Under the shade of the cherry tree...

...you'll find my two favorite garden statues.

Without a doubt, this old cement Mary statuary is my favorite. 

She is chippy, rustic, and distressed to perfection.

Mary stands under the shade of our (non fruit-bearing) cherry tree, watching over 

all the little creatures and feathered friends who visit our small yard.

Having grown up Catholic, how could I not love Mary? I've talked before about one of my favorite movies, Under the Tuscan Sun, and a certain piece of dialogue that I thought was beautiful. At one point, after moving to Italy, Frances (Diane Lane) talks about her relationship with Mary. 

"Signor Martini wants me to have faith. Something I've never been good at, and now I'm even worse at. Not that I don't want faith. I'm jealous of the believers. But as a fallen-away Methodist, I do not expect to emerge from all of this a Catholic, although I admit some interior juggling is going on. To my surprise, I have become friendly with Mary. It started the night she stood by me through the storm, knowing full well I'm not a Catholic. Yet, somehow, she seems more like Mary, my favorite aunt, than Santa Maria. Aunt Mary is everywhere here, her calm presence assuring us that all things will go on as they have before."

I'm so happy that four years ago I was in the right place (Fairground Antiques),

at the right time (during a 50% off sale), to have found her!

My little backyard garden just wouldn't be the same without Mary.

My other favorite garden statue sits across the bird bath from Mary.

He's quite a whimsical fellow, and I've known him for a long time

 even though he's lived with us for just a couple of years now.

For as long as I can remember, he stood at the front steps of my aunt's beautiful 

Cape Cod home, cheerfully greeting all who came to visit.

Yes, he holds wonderful memories of time spent on Cape Cod 

when my girls were younger and when my parents were still with us. 

When my aunt downsized, she asked if there was anything that I wanted. 

I chose him.

I think I made a great choice!

This week I'm joining Tracie's Cottage Garden Party at Fishtail Cottage
and Cindy's Show & Tell Friday at My Romantic Home.

Be sure to visit their beautiful homes and gardens!

Donna