The
secret is out - our family is moving into the Cactus Road Farm house complete with this beautiful Spanish courtyard and f
ountain. The fam consists of dd, her hubs, three cute grandkiddos, Michael and muah. All the details of why and how will be for another day, but for now, we're in the process of cleaning out, getting rid of, scraping, painting and anything else that goes into a move of this kind.
When the decision was finalized, we'd all agreed (the 4 adults in the fam) that our focus would be on preparing the house first. We decided to wait to to begin any of the farm/garden projects until after we moved in.
Mornings are my garden tending time. Usually, I have a baby on my hip and a red coffee cup in hand. I like talking to baby boy about how God grows the garden in the night while we sleep. I talk to him about suckers and birds and flowers and all that God's given us to richly enjoy. He likes it too. As a matter of fact, this morning ritual has dubbed him "the outside boy."
This Monday morning, I particularly noticed my "gone wild" 36 tomato plants. I must be doing something right because they seem to keep growing incrementally overnight. In spite of the "agreement" to get the house ready as a home for us, I had concern that these plants needed to get transplanted NOW - before they got too wild and we couldn't move them at all. I hated the idea of not being able to enjoy the plants.
I gently and systematically approached my farmer/gardner husband with nothing but a sincere request. It didn't take long for my husband to respond to a sugary-sweet
bribe (pure motive) to start building a few raised beds at The Cactus Road Farm specifically for those 36 tomato plants.
He agreed. So, before we headed to Home Depot, a plan - a big picture of what would go where needed to be in place.
Michael's the kind of guy who likes a plan. He wants the big picture vision. Me, I like to randomly fly by the seat of my pants. We make such a good team.
So, we sat down on the back patio and I watched him as he surveyed the land and as his own creative juices began to churn.
When I'm quiet and watch, I always learn many invaluable LIFE lessons.
Interestingly enough, in the beginning of this garden to farm adventure - we thought I'd be the one to design this back section of the property. Since we assumed that, I've been inquiring of experts, researching, getting ideas, visiting other farms, taking tree classes, thinking about the sanctuary spaces I want to create and yet for some reason with all this I just couldn't come up with a master plan.
I have definite elements that are important to me like - a French garden feel, beautiful and peaceful. I want anyone coming to The Cactus Rd. Farm to have an experience of worship. I want there to be this sense of life being celebrated. I want it to be a place where hearts and hurts are healed. I want spaces where one soul connects with another in away yet to be experienced. I also want spaces for alfresco: Sunday morning egg breakfast served with fresh garden greens, my special home made bread and of course, my French Press.
We also, both desire that The Cactus Road Farm be a blessing to the surrounding community and we know it will.
Anyway, something truly magical happened as I LISTENED to my husband and as I supported his ideas. It is gonna be awesome!
Note to self: get quiet and listen to the man - as he puts words to dreams . . . and as he owns it.
One thing I have learned is that my husband will (and other men too) often get the big picture and it's women who fill in the in-betweens with beauty and feminine touches.
So, with a plan - we headed to Home Depot. I really love that store - especially when my man's buying lumber for raised beds.
My very favorite farmer man.
Hubs is good at building raised beds. Check. Done. Twenty yards - BIG piles - of compost ordered and due in around 11 a.m.
Now I could I "comfortably" start uprooting a few of the tomato plants. I think I should have waited as they didn't look quite so happy when the compost finally came closer to 3 pm.
My not so happy looking tomato plants.
One of Cactus Road Farm's first volunteers - doing starts of a variety of good things.
More to come - along with some pics of the inside of this house with charm and character. For more beauty and inspiration - visit my friend Melissa at
The Inspired Room.
While in Spain (Basque Country) last summer I found it "interesting" having a washer and dryer in the kitchen area. Now, I don't find it so interesting, but more so, a great idea. Quite handy. I love the three french windows over that sink. The color theme isn't my favorite and doesn't seem to match what the outside of this house says.
One view of the living room/dining area . . . 
. . . and, another view. I really LOVE having different spaces for dining spots. LOVE that patio area and the view - amazing.
Seriously. I'm there. A little evening alfresco with my husband or some girlfriends. 
Ta - da. . . when I saw this farm - blue on these shutters and doors my heart was drawn. Obviously, I'm much about blue and white.
The sales pitch for this French home says, "This small traditional villa has been well modernized. It is approached by a long drive, set in a secluded third of an acre garden, within a 10 minute walk to the beautiful hilltop village of Seillans. The spacious living area has patio doors opening on to the deck with a glorious south-easterly view towards the Esterels.
