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.


15 comments:

peggy gatto said...

Just think of all the people that will smile when they see your happy umbrella!!!!

Linda said...

Hi Anna, I just e-mailed you that I wanted to see your parasol.....and here it is. So very sweet. It makes me happy to see all the colors..Think Spring! I can't wait.
I am getting things ready to celebrate your birthday too...Watch the mail.

Wendy Aspinall said...

Dear sweet Anna I hope you have a wonderfully sweey b day.... Hugs Wendy

Tahnya Marie said...

I am so jealous of your sunshine and flowers! Argh, I would so dearly love to have some bright and beautiful colour around me. Things here in Ontario are still grey and the trees are all bare.

I Love your umbrella, it's so beautiful! I am also infatuated with New Orleans, stripey socks and mary janes! Happy March to you!!!

Thespoena McLaughlin said...

HOw wonderful is that! Love your new parasol and Happy Birthday to you girl! My mom's boyfriend is part of the Pete Fountains Half Fast Walking Club and they will be walking the parade this year as usual at Mardi Gras. Mom is so excited, I've never been to Mardi Gras and I hope someday I can go and celebrate with her. Have fun on your b-day girl! Hugs!

Thespoena McLaughlin said...

Oh and p.s. LOVE LOVE LOVE your new blog design!

Amber said...

What a wonderful post! Here in my neck of the woods in Texas the grass is still yellow and the trees are still barren, but I can feel spring coming on the warm days! With that in mind, I am having a welcoming spring blog party at my blog called 15 Days of Welcoming the God. It starts March 15th. If you're interested please drop by and grab my button and let your friends know about it!

http://collegewitchexperiences.blogspot.com

Little Messy Missy said...

Beautiful!!!

Heathen said...

Spring is definitely here in sunny FL...the flowers and trees are in full bloom! Your new parasol is adorable and will be perfect for your Mardi Gras Birthday. Happy early birthday and happy Spring!

Rosemary said...

I think the Mardi Gras you create for yourself will be very memorable. I don't have any detectable signs of spring yet but the prospect of March is already making me feel wonderfully optimistic! lOVELY photos.

Melissa said...

OOo...please send that magical umbrella this way so I can grab the handle and be transported to a place where flowers are blooming and birds are singing!! Thank you:)

PS...I love your assistant, Luna. I have an assistant named Lady Luna. xo

Sandy Ang said...

Happy birthday and what a lovely new header you have ! Just crazy for that circus striped-tent look.

Unknown said...

Hi Anna, I'm a new follower. You have the most beautiful blog & your banner and background are amazing! I love your photos of the pretty blossoms and parasol!! Happy Birthday, Happy March and Happy Spring!! Wini xo

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pics and I LOVE the parasol.

Theresa MacNaughton said...

Happy March and Happy Spring! Happy Birthday, too. :) We are just starting to see snippets of spring - and I'm so excited. :) Your parasol is AMAZING! Enjoy it! Theresa