" My garden is my spa, it has all the mud, steam and sun a girl could ask for....." My garden path is a flight of stairs to an old 20's apartment tucked in the back of a four plex in the heart of Los Angeles.I live in what is called a Beverly Hills adjacent. Which means I'm not really in Beverly Hills but I'm so close you can smell the botox. LOL
I've lived here 20 years this October. I am the only one left of the original tenants from when I moved in all those years ago. The building was purchased by a woman who had cancer. She was a nurse at U.C. L. A. and she bought the building for her four children. An apartment for each one them. She wanted to make sure her children always had a place to live.
Well she has given me a home for 20 years. I have seen many come and go in that time and each one passing through has been a wonderful contribution to my life. Sometimes a friend and sometimes a lesson in patience but each time someone who has taught me something of value.
I used to have a big back yard but when the building sold about 10 years ago they paved the back yard and built another apartment building on the land.
It took a long time to get over the loss and I have thought of moving many times but could never say good bye to this place where I feel so safe.
I have a little balcony I lovingly call the "cat condo". It has a round foot stool where Lulah and Jewels and all the cats before them sun their furry little bottoms . This is where my garden lives. I dig and plant in my balcony garden.
One year a humming bird built a nest in the tree outside my window. The possums and squirrels have moved deeper in now but they used to make a in my tree every spring. A big tree covers my front window and I love the bird show. City birds, excuse me, Beverly Hills adjacent birds! LOL
This week at Make Mine Pink we will celebrate The Garden Path with wonderful treasures you can find to enhance yours. I will surprise you with things for a city girls garden. Stop by for Pink Friday and enjoy the fun!
23 comments:
Lilli,
I loved reading about your history in your apartment. I know how you feel; I feel the same way about this place. I just found out the house next door was sold. I have a feeling they will tear it down and build an ugly building in its place. And I love your City Girls creation. So colorful and chic.
Lilli,
Love your new pictures. Are they photos of your balcony? They are just so beautiful. I can imagine relaxing with a cup of tea and enjoying the nature, and reading a book right there. :)
Pei Li
Great narrative and pics...love the ficus!
Susan *dutchrose*
That was a great story to read. Your plants and balcony are really pretty and I love the city girl box.
Jennifer
wow...same apartment for all of those years. yet, it looks like it would be a beautiful place, so i can understand why you would stay!
Hi Lilli,
I love the balcony! Just Beautiful! I wish I lived in Beverly Hills, my daughter is visiting my cuz in San Deigo. They stayed at the Palm Resort this weekend. She said the temp was 115 degrees. HOT! I LOVE California. Maybe one day I will live there.
Happy Monday!
Stephanie
I loved reading your story and I am so sorry they paved your backyard for another building. How rude! Beverly Hills Adjacent......love that! ~ Lynn
Lilli
I always look forward to reading your posts. I love the way you write and express yourself. You are a gem. Your apartment sounds dreamy.
Lisa
www.palepinkandroses.com
Lilli, the pictures are wonderful. I was picturing the years passing, people coming and going as I was reading. Thanks for sharing another lovely story.
Carrie
Hi Lilli,
What a great story about your apartment building...it sounds very nostalgic and romantic and picturesque....hope you have another 20 years in such a lovely place! Thank you for sharing such a lovely story!
Hi Lilli
I loved reading your story! You write so beautifully, it feels like we are sitting on your balcony and visiting in person. Have a great week!
Helene
Sisters Gift Company
Thanks for sharing your sweet story. Progress isn't always good, is it? I'm thrilled to see you've added your own little garden. I love the fact that no matter what these little birds have found you and visit often!
Lilli,
I really enjoyed your post. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.
Inka
Hi Lilli,, I love your garden story. I too live in the city and have just a small patio. I love having a container garden! I also wanted to tell you that I love what your doing with your MMP boutique. I will be a customer for sure. I also love the post below about the booby traps! The work is really beautiful. YOur posts are always so nice...(()) luv, gail
Hi Lilli!
I so enjoyed reading about your apartment. You have to love where you live. I wish I had a balcony. You don't see them here in Florida that much. Love the plants!
XO
Janet
Janet's Creative Pillows
Lilli, what a wonderful post! I got a chill just reading about how much you love your corner of the world - so much so that you stayed 20 years.
I look forward to seeing what you have up your sleeve for this Pink Friday.
Lilli, I think your city girl garden is wonderful. If it's good enough for a hummingbird, it's good enough for me! (( ))Karen
Lilli, Thank you for sharing your city girls garden path with us. Your apartment sounds so warm and cozy...just like home should be..a safe place to fall. To quote Dorothy,"There's no place like home"...I love your writing!
Susie - The Polka Dot Rose
Hi Lilli,
What a great story. I'm sure that your Home Sweet Home is a lovely and safe place.
I can't wait to see what you've got up your sleeve for Pink Friday.
xo Cath
Lilli,
There is such a ethereal quality about your writing. Like don't breathe because the impression might fade, or the lovely surroundings might cease to exist. Reminds me of the way Norma Shearer spoke, and carried herself in the movie, "The Women".
Here's a quote I thought about for you and the peace you inspire in your apartment "You know, sometimes love isn't fireworks. Sometimes, love just comes softly."
Your love for your space shows!
Theresa @ Cottage Violets
Lilli,
What a wonderful little oasis you have out thee on that balcony!
You are a great writer!
Wow Lilli, what a cool place to live! That's my kinda gardening too! I can just picture the kitties having a wonderful time there. Thanks for sharing a great story about your life there.
Hugs,
Michelle
Hi Lilli, just wanted to say thank you so much for your lovely comment you left for me on my blog. I am so sorry for the delay in responding-I had been in training and classes for a few months and had to force myself to stay away from blogging and from creating! I am happy to say I am back online now and just wanted to say thank you! Would it be okay if I added your beautiful blog to mine, I always like to ask first.
Have a lovely evening,
Joanna
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