Full of color

When I moved in to my new place, I discovered this on my patio:

I thought it was a little outdoor chimney at first - how (in)convenient? Any thoughts I had of removing it to provide more space were quickly squashed when I realized that the rocks are cemented together. At least it's not a deserted koi-pond-turned-cesspool that I have to remove - another story for another time.

After looking at this thing for a couple of weeks, I came to the conclusion that it is not an outdoor chimney...it is a shrine. There is a marble base that was definitely not meant for cooking anything on.

I needed to figure out what to do with this shrine on my patio, since it isn't going anywhere, and I will not be able to roast any marshmallows in it, and I don't practice religion using any shrines.

With the help of my parents, we made it into my shrine - decorated with flowers, plants, and garden regalia they bought me as housewarming gifts - a shrine to new life, full of color.

I don't exactly have a green thumb (waterlog, oops) and the heat this summer did not help, so a lot of those plants died. My patio may not look as vibrant today, and even with fall and winter upon us, I will say that l can still see and feel all the brilliant color in my life.

with love,

KB