Can't Stop Listening!

Let the rain kiss you.

Let the rain kiss you.  Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.  Let the rain sing you a lullaby. Langston Hughes

We got home late last night from our long weekend away...it was relaxing and quiet with lots of good meals and family time. I was a little worried about my garden because I had just planted seeds but it was cooler in Colorado Springs than Glenwood Springs and now this morning gorgeous rain.

Glenwood Springs, Colorado

Rain is so infrequent here that it feels like a gift to my plants and my spirit. We had very little snowfall this winter so I'm sure there will be water rationing this summer. I'm working on a new garden this summer, near the garage where it feels a little neglected...it will be a Xeriscape garden. I'll post some pictures as it gets planted and fills in. The beginning quote this morning by Langston Hughes is actually part of a poem, April Rain Song.

April Rain Song

Let the rain kiss you
Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops
Let the rain sing you a lullaby
The rain makes still pools on the sidewalk
The rain makes running pools in the gutter
The rain plays a little sleep song on our roof at night
And I love the rain.

Langston Hughes

Organic Plant Foods

This post brought to you by Whitney Farms. All opinions are 100% mine.

“To be a successful farmer one must first know the nature of the soil.” Xenophon, Oeconomicus 400 B.C.

This is a picture of one of my flower pots grown last summer in organic soil. When you're using 100% natural plant food you get bigger more beautiful flowers. Choosing the right plant foods and soils really makes a difference. Whitney Farms® plant foods and soils have no additives, they contain all the right microbes and the macro and micronutrients your plants need. Your flowers and vegetables will love and thank you for going organic. Ok, your plants won't really thank you but when they're strong and healthy, big and beautiful you will feel the love emanating from their roots to their leaves to their petals. Whether you're growing a butterfly garden, an English country garden, or are just starting out with a vegetable garden think good plant foods, organic soil, plenty of sun and water.

This year I'm growing vegetables and it just makes sense to use organic soil. Two of my three raised beds will be dedicated to growing organic vegetables. So far, I have Japanese eggplant, broccoli rabe, tomatoes, peppers, garlic, onions and Rainbow Swiss Chard planned.   

Give Whitney Farms a try...right now you can get a $3.00 coupon to try Whitney Farms organic plant food! But hurry because the offer expires soon! You'll be on the way to terrific tomatoes, gourmet herbs and bountiful berries with Whitney Farms® organic plant food!

The Wood Care Specialist

This post brought to you by Flood Wood Care. All opinions are 100% mine.

Summertime, time to work on outdoor projects!

It you have any wood decking, fencing, outdoor furniture or have done any outdoor painting you might have heard of or seen Flood® Wood Care in your local hardware store or home improvement store. Since 1841, Flood® Wood Care, The Wood Care Specialist, has been manufacturing stain products that clean, prepare and protect exterior wood. Started by house painters it's a product I grew up with and trust. Most summers I helped my father clean up our beach house and the outdoor living space. He used Flood® products to clean the wood fences, stain our wooden Adirondacks and picnic table and even used their paint additives when he painted the house.
This summer I'm putting in new fences to separate my raised bed garden from the rest of the backyard. After seeing this beautiful fence on the website I'm rethinking colors for the fences. Not only will the colors add to the overall look but it's good to know I'm protecting and preserving the wood from moisture and sun damage. If you're looking to paint a deck or fence with solid color there are more than 51 different stain colors with a 15 year guarantee  on wood siding and a 5 year guarantee on decks. Adding color to your outdoor space could completely change the way you think about your summer improvement projects. From Seafood Green to Robin's Egg you can create a unique look and feel good about preserving your investment.  
Do you have any wood care projects this summer? A new deck, fencing, house painting or even wooden planter boxes? Flood® Wood Care is the best solution. Need wood care tips? Or looking for information on how to prep outdoor wood surfaces?  Visit the image gallery for ideas, design options and color finishes. What color combinations would make you want to spend more time outdoors?

Vintage Royal Typewriter

My newest favorite postcard from Postcrossing and the Netherlands!

Smiling at your work?

A new blog post over at my old blog, Countess Arugula.

Become A Better Writer

Copyblogger's 58 Ways to Create Persuasive Content  A good read for bloggers, copywriters and anyone that is looking to sell!