Around The Garden World - Day 68 (West Nashville, Tennessee) Magdalene House

Today I painted. Usually I am painting a landscape with color and texture of annual or perennial plants.  But today some friends and I went to put a little color on the walls of Magdalene House. 

 Magdalene is a program of Thistle Farms and is a residential program for women who have survived lives of prostitution, trafficking, addiction and life on the streets.

photo by Marcie Brolund

And I came because they needed extra hands to get the painting done. 

 
"Magdalene stands as a witness to the truth that in the end, love is more powerful than all the forces that drive women to the streets." The women I met inspired me with their stories of lives healed by love.

While there, I, of course, had to check out the pretty courtyard in home

 with moss covered stones,

 and saw a few opportunities for me to add some input for improvements.

The added touch of these glazed mosaics pressed into the mortar was a fun idea. 

healthy moss!

A Rhododendron bud just waiting for spring. 

 The last of dogwood's fall color

Arum italicum

 One of the things I was thrilled to see was the vegetable garden that they had started this summer.

 This is a project that I can sink my fingers into!

Pretty Swiss Chard!

 Another new branch of Thistle Farms is their Thistle Stop Cafe. Here's their cozy outdoor seating

Teacup chandeliers

And their deep patina floors came from Vice President Al Gore's tobacco farm buildings

Great food and one of the best Chai Tea's I've ever had.

I adore the products that the women make - lotions and soaps. Tuscan Earth is my favorite scent.

Cozy seating!

Learn more about Thistle Farms here: http://vimeo.com/64927155