The Secret Garden

Looking out the wall of windows from my bedroom is the "Secret Garden".   I spend much time there reading, contemplating life and watching all the birds, butterflies and hummers skirting from flower to
flower.

In addition, the birds dip and dive in the bird bath, but not often if I'm out there.  The hummingbirds seem fearless and come right up within arm's length to hover and look at me.  It is truly startling.  Usually I am
reading and I hear that little vibrating sound they make, look up and voila, there they are.

Last May I returned from Houston with Sunbrella fabric to recover the chaises.  The cushions only last about three or four years.  Then they are damaged by the intensity of the sun here at 6400 ft elevation as well as the three months of rain in the summer.  It was definitely time to get new fabric which I did.  It was tucked in the bottom of my suitcase because Sunbrella fabric in Mexico is very expensive.

I always find it at Hancock's which is a fabric chain that always seems to have the best prices.  Often below wholesale price. I have shopped at Hancock's for 50 years.  Used to be you could buy three yards of fabric for $1USD.  I could make an outfit for each of my three children for a dollar, back in the day.  Then in my business I ordered tens of thousands of yards of fabric and the wholesale prices are still in that addled brain of mine.  This Sunbrella was purchased on sale for about $6USD a yard.  Waaaay below wholesale.

The saleswoman said, "Wow that is a bright fabric, what are you using it for?".  I explained that I lived in Mexico and that in that country it would not be considered too bright.  As most of you know, color is
basically my middle name.

The old cushions went to the "upholsterer par excellence" about three weeks ago.  I knew I did not have enough fabric for the cording as well, but as always, he used his judgement and they came back just perfect.
Jose Luis worked for designers in Dallas for fourteen years.  His work is always perfect.  We have become good friends and it is always such fun when he delivers something.  We talk about family, his many motorcycles and life.  Mexico is so much about relationships.  In fact, I did not have enough cash to pay him yesterday when he delivered the cushions.  His response, "No problem, just bring it when it is convenient!"

It just makes me shake my head at the ways of Mexico.  In fact to digress, I once took a large group to dinner.  I thought they took credit cards.  Many places in San Miguel and Mexico do not.  I did not know that at this particular place until I went to pay with the credit card.  Nope, they did not take them, much to my chagrin.  The owner just smiled and said, "Oh just bring it tomorrow if it is convenient".  Amazing.

Here is how the Secret Garden looks with the newly upholstered cushions.

I call it the Secret Garden because when you enter the property, unless you walk over to the wall by the main gardens and notice the steps down, you would not know this is here.

Now that the monarchs are coming through in droves, I'll be spending as much time as I can out there reading, listening to music and just relaxing along with marveling at each and every butterfly.

Everyone should have a Secret Garden to reflect, read and rejuvenate!  Do you have one?  Tell me about it.