I love cute neighborhoods, don’t you? Some of my favorites always include sidewalks, picket fences, flowers adding color to beautiful porches, and cozy spots that look just perfect for lemonade socials. The Village of Providence in Huntsville, Alabama is one of these pretty spots! When we first moved to Huntsville {for those of you that are new to the blog, we now live in Florida but moved here from Huntsville}, I remember my mom talking about this pretty area.  She went on and on about “those cute houses with picket fences, pretty flowers, and folks sitting out on the front porches chatting with neighbors”.  Yes, it feels like something you might see in a movie about a sweet southern town…definitely has that southern charm feel to it.

Sometimes my mom travels with Poppy when he has to go there for meetings, and she always enjoys taking a peek in that neighborhood to see the flowers blooming, how the porches are decorated, and loves taking a stroll along the sidewalks. It’s a place that is reminiscent of a time gone by…the kind of place where neighbors wave and chat with each other, mom’s are out pushing strollers, and the neighborhood kids are out enjoying a little fresh air. Each home is different…each one has its own unique personality. Some have the sweetest details of Victorian style architecture while others boast a more modern and sophisticated style. And, that is just what my mom loves so much about it…personality is popping out of each one.

The yards are so pretty with an array of flowers blooming, porches decorated with cozy swings and fluffy pillows, and lush, manicured lawns. My mom’s favorite thing is to spot a picket fence with some type of beautiful flower blooming through the panels. It reminds her of her great-grandmother’s home. She used to have a picket fence in front of her house, and of course, she had tons of gorgeous flowers blooming all around.

My mom loves grabbing her camera and heading out for a stroll in the late afternoon to snap some photos of the area. And, sometimes she meets some of the neighbors. During one visit she met a neighbor and had such fun chatting with her.  She had admired her yard each time she would pass by and had even told Poppy that she wished the owner would be out in the yard sometime so she could tell her just how much she enjoyed all of her gardening talents.

Her wish came true!! As my mom was getting ready to end her walk one evening, she spotted a lady in the yard, and since she was walking right past decided it would be the perfect time to compliment her on her green thumb.  It was such a treat for my mom to chat with her! They had the best time talking about photography, flowers, art, and so much more. The sweet lady told my mom how gardening is like therapy for her, and although my mom and I don’t garden near as much, we can so relate.  My mom has always loved planting pretty flowers for our patio and yard each summer and always feels like it is just the best dose of therapy! There is just something about digging in the dirt, getting your fingers {paws} dirty, and helping pretty little plants get all nestled into their new home. We love being outside which is always something that helps us to feel relaxed.

My mom and the lady chatted about our business, and she told the lady how much she loved to sketch and paint, and lady invited her to stop by sometime when she’s in town again and feel free to enjoy sketching from her front porch. What a sweet offer…I think that would be fabulous.  I know my mom always gets a good, heaping dose of inspiration when she is outside and getting to enjoy a beautiful yard filled with such color would surely do the trick! My mom is delighted to have met a new friend. And, you know what…it all started with a smile!! You know how my mom and I like to say “It’s the little things, I {we} tell ya!!”…well, it’s so true! You just don’t ever know what kind of path a SMILE may lead you down! Take time to notice those around you, take time to be friendly, and be prepared for all sorts of good stuff to happen!

Of course, I have to end our stroll with this handsome fella!! Isn’t he looking dashing??  I think so!!

Hope y’all are staying cool and enjoying the sweet days of summer!! Do you have favorite towns or neighborhoods that you enjoy strolling through?  Tell me all about it if you do!!

Remember this cute piece of art my mom created for the Summer of Color 2: Ice Cream Inspiration Event?  Well, these cute turtles are  in the shoppe now so be sure to take a peek!!  They would love to go to a sweet home!  🙂

Hugs!!

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