"I don't have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness - it's right in front of me if I'm paying attention and practicing gratitude."  Brene Brown

That Brene Brown quote is so incredibly true and exactly how I felt after walking around the yard this morning.  We've got 2 acres here and every plant on it makes me incredibly happy.  If I don't pay attention, things will bloom without me!

I know I show you pictures of Casa DeCocco often.  It probably always looks the same to you.  But I see differences every day and I am in love with this sweet cottage.  Look at the fig tree over there on the corner of the front porch!  It's going to be HUGE again this year!

The side yard has benefited from lots of rain.  Grass doesn't usually grow there, and it will be gone as soon as the hot, dry weather sets in.  But I like the wild look of this spot.  It feels like the entrance to the forest.

The Annabelle hydrangeas are coming along nicely in front of the living room window.  Soon the big white flowers will fill the window!

The front porch is almost ready for me to hang up the Boston ferns.  First we need to wash away all the yellow pollen. Soon!

Gardeners out here call Hostas "crack for deer."  The only way we get to see it is if we fence it in.  I call it the Hosta Jail.  Sorry fellas--this is Hub's idea.

I've only got 2 surviving peonies, and this is one of them.  Peonies are my favorite flower.  Every year I say I"ll plant more.  Maybe this year?  The garden is in too much shade to grow veggies successfully so maybe I can have a peony garden, with enough to cut for bouquets without guilt.  Decadence!

This daffoldil is a late bloomer, and there's nothing wrong with that.  All the other daffys have dried up, so this beauty gets all the attention.

Now I'm off to pack for High Point.  The International Home Furnishings Market has started and I'll be there tomorrow morning.  I'll let you know if we find anything you can't live without!

Ciao,

Anne