On certain fall days the sky really is this blue in rural Nelson County, VA. On a day like this, my husband, David, calls out everyone to marvel at the sky.

It is vital to your feelings of well being to live in a place that feels right for you.

I have set up many and varied gathering places outside so that any activity for any number can be find a niche. This is Natasha, my eldest, who lives with us.

In warmer seasons, my husband and I have our breakfast outside in our gazebo. Sitting there we are always surprised and pleased as we notice "It‘s a beautiful day in our neighborhood."

We built our gazebo ourselves (my son did most of the labor). It sits on a precipice overlooking a wooded ravine. It is like we are sitting in a treehouse. Very beautiful and kind of exotic.

Most mornings I go out to the gazebo and meditate and do some journaling before I get busy with 90 minutes of gardening. I love sitting there in the morning. I can hear the little stream babbling below and the many birds. The woods look incredibly beautiful with the sun dappling the leaves or the morning mist hanging low in the trees. It’s mystical and magical in the mornings.

This routine just fills me up and gives me reserves so that I can love my days no matter what they bring. Going out to my gazebo helps to bring my attention to everyday things that I might otherwise not notice and gives me the opportunity to connect with myself and appreciate the beauty that is all around me.

While the gazebo is a perfect place for just a few people, this patio is great for full family get togethers. It was built behind our separate studio office because that is the only large level place on our property. These are "before and after" pictures. Someday the arbor will be grown over with wisteria, roses, clematis, trumpet lillies and honeysuckle.