Tag Archives

Joan Ambu

Nature at its Best in the High Desert

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read463 views

It’s always a blessing when the Universe conspire in one’s favor as it was the case for us this weekend.
The weather was at its best and we finally (5 years later) completed one of my most important projects in the backyard, which is privacy. The front yard and the sides of the house are covered, all we needed was something for the far end of our backyard, which was overlooking a huge empty lot. We chose Chain Link Privacy Slats.

I planted more gorgeous flowering bulbs yesterday, including Belladonna Amaryllis, Pink Impression Tulip and Ice King Double Daffodil. The pictures below are a few of my fragrant roses from the front yard. I picked a few yesterday to make a centerpiece and I pruned most of them.

Beautiful Fragrant Roses. Find their name on Pinterest.

Below are some Fall colors in my Garden. The leaves on my Raywood Ash tree are slowly changing too.

Purpleleaf Cherry Plum . Heavenly Bamboo . Burning Bush.

The plants and flowers are thriving in the garden and the bees are busy collecting Pollen. It was fascinating watching them go back and forth as I was carefully taking pictures. Click here to learn more about Bee Pollen.

Honey Bees Collecting Pollen.

Since the beginning of the month I’ve seen quite a few Grasshoppers in my garden. As fun as they are to my kids, who enjoy watching them hop around; I am beginning to worry about their number and looking into Organic Pesticide to get rid of them. Click here or here to learn more about Grasshoppers and how to control them and click here to learn about some of their usefulness (serving as food for birds, for instance).

Seaside Grasshopper . Baby Bird . Heart Shaped Stone.

The best part of the day was video conferencing on Skype with the Family in France. My Parents traveled late last month to attend the Graduation ceremony of my big brother. The kids (cousins) got to see each other and talked to their grandparents, uncle and aunt. They even got a sneak peek at some of their Christmas gifts.

I am happy that everyone is safe and having a good time. I am looking forward to a peaceful week ahead.

DIY: Magazine Holder

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read407 views

This year I have enjoyed some of the free items from some of my favorite companies. Some items I have signed up for myself and others I have received at no cost to me, like the Latina Magazine, a subscription given to me by a good Samaritan (thank you, whoever you are).

Materials Needed:

  • Handwoven Gift Basket
  • Spray Paint
  • Choice Fabric for Bow (hand tie a bow or use a glue gun)
  • Glue gun
  • Hot glue sticks
Magazine Holder.

Clean your Handwoven Gift Basket, spray paint it, hot glue or just hand tie a bow and you have a beautiful, eye-catching Holder to store your favorite Books, Magazines or whatever you wish.

Award Day at School

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read530 views

So, this morning was Award Day at Cottonwood Elementary for the Kindergarteners and 1st Graders. Some of the Awards being given were in the following category: Leadership, Math, Reading, Good Citizen, Effort/Improvement and Attendance. My wonderful Ivan received an Award for Reading and advancement of his sight words. According to his Teacher, he is on the First/Second Grade list.

Yesterday he received his second Pizza Hut® Book It!® Reading Program Certificate to celebrate another reading accomplishment. We are very proud of our little boy and he is very proud of himself too.

Pizza Hut® Book It!® Reading Program Certificate.

Right now he is interested in Science and we are giving him all the help we can in this field as well as in Math.

“Garden Shed & Co.” Shop

JM Perez By JM Perez1 min read1.2K views

While going to visit one of our local Antique shops, we realized that there was a difference in the building. The normal entrance was closed and the annex was the new entrance. As we walked up to it we noticed that the sign of the business had changed as well. The feel of the new setup and the quality of the antiques, as well as their diversity was surprising to say the least. After our initial visit we knew that we had to go back and check it out again, since every time we visit antique shops we find and notice items we had missed before.

The shop carries beautiful and unique Antique furniture, some of which are 100 years old (such as a matching Victorian Desk and Chair as well as a huge American Flag with 48 stars). You will also find furniture from the 1800 (such as a Cigar Counter). The shop also carries stunning Shabby Chic furniture such as arm chairs, benches, chandeliers, mirrors, picture frames, candle holders. There’s so much to see at the Garden Shed & Co.

Bobbie, the store owner is cheerful and always available for questions and to help.

Shop Locations:

Antique Station (Space #54)
19176 National Trails Highway Oro Grande, CA 92368
‎1 (760) 951-2421

‎23443 Crestforest Dr, Crestline, CA
1 (760) 220-0302
Located in the Old Historical Top Town.

Shop Hours:

Tuesday – Saturday,  from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Sunday and Monday by appointment only.

Like their Facebook Page and check back for updates.

I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

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Fading Shadow on a Gray Cloud

JM Perez By JM Perez2 min read539 views

Life is so unpredictable and emotions are unstable. Why are some people impatient, unappreciative and irrational? I am one of those people who prefer to walk the walk as opposed to talk the talk (though I can do both while staying true to my word). I get in a different state of mind when someone purposely and repeatedly steps on my shoe. In such case, the best approach is to keep my cool; However, there comes a point when I just have to put an end to the madness or risk making a fool of myself.

MLQuotes.com.
Image Source: MLQuotes.com.

All of last week; until this morning, part of me was stuck in my own gray cloud. I have been collaborating alongside an individual, who to my surprise has turned out to be quite difficult. Today was the final straw after receiving an unpleasant message. People shouldn’t judge each other; lest people who don’t even know us. And why was I being judged? Simply because I didn’t give a lot more of myself and time. I chose to be silent (as it was the best thing to do) and let this person have a moment of glory. I prayed for more compassion and for the ability to see clearly through the tick gray cloud that completely enveloped me at that moment.

Thankfully I was sane enough to remember that I had wonderful friends around the World I could call and talk to. I am glad I did because these wonderful individuals kept me grounded by turning the unfortunate incident into a joyful celebration. I continue to stand in awe of my Lord and I thank Him for putting so many wonderful people in my path; their friendship, honesty and undying compassion uplift me. I love my friends dearly.

I know that as long as I am doing what is good and what is right, my future will always have blue skies in it.

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:1-4 (NIV)