp of ground pepper

1/4 cup of parsley

Following assembly directions above ( see pictures ), once assembled bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes, switching pies around the oven at 20 minutes to evenly cook them.

And here's our big, fun Italian Family in Covina, California enjoying the Easter Pie 2015! This is the lovely home of my cousin "Johnny" (and his wife Sue) mentioned above. Pictured from left to right are Anthony (Carly's boyfriend), Matthew and Carly Maulucci (John and Sue's children) and Sue Maulucci, Tina Stolo-Dietz and Larry Dietz.

Auguri di Buona Pasqua ! From our family to yours ....in our Italian familia, some of us remain Italian-Catholic and some of us (including me) belong to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Below is some familiar imagery representing both faiths....We believe in Christ.

Because He Lives

Because He Lives ...From Our Italian Family to Yours

Fresh Horses, a mindful road trip in Southern Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Thu, 28 Aug 2014 02:08:00 +0000

Autumn in the Applegate is a spectacular experience here in Southern Oregon. My husband Brian and I nearly nightly take a drive through the Applegate Valley in our convertible. With crisp fall weather chilling our faces in the wind we soak up the vivid colors and refresh our souls after a long day at work.

On this particular excursion the sun was setting and the "golden hour" was clearly working its magic in the landscape. In photography, the golden hour is a period shortly after sunrise or shortly before sunset when the daylight takes on a softer hue of red. Sunset golden hour is my favorite time to shoot because at this time I most often find the mood I'm looking for and the voice in my photograph.

Rogue Winterfest 2013 in Grants Pass, Oregon.....A Mindful Community

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Sun, 08 Dec 2013 00:00:00 +0000

Recently I had the privilege of attending the "set-up session" for ROGUE WINTERFEST located in Grants Pass, Oregon. This is Josephine County's largest holiday festival and is held every year at Evergreen Federal Bank's Bear Hotel. Each year, this incredible event brings our community together to help support our Rogue Valley's mental health organizations, specifically FAMILY SOLUTIONS, KAIROS AND OPTIONS FOR SOUTHERN OREGON.

Rogue Winterfest hosts the popular Gala Event and Grand Auction featuring a breathtaking selection of uniquely decorated trees, artwork and other outdoor displays. In addition, family activites take place during the Weekend Holiday Event followed up by the Culinary Christmas Classic which brings the celebration to a delicious close featuring tastings from Southern Oregon's finest dining establishments in the midst of a thrilling silent auction. This event has been described as the "best event in Josephine County!" A Golden Social is also offered for the senior community.

Aside from the fact that this amazing gala event has raised over $400,000 for the above mentioned healthcare agencies I am fascinated by what I observed among the countless volunteers, artists, decorators and local businesses that came together to make this event not only a fundraising success but a "love" success in my book. What do I mean by this unique collaboration to help improve our community's overall health? Just that, LOVE.

Simply by perusing the pictures in this post you will see evident that love and hope live strongly in our Grants Pass and Rogue Valley community. As I only witnessed a fraction of the time spent planning this event I could nearly palpate the countless hours that must have gone into preparation for these incredible displays of invention and creativity.

Enjoy the following photographs of one of my personal favorites in the 16 plus Christmas Trees and Art Exhibitions each lovingly fashioned from each creator's desire of his or her heart.

The following photographs feature the Christmas Tree entitled THE TANGLED TINSEL TREE FARM, WINNER OF "BEST TRADITIONAL" and sponsored by Edward Jones - Brian Sachs. The talented designers of this showcase are Heather Sachs and Carol Loftesnes. Each are pictured during their hours of preparation to make this display one-of-a-kind.

As quoted from the Rogue Winterfest Auction Program, "This scene reminds us of families gathering together for the adventure of finding the perfect tree: that magic bit of a winter wonderland we bring into our home each year. Hot cocoa, a sled, and a dusting of snow set the scene for this lovely vintage-inspired vignette of Christmas joy"

Designer and local Grants Pass artisan Heather Sachs takes in the final scene as she contemplates the last minute touches necessary to make their display perfect in every way.

A vintage sled, blanket, ice skates, truck, cloche and tinsel adorn the winter scene.

Carol adjusts the vignette to scale and balance in the display. I enjoyed so much watching

their expertise in action.

Heather carefully prepares each item set into the scene.

Many aspects of this joy-filled scene could certainly be used as post cards! I am so tempted for next year but will need their permission.

The backdrop was hand-painted by local artist Carol Loftesnes pictured below.

And, the final product to be auctioned off at the GRAND TREE, ART AND VACATION AUCTION....
this gorgeous display has a value of $1200. Thank you Edward Jones - Brian Sachs, Heather Sachs, Carol Loftesnes and Gigi Ashley, Event Coordinator and Sue Price, Event Planner for allowing me to join you in this fabulous work of love you create for our Josephine County ! It was a pleasure to document your service to our community family. God Bless Us, Everyone !

STAY TUNED FOR MORE POSTS FEATURING OTHER ARTISTS AND TREES FROM THIS WONDERFUL EVENT !

Chris Hart Studio, A Pearl in Southern Oregon.....Our Mindful Residents in Southern Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Wed, 04 Dec 2013 04:03:00 +0000

Recently I had the privilege of photographing Chris Hart Studio in Grants Pass, Oregon. For years I have been shopping at this amazing venue for not only Chris's own distinctive creations as she is an amazing and very accomplished artist but an incredible assortment of stylish, hard to find in the valley embellishments, vases, soaps, lanterns, urns, indoor / outdoor landscape items and other seasonal specialties.

I particularly enjoy her Christmas display as you will not only FIND those hard to come by gifts you are seeking but EXPERIENCE her amazing ability to draw you into the Christmas season with her decorative style and subtle nuance that is akin to aromas that mesmerize the soul.

I not only find my shopping experience relaxing but also filled with laughter and joy as it's such a pleasure to visit with other local shoppers in a unique "studio" atmosphere with a classic flavor and style.

Chris has the ability to bring to mind suggestive ways you can create your Christmas dream come true atmosphere in your own home. She not only creates displays and vignettes that spark the imagination but she is willing to help you with your own ideas using her distinctive items on display.

Over the years I have not only used her studio as a "mom-time escape" but also a place to gather one-of-a-kind items for my decor adventures. I can ALWAYS find something that works and if I am in doubt as to its placement in my space, Chris has provided her expert advice to cheer me on or steer me in another direction. When I decorate I look for distinctive pieces as focal points to a room and her studio is my "go to" shop.

Chris Hart Studio Hours : Visit the Studio May 9th thru December 28th, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11:00 am to 5:00 pm. Click here to visit her website Chis Hart Studio

Enjoy the pictures in this post as a small taste of what you will "experience" at this incredible venue and pearl in our Southern Oregon Rogue Valley. Put this on your list of "must do and see" in your Grants Pass, Oregon visit ! You will not be disappointed.

A Mindful Family Thanksgiving in Grants Pass, Oregon

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Fri, 29 Nov 2013 04:40:00 +0000

Every year at this time I find myself reminiscing about my childhood with family at Thanksgiving time. I can smell the aromas from my grandmother's, my aunt's and my mother's as I take in the essence of the season. I'm not sure what I adore most about this day but I do know my family is the focus.

Enjoy this table setting by my mother, Angela, who has inspired me throughout the years with decor ideas and tablescapes at the family meal. This year we collaborated and decided to make burlap flowers the focal point on the plates. We purchased stemmed, burlap flowers and simply wrapped their stems around a wood dowel piece approximately one and a half inches in diameter. Anything can serve as a form for the spiraled stem but we had this in my dad's wood shop. More on his talents later !

My mom featured this chair as it was so fitting to the family gathering. Amen to the family meal and the precious moments with loved ones.

April Pascoe, owner of Savannah Faire in Grants Pass, Oregon refinished the amazing piece below that now serves as a side buffet to my mom's dining room table. She is so talented with her refinishing magic and you can find many of her one-of-a-kind pieces for sale at her Savannah Faire showroom. Here is a link to her Facebook page and other photos of her amazing creations. Savannah Faire

You can find these adorable and oh so functional table sized salt and pepper grinders at The Kitchen Company in Grants Pass, Oregon. The Kitchen Company This is one of our premier downtown stores in Grants Pass and should not be missed when visiting our town.

Ah, the table magic my mom can create!

This is "Rusty" the family dog who keeps a faithful watch on our efforts in the kitchen. This Golden Doodle is the heart of our family as his sincere and child-like nature keeps us ever hopeful.

Meet my dad "Jerry". He cooks our family recipe turkey dressing every Thanksgiving. My grandmother Loraine used to cook this very recipe and I remember it being the highlight of every Thanksgiving meal growing up. My father faithfully keeps the tradition alive as we all enjoy the love he puts into this amazing treat.

I will post the recipe below but take note of the selected and quality ingredients pictured below. Jimmy Dean sausage is a must for this recipe and no other substitute will do if you want an authentic dish of our family recipe. Notice the fresh garlic pictured as well! DO NOT SUBSTITUTE BOTTLED GARLIC FOR FRESH or you will be disappointed !

Here's another kitchen wonder from the Kitchen Company in Grants Pass, Oregon. This garlic mincing gadget will have your guests wondering how you did it and you will love the ease in which you can clean it when finished ! If your looking for the ideal gift for the cook that has everything check this one out.

You will need to chop approximately three cups of walnuts for this recipe.

Fresh, sliced mushrooms will be sauted with garlic and celery as the first step in the recipe below.

My dad carefully chops each ingredient to perfection!

Above is a photo of the finished saute that will be mixed with the bread cubes.

Use a quality broth or stock such as Swanson or your own home-made if you have it on hand.

I love watching my folks prepare their Thanksgiving creations side by side in their kitchen. My mom has her Ipod on listening to music as my dad intently calculates the proportions in the dressing mixture. My mom is preparing her turkey brine.

Don't go cheap on the olives as you will find this ingredient is what makes this dressing distinctive in texture and flavor.

Here below, my dad carefully ladles the saute mixture onto large bread cubes.

A picture of my mom's famous turkey brine that keeps the turkey moist and flavorful !

Time to add the walnuts !

Once thoroughly mixed, the dressing will either be baked in casseroles and/or stuffed into the turkey. Take usual precautions when cooking a stuffed turkey.

And, time for clean up! My mom is a lucky woman and so am I for having such an amazing father!

RECIPE FOR JIMMY DEAN SAUSAGE AND BLACK OLIVE TURKEY DRESSING
(An Everhard Family Tradition for generations !)

Ingredients and Directions for Preparation and Cooking:

3 Large Bags of Large Bread Cubes
One Bulb of Fresh Garlic - Minced
2 White Onions - Chopped
1 Bunch of Celery - Chopped

Saute the above ingredients in 2 Sticks of Butter! Yum!

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Fry up 3 Packages of Jimmy Dean Sausage - 2 Regular and 1 Hot Variety

Combine all of the above ingredients once sausage fat is drained off and other ingredients are sauted!

Ladle combined ingredients (see photos above) over bread cubes and mix together with hands or a large spoon.

Add 2 Cans of Large Black Olives. Crush half of them in your hands for desired consistency.

Mix all of the above and add 3 BOXES of Swanson Chicken Broth or your own home-made stock.

Continue to Salt and Pepper to taste as you go.

The last step is adding the 2 CUPS OF CHOPPED WALNUTS and incorporate into above mixture.

Spoon dressing into casseroles of your choice and/ or a Turkey ( take care to follow cautionary directions when preparing and cooking a Turkey with stuffing / dressing). We generally do not stuff our Turkeys but we prepare several casseroles large and small for serving options.

Bake the Casseroles at 200 degrees until cooked through and browned on top. You can place foil over casserole to cook through and then remove it to brown the last 10 minutes. Cooking time can vary depending on ovens but we usually bake ours for 45 minutes to 1 hour being careful not to dry out dressing.

Enjoy!

Fort Vannoy Farms in The Rogue River Valley - Mindful Community Living

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Thu, 31 Oct 2013 21:03:00 +0000

There's something about a home-town country farm. I don't know if it's the friendliness of the owner and farmer Bob Crouse or the workers that strike up a conversation about life and love of family. I find that whatever the reason is I am completely taken with the charm of this family owned and operated venture. Enjoy the photos in this post and please visit this link FORT VANNOY FARMS to find out more about their services offered to our Rogue Valley Community in Southern Oregon. Thank you Bob Crouse for hosting me and allowing me to enjoy the wonder of your creative venture and contribution to our Southern Oregon Agri-tourism industry. We appreciate all you do to create a place for our families that allows us to breath in and enjoy the charm that autumn brings.

I've included a photo of this incredible Halloween quilt created lovingly by Donna Haviland Helgeson, a local quilt creator / designer and baker extraordinaire. Donna allowed me to interview her and photograph her unique creations. She has used delicate hand-stitching and colorful scraps to craft this gorgeous and festive piece.

Kite Zombies and Time Machines.....Mindful, Passionate Play !

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Mon, 01 Jul 2013 17:54:00 +0000

This past weekend the hubs and I decided to seek cooler weather and do a road trip to our favorite PNW coastline. We hopped into the convertible and headed west. Without any plans really, other than following a serendipitous trail of curious moments, we put a wet finger to the wind and moved in that direction. Here's what we discovered.

What a sight to behold. A group of Kite Zombies Kite Surfing The Oregon Coast at the mouth of the Pistol River. Colors, colors, kites, surf, aqua ocean, crisp afternoon air, sea wind, sails.....honestly, it just doesn't get any better than that for this moon-childish, Cancerian crab that always finds her way back to the sea. I'm home.

Here's a peak at what I saw through my lens; my perspective of a perfect afternoon.

Are you wondering where "Time Machines" becomes applicable in my post title? Headed to Bandon at my suggestion, so that my husband could rest and ride sun-drenched in quiet time, we decided to take a little break at the Old Town Bandon board walk. In search of a restroom we happened upon the De Lorean Time Machine from one of my favorite movies, Back To The Future ! What? Who writes this stuff? How can this be here now? Where was it prior to being here? A different time, a different space? Your mind wonders these things when you're looking at a time machine! We chose to believe it was put there just for us to discover and we enjoyed a blast from the past in every sense of the word.

Apparently this classic was on tour as a road trip attraction and that it was ! The owners were lunching just across the street.

I SAW the flux capacitor and therefore I KNOW it exists. What a day, what a cool jewel to stumble upon. We lapped it up, smiles all the way, enjoying the crisp, cool, sea breeze in our hair !

Hummingbirds and Torch Lilies.....Mindful Meditation with Photography

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:37:00 +0000

The Torch Lily blooms are beginning to recede and the hummingbirds are abundant attempting to extract the last bit of nectar. This little guy looks as rumpled as the blossom he seeks. You can see how their bills are a perfect fit into these flowers.

I took these to send to my niece Emily who just turned sixteen and is as sweet as these birds.

She has a fun Facebook page called "Beauty of the Earth" . She collects and shares amazing photos of the many miracles surrounding us ! Her page reminds me to just stop and behold it all !

Here's a link Beauty of The Earth

First Lavender Harvest 2013.....Mindful Cultivation

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Tue, 04 Jun 2013 03:55:00 +0000

It's hard to believe it's time to cut lavender ! Most varieties are not ready but the French Lavender was at the height of its color. I decided to cut several bunches and begin drying.

The fragrance is just right and my drying / laundry room is hypnotic with aroma.

I cut and bundled the bunches with rubber bands and then fastened them upside down to my clothespin basket. Soon I'll run out of room and have to hang ropes and/or doweling for the longer varieties.

I ordered six more Grosso Lavender plants and they'll be here next week. I found some magnificent Moonstruck Yellow Yarrow (see picture below) at a local nursery and I'm planning on filling in areas near the lavender with this striking yellow line flower. Yarrow is as much fun to design with when dried as the lavender. I'm hoping to use both in wreath design this summer.

This is my lavender buddy. He hangs out near the pond behind the lavender. He pesters me quite a bit while I'm cutting bunches but he is SO stunning to behold. These Dragonflies are called Flame Skimmers (Libellula saturata).

Tomorrow I will plant the Early Blue Blueberries and bring my variety tally up to four ! I'll get some pictures soon of the delicious berries fruiting and post a few pictures.

Another garden visitor today ! Below is a Western Tanager. I get quite a few of these guys. Their preferred habitat is conifer forests and mixed conifer and deciduous woods. If you have a small grove of Douglas-fir trees in your backyard you may have them. You can further attract them to your view with a birdbath or running fountain. They eat mostly insects and some fruits and berries. You may see them sipping a bit of nectar from your hummingbird feeder as well.

Herb Garden Images & Raspberry Shortcake ! Mindful Gardening...

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Sun, 02 Jun 2013 05:06:00 +0000

The herb garden really matured this year ! Lush, green and strong.

I added one of my favorite herbs this year, Helichrysm.

The purple sage blossoms and yellow helichrysm flowers mingle in a striking display.

This is the first year I have had such vibrant blossoms in the sage! My plan is to dry a few bunches and use them in design.

The artichokes are already forming and shooting towards the sun.

I love the purple pom-pom-like flowers that chives produce!

I will pick some Rosemary this Sunday to use in a family favorite, roasted, rosemary potatoes.

Another plant I've added are all the rage!

Here's a little information about this new variety.

BrazelBerries® Raspberry Shortcake™ -- a smaller Raspberry variety with full-size berries. Plants thrive in containers as well as in your garden and require no staking. The carefree, compact shape means no big garden spaces are required. You'll love harvesting the delicious sweet berries right from your patio. Plus there are no thorns to get in your way. This dwarf red Raspberry sends out lots of new canes each spring that produce more midseason fruit every year. Raspberry Shortcake™ grows to a height of 3ft, making it perfect for compact spaces and container gardening. Plants are self-pollinating and do not require trellises.

I planted a few Raspberry-colored petunias in the same

container as the Raspberry plant.

I can't wait for mine to look like this one ! I dream of harvesting my own raspberries and cooking a yummy summer dessert with them!

A Passion For Peonies: Part 2....Mindful Landscaping

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Wed, 29 May 2013 13:33:00 +0000

This year my friend and Peony coach, Linda D, guided a few of us out to Buck Canyon Gardens Peony Farm in Cave Junction, Oregon. What a find! I have lived in Southern Oregon for 20 plus years and never knew of this Southern Oregon gem! We enjoyed vast varieties of Peony and Iris in full bloom. Each of us decided to add the Peony pictured here called DO TELL. We purchased containers of the bulbs soon ready to bloom. As you can see, they did not disappoint. This is one of the most stunning varieties I have seen! Elegant and playful all in one.

Peony: Do Tell
Hybridizer: Auten 1946
Flower Form: Japanese
Height: 36"
Plant Zones: 2 Thru 8
Price: $19
Shipping: Fall (Sept. Thru Oct.)
Bare Root: 3 to 5 eyes
You can order online at Buck Canyon Gardens

The Peony pictured above is FESTIVA MAXIMA. I received this one as a gift from Linda and Karen last year. Check out the striking red stripe that runs through the blossom. I had my first bloom this year!

Peony: Festiva Maxima
Hybridizer: Mielles, 1851
Flower Form: Double
Height: 36"
Plant Zones: 2 Thru 8
Price: $15
Shipping: Fall (Sept. Thru Oct.)
Bare Root: 3 to 5 eyes

Above is the Better Times Variety.

Festive Maxima and Do Tell

Thanks to Linda, I discovered that Peonies have an amazing fragrance similar to roses. Varieties seem to differ in fragrance strength. Be careful though, you just may host an ant on your nose if you get too close. Peony buds and blooms can host groups of ants that search out the abundant nectar produced by these beauties. They cause no damage and often vacate when the bud opens.

If you're in the area, and have a passion for peonies, visit Buck Canyon Gardens in Cave Junction, Oregon. They host an annual Peony Show, serving northern California and southern Oregon, taking place every year during the peak of peony flowering. Iris are also in bloom during the show as well as many companion plants. As you enjoy the gardens when the flowers are at their most beautiful, you'll be able to see the different varieties available for your garden.

You can also visit their website Buck Canyon Gardens . There you can order most varieties featured and read about how to plant and care for your Peony garden additions.

Buck Canyon Gardens Peony Farm

Garden Hummingbirds 2013.....Mindful Gardening

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Mon, 27 May 2013 23:07:00 +0000

My Red Hot Poker is in full bloom ! When this happens my hummingbird friends return and flutter around me as I tend the vegetable garden.

This little guy perched on my snap pea trellis. He stayed for quite a while and allowed me to capture him in a few photographs.

Drought and heat tolerant Red Hot Poker plants are easy to grow and one of the best hummingbird magnets. They will do well in mid summer's heat, when other plants have wilted. They are great for arid, and semi-arid areas. You may also know Red Hot Poker by another name. It is also called Torch Lily and Poker Plant. They are native to South Africa.

My dad Jerry, an avid gardener, shared a gallon size Hot Poker with me five years ago. This plant thrives in my decomposed granite. It has propagated in full sun with drought-like conditions and measures 5 by 5 feet in size. It stands at approximately 4 feet. It's a wonder to behold with it's glowing blossoms.

Hummers have good memories and can remember food sources from previous years. As they feed, hummers simultaneously collect pollen and spread it around as they move from flower to flower. In this way they are helping with flower reproduction.

Hummingbirds don't mind sharing nectar with bees, however I have seen them fiercely claim their territory when feeling competition from another hummingbird. They compete for nectar and insects. I have seen them perch high near flowering bushes and duel it out with their bills and claws as weapons. The winner of the match will return to the nectar source. I have never seen them harmed by the fights but I have no doubt they could hold their own with a hawk or crow if need be.

Lavender Garden 2013

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Mon, 27 May 2013 22:44:00 +0000

The Spanish Lavender has grown quite a bit this year ! I took a few moments to take in its beauty. At any one time there are up to 15 large bees on each bush. I never tire of their busy nature nor the hum of their vibrant dance. I captured a few photos to share. Enjoy !

Succulent Mini-Gardens - Mindful Creation

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Fri, 29 Mar 2013 01:14:00 +0000

Have you attempted a mini or fairy garden yet? Using succulents in your landscape is a great way to get started!

Succulents are booming in popularity for two simple reasons:

they are beautiful and nearly indestructible.

Technically, a succulent is any plant with thick, fleshy (succulent) water storage organs. Succulents store water in their leaves, their stems or their roots. These plants have adapted to survive arid conditions throughout the world, from Africa to the deserts of North America. Fortunately for us, this adaptive mechanism has resulted in an incredible variety of interesting leaf forms and plant shapes, including paddle leaves, tight rosettes, and bushy or trailing columns of teardrop leaves. (about.com)

As a group, succulents include some of the most well-known plants, such as the ALOE and agave, and many almost unknown plants. CACTI are a unique subset of the succulent group. Succulents make excellent display plants in dish gardens.

Use your favorite container for your landscape adventure! I love to use urns and flat dish containers a few inches deep. Make sure you drill in a drainage hole or provide a drainage system at the bottom of your container. I often use tiny rocks or a mesh drainage insert before adding a good potting soil.

Here I have planted a succulent in a mini-urn. A variety of mini-urns are available in our online boutique at COUNTRY VILLA DECOR. Vine arbors and chairs pictured are also in stock!

The mini pots can hold a tiny succulent or a faux flower as well.

The new mini-chandeliers are to die for! We also have mini-cement tables and chairs coming in soon!

Here I've used a large tea-cup planter. The vine arbor fits perfectly !

When you pick out your succulents, look for distinctive blooms and stems and don't be afraid of them. Incorporate their quirky bends into your landscape. This one almost looks like a fruiting tree !

This is a new addition to our line of mini-garden accents. It's a gorgeous Pavillion accented with leaves and vines. They create a perfect space for placing a mini-bird bath. In addition to succulents you can add your favorite herbs. Pictured below, I have added English Thyme and a tiny English lavender plant.

Notice the black urn on a plynth ! These are new this year! I planted a tiny succulent in both urns.

How cute are these mini round stepping stones? I have created a trail with shell chips. Placing the stepping stones into moss or your favorite sand, chips or other material will also work. Let your garden dreams run wild ! Mini-gardens are so easy to create and a great conversation piece in your home and garden decor.

New Faux / Silk Lavender, Clematis and Petunias - Mindful Creations a la Michele

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Wed, 27 Mar 2013 04:31:00 +0000

Spring Shamrocks and Grape Hyacinth...A Mindfully Celebrated March

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 18:19:00 +0000

A few of my favorite things for the month of March: Grape Hyacinth, Shamrocks, A Princess Tart and an elegant, GREEN statement necklace !

Recently I attended a local craft fair and fundraiser featuring one of my favorite creators, Heather Sullivan Sachs. She has always had a unique sense of style and design, demonstrated here in her paper kitsch, that has blessed our community in local venues and craft fairs. This one got me going with a way to display my favorite March blooms! Thank you Heather....

Courtesy of A Stillness Blog

Courtesy of Good Housekeeping

Courtesy of Tartelette BlogRecipe

Courtesy of Wisconsin Horticulture

Courtesy of A Stillness Blog

Thank you Heather Sullivan Sachs for your inspiring kitsch designs!

If you're looking for a one-of-a-kind statement necklace, visit Lillian Fine Jewelry Etsy Shop ! Teresa is a talented designer. Combining vintage beads, brooches, lockets and other rare finds she creates distinctive pieces with contemporary flair.

Lillian Fine Jewelry Lillian Fine Jewelry Etsy Shop

Photo Courtesy of Lillian Fine JewelryLillian Fine Jewelry Etsy Shop

Happy St. Patrick's Day from Country Villa Decor!

Cloche Collecting as Mindful Creativity

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 20:29:00 +0000

Do you cloche collect? If you don't, you should! Cloches have become extremely popular in decor vignettes and are given to mindfully creative collections. Why?

They are classic in shape and a no fail, simple, simple way to feature your favorite collectibles, blooms and seasonal finds.

They instantly frame what they feature and add elegance and a designer touch to any decor whim you may have in mind. I love them because they allow us to instantly be successful at creating! It's just really hard to go wrong in your design ventures when using one of these lovelies.

Historically, decorative bell jars were common in the Victorian period for the display of clocks and taxidermy and as a transparent dust cover.

Courtesy of Pam Posey Pinterest

Look at the variety in what you can collect and achieve with these!

Have you noticed that garden cloches resemble a big bell? Well, that’s because the word “cloche” actually comes from the French language meaning “bell”.

You may remember the "cloche hat" that became popular during the 1920's. It's name was also derived from the French word and fitting to its bell shape.

Garden cloches are simply covers for your plants to keep them safe from the rants of mother nature and her critters.

The cloche shape has influenced other decor accent designs and the subsequent ways to feature foods and blooms .

Courtesy of The Decorated House

And....once again the same Bird Cloche I have featured over and over again with different accents.

Basic glass cloches can be purchased separately or with a feature plate as seen below.

Consider a separate bell jar as pictured here to the right as your first collection piece! The reason why I would do this first if you don't own a cloche piece yet is that you can use it on MOST of your favorite plates, bread boards and shelves. This is a popular bell jar and comes in 3 sizes! I have used this cloche pictured in photos in this post. You can dress it up or down from nautical to wedding celebrations!

Courtesy of Pam Posey Pinterest

Glazed Pottery In Mindful Country Decor

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 17:38:00 +0000

Glazed pottery adds warm and inviting elements to country spaces as they have their roots in earthen clays and earthtone colors. Do you collect pottery? Displaying your favorite signature pieces are a sure bet for creating a warm country space. Take a bit of inspiration from these photos and dare to display !

Courtesy of Belgian Pearls

French Confit Pots

Vintage Provencal Pots

More Fall Vignette Ideas ! Mindfully Crafted Fall Creations....

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Sun, 07 Oct 2012 01:50:00 +0000

I placed a couple of ornamental peppers in an existing basket and easily fashioned a handled out of a Faux Bittersweet Garland and Chinese Lanterns.

Wheat grass pots in a vintage milk bottle holder are another way to easily create a Fall Vignette!

Fall Vignette Ideas.....A Mindful Pursuit in Creative Experience for Your Home

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Sat, 06 Oct 2012 03:30:00 +0000

How simple is this? Get out your blue jars, display them in an old wire basket adorned with Chinese Lanterns and local Fall foliage !

Simple & Bittersweet, Fall Decor Vignette Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Sat, 08 Sep 2012 20:39:00 +0000

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Here are a few SIMPLE ways to create Fall Vignette Voila! Get a few local pumpkins and gourds and embellish them with fresh bittersweet branches and bowl fixins'. If you don't have indigenous Bittersweet, you can purchase beautiful faux Bittersweet Garlands and Candle Rings ! The possibilities are endless and honestly, I don't think you can possibly make a "mistake" with clustering, clumping and creating with Fall flora and foliage ! Get a bit of inspiration from the following images and let the Fall fun begin! Set aside some time for yourself to gather and create your family a beautiful Fall vignette! Happy Harvest! It will be here before we know it.

Courtesy of BHG

styleblueprint

Courtesy of BHG

Bittersweet Garland available in Country Villa Decor Online Boutique in our Seasonal Decor Room

Bittersweet Candle Ring available in Country Villa Decor Online Boutique in our Seasonal Decor Room

common-ground debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot

Deckthehalls

Gourds Gone Wild Bowl Fixin's available in Country Villa Decor Online Boutique

GOURDS GONE WILD BOWL FIXINS' is a FREE GIFT with every purchase of $100 in our online boutique COUNTRY VILLA DECOR. While supplies last!

Coastal Living on the Pacific Coast, Cape Meares Oregon as a mindful escape for our family time....

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 04:55:00 +0000

For Labor Day weekend, we decided to head north to visit family in Tillamook, Oregon. The weather was absolutely perfect and I managed to capture a few snaps of Oceanside sunsets and Cape Meares Lighthouse.

Cape Meares is a small headland on the Pacific coast in Tillamook County, Oregon, United States. The cape forms a high steep bluff on the south end of Tillamook Bay, approximately five miles (8 km) northwest of the city of Tillamook. Much of the cape is part of the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department-administered Cape Meares State Scenic Viewpoint with three miles of hiking trails, which includes the Cape Meares Lighthouse. The cape is named after John Meares, a British explorer. Wikipedia

Tropical Images......Part 2, Mindful Play with my camera

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Sun, 26 Aug 2012 02:44:00 +0000

I recently captured these images of Lilly Pads on the upper west side of Maui in Kahana.

These will be available as prints, on canvas and then transferred to various decor accents projects.

Tropical Images while Maui Mindful

noreply@blogger.com (Michele Hancock ) — Thu, 23 Aug 2012 02:12:00 +0000

Here are a few images I've been working up for use in tropical decor. I'll be transfering these to various decor accents. I searched and searched for this lavender color in a tropical flower (anthurium) and finally found it in a bucket of stems from a local vendor at the growers' market in Maui.