View – The Rhode Less Traveled

I have driven past this place hundreds of times and have wanted to stop in for a closer look.

So I finally did, because my new motto, as you may remember, is “why not?”

If you’ve driven by The Secret Garden on Rte 7 near D’Agostino Auto, you’ve probably done a double-take.

IMG_20180216_134428909_HDR-01 — This T-Rex is a showstopper.

It’s almost impossible to miss this 8-foot metal, colorful sculpture of a tyrannosaurus rex in their front yard.

So… what’s the deal?

Husband and wife team Paul and Melanie have had their business there for 3 years. They call themselves a “family-run statuary” and mostly pour stone molds like these:

IMG_20180216_135556661-01 — All kinds and breeds of dogs!

IMG_20180216_135300280-01 — Gargoyles and goblins…cool.

IMG_20180216_135023500-01 — Obligatory “Mary-of-the-Half-Shell” religious yard sculptures.

But the metal sculptures are imported from Mexican artisans.

I love the whimsy and color.

IMG_20180216_140139991_HDR-01 — It’s a dalmatian lifting his leg. 😂

IMG_20180216_134518414_HDR-01 — There’s a grill in there. Puts a new spin on pig roast.

IMG_20180216_134332032_HDR-01 — This colorful turtle family would look amazing in a yard by a pool.

IMG_20180216_135107038_LL-01 — Big red ants on bicycles. How fun!

IMG_20180216_140301063_HDR-01 — Yeah, there’s NO WAY I was leaving this sign behind. SOLD!

IMG_20180219_151945702-01 — Baby T-Rex was only 4 or 5 feet tall but fierce as heck.

If you’re looking for a yard decoration, I’d highly recommend stopping in to The Secret Garden on Rte 7. They’ve got something for everyone and are as friendly as can be. Check out their inventory on their website.

IMG_20180208_163413249_HDR-01 — Can you see the forest for the trees?

I know what you’re thinking.

Oh boy *eye roll* another meditating, yogi-wannabe, vegan, soy-slurping, “peace-is-love” advice columnist.

I don’t blame you for thinking that, based on the title.

In all honesty, though, I’m way too ADHD to meditate, I HATED yoga, I love a good burger, and soy gives me gas.

I tried meditation and yoga because, like most Americans, stress was my natural state. There’s so much to worry about: Deadlines, increasing workloads, increasing costs of everything without increasing pay, physical health, mental health, family, pets…and the list goes on.

That’s when I decided to follow the inspirational poster:

motivational-quotes-If-you-are-unhappy-change-something.-Quit-your-job.-Move.-Let-go-of-a-miserable-relationship.-Stop-making-excuses.-You-are-in-control.-1-min

It’s not original by any stretch of the imagination. Yet we can’t quite pull the trigger most of the time.

I pulled the trigger. But I still have times that I’m plagued with doubt. I still find myself distracted at times because I haven’t met all my goals yet.

But then I have moments like this one below (and the one above) that I’m able to capture with my camera because I was paying attention.

IMG_20180210_080923545_HDR-01 — Photo taken by me Saturday, February 10, 2018, on my morning walk in Rhode Island.

And it reminds me to be present so I don’t miss these moments in the future.

Tag: View

T-Rexy looking sexy

Be present