November’s Summer

For anyone waking up early, there was a beautiful waning crescent moon sitting low in the morning sky. Even when the warm summer breeze has long been gone, there’s always something like this crescent moon surrounded by thousands of stars lighting up the darkness. It reminds me of that May moment, walking in the woods and spotting that first lady‘s slipper. Beneath a pile of crumpled leaves and moss, this beautiful orchid appears.  

On this last day in November, day 12 of 26 Days of Kindness, I chose this archived image of the lady’s slipper to honor Grace McDonnell. Grace loved school, the beach and painting. She dreamed of being an artist and wanted to live on Martha's Vineyard.

So why choose this dainty orchid that graces our woods in May? An artist always looks for what others may not see; painting it with color and life so others can enjoy that special moment, too. The lady’s slipper is also typically spotted late May, just before the Memorial Day weekend, which is always the first true sign of summer. We pack up the beach gear, head to the ocean. We find sea shells and other treasures on the shore. We feel the sand squishing between our toes.

On this cold November 30th, let's honor Grace with kindness today. Remember Mother Teresa’s words as we bestow a gift of warmth and kindness upon a friend or stranger. “We know only too well that what we are doing is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. But if the drop were not there, the ocean would be missing something.”

What links these small gifts of the woods and sea? A drop of kindness can be that speck of light, color, that one small piece of hope that is painted into someone else’s day. Create a November summer in honor of Grace. 

Click on the links for the event and FB page for the 26 days of kindness. Make this last day of November one of warmth in honor of Grace and Newton, CT.  Make it a November summer.

Images by Ann Bilowz © 

If you like this blog, hope you check in for your daily share's worth of inspiration, design, and garden tips; always original, not cookie cutter and copied. Just like our design work, we strive for unique! Like our Facebook follow on Twitter or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at Annie You can follow with visuals on Pinterest and find us on LinkedIn and Houzz, too.

Sun in My Face

Mary Oliver, one of my favorite poets, starts today’s 11th day of 26 days of kindness. “Hello, sun in my face. Hello you who made the morning and spread it over the fields...Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.” On this day after Thanksgiving, do not forget to begin your day in happiness, in kindness to honor James Mattioli. He enjoyed many activities such as swimming, baseball, basketball and playing on his iPad.

On this 11th day of kindness to honor James, I chose this perennial, Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia from the archived images. Though it may be difficult to see the beautiful flush of lavender-blue flower spikes in the August light, this is one of those perennials you can spot growing in some of the most difficult of places. Drought tolerant and deer resistant, the Russian Sage blooms profusely throughout the summer months. It thrives in full sun and for a plant combination works well with ornamental grasses, succulents and Drift® Roses. It is equally as beautiful growing tall all by itself. 

On this November morning, as the sun shines brightly, it reminds me of this beautiful flush of lavender-blue flower spikes and aromatic foliage reaching high in the August 14th sun. It reminds me that when you start your day in happiness, you can spot kindness in the most difficult of places. Make this day after Thanksgiving brighter with a splash of kindness and summer sunshine in honor of James.    

Click on the links for the event and FB page for the 26 days of kindness. Start your day in happiness, in kindness. Keep the sun in your face.

Image by Ann Bilowz © Russian Sage, Perovskia atriplicifolia

If you like this blog, hope you check in for your daily share's worth of inspiration, design, and garden tips; always original, not cookie cutter and copied. Just like our design work, we strive for unique! Like our Facebook follow on Twitter or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at Annie You can follow with visuals on Pinterest and find us on LinkedIn and Houzz, too.

Giving Thanks & Kindness

Happy Thanksgiving to all. If you took a minute to come here and read this, it is much appreciated. Those who follow know that these recent garden and design posts have been dedicated to the 26 days of kindness. Thanksgiving happens to fall on day 10. And on this November 28th, we honor Jesse Lewis. He has a tall order to fill as his day falls on this first, difficult holiday for the Newtown, CT families to face but Jesse seems to be an appropriate pick. He was a brave, heroic little boy who loved riding horses, math and toy soldiers.

Here is the image I have chosen for Jesse. Horses, which he loved, symbolize freedom and strength. The Sunflowers represent tall pride and appreciation. Tesio, the most successful breeder of Thoroughbreds once said this about horses. “A horse gallops with his lungs, perseveres with his heart, and wins with his character.” With all the acts of kindness today, big or small, let this town of Newtown, CT find a bit of healing, strength and perseverance in the very animal, the horse and what it represents to a brave boy who loved these special creatures so much.       

Here is where you can find the event and FB page for the 26 days of kindness. On this first Thanksgiving without their loved ones, do not forget one small act of kindness in honor of Jesse Lewis and the families of Newtown, CT.  To Chris, Jen & Mattie, a special Happy Thanksgiving- my family connection to Newtown, CT.

Image/Design by Bilowz Associates Inc. ©  

If you like this blog, hope you check in for your daily share's worth of inspiration, design, and garden tips; always original, not cookie cutter and copied. Just like our design work, we strive for unique! Like our Facebook follow on Twitter or subscribe to the blog to receive posts daily via email or a feed. Either way, we hope you follow the postings somewhere in cyberspace and share it with your gardening friends. Contact me direct at Annie You can follow with visuals on Pinterest and find us on LinkedIn and Houzz, too.