Travel and New Beginnings

So yes, I know it has been quite awhile since my last post, about 8 months in fact. In that time I graduated with my doctorate, moved out of Pittsburgh back to Philly, traveled to Europe with my sister and then moved to North Dakota for my new job. With all of these big life events, keeping up with my blog was not my first priority. Also living in Minot, North Dakota, where it is winter 7 months out of the year, it is hard to find inspiration to continue with a garden blog. However, I am determined to find ways to showcase this different climate and culture in unique ways.

Oak Park in Minot, North Dakota

While traveling out to North Dakota, my mom and I spent a few days in Custer, South Dakota. This was not by choice but because my car decided to break down while we were visiting Mount Rushmore. Wandering around the small tourist town I did happen upon pretty flowers.

Free Historic Museum in Custer, South Dakota

Hens and Chicks

I really liked this hanging pot outside of the pizza shop.

Once I moved to Minot I did do some exploring to try to find some flowers or green space to explore. Below are a few pictures I took while strolling through the parks in July.

Wildflowers lining the river. 

Oak Park has some of the few trees you will find in Minot. 

Close-up of the wild flowers. 

Waterfall in the Scandinavian Heritage Park

More trees! In Heritage Park.

Hope you enjoyed this quick little taste of some of what NoDak has to offer.

Farmhouse Flowers

Two weekends ago I was home to celebrate my sister Krista and my soon to be born niece. We threw the shower inside of a farmhouse which is part of the residential community where my grandparents live. When I first learned that this was where we were going to have the shower I was less than thrilled. But going over all the logisitics  of the baby shower I had to admit that this was the best location. And then when I got to the farmhouse and saw beautiful flowers and set-up, I was glad we were having the shower there. Once again God used the wonderful outdoors to turn my frown upside down :)

Orange flowers, my favorite!

I do wish we could have had the shower outside because of all the wonderful flowers but August in Pennsylvania definitely requires air conditioning.

Farmhouse where we had the shower, we added the balloons:)

Wildflowers bordered the old stone farmhouse, emitting a charming country feel to the place.
The well maintained lawn and patio surrounded by a low stone wall kept the flowers and bushes in place but without a strict structure of a formal garden.

It is a comfort to know that the farmhouse gives the residents a place where they can entertain guests, relax outside of their apartments and enjoy the outdoors without the hassle of maintaining a property or traveling very far.  

The patio also was a great place to take some pictures of me and my sisters!

Kara, Krista (and baby) and me!

 

There was also a small little gazebo nearby with it's own bed of flowers in front. I wish we had taken some photos here too, oh well!

Interesting purple flowers

God continually amazes me in the way He uses His wonderful creations, even in something as simple as the flowers planted outside of a house, to change my attitude and outlook at a situation. This is a good reminder that I feel like I need a lot, but thankfully all I need to do is step outside or look out a window to see God's hand at work:)

Strengthening the Soul

Today was another gorgeous Sunday morning in Pittsburgh, and while I was tempted to spend all day in my air conditioned apartment watching the Olympics, I decided to head over to Frick Park for a much needed breath of fresh air.

The Braddock Trail in Frick Park

I've come to realize that it is not just my body that I get in shape when I go out for a walk/jog along the trials but I revitalize my spirit as well; a strengthening of my soul. As I walk among the trees and flowers I listen to a mix of worship songs and take in the beauty of God's creation around me. When I am feeling frustrated, sad, or overwhelmed and don't know what to say to God, a song will come on through my mix of music that will directly express what I am trying to say.

A bench along the creek; a place to sit and relax in God's glory

Recently I have been feeling restless and impatient; tired of waiting for God to fulfill the desires of my heart. As I was walking among the gorgeous trees and feeling the warmth of the sun on my face the song "You'll Come" by Hillsong United came on that completely nailed what I was feeling and gave me the re-assurance that God will come and meet my needs and desires. The chorus goes.

 You'll come let you glory fall

As you respond to us

Spirit Rain, flood into our thirsty hearts again

You'll come

I need to be patient and try not to look at the big things I don't have yet or I will miss out on all the wonderful small things around me right now. If I try to rush and just get to the end of the trail then I'll miss the wildflowers growing along the path, and try as I might I can't help but smile at the sight of wildflowers.

So as I go about my week I need to remember that while I am waiting for God to answer some big questions, and He will come and  answer them, I need to praise and rejoice in the small blessings that He gives me everyday, even something as small as a yellow flower I see along the side of a path.

Flowers Along The Trail

Wild daisies

It has been unbearably hot in Pittsburgh this summer with average temperatures in the 90's. Last Saturday there was a nice little reprieve from the heat which I took advantage of by going on a nice long walk along the trails in Frick Park.

View along the trail.

 During my walk I took notice of all the wild flowers growing along the paths. In any garden these flowers would be looked upon as weeds; unwanted disruptions to a carefully laid out design. But out in the middle of the woods they fit perfectly; little pops of color that bring a smile to my face as I walk by. God continues to surprise me with these small creations of his that can bring unexpected joy. This is probably why no matter how I feel when I start a walk through the woods I always leave feel refreshed and at peace.

Black Eyed Susans

Small yellow bell shaped flower. 

 I looked all over the internet to find out what type of flower this is but I couldn't find any matches. If anyone knows what it is please post below.

Tiger Lily. 

Tiger lillies are one of my favorite flowers and I was very tempted to pick one of the many blooms growing along the path. I decided to leave them be so that everyone would be able to enjoy as they went along.

Purple Wildflowers

Hopefully you can outside and notice some of small wonders hidden among your usual path.  Continue to discover what God has placed you around you and take some pictures and post them for others to enjoy.

Katie's Wedding Flowers

So on Saturday night my friend Katie got married in the beautiful Landis Valley Museum. I must begin by saying that this was one of my favorite weddings that I have ever attended. It was in a great location, the set up was beautiful, the bride was gorgeous and the whole thing was very Christ centered. The flowers were all very natural and set around the ceremony and reception in really interesting containers. Giant hydrangea were added to the grapevine and white lights that surrounded the trellis the couple was married under. The father of the bride did all the decorative flowers, which is a huge money saver but also added to the more personal feel of the wedding. Katie carried a huge bouquet of sunflowers and wildflowers made up the boutonnieres and bridesmaids bouquets. I took a  lot of pictures that night but here are a few of my favorites.

Ceremony set up in the Firehouse

Different bottles make great vases

Snap dragons

 Buckets of flowers were placed at the end of every other row of chairs along the aisles. By using the same type of flowers in each container a look of abundance is created.

Baby's Breath

Beautiful Katie walking in with her sunflower bouquet.

Centerpieces at my table.

 Using a mix of buckets, fun containers and old books really gave this reception a personal feel; capturing the personalities of the bride and groom. I was told all of the different containers were found at a local farmer's market in Lancaster; I always love being able to help support the local economy.

I love the small green bottle; the mother of the bride actually let me take it home!

Head table

Wildflower Bridesmaid Bouquet

Katie's Bouquet with the K.

One of the groomsmen boutonnieres

Watering cans make a great way to display flowers

Another cute watering can on the guest book table

 Hope you thought of some new way to display flowers and create centerpieces!