The Butterfly House

This place is enchanting...

The path opens to a wonderful butterfly bench...

...then you happen upon a sweet little gazebo.

Every detail is spectacular!

After a brief pause, the tour continues along the beautiful brick path...

Passing wonderful sculptural elements like this simple bird feeder with an aged copper roof.

The walk becomes an adventure as you cross tiny waterways that lead to majestic pools.

Every step is more like a shuffle as not to disturb the true residents of this most wonderful place!

And it is not just home to butterflies...

If you sit still long enough...you are bound to have a curious visitor stop by.

The blue blur next to my ear is a giant blue butterfly!

At rest they appear to have a dozen eyes gazing back to you...

Then she opens her wings...and she is dressed to impress!!!

Now this little guy is quite impressive too...

A trip to the Butterfly House made me think about countless hours in my garden. I would hope and hope to just catch the slightest glimpse of a fairy at dusk. I once thought for certain that I had. As an adult I could rationalize that it was just a butterfly...but why would I want to do that. It only took a moment once I walked in the door to be transported back in time. I am a little girl again...

Deep down inside I have to wonder if the fairies are tucked inside the garden of the conservatory just waiting for the magical hour to pop out and dance in the moonlight.

It was a wonderful day... 

The End



A Few from the Grounds

I have to admit that I was so excited to visit the Keys just to see all the Hemingway six toed kitties. While there we learned the origin...Hemingway was given a white six toed kitty, named Snowball, from a ship's captain. There are still descendants of Snowball on the grounds today.

As promised, here are a few more images from around the grounds. I found this old image and it is almost hard to believe how little things have changed...

The vegetation has matured...but the property looks just as it did many years ago...

There are influences from all around the world...including this fountain and the tiles surrounding the basin that are tucked in among the bamboo of the gardens.

Behind the buildings are small cat-sized replicas of the main house and guest house.

Look closely and you will see content little faces resting in the windows.

The grounds are lush and green with a sweet blend of petitte kitty homes, old iron garden chairs, bird baths and fountains. Natural perfection....

It was a fantastic day to visit such an historic treasure. Everything was even better than I had imagined...

and this was only the beginning of the adventure.

More pictures are still to come...

A Look into Hemingway's Home...

If ever there was a question as to whether or not I am a lucky girl...the answer is yes! I was so fortunate to be taken on a special surprise trip to the Keys for my birthday last month. Even though I live on an island in the Gulf...sometimes a change of scenery is still needed. What a treat to take a boat ride down to the Keys and spend the weekend with my sweetheart, Scott. It was not only relaxing...but it was also inspirational. This will be the first of several postings on the sights and wonders of the Keys that brought me great joy...and inspiration!

Ernest Hemingway's Home

  Ernest Hemingway

American author and journalist

 07/21/1899 to 07/02/1961

I was so taken by the simple, quiet elegance of the home. Even the understated bathrooms were adorned with small crystal chandeliers. The sunlight rooms were filled with a select few antiques. The gulf breezes filled the air...and Hemingway kitties were speckled throughout the grounds. Looking at the collection of works by Hemingway made it seem like he had just stepped out for a stroll. It was as though he just might peek in to see what all the fuss is about.

After browsing through my pictures it was obvious that the bones of the building intrigued me the most: from the doors to the windows and shutters, from the staircase to the detailed railings and rafters, from the built-in cabinets to the beautiful fireplaces. It is beautiful from front door to back.

Stay tuned for pictures of the grounds and more members of the Hemingway family...

Christmas in my little shop...

Looking forward to the Christmas holiday has been a bit of a challenge for me ever since I moved to Sanibel Island. It is beautiful, sunny and warm. Not a snowflake in sight. It just hasn't felt like Christmas. It has also been hard to focus on Christmas with client deadlines looming and photo shoots filling the days. But today something was different. I was finally able to take a moment and sit quietly in my shop. As the Christmas music filled the air, I looked at every little square inch of my shop and I realized that this is Christmas...my new Christmas. Seashells adorn the wreaths...sand dollars nestle in between mercury glass ornaments and a few paper mache churches on the trees...gilded birds and butterflies float through the parasols hanging from the ceiling...the tables, antique bed and cabinets are dressed in their finest vintage lace and blankets...and old ice skates and metal runner sleds are right at home, even though there is not a hint of ice or snow for miles. This is my new Christmas and my new life. I hope you enjoy a peek into Surroundings...all decorated for my new Christmas!

*click on picture to enlarge.

Remember for those of you who can't come to the shop, you can now shop online!

www.surroundingsbymelinda.com

As an added bonus...free shipping on all orders over $50.

Sometimes it just takes a while to find your way. It has taken me a few years. For the first time this feels like home. Happiness has a great deal to do with it...and I am happy. I wish the very same for everyone this holiday season!

Desk Project

I have never shied away from a project and here is my latest...

I found this great old claw foot desk for a mere $40 and decided I must have it! Only problem...

It was wobbly at best...and in pieces.

First things first...get rid of the wobble.

Thank goodness for wood glue...

...and long clamps!

Next was to assemble the top like a puzzle and make sure that it was not missing any boards.

Then the sander did over-time. The delicate claw feet had to be done by hand.

Now it was time to stain the base and pen drawer.

The desk is not terribly heavy but it is large and cumbersome for one (me). So I decided to carry it up to its new home prior to assembling the top.

Once the top was all back together, safe and secure, it was time to stain the top to match the base.

A protective coat (or four!) of polyurethane was all that was needed to finish my project.

Voila! My new desk in its new home. So pleased!!!

I could not have done it without years of watching my dad refinish furniture. Normally I am the first to paint an old piece of furniture white and call it a day. But not this time. This grand old boy deserved to be brought back to his original glory.

Thanks Dad for the lessons, encouragement and tips along the way!!!

I love my Dad.