Spring Fashion Week Continues

Earlier this week I posted pictures of the spring fashion show taking place around my neighborhood. More and more trees are joining the party. What a delightful time of year! There's one rosebud tree, in particular, that I've been admiring every time I drive past it. This morning I decided to walk to it, to take pictures of it. Along the way, I noticed a number of other beauties too. Check out what's hot on the runway (er, blooming along the sidewalk!) today . . .

This maple sports bright green leaves—a fresh look paired with the beautiful blue sky. 

This maple is all about scale—the tree's majestic frame combined with its delicate leaves showcase the beautiful harmony of contrasting scale.

I can't get enough of this frilly, blush-pink ensemble—soft, feminine, romantic.

I'm definitely loving the the vibrant color scheme this tree pulls together. Nothing says Spring like pink, green, and blue!

This tree favors a sculpted, minimalist look. Notice its dramatic silhouette against the verdant carpet.

Unfortunately just as the magnolia trees around town were coming to their peak last week, the temperatures dropped to the point of frost, killing the blooms. This tree maintains its poise, confidently letting its browned petals dance in the sunlight.

 All-over lace, yes please! 

Another lovely color scheme—splashes of deep pink add interest to the gold-drenched hues, while the blue contrasts and balances the warm palette.

 Isn't fun to see how God adorns His creation?! Which tree is your favorite?

Thankful Thursday

Today is Thankful Thursday # 22! This week I’m thankful to be on spring break. I’ve been enjoying a quiet week at home. I think this is the best spring break I’ve had in years—not because I’ve done anything exciting or memorable, but because I feel rejuvenated just being domestic, without juggling my other typical commitments. [Does it have anything to do with the fact that this is the first spring break in several years that I haven’t had graduate coursework? ;-) ] I’m thankful for the relaxed productivity I’ve had this week. It’s been so nice to have the extra time to tackle big “To Do List” tasks, such as. . .

1. organizing, sorting, altering, and purging my clothes.
2. deep-cleaning around the house.
3. spreading mulch around the front- and backyard.
4. cooking and recipe searching.
5. planning art projects for the summer camp I’ll be teaching.

It’s been a wonderfully satisfying week for me so far. Thank you, Lord, for spring break!

$avvy $aving: Free Mulch

"Youuu whoooo!" my Aunt Lurinda called, letting herself in our front door. "Fred and I were just on our way home. Check out this mulch we've got!" she bubbled. "There's a huge pile of it in the parking lot behind the community center, that's free for the taking! You should go this evening and get some too," she advised.

Every spring the City of Midland sets out a gigantic pile of wood-chips, from all the trees the City has cut down. The mulch is free for the taking, for anyone who's interested. Thanks to Lurinda keeping us informed, my family and I collected several loads after dinner last night, to spread around our yard. What a great way to spruce up our landscaping, without extra expense!

Springtime Trees

Don't you just love trees in the springtime?! It's like they've agreed to throw a party. And what a lovely celebration! The giants drape themselves in dainty lace, their tiny verdant leaves uncurling in the sunlight. Take a look at my neighborhood's spring fashion show going on this week. Which tree do you think wins "best dressed"?