I love a garden path. Especially the curvy ones — the ones where you don’t know what you might find around the bend! Or what about the paths that offer different directions in which to go? Should you turn left? Go down the stairs? Where does it all lead? It is a mystery that tempts you to discover what is just beyond your view.
Or how about that top photo and the topsey turvey stones? I love the randomness of it all. It must be a real adventure to get to that little fairytale house, trying to keep your footing without looking awkward and silly!
And then there is the lavender lined path! How delicious the air must smell along the way to your destination! I bet it sounds lovely too, with the crunching of the small stones beneath your feet as you make your way down the path.
These paths remind me of life, all the twists and turns of adventure and beauty! So much to pause and enjoy along the way.
Thanks to those of you who have asked how things are going for us. My Portland house is still for sale (after our sale fail last month we put it back out on the market) and just today made a major price adjustment. We are praying this will prompt a sale!
We have received an extension on our agreement to rent (and eventually buy) the house we are living in here in Washington until the end of the summer, so at least we are not out on our ear! But paying for two homes is not exactly our idea of a good way to spend our money. Eh hem. Needless to say, we are wanting to get our house sold ASAP, so we can buy our home here and live happily ever after.
While what is around the next bend for us is still yet unknown, I am trying to enjoy the path I am on! I am so ready to be settled here (I dream of hanging pictures, painting walls and planting trees) but until we can actually buy this house I must treat it as a temporary landing place. I am learning a lot about contentment while in limbo! {Something so many people live with every day!}
Nevertheless, life here in Washington is going well. I’ll share more updates soon!
Photos: Sunset
Find more inspiration from beautiful paths at Sunset Magazine!
This post was shared for Hooked On Houses Fridays! Today, I am hooked on Winding Paths!
Hi, I'm Melissa. This is where I share inspiration for creating a simple, authentic and beautiful home.
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{ 56 comments… read them below or add one }
Those paths are gorgeous!!! I hope someday my yard will look that lush and beautiful. Thank you for the inspiration.
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very beautiful, I’d love a winding path
taking part in making life beautiful
enjoy the weekend, btw did you get your house sold?
Sarah
abeachcottages inspiring blog post..Beach Cottage Meets Eskimo Blanket in Vintage Love
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I echo your sentiments completely, Melissa. Even those pictures you showcased make me wonder what lies ahead. You’re right; it’s very much like life.
I don’t see many of these paths that stretch out to someplace beyond where your eyes can see. Especially in Australia, land lots are becoming smaller, while houses are getting bigger. You can practically look through your window into your neighbour’s bedroom. Scary!
For my dream home, I’d love a big lot of land with an arbor of trees that run along both sides of a driveway, and out the back, a wonderful garden escape with a gorgeous path. Would be gorgeous if little ducklings would cross the path sometimes too.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Jasmine
Jasmine @ The Suburban Sentiments inspiring blog post..The Great Outdoors
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That Beatles song with the words “The long and winding road…..” kept on running through my mind as I read this post. So glad to hear that you can enjoy your summer in your new home. So enjoy travelling winding paths with you
. Meredith xo.
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My simple joy this week was enjoying s’mores by the pool with the kids in 102 degree heat : )
Oh, and my husband finished our laundry room re-do.
Good luck with the house sale. Those are always so hard…not having control over something like that drives me nuts. I’m sure it will sell soon : )
Brightons inspiring blog post..How I spend my days…
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Oh those paths are lucious!
We were in your same dilema…though we threw a whole other house into the deal. So we owned one in NY were renting one in Florida and bought another in Florida. It all did work out…but I know the squeeze feeling well!
Best to you!
Linda@Lime in the Coconuts inspiring blog post..You’ll find me here…In my dreams…
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Love them all. The path through the grass is my fav. I’d love to incorporate something similar in my own yard!
Happy Weekend Melissa~Hugs
Robin
All Things Heart and Home
Robin All Things Heart and Homes inspiring blog post..Chicken Salad BLT Panini
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Hi Mel,
I keep my fingers x for your house in Portland! It takes time to sale nowadays due to the crisis. I know that well, as am working in one of the famous Swedish bank in Stockholm.
Anyways, I love you to join my giveaways this week-end . Peep me back. That’s the only rule §;-))
Have a great week-end.
//R
Chies inspiring blog post..200th POST give aways & MID-SUMMER ON MY HEALTHY FREAKY DAY
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Hope your home situation works out. I loathe limbo, too. I think many natural nesters and homemakers do.
Love these photos! I wish I could put a photo in the comments; we have what I call a garden pathio. It’s a winding path set at forty five degrees to the house to create interest and the illusion of depth in a small back garden outside the kitchen door. It’s made of three sizes of riven effect terracotta coloured paving slabs, and in several places it widens out so that it’s big enough to have a table and chairs. Scotland’s very rainy, so everything’s permanently lush, green, full of birds – and in my garden – always on the point of overgrown!
One of the many things I love about your blog is that it feels OK here to be passionate about creating a home. Thank you!
janice|Sharing the Journeys inspiring blog post..Guest House
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my life is on an oh so windy unknown path right now, so I can relate. you have 2 homes, and I am homeless! ha! its a beautiful thing though. im excited for what the future holds.
cindys inspiring blog post..Lordy Lordy Jenny is Forty!
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Oh, how I would love to have a yard that would even accommodate a winding path. At least we have hte garden this year!
Good luck with the house!
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Winding paths…MELT ME!!!! I put one on the farm a few years ago and it can’t help but to BECKON guests…. Melissa, I pray that your family will feel settled soon.
A quick note…I had the pleasure of interviewing Heather Bullard … thought you might enjoy reading what she had to say. http://lifeatbuttercupfarm.com/wwwheatherbullardcom-2/
Enjoy the weekend everyone!
Shawn/Lifeatbuttercupfarms inspiring blog post..Simple Weekday Dinner Party
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Don’t worry, the house will sell eventually. I’m sure it will be sooner rather than later. I definitely relate to wanting to be settled down. When we moved into to this house in Charlotte, we weren’t sure if we would stay long. So, it was always, “No, don’t plant that plant or paint that wall because we’re probably not going to live here long enough.” It drove me crazy. Finally, I told my man, “I don’t care how long we live here, I’m making it my home.” We can’t be living in constant flux, expecially me being a Cancer, my home is my shell.
Thanks for the garden path pics, so beautiful.
Ashleys inspiring blog post..I Made Marble Magnets
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Wishing you a smooth and speedy sale of your house.
I love the sense of adventure walking down a winding path!
JanMary, N Irelands inspiring blog post..Show & Tell and Day 2 of Bristol trip
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I love the winding garden paths that beckon us onward to discover what is behind the next curve – just out of sight…
Glad to hear that you are living in hope and I will agree with you in prayer that your house will sell.
Mrs.Rabes inspiring blog post..We’re Here!
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Gorgeous photos!
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Thank you! I am so in need of “path” inspiration, and these are gorgeous! Right now the path from my back door to the cellar consists of planks of plywood and strips of roofing asphalt — soon to be rectified!
casaCARAs inspiring blog post..Getting High in Manhattan
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I go by a house that has an arch cut into the hedge to get into the yard and I am dying to see what lies beyond. I’ve envisioning the Secret Garden:) That’s what I want for my house – privacy, beauty, and a little mystery all wrapped in one!
Mary Beth (Cats, Books, Life is Good)s inspiring blog post..THE NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK
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love that winding path it is very vintage and seems so cozy
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Ahhh, what sweet garden paths these are. I’d love to have one!
Living in limbo is so tough. Hang in there. We’ve all got our fingers crossed that your house will sell soon!
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Melissa,
You have conjured up some lovely meandering inspiration! Life is certainly full of twists and turns and something wonderful might be just around the next bend! Wishing you a nice weekend.
~Cathy~
Cathy @ The Stylish Houses inspiring blog post..Cloche Party!
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Melissa, thank you so much for your post on winding paths. It is so easy to look forward to JUST BEING AROUND THE BEND, but you’ve reminded us to savor the beautiful moments even when we’re not sure what’s around the bend!
I joined in your party just to share my joy in celebrating the new look of my blog. Darcy designed it for me, and the way it looks now makes me so happy. One sweet reader said that it was a beautiful place to visit, which brought tears to my eyes.
Of course, your blog has always been a beautiful place to visit. Thank you for sharing your beauty with us.
Every blessing,
Richella
Richellas inspiring blog post..More candles
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Best of luck with selling. Keeping my fingers crossed for you!
TGIF
Roeshels inspiring blog post..Staying Organized – a DIY Mailbox
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Always so nice to see how others design paths in their yards. It’s wonderful for those of us non-gardeners to get good outdoor ideas.
Jane Fs inspiring blog post..Atticmag Rug Giveaway
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Yes, paths, walks, and ROADs are definately metaphors for our lifes journey. Thanks for the lovely ones here.
I am always in serch of another Dipity Road…*wink*
TTFN ~~Claudia
Claudia@DipityRoads inspiring blog post..Shy Summer
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Melissa, I like your attitude- no one like a straight path in the garden- blends and curves are always more desirable- it adds to the mystery at the end of the path. Sounds like you are making a beautiful path.
Have a great day
Teresa
teresas inspiring blog post..Hamlet Bathroom- Before and After-
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These photos are so lush, they almost look painted. It’s been raining quite a bit here in Canada, so my gardens are looking lush, but, unfortunately, they are getting out of hand far too quickly! Thanks for those mossy paths, they are sublime!
Jillians inspiring blog post..Housewears Warehouse Giveaway: For the love of books!
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Praying for a quick sale for your home, but so glad you’re able to find contentment in the midst of it.
Ginas inspiring blog post..Through the Lens: Slowing Down
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I’m sorry things are a wee tough right now. I know it’s not easy. I admire your pursuit to make the most of this present path. I’m reminded of something Victor Frankl said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” It sounds like that is what you’re doing. Blessings to you as you get all the “mileage” you can get out of this windy, difficult road.
I love the pictures and think they were great choices — symbolic of your present journey.
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Love the garden paths! Isn’t it hard to “live in the moment?” I find that uncertainty is so difficult to live with. Our house is for sale and the path ahead is not clear. Certainly it depends on the time table. Difficult to be patient. I want what I want when I want it!! Best wishes for your sale.
Porch Dayss inspiring blog post..Hooked on Begonias
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Those pictures ALMOST make me want to get out in the 100+ heat in south Georgia and work on a winding path of my own. Almost.
pendys inspiring blog post..Nine Months Old!
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Melissa, I just wanted to say how much I appreciate you. You are so transparent and share from your heart. Although I don’t always get to visit you every day, whenever I do I wonder why I don’t. It’s like a special escape for me. I love all of the photos and your special ideas. I love how you live your life, even when you don’t know what will happen in the future. You trust the Lord, knowing that He has a plan and purpose for your life. And even though you’d like to settle down, you still try to be content in the midst of uncertainty.
My dream home is for sale
and we’ll be moving into a rental for a period of time. We still haven’t sold it yet though. I learn from your great attitude so don’t think God is ever wasting what you are learning and sharing with others. I will say a prayer for you and your family, Melissa. And a big thank you from me in Phoenix.
Debbies inspiring blog post..Friday Funnies ~ Do Women Talk Too Much?
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None of us know where the winding path will lead, but oh what a beautiful view along the way. Such gorgeous and inviting trails.
Happy Twirls
Libby Murphys inspiring blog post..Fun and Elegant Tablescape and Fantasy Dinner – First Course Lady Pea and Corn Salad
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I LOVE pathways I have a couple delightful ones in my garden… hubby made them… even more special!!!
ENJOY your weekend!
Fifi
Fifi Flowerss inspiring blog post..Fashionable Day in Milano…
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I just ADORE that wandering path. Very beautiful
Tamaras inspiring blog post..Hooked on Industry Luncheon’s
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A beautiful post and true statements…life is an amazing journey and we never know what’s around the corner. Preparation and expecting the best is a great fertilizer for the mind. We had two homes to sell in Seattle while leasing in Nashvile and finally purchasing in Nashville a week before one of our homes sold. Now for the Tacoma/Seattle property…lol. All is exactly where it should be and your gift is silently waiting to meet you. I Adore your blog!
Mrs. Wrights inspiring blog post..The Very Thought Of You…My Grace
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I just purchased a large hanging for my home that says Journey in large letters and underneath The bend in the road is not the end of the road, unless you refuse to make the turn. My road has bent more times than I can tell you. Good luck with your house. You are keeping a good perspective!
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Wow! Gorgeous pics! I just love your blog!
Holly Blockers inspiring blog post..The writings on the wall…
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Your positive outlook is inspiring. Love the way you write.
daily decorators inspiring blog post..Romeo, Romeo…
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I love these pictures, they almost took my breath away, they were so pretty. . .I hope you can get settled soon, hang in there!
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Melissa, I know what you mean. My life is also in limbo – having bought a place, we can move in only in November, which is when it will be ready for us. Until then, I am in a rented place, and though I am itching to paint, wallpaper and decorate, there’s just no point!
oh and I loved this post, and the lovely way you have put your thoughts down.
Sharon
sharons inspiring blog post..Book Review and Feature:Kathmandu Valley Style
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I’m smiling from looking at those wonderful path pictures! I’m reminded of the Chicago Botanic Garden where we spent lots of time when we were first married and my husband was in grad school outside of Chicago. We got a membership to the garden for those three years and so enjoyed all the paths and lovely spaces they led to!
Abbies inspiring blog post..A Tiny Sunrise
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Thank you for your great insights, I love how you relate what is going on in your life to what you are sharing with us. It is very inspiring.
I love your photos! Beautiful.
ImagineCozys inspiring blog post..Living Room–Redesign With What You Have!
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Hi Melissa. I love a winding path, too, especially when each stone is an invitation to proceed! I love your analogy linking winding paths to life. So true! Thank you for these beautiful photos and lovely thoughts. ~Arleen
Arleen @ Seasons for All at Homes inspiring blog post..Decorating with Cool Blues and White
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sigh. these gorgeous photos make me a little unhappy with city life.
{americangypsy}s inspiring blog post..Kathy Ireland: Mediterranean + Hacienda
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None of us knows what’s around the corner. When we rented this house, I so wanted to do things I knew I shouldn’t do yet. But a house can’t become a real home until you can let yourself decorate it and remodel it to fit your own particular family. I so hope your wait isn’t long! Curving pathways have captured me of late. Even with a small yard, such as ours, I think a curving path would surely lend an air of mystery. So I’m gonna really think on how to accomplish that one! For someone in a sort of “limbo state,” you are doing remarkably well just keeping this blog so exciting and innovative for us! I thank you!
Brenda
Brenda Kulas inspiring blog post..Friday Cloche Party!
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“These paths remind me of life, all the twists and turns of adventure and beauty” – this is EXACTLY how I’ve thought of paths. I’ll take a nice path, with it’s bit of chaos and bit of order, over an ordinary lawn any day.
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Hi!!
I am awarding you with the One Lovely Blog Award!! The “One Lovely Blog Award” was passed on to me by Chocolate Creative.
http://chocolatecreative.blogspot.com/
Now I’m passing it on to you because your blog is great!!
Rules to follow:
1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link.
2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered.
3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.
Sparrow
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Melissa, I wanted to stop by to let you know I think of you often. I pray that your sale comes very soon.
Those winding paths can lead us to wonderful spots.
Beverlys inspiring blog post..Swing Low, Sweet Chariot
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Love winding paths, whether through a garden or leading up to a front door. I have brick paths right now, but I prefer stone. One day!
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Oh so true, life does have a few twists and turns and wish there was more lavender to sweep past and does make one think about our own garden paths, useful straight lines or meandering.
Pearl Maples inspiring blog post..Sky Watch Friday
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love your posting much, especially with all the beautiful pics! it’ll inspire and keep reminding me to live a beautiful life everyday… thks!!!
1ds inspiring blog post..The Secret to Winning
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Oh my gosh Melissa – I’ve been so MIA! I always lose my desire to blog and be on the computer in the winter. But now that the garden is beginning to bloom, I guess I am too! Loved this garden path blog…
Mavens inspiring blog post..What’s For Dinner Monday – Shrimp Lemon Pepper Linguini
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Beautiful pics of those paths! Wonderful landscaping! I feel for you on the house issue. I’ll pray with you for a sale!
Jeanne @ Inspiring Ideass inspiring blog post..Studio Tour Continues
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beautiful gardens. perfect for enjoying a cool summer refreshment.
shells inspiring blog post..{almond & gold} :: monday shoes
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These make me want to redo my entire landscape. Thank you for sharing and inspiring!
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