June Meditations - On the Front Porch

June is usually a great month for porch-sitting, reading, relaxing with a cool drink, etc., but here in Nebraska, the temps have already climbed into the triple digits and the humidity is stifling. So I'm inviting you to my front porch for June Meditations and a little tour, but you might want to bring a fan!

Often times I like to build up wreaths, adding picks, branches, and flowers to make them nice and full. But this sweet wreath with its yellow berries just seems perfect to me in its simplicity. It could be bigger, or make a grander statement, but sometimes restraint and clean lines are best.

“The beauty of that June day was almost staggering. After the wet spring, everything that could turn green had outdone itself in greenness and everything that could even dream of blooming or blossoming was in bloom and blossom. The sunlight was a benediction. The breezes were so caressingly soft and intimate on the skin as to be embarrassing.”
―Dan Simmons, Drood

This corner of the porch is where I have made a decorative statement with a black iron shelf from HomeGoods, an old shutter (previously in our master bath, which you can see here...I must say my blog posts have improved since then, haha!), my artichoke garden sculpture, and the piece de resistance - a new Buddha head, also from HomeGoods. Do you love this as much as I do? I realize that using a Buddha statue is not original in the least - they are everywhere these days. I'd been debating about whether I should join the mass trend or forego it, knowing it would eventually pass. Then I saw this one and had to have it! I'm hoping it will bring some peace and happiness to everyone who comes through our front door.

“Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time.”
―John Lubbock, The Use Of Life

As most of you know, I'm not much of a gardener, so I usually tend toward low-maintenance plants. Coleus is always in my planters, and dusty miller and asparagus fern are pretty easy, too. Often, I keep my color schemes pretty muted as with these greens, burgundies, and corals; although one of these years I might surprise us all and go wild with color...stay tuned! This year I'm trying begonias for a pop of cheerful color...we'll see how I do with them.

I've added new cushions this year, picked up the table inexpensively and painted the top green (it was teal before.) The chairs and pillow are making another appearance this summer, but may need to be replaced after another season or two. This spot is perfect for conversation and refreshments in the early morning or evening. And now it's time to get comfortable and enjoy the slow pace of summer.

"Chase your dreams, but always know the road that will lead you home again."
-Tim McGraw
Until next time...
Julie



Sharing with: Inspiration Thursday, Share Your Cup, Home and Garden Thursday, Thoughts of Home on Thursday, Vintage Charm
Shabby Art Boutique, French Country Cottage! Sweet Inspiration, Pieced Pastimes, The Charm of Home, Between Naps on the Porch