My friend Giffe' texted me asking if I wanted to bring the girls to a place down the road from us in Plant City called Metals and Nature. It is off a main road called 60 which I have been up and down hundreds if not thousands of times during my lifetime. I have always seen the crooked and rusting wrought iron sculptures and gates but never thought to stop and go in.
I can't tell you how thrilled I am that my friend had enough foresight and curiosity to go in and invite me to come too. It is a 2 acre garden and store where peacocks and peahens wander aimlessly, cats dance on tables and fairies can be sighted from the corners of the eyes in countless nooks.
One creature I brought home was this tree guardian. I hope the next place I live has a fat old oak in the yard where he can dwell.
This path led to a pig and his bunny pals.
Each area of the garden had a rambling theme: buddhas, mermaids, gnomes, pelicans, frogs and fairies all clustered in villages of like kind.
Plants roamed where they wished. We roamed where we wished.
Some places gave me a shiver.
Some felt just like home.
I even chuckled out loud unexpectedly.
I vowed to come back again and bring home something or someone who made me smile.
Have you ever driven somewhere and wished you had pulled over or pulled in and had a gander?
I learned to go with that instinct. Next time I will follow that inclination.
What a beautiful, whimsical little place! I'm down with any spot where cats dance on tables. I love those off-the-beaten-path gems. :) Looks like you had a wonderful day.
ReplyDeleteIt really was! I am already looking forward to heading back one day. Cats really do make any place feel more magical. <3 I hope you are doing well. Thinking of you.
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