more treasures...

You know the expression..."get while the gettin's good"?

Well, if you're from West Virginia it would sound familiar...

and grammatically correct!

I have had a ball pickin' lately.

I found some wonderful old beachy stuff...

...and of course some garden inspired treasures as well!

All in all I would say the gettin' was really good!

Even Miss Peanut couldn't wait to dive in and see what momma found!

I can't wait to get scrubbing and find homes in the shop for all the new goodies...

my kind of green...

I hope you all had a really nice St. Patrick's Day...

my weekend was inspired by the rolling green hills of Ireland.

I put on my favorite apron and spent some time in my favorite spot...my garden.

Listen along to the video below and get swept away to Ireland.

Time in my garden feels like I am far far away...maybe not as far as the Emerald Isle but I can daydream!

As you may know, I miss my gardening rituals of the North. Especially in the early months of spring. My favorite spring flowers won't be happy here so I am going to try to fool them. A little potting soil, a pretty pot and some lily-of the-valley...and voila...SPRING!

I'm sheepishly going to try several varieties. Oh, I sure hope they will grow...!

Next thing I know I have an interested little friend show up to keep me company...it's Lizzy! She's obviously been hanging out on the rusty shelves between the terra cotta pots...she's turned a lovely shade of bronzish ochre!

She better watch out because Miss Peanut is out here somewhere...and she is a wicked lizard hunter!

It may not be the lush spring garden that I long for but I have really embraced Island gardening. My love of a white palette is even evident in my garden...

Okay Lizzy, you better run...here comes the mischievous

Miss Peanut!

I have done my best to introduce a few special flowers, but succulents are really the happiest plants around here...

How perfectly sweet are these little fairy gardens in cockle shells? Love, love, love...!

It has been a gloriously green few days! I look for any reason to jump in the dirt...and theme dress in a perfect apron. I do love this vintage inspired beauty. It is no longer available at Anthropologie but they do have an awesome selection...click below to see more options...

click here...

ANTHROPOLOGIE

If you love lily-of-the-valley as much as I do, please visit my online shop...

You can purchase this tiny treasure and...instant gardening gratification at its best!

click here...

Surroundings by Melinda

I do hope you had a wonderful weekend. This little story is dedicated to my grandmother

Anna Julia McMunn

1915-1990

an Irish lass, that in true Irish fashion, passed away on

St. Patrick's Day.

Here's to remembering your past...embracing who you are...doing what you love...and living life your way.

Wishing you all the Luck o' the Irish!

PS. Guess how my week began...with the arival of Victoria magazine's "Special Ireland Issue". Life is good!

treasures!

The latest found treasures that will soon be in my little shop...I love the hunt!

Some of these great old bottles are featured on our online shop...

surroundings by melinda

Awesome old china and Ironstone...look for pieces online at

surroundings by melinda

The best part about finding these treasures...was finding them with my Mom by my side! I love our time together. The search continues..thank goodness! I will be excited to go on the next adventure and bring back lots of goodies to share with you. Thanks for taking a peek! Have a great weekend...

think pink...

Today I'm thinkin' PINK. I know I'm not a real colorful gal but I do embrace a few sublime additions to my seemingly all neutral palette.

What do you think of when you think PINK...?

beautiful antique dishes...

vintage glass ornaments...

whimsical seashell nosegays...

or maybe incredible old books...

Pink...pink...pink...

Good question...

this past Saturday was the

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure!

It was a perfect day!



On Valentine's Day February 14th, 2011 I found out that I had a suspicious lump in my breast. My first thought...fear...my second thought...how will I ever pay for this?

Being self employed, I was as worried about my finances as I was for my health. That is a sad statement and a very harsh reality. As soon as I left my doctor's office I went to meet my Breast Care Navigator at the Regional Cancer Center.

Dara Leichter is my new guardian angel. I sat in her office, surrounded by pink, warmth and smiles. I was all alone and missing my family horribly. As soon as I heard her West Virginia accent, I knew God sent me an angel from home. I was lost and a weepy mess. She hugged away the tears and said..."Let me worry about the finances...you worry about getting through whatever comes next." Well, surgery was scheduled and I was already awaiting all the bills from the mammograms, ultrasounds and doctor visits. Her response..."when the bills come, don't open them. Send them to me..."

That day I learned first hand about the love and kindness that this world of ours really does have to offer!

.

Miss Dara was able to apply for grants that would cover the costs of testing, surgery and aftercare. I had the tumor removed and was blessed and relieved to learn that it was a non-cancerous tumor. It opened my eyes to many things...primarily to all the hard work, love and support of the staff of the Regional Cancer Center, The Breast Care Center, Dr. Aihara and Miss Dara Leichter. I also owe a great deal of gratitude to all those who helped me through the entire difficult process.

If ever you need inspiration to get involved

here it is...

It was incredible to see all the survivors and their families. There was laughter, hugs and lots of hope!

The venue, being held on the beautiful grounds of Coconut Point, was so perfect.

We even had the locals show up and cheer on the runners and walkers along the course...

The finish line appeared so quickly...time flies when you're racing for the cure!!!

I will forever be grateful to the doctors and nurses at the Regional Breast Care Center, to Dara Leichter, to the Komen Grant and to all those whom I love!

I left buzzing and floating like a bee, filled with good spirits and good will...so stopping at a sweet little garden center on the way home made perfect sense. Every flat of flowers seemed to be smiling...happily wearing the most lovely shades of PINK! I was a happy, hopeful, grateful and inspired little bee. 

There are reminders everywhere about all the good in this world. All you have to do is think PINK then find a way to get involved...give of your time, lend your support and say a prayer.

It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

I hope you have been inspired and reminded to think Pink.

Love and prayers to all those affected...