Joan Ambu Archives – Page 15 of 96 – Strength Of The Small

Garden Decor Flowers Shrubs & Trees Gardening High Desert

Keeping Busy In The Garden

By JM PerezApril 6, 20202 min read734 views

It’s been a while since my last post. I hope everyone is healthy, safe and I am praying for those who are facing hard times. To reduce exposure to Covid-19, all schools were closed starting March 16th and Distance Learning began today, April 6th. Finding balance between work, keeping the kids entertained at home and remaining sane has been challenging. My kids are adjusting well and have found ways to stay active. They wake up at 7:00 am and are asleep by 7:45 pm.

We had a very cloudy and wet week here in the High Desert. I love rain, but I am not a fan of too much rain, however, I know we need these Spring rains to ready the garden for our hot Summer days. Now it’s a good time to plant. For the past couple of weeks, I have been enjoying my Tulips and Grape Hyacinth.

I love the display of color changes and patterns of these Tulips.

Grape Hyacinth are popping up here and there.

I received a few Spruce Cone Cactuses as gifts recently. I love the uniqueness of this cactus and I am looking forward to watching them grow, while learning a thing or two.

The Yellow White Lady Banks flowers have began bursting with life and colors. I planted one on both sides of the second arch by the gate leading to our backyard. I also planted one on both sides on a separate arch in the backyard. Some of these roses are just a few months old and others less than two years.

If I have to stay home, I figure, I should garden. Last week I planted Red Autumn Sage, Silvery Cassia, Euphorbia Rigida (Gopher plants), Periwinkle Creeping Myrtle, Dwarf Cup Flower and Amethyst Falls American Wisteria.

Fortunately for us, we have been blessed yet again, with a weed-free yard. Now we can focus on other outdoor projects.

What can you do at home?

Plant (divide, transplant … etc)
Feed your plants and apply mulch
Clean your gardening tools
Prune your shrubs/cut back dead plants
Clean outdoor furniture
Clean bird feeders
Clear out weeds

Happy gardening and be safe out there.

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By JM Perez

Vintage Dolls Simple Pleasures Home Decor

Fernando, the Llama

By JM PerezMarch 14, 20201 min read1K views

Hooray! I am 99% done assembling the South American Premiere Porcelain doll Fernando, the llama.

This porcelain doll is yet another gift I received from a beloved neighbor a couple of years ago. She bought the mold of the Llama’s head and legs and fired it up herself. That lady was incredibly good with her hand.
Unfortunately, the improper storage of the fur pieces for over twenty years resulted in damage. I just need to purchase a few pieces to cover the legs area and it will be complete at last.

It is one of the many unfinished porcelain dolls I received from a neighbor who moved away a couple of years ago. I connected the face and legs unto the soft body, glued and sew in the wool into place and attached the eyelashes (Yes, I know, those eyelashes need to be trimmed).

Fernando has porcelain face and legs with a soft body and a wool blanket. He is from the Premiere Artist Collection from Wendy Crawford and Barbara Miller, of California. It measures 17”H x 11”L x 6”W.

I have a couple more projects lined up, to keep ourselves busy as we are expecting heavy rain and possible snow all of next week.

I hope you are all healthy and safe.

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By JM Perez

Reptiles Flowers Shrubs & Trees Gardening High Desert

Happy New Month

By JM PerezMarch 1, 20202 min read880 views

It’s a new month and the weather has been at its best since the beginning of the year. It rained a little today, more like sprinkles to be precise.

What has everyone been up to? Well, I have enjoyed the company of my Mother who I don’t see often and her delicious cooking. I have been weeding, lending a helping hand to my neighbors and just recently, began tending to the gardens. I have significantly reduced the amount of Gaura Lindheimeri in the front garden and replaced them with Salvia Greggii Red. I planted some African Iris (Dietes Vegeta) and I am currently looking for a few companion plants.

The majority of the bulbs are emerging from the ground, a few trees are starting to leaf out. What’s blooming in the garden? So far only two plants; the Purple Leaf Cherry Plum trees and the Gopher plants (Euphorbia Rigida).

Euphorbia Rigida, which were a gift from a neighbor, are currently blooming. The first time I saw the plant, I thought it was either an overgrown weed or a rare cactus species. Also known as Upright Myrtle Spurge, Silver Spurge and Gopher Plant, these hardy yellow flowering plants are drought tolerant and self-seeding (remove spent flowers to prevent self-seeding). The plants attract bees, butterflies and hummingbirds; and susceptible to aphids, nematodes, spider mites, bacterial and fungal diseases. It is however, deer and rabbit resistant.

Euphorbia Rigida are a wonderful addition to desert landscaping. The attractive succulent-like plant features erect stems with narrow leaves and evergreen foliage that are flushed with red in Spring and blue-green in other seasons. The flowers are bright yellow-green in Spring with orange nectar gland (the color can vary). The plant can be propagated either by seeds, cuttings or division. Be advised that this plant is a deadly beauty, as all parts are highly toxic if ingested and the milky sap may cause irritation to the eyes and cause skin rashes. Wear gloves at all times when handling the plant.

*Gopher plants (Euphorbia Rigida) in Bloom.*

Somewhere in my backyard, I found two pairs of Lizards in an empty terracotta planter. I am not sure if they are all resting in there or perhaps if they are stuck. I will check on them tomorrow to make sure they got out.

Happy gardening and stay safe out there.

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By JM Perez

Parting Sefl-Esteem Personal Quest Inspire Life Lessons People

Do What is Right for You

By JM PerezJanuary 2, 20202 min read816 views

Everyday I’m learning to be a little bolder, you know … be fearless, stand my ground, speak my mind. And everyday I remind myself not to cross that invisible line by setting personal boundaries. It all begins with self-respect.

It is true that you cannot run away from your shadow; however, you have the power and will to keep moving without it being a distraction or an impediment to your new found goals. For so long I didn’t know how to separate the two and I didn’t want to, regardless of the toll it took on me. I thought being loving and caring to some people was not only the right thing to do, but my responsibility (for the sake of peace and to avoid conflicts). There’s nothing at all wrong with being good to others, it’s an act we should all encourage and participate in.

“Lack of boundaries invites lack of respect.”
― Anonymous.

Everyone, at some point in their life, have met cold-hearted individuals. These are not necessary bad people, they are distant, emotionally unavailable and not very sociable. Some open up after a while and others just don’t; making it uncomfortable being around them. However, these same individuals often want to be treated better than they treat others and wonder why others would rather stay away from them.

People are who they are. They don’t change because we ask nicely or forcefully; they simply embrace their true nature. Once we understand these facts, it becomes easier to deal with one another (the key here is to understand the limits and expectations of the relationship and accept it as it is).

Being kind to people because they are weaker, older, sensitive or whatever else, no longer cuts it. It just fuels their need to become more arrogant, selfish as we continue to feed their twisted ego. People need to learn from their mistakes and figure out their purpose in life, even if it requires leaning the hard way.

*You Have To Do What Is Right For You. No One Walks In Your Shoes.*

Many of us want the best for ourselves and for others. However, if you constantly find yourself on the losing end, then it’s time for you to walk away. Remember that people don’t change. They adapt, so do what is right for you.

My wish for you this year is to love yourself more and start doing what is right for you.

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By JM Perez

Snowfall Antiques Winter Repurposing Yard Sculptures Holidays Garden Decor Nature High Desert

End of Year Beauty

By JM PerezDecember 26, 20191 min read1.3K views

This will be one holiday season to remember.

The weather has been at its best all year long and I am very thankful for it all. Christmas was wonderful at our home yesterday and this morning, we have been blessed with more snow fall. We woke up to a sublime sight as everything was covered in white (our second snowfall of the year).

Early in the morning after breakfast, I excitedly walked around the backyard with my phone, taking photos of this beautiful winter scenery. Personally, I am quite content with this amount of snow and I am really hoping that we wouldn’t get more of it.

My daughter pointed out the palm tree on the picture below, stating that the weight of the snow on some of the fans has transformed the tree into a fancy dress. Can you see it?

I love the view from my backyard, which is still a work in progress. I love how snow makes pretty much everything look beautiful, fresh, dreamy and magical.

With one or two days of sunshine, the snow will be completely gone, revealing all the lovely green. Before that, we should be able to build a snowman this time around.