Contest - Giveaway!!!!

The New Paradise

Here's the new place. Sweet isn't it? It sits on top of a hill in a quiet neighborhood. I can actually see the stars at night--it's been a really long time since I could say that. The skyline is magnificently huge, and the clouds roll by like an ever changing kaleidoscope of white, pale lavender, and gray plumes. Roosters crow from a near by farm, and I cannot help but smile when I hear them.

There's almost an acre of a park-like yard, and yes, I love to mow. Well, a riding mower that is.... and I have one sitting in the garage. May I add I "now" have a garage??? One of the things I had to give up when I moved into the tree house was a garage, and my washer and dryer. Cleaning snow, and ice off your car in the northeast is not a pleasant thing to do ever. I am giddy with joy having a garage, and being able to just go downstairs to put a load of clothes in. Giddy may not be a large enough word.....

I also love to garden, and have not been able to for the last four years except in containers. An enormous toad sits on my front porch at night, and sleepily blinks its eyes--a ploy I'm sure to catch a bold moth or mosquitoes flying toward the light. There are apples trees in the back yard. Day lilies are planted everywhere. It's almost like they said, "Welcome home, Lille. We've been waiting for you." Opie is peacefully sleeping on the floor beside me. Yes, we are home. It feels like home even though I'm sitting among boxes, and tubs piled to the ceiling everywhere I look.

My son, Jake, daughter-in-law Ashley, and my grandson, Emery came in to visit me here at the new place this past weekend. We had a lovely visit, and their being here made the first few nights feel more comfortable. Jake knows how much I loved the tree house, and he said something to me that helped me make the adjustment of being here now that spoke to my heart.

"Mom, I loved the tree house but I felt like I was always on a vacation when I was there, and after awhile of being on a vacation, you are ready to come home.
This place (the new place) feels like home."

The Contest

Followers have already suggested a few names for the new place. You may vote on one or suggest your own.

• Lily Pad (suggested by Dylan, Lily at "blawgh Life on the Farm", and Rachael at "Rachael's Carrma". This was also selected by another follower, too. I'm trying my best to remember who it was. Please let me know if it was you. I'll remember when you reply. Thanks!
  
• Evening Rest (suggested by TC at Animals That Give Pause )
  
• Cottage on the Hill (mine)
  
• Heavenly Hill (mine... even if you vote on one I suggest you will be entered in the contest)
  

All entries will be placed in a hat, and drawn by Superman, and witnessed by Opie Taylor. Each name you suggest OR VOTE FOR will be counted as one entry so the more you enter the greater chances of winning. Plus, I'll be adding new pictures of the new digs to tickle your imaginations as I get it "Woodstock Lily-fied".

The Prize

The prize will be a painting by me, 12X12 acrylic, yet to be painted. It will be painted with love, and I'll try my best to fit the painting to the winner's personality, interests, color preferences, etc.

I will announce the winner on

October 13, my birthday.

Meanwhile, I think I'll go polish up that mower. Or pull the hose out, and water my lilies.