It Was Quite An Experience, But The Results Are Wonderful

March 5, 2012 / Ally Bean / 12 Comments

Here’s a photo update of our landscape project that I named, The Big Dig. Simply put: late last summer & early fall we had a portion of our wooded backyard transformed into a terraced sitting area. This project was messy + stressful + expensive.

[Want to know more about The Big Dig? For a bit of background information, start here: Talking Dirt. For photos and explanation of the process, go here: We’re Investing In Dirt. Then here: A Garden Wall Worthy Of Fred & Wilma. And then finally, here: We Have A Backyard.]

Because the weather last fall was so wet and ridiculous, the landscapers were never able to completely finish the project. So last week they returned for 3 days to finish edging and mulching around The Big Dig. And, damn, does it look wonderful.

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{ view from deck }

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{ steps from the deck to the yard }

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{ new backyard area under trees }

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{ standing in new backyard area looking over toward terraced area }

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{ standing in the yard looking at the new terraced area }

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{ signs of things to come }

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‘Tis A Gift To Be Mellow

February 20, 2012February 21, 2012 / Ally Bean / 27 Comments

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Last night our midwestern sunset was unique.

Purple and pink and fuchsia filled the sky. Those bold colors made a perfect backdrop behind the dark brown tree trunks and leafless branches. Looking out my kitchen window the jumble of trees and color seemed like one unified whole.

The view was more like a watercolor painting than a glimpse into my mundane backyard.

February has been comfortable this year. The temperatures have been in the 50’s instead of the 20’s. The sun has shone more days than not. Snowfall has been negligible.

As a result of this unusual weather, I find myself much more light-hearted than I usually am at this time of year. More hopeful. More focused on dreams and plans and doing.

It’s a gift, this winter of mellowness. A gift that is difficult to ignore.

Pieces Of Winter

February 8, 2012 / Ally Bean / 19 Comments

~ We awakened to snow this morning. Just a dusting. Falling softly, no malicious intent. Unlike last year when we had 30″ of snow by February, today’s snowfall brings our yearly total to just under three inches. I can live happily– angst-free during a winter like the one we’re having this year. Hallelujah!

~ I read Leo Babauta’s book, The Power of LESS, while on vacation. It’s a fast read that I recommend to anyone who is trying to figure out how to live a simpler, more meaningful life. After reading the book I made a few notes and began contemplating my life. Consequently, this week I’ve decided what I value, what I love, what my goals are. I can live happily– focused on what means the most to me. Yes!

~ We finished the puzzle. Even though it had 1000 pieces it went together quickly. With that many pieces I thought that we’d be fussing with it until March. But it turned out to be easy-peasy mac & cheesy. I can live happily– satisfied with something going better than planned. Yeah!

~ I sent away for some business cards for this blog! I’ve always wanted to share my blog with people in real life– not depending on them to scribble down this blog’s name & address on a scrap of paper. This will allow me to easily and smoothly introduce people to The Spectacled Bean. I can live happily– contented with the knowledge that I’m doing my best to promote this sweet little bloggy. Ever onward!