Who Likes HGTV? ME! ME!

Everyone that has seen in person or in photos has to be impressed by our expansive and blank canvas of a back yard. When we bought the house the only thing in the backyard was a jungle like over growth of weeds and pest plants of tree proportions. Once those were cut back again and again and finally removed - WOW. The backyard was even bigger. The yard was a major factor in our decision to buy this house because more than the house itself, the yard represents my American Dream. It is the life and memories that I want for our family. The playing outside, running, painting, slip and sliding, tending a garden, BBQ, big picnic get togethers.

Now that we are finally to the point of working on the yard, it has been just absolutely overwhelming because it is so big and blank. I have spent months imagining and reimagining ideas for our property at a feverish pitch and after a million different ideas and drafts I finally reached the conclusion that I need professional help. Not for the full out onslaught of overflowing creative energy (not expended in teaching) but in the outdoor plan. My fantasies include Jamie Durie or John Gidding showing up on my doorstep to not only bring vision but the realization of the plan into fruition. (By the way I have been dying to share what I learned about John Gidding. Grew up abroad, attended Yale and Harvard. Was a model. Designs both interiors and outdoors. Amazing!)

So instead I looked online for recommendations and companies that would be able to help us organize the installation of sprinklers, a driveway, pathways, a deck and plants. I desperately want someone to help put together a cohesive plan. I made a few phone calls, had a few visitors and - was left feeling dissatisfied. Until yesterday.

In a magical like way she showed up on my doorstep dressed like Sabrina Soto in a cute shirt dress and ballet flats. She was amazing. She spent two and a half hours walking through the property talking about what she "felt" the house and yard were wanting/needing. She listened to me babble on and on about the many different ideas. She absolutely wanted to know about our plans for further building and changing the house. She understood when I said that I wanted to go with a Mediterranean feel. She asked to see the inside of the house and asked about paint colors and other decrative choices - which were ours, which came with the house. It was amazing!

Today she is returning with a contractor so that they can put a bid together. I am so excited and also petrified that she will come with a Candice Olsen price tag. In a week she'll come back and present her plan for us. Can't wait!