Join Me On My Morning Walk

I'm a walker. I can't help it. My feet like to go go go. (Sometimes I even run.) Most of the time I walk for exercise. But last Sunday morning, I walked just for the pure enjoyment of it and I took my camera along.

My favorite place to tread is the old downtown neighborhood of small homes and cottage gardens. Traffic is almost nonexistent and the quiet is so peaceful. Come with me and see some of the sights I snapped along the way last Sunday morning.

Cote Designs, Aiken SC

Aiken, South Carolina is well-kept secret. I'm letting it out! This is one of the quaintest and most delightful towns I've ever visited. The main street is lined with artsy shops, each one so inviting. It was true eye and soul candy for me.

My daughter Becky and I took the day and strolled down the street. We stopped in most every shop with exclamations of "look at this!" and "look at that!" along the way. One shop called Cote Designs, a floral and decorator dream, kept us spellbound for quite some time. The owners were so friendly and hospitable. They invited Becky and I out the back door and into their tiny courtyard outdoor haven. All we could do was ohhhh! and awww! as we stood there and marveled at the little oasis they've created. In the center is a pergola overgrown with Japanese Wisteria, only three years old. Truly magnificent. Kind of take your breath away magnificent.

 

Obviously, I was so smitten, I kept my shutter clicking away. Did you know that Japanese wisteria stems grow in a clockwise direction around the supports they are given, and the plant often lives over 50 years? The owners told us that in time, the wisteria would not need the pergola support, and would be its own support. Amazing.

We discovered so many fun surprises in the perimeter and corners of the garden. 

 

Inside their studio, the owners have created an interior room made of windows and doors; it even includes a roof overhead and a gravel floor. Loved the soft lighting. Such an inviting little cubby.

 

From the outside storefront, I would have never guessed the treasures that are secluded inside. It was our lucky day to come upon this delightful shop.

If you're ever in the area, treat yourself to a visit. It will be unforgettable. ~CJ~

Luscious Georgia Outdoor Market

I spent a week in Augusta, Georgia recently and stopped at the most wonderful outdoor market. Fruits, vegetables, and flowers in abundance in early June. What a treat! 

Truly a little bit of heaven! ~CJ~