Decadent Divas: Flowers

Thursday, April 23, 2015

Spring Is In The Air....Finally

I don't know about where you are, but it has been a long, cold winter here. Okay, so not as cold as it was in the Northeast, but still cold for Texas. Now that the days are getting longer, sunnier, and warmer, I am overjoyed.

Fall is my favorite season but spring is my second favorite. I hate winter. I'm just not a cold person. So here's my top five reasons I love spring!

5. Flowers are in bloom!
I miss the bright pops of color during the winter. Christmas lights are pretty when they sparkle in the window, but they don't match the beauty of flowers.

4. Grill is on.
My husband is a grill master. Everything he puts on our Weber comes out amazing. Portabella mushrooms, steaks basted in garlic butter, hamburgers, and even zucchini I love it all.

3. The sun.
What is that big ball of fire in the sky? Oh, yeah, it's the sun! God how I miss that celestial body during the winter. I mean, it's up there. It never goes away. I know that. But it's just not as warm or welcoming during the winter months.

2. Sun dresses.
With the warmer weather comes the fun, flirty clothes. Strappy dresses and shorts replace sweaters and bulky coats. Sandals take the place of boots. And, though I do love a sexy pair of boots, my feet sigh with relief in a pair of goddess sandals. And, of course, legs come out to play as shorts and skirts replace the heavy pants of the colder months.

1. The world reawakens.
This is may favorite part of spring! The whole world seems to recharge and reawaken. It helps to motivate me and get me back on task. I sometimes lose steam over the bleak harsh months of cold. Rushing here or there so I don't spend a second longer out in the elements than I have to is replaced by long, leisurely walks in the sun.

I know a lot of people love winter. I do understand, intellectually, the appeal of the season. But I'm always relieved when it passes. So tell me, what is your favorite part of spring?

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Anna Alexander at the Northwest Flower & Garden Show

I love being a romance author. Not only do I get to write about fantastic characters and places, and meet new and interesting people, but I also get asked to participate in exciting events. And that's how I found myself judging the Northwest Flower and Garden Show.

Since the show runs over the Valentine's Day weekend,the theme of the 2nd largest flower and garden show in the country is "Romance in Bloom," and the organizers thought the best people to ask to be amongst the judges are romance writers.

Joining me on the task to select the display that embodied the best use of theme was Carmen Cook and Olivia Waite. We had a great time looking over all twenty entries. And man, were we tough. We looked over every plant, flower and water feature, taking into account color, design, and texture. There were so many great displays to choose from, ranging from whimsical and architectural to primitive and classic designs. Choosing one winner was tough, but we all had the same top three. Below are some photos of a few of our favorites.

I wanted to live in this display. And there was a subtle nod to 50 Shades we were some of the first to notice.

This display featuring the best of Walla Walla wineries had several cozy sitting areas, and an inviting flow of movement. I loved how they used wine corks to write the names of the different species used in the garden.

Wine cork signs!

This steampunk display was AMAZING! And it was a first time designer too. Take a good look at all of the details, go away for fifteen minutes and come back. You will spot so many more new things.