Midwest Mary

In my corner of the world, I intentionally create peace. Inside and outside of my home, I strive for an environment that promotes calm in my heart and in anyone else who enters.

My garden is small, but I’ve worked on it over the last several years to transform it into a haven. I have a patio for relaxing, writing, and grilling and a pathway that leads from an archway through butterfly bushes and flowering plants.

I take advantage of this peaceful setting by working outside when the weather permits. In warm temperatures, I bring my laptop out on the patio in the mornings, and during cooler temperatures, I work there in the afternoons.

My music is the sound of the wind through the trees and birds chirping. The flowers and greenery feed my sense of vision and scent. The natural wonders stir my creativity, and I enjoy every second.

Shelves along the house make the most of my limited space and keep herbs and vegetables out of reach of the bunnies. I also have trellises and hooks to hang flowers and bird feeders.

This summer, I’m growing my usual herbs of basil, parsley, sage, chives, lemon balm, thyme, and mint along with tomatoes and peppers.

I also have a variety of flowers including clematis, pansies, petunias, zinnias, alyssum, lobelia, dusty miller, geraniums, and mandevilla.

Our happy places don’t have to be large, expensive, or contain extravagant decor. If it appeals to our senses and promotes joy and peace, it’s perfect.

**Have you read the other posts in this Happiness Series: 
Go Away to Your Happy Place,
Happy, Pain-Free Exercise, 
What Makes Us Happy, and 
My Happy Home?

©2024, Mary K. Doyle