A Paris Work in Progress

Hello,

I was sipping my coffee a few weekends back wishing I was somewhere-anywhere-other than rainy Boise, Idaho. And then it struck me like the flash of lightning in the sky. If I can't make it to Paris anytime soon, why not have Paris come to me? I mean, isn't Paris more of a feeling? A romantic feeling created by sidewalk cafes, chandeliers, chic haircuts, something pink, and maybe a small poodle. Even though I have a large lab, I could still try to create some of the Paris feeling here-in my own front yard.

As my husband napped, I ran to the closest discount store and bought a cheap pair of creamy gauze curtains. I found a strong wire in the garage and pulled it from the front post to the house to hang the curtains on. I used a small cup hook to tie the curtains back with natural raffia. We had already cleaned out the beds in preparation of landscape rocks that would be delivered the next week. Another quick trip to Lowe's produced a pretty flowering tree and ornamental grass. I moved the fountain and some extra chairs from the back yard, added a few decorative accessories here and there. Instant Paris!

My husband woke from his nap. He did a double-take as he headed to the mailbox. "What happened out here?" he exclaimed! I think the curtains surprised him the most. He's still waiting for a letter from the subdivision committee complaining they violate code.

We're still waiting for the weather to clear so the rocks can be delivered. And I also went "green" by replacing the old malibu lights with solar lights. They are very sparkly at night and brighter than I thought. I'll post more pics when the rain finally quits.

In the meantime, try to create a little Paris romance of your own. If you have any luck, send me a pic and I'll post on the site.

Here's a few more pics:

Solar twinkle lights on the weathered trellis are low-maintenance and look so pretty at night.

An old bike can be found cheap and adds charm to the garden.

You can close the curtains at night for a private cocktail under the stars!

You must have a pink watering can.

More Eiffel towers.

The view from the street. Still need the rocks. Hope the neighbors don't complain!

Take care,

Di