Blissful Backyard Dreams

Dreamy backyard

There's something exhilarating about moving. The newness of rooms and walls to decorate, the secret attic door discovered after the first boxes have been unpacked, and new neighbors wishing to make a good first impression by bringing over random baked goods.

And after all that excitement and anticipation of "moving day", comes the realization that not everything is as perfect as it seemed on the day you signed the papers. Your backyard is not only much smaller than your old one, but it's dirty and gross. Overgrown ivy climbs the fence, saplings sprout along the feet of old oaks, and wild mushrooms grow to the size of your fists.

It is no secret that I'm a beach aficionado. The salty, humid air speaks to me. I have no words for how happy I am when my painted toes are covered in super fine sand. It's a free exfoliating pedicure with every trip to the beach.

And so, when I dream of remodeling the backyard, it's no surprise that I'm drawn to images like this. (I do wish I knew where it originated so I could give proper credit. Contact me if it's your photo!) The sand. Oh that beautiful white sand. Who needs grass? And that curling staircase to the loft makes me wish I owned the central library so I'd have an endless supply of novels to read from the airy bed in the sky. Blissful backyard dreams...