A Mermaid Gave Birth To New Friendships!

Because I have spring fever I have been thinking a lot about my garden and what I
might want to add this summer.
Over the last several months I have shown pictures of many statues, figures, sculptures
and shells...most of which would be wonderful in a garden...

This cherub is already in my garden and was adorned with violets for last Mother's Day...
they were my mom's favorite flower...

This sculpture is over 20 feet tall...

Some figures really might not work in a garden but would be better displayed inside...

Actually, it's the lamp I really like in this picture...

Some are wonderful water features or at least make us think of water...

There happens to be one particular figure that has ended up bringing new friends together. 
It is this lovely mermaid.  The lighting was difficult that day but can you see the dolphin
under her arm?

I found her at Country Roads Antiques in Southern California and showed her to you on
my blog.  A couple of months later I was looking at La Dolfina's lovely blog and saw that
she was showing the same mermaid but up in Northern California.  It turned out to be the
same exact mermaid but she was now located up north.  Terri and I exchanged emails and
laughter and a long distance friendship was born from this mermaid.

I recently had the pleasure of meeting and spending an afternoon in Malibu with Terri of
La Dolfina and Jermaine of French Kissed. We had wonderful conversations and lots of
laughter. They are both fabulous women and have fantastic blogs.  French Kissed is one
of the beautiful blogs featured in the current issue of Romantic Homes magazine.
Oh, and by the way, Terri’s gorgeous husband Chris joined us and put up with all our
“girl talk”... talk about being a good sport!!!

I hope you are all having a wonderful week. Are you making plans for your garden this
spring?  Do you have any statues, sculptures, fountains or shells in your garden?


And, our hearts go out to everyone in Japan as we continue to hold them in our
thoughts and prayers. This has been an overwhelming tragedy.

A Walk Around Old Towne

Recently a friend asked if I would go to Old Towne Orange to check out an antique
piece she had been told about.  This was a great excuse to poke around a place that
is known for its many antique shops.

Old Towne Orange is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is the
largest National Register District in California.  It also has the second largest
concentration of historic buildings in the state.

The town is centered around the original plaza with a lovely fountain.  There are lots
of shade trees and people seem to really take advantage of sitting on the park
benches and enjoying the fountain and surroundings.

I arrived early because I thought I would just look at the piece my friend was
interested in and then drive straight home.  Unfortunately, once I saw the item I
knew it was not what she had been hoping for.  However, since it was early I
decided to walk around the town a bit.  Besides, I had left home without a bite
to eat and was famished.  I needed a cup of tea before heading home.

I came across a wonderful little shop and nursery called Dragonfly.  It was such a
surprise. Wonderful plants and hidden garden treasures outside an old house
that makes up the shop with several rooms inside. It you are in the area, you must
stop here.  The people are lovely and helpful and the hidden garden treasures are
great fun.

Now I was in the mood to hunt around a little more.  The town is made up of several
antique shops and antique malls.  I’m not usually an antique “mall” type person but I
went right to the place that I always enjoy.  Country Roads Antiques has been set up
so creatively and is a joy to walk through...over and over again!  Not only is it large
and everything wonderfully displayed, but out in the back is an entire area of garden
and architectural finds.  It’s a great place to treasure hunt.

Ok, I had my cup of tea when I first arrived but now I was in need of a little treat
to hold me for my ride home. This looks interesting...

Paris In A Cup Tea Salon looks like a little teacup place but once inside I could see
in the back was a huge tea room where many people were enjoying tea and tea
sandwiches and pastries.  In fact, it looked like maybe there was a party going on...
maybe a wedding or baby shower.  The front of the tea room is a lovely shop with all
kinds of French sweet treats and items.  Oh my!  I spotted macarons!  I found the
perfect treat for my drive home.

After a few more ventures into different antique shops, I was finally back in my car.

My friend wasn't disappointed that her antique piece turned out to be less than what
she wanted because I was able to find something else that she has been wanting for a
very long time. She was very pleased when I dropped it off at her house!

Oh, here are a few treasures that wait inside Country Roads Antiques...I will be
showing you more in my next post.