Creative ideas for outdoor wall and garden decorations.

If you are like me, you like the idea of outdoor garden art, but not the prices. It seems that everything I like has to be $50 +, and it is just not in my nature to pay that when I could do something on my own that I may like better, and it would be mine, and mine alone. The only question is...what to create?

First off whatever it may be, it must also be old looking, and have a tinge of eeriness to it. I like fountains, but the chances are that I would not have it running most of the time. Same with candles, which I like a lot, but they would never be lit. So that leaves us with things that just hang or stand there, and look good.

1. Personally I like salvaged things, particularly in metal, like old gates, and building ornamentation, and sometimes you can find them cheap, or even free if someone is throwing them away. Metal chairs are also good. I don't like using wood because it doesn't last long, but again, that's just me.

2. Window frames can be a interesting addition, if you are going for that rustic look, and if they are placed somewhere such as under a porch, they do tend to last longer. I also like old garden tools, but I have not used them on the grounds as of yet. I have done mirrors, and old picture frames in the past, but they do not hold up for ever.

3. Old Lightning Rods, and Weather Vanes are always fun to look at, though these are a bit harder to find at a good price. I do like them though.

4. If you are going for that Vintage Garden look an old bike, or cart would be a good idea, and they instantly create an old feel. Planting Urns also give you that old world look as soon as they are placed outside.

5. Lets not forget the statues... I like cherubs, and already have a few of those sitting around the gardens. Cherubs love looking out at the greenery, and they look great there, but what ever you choose, be sure to make it your own.

Gardens should be a place of peace, and contemplation, and should make you feel as one with nature. This is how we as humans recharge our batteries. You wouldn't feel very good if you walked outside only to see weeds, and junk all over the place, and it's not good fens shui, but that's another story. Enjoy your gardening this year, ad remember, if you only have a balcony, that's no excuse not to make it a retreat that you can enjoy.

You Can Be Happy...if you try.

You have seen them in the stores, sitting in church, possibly at local meetings. Chances are very good, if you venture into social media pages, and comment boards, you have read their thoughts. Angry, bitter people looking to complain, blame, and otherwise spout off about the failings of anything and anyone, but themselves. Those people who flock in droves to the negative, anything perceived bad, it doesn't matter what that may be so long as it gives them a chance to put all their woes of the world on to someone else. Drama is also abundant on talk, and reality shows. It is by no accident that you see it in the news as well, be it local, or national it is there, and it is constant. The media has become a place to get half truths, and tidbits meant to inflame, and raise your blood pressure. It helps to make you feel that your are right to be offended, and that you should then spread that message of unhappiness to everyone you know, and many that you don't, to get them to feel the same way that you do. You have a duty!

For the media it's about the ratings, and ratings are money, but what does it do for you? How does it affect your attitude of life, and what if you decided, as one person, you would choose to spread a different message? What if you decided that you would no longer take part in hate, and bitterness, and instead choose to spread a message of happiness, and hope? What if you decided decided to always "take the high road", and not involve yourself in these news flashes that usually have very little baring in your daily life, except to upset it, and set a tone of "us against them". "Divide and conquer" seems to be in now. People who wish to make money in life, and social media have figured out that there is gold in the divide and conquer theory, and it creates a crowd of people who find it very hard to resist, and they in turn bring others in to that crowd, but at the end of the day, how do you think they feel. Most of us have been there, so we know the answer to that question. The next question is "Why"?

What if we, as one person, choose instead to get up tomorrow and express a new attitude to the world? Happy thoughts can be spread too! Our attitudes become our life, and influence who will be around us to enhance those thoughts. That can either be very scary, or very uplifting, depending on which you pick, because it is a conscience choice. Your words become your life.

So what now? If we do decide not to play into the "everything would be fine if it weren't for them" game. Where do we go from there? Personally I think it is in those words that we utter, online or in real life. What we choose to say, and who we choose to act is what will define our lives, and create a feeling of happiness, or bitterness. It is probably best to follow no one who tells you what your opinion should be, but figure it out for yourself, and do that in a way that benefits you, and those around you. Life is not about things that you do, or do not have, but how you feel, and how you affect others who come into contact with you. Do you brighten their day? Do you make them feel better about themselves?

It would be good to wake up every day and remind yourself of the rules of Karma: it means action, work or deed; it also refers to the principle of causality where intent and actions of an individual influence the future of that individual (you). Good intent and good deed contribute to good karma and future happiness, while bad intent and bad deed contribute to bad karma and future suffering. I always try my best to be mindful of Karma, and I want you to be as well. Of course, you don't have to take my word for this, but what would it hurt to try it out for a day, then another day??? Who knows, maybe it could lead you on a road to true happiness, and contentment. It couldn't hurt.

Remember what we all thought of life in "simpler times", and how we wish it could be that way again? Reality is whatever you make it.

Creating a Moon Garden, it's tranquil, it's peaceful, and very pagan.

The moon looks upon many night flowers; the night flowers see but one moon. - Jean Ingelow
The grounds are quiet. The night is dark, but it doesn't mean that you cannot find your way. Many night blooming plants are white, and give a luminous appearance in the moonlight to keep you company, and their fragrance's can be amazing.

Moon Garden: Just the mention of it creates a feeling of peace. The garden, at night, is a very tranquil, even magical place, and there is no reason that you cannot enjoy it. All you need is "a little help from your friends", and in this case it comes from those who, like yourself, love the light of the moon. White flowers and light-colored foliage reflect the moonlight. If you have thought about having a moon garden, it is not as difficult as you might think. You need only to give a little thought of where you want to go at night, and what you would like to see, and presto, a beautiful and fragrant backdrop for your moonlight rituals of the summer.

Consider planting the following in and about your Moon Garden:
- Dahlia 'Small World'

- White Straw-flower

- White Trumpets Nicotiana

- White Poppy 'White Linen'

- Formosa Lily White Trumpet

- Variegated Euphorbia

- White Datura

- White Lace Plant Plant Khella

- Baby's Breath

- White Bride's Feathers Aruncus

- Royal Wedding Hosta

- Ribbon Grass

- Lamium 'White Nancy'

- White Hydrangea

- Heuchera Venus

Having a place to sit, and contemplate is also important. A bench, chair, or even a strategically placed log is a must for enjoying your Moon Garden. You may even be surprised at how much you begin to enjoy getting back outside, and being one with the night, and with nature, and I am sure that there is probably a health benefit in there somewhere as well.

If you only have a balcony, you need not miss out on the fun. Container gardening, and a few statues, and solar lights will certainly allow you to join in on the fun.

Don't forget to let me know how you have achieved your perfect, restful space. As well as, how much better it makes you feel. Just remember to choose your scared spaces for privacy and beauty in the moonlight. Two of the most important things in a moon garden are ,a unobstructed view of the moon, and a place to be comfortable enough to sit.

In your new and glowing moon garden, remember to fill it with interesting pieces including stone statues, and other forms of art to look at while wondering through the night. Best of all...imagine that it could be right in your backyard!

Just imagine this cool, dark place filled with wonder, and fragrant blooms reflected in the moon's light.