blooms and parasols

Good morning. Does your calendar still say February? Yup, mine too. But I know it's already March in some parts of the world and I really really couldn't wait anymore. Soooo Happy March!

We have had tons of rain and this weekend was a colder than usual February for us, but the sun also came out to play. The other day I saw bright yellow jonquils growing along the side of the road while I was driving around. First sign of the coming new season.

Change is good :)

All around my neighborhood the plum trees are starting to bloom and when I went to check on mine this morning I found it covered with pretty pink blossoms.

Just like my favorite leaves in Fall, these sweet blooms come and go much too fast. So I wanted to enjoy as much of it as I can. I love that this is the time of year Mother Nature puts on one of her amazing shows.

You see March is also my birthday month and it happens just as everything around me fills with candy colored blooms, from pale pastels to happy vibrant hues. And not just outdoors but in all the shops that are filling their shelves with Spring and Easter goodies.

Last week I found this parasol and HAD to have it. I loooove umbrellas (maybe it's because they look like mini tents!). Ever since I can remember, I couldn't wait for the first rainy day so I could walk around in my rain boots under my favorite one.

In some countries women use umbrellas for both sun and rain and I really wish more people would here. I guess most of California is too sun obsessed to want to carry one around on a sunny day. Where is the fun in that I ask?

Well I'm taking my pretty pink parasol out on my birthday and no matter what the weather is like I'm going to use it. I am a true believer in celebrating each and everyone of our birthdays. No matter how many you've had. And if you have been blessed with many already, it's the best reason to celebrate even more. So you can be sure that whatever I have planned for mine also includes a sweet triple frosted cupcake treat!

 I'll tell you a not-so-secret secret too. This year my birthday falls on Mardi Gras. Oh how I dreamed and schemed all year to find a way to be in New Orleans to celebrate but alas, I will have to bring New Orleans to me.

 So you see why I had to treat myself to a new birthday parasol. I might not make it to the Mardi Gras parade but I can dance with my parasol to great jazzy music, cook up a batch of powdery beignets and stroll by the Cafe New Orleans

right here in my very own hometown.

Happy Almost March Monday

I'll be back very soon with my March Artful Bag and if you haven't checked on the February bags lately, go and see. My bag ladies really outdid themselves and came up with the most adorable altered purses. Thank you to everyone that played this month.