I have yearned to have an outdoor bed for longer than I can remember. However, I struggled with how to make it work. Our backyard is tiny--the same length and width as our living room. It gets a lot of sun, as well. Since I don't want to create a shade problem for my roses, I wasn't sure how to make it work.

About ten years ago, we put up this arch at the end of the backyard that leads to the side yard. Then we planted the lovely New Dawn climbing rose at its base. It took three years to reach the top, but it is has been pretty much unstoppable since then. It created the shade I needed in a spot that didn't deprive my roses from life-giving sunshine. The piece of fencing has been kicking around the yard at our various homes for over twenty years. I can't think why I did not attach it to the arch a long time ago. Now we have a way to keep the dogs out of our meditation center.


This is the only photo I took of this area that includes the fountain when it is running. I must say, water music is pretty essential for a meditation center. It is incredibly relaxing and creates an other-worldly atmosphere of luxury and serenity.


Another feature that I find absolutely essential is the addition of flowers. The jasmine that is planted on both sides of this arch perfumes the air with a heavenly scent.


And then there is the bed. We have tried double high air mattresses, but there are more roses back there which means tons of thorns. Hence, all of our air mattresses have been a deflating experience. This bed is a pool lounger topped with a camping mattress and sleeping bag, covered by a beautiful Laura Ashley comforter. There are plenty of pillows to make everything more comfy. So far it is working like a charm.


When I am lying on the bed, I can fill my eyes with the beauty of the New Dawn roses. They only bloom a couple of times a year, but the leaves create a peaceful green canopy all season long.


The New Dawns are the medium pink ones in the center. The ones on both the right and the left are Eden roses. They were bred to resemble roses in pre-Raphaelite paintings so they vary in color from flower to flower and from petal to petal. They are stunning and last forever in a vase!


The scent of roses mingled with star jasmine is the stuff of perfume. Many perfumes begin with those two aromas--heavenly!


Variety, however, is the spice of life. Color is soothing, as long as the combination is harmonious. I prefer cool garden colors--pink, white, blue and lavendar. Some might prefer red, orange and yellow in their garden, but, in my opinion, those colors are more stimulating. Neither is wrong, but cool colors lend themselves better to peace and contemplation.



Inside we have a harp-shaped shelf which once served as a leg to a coffee table. It is the perfect place for a clock so you can know how long you have dallied, and a narrow glass of water. On the left, under the arch, is a wind chime made of porcelain tea cups. They make additional lovely music when the soft breezes blow.

A soft throw in a Rachel Ashwell pattern is a nice addition for when it is a bit chillier. This is a wonderful place to read a book. It is a great place to relax and write one, too.


The votive candle chandelier adds some light when the sun goes down. The scrolly thing (I don't know what else to call it) adds visual interest and delights the mind.


It is a bit difficult to see the initials embroidered into the vintage damask napkin on the large white pillow. It reads: HEM. Whilst in service at the Ashworth Meditation Center, it stands for Heidi Enjoys Meditating. Or, in the case of my husband and son, He Enjoys Meditating. (My daughter is the only one in the house with her own room so she meditates just fine in there.)



More lovely Eden roses. I prefer things that are round and curvy. They make me feel good. However, you might prefer things that are more rectangular. Include objects that delight your particular brain.


Some of my tiny teacup collection. I love how the gold flashes in the light.


My view from the bed: the sky generally looks much bluer than pictured here, but that pop of blue on the door at the other end of the yard is a favorite of mine.


Though it hasn't been included in many of the photos, there are times of the day when the only way to achieve shade is with this market umbrella. This one is gray and white striped and is easily put up or taken down as the mood dictates.


Loving this Rachel Ashwell fabric! Everything I need to sit back and relax is present here. Add a laptop and I can dream, create and write. Whenever I complete a new book, I gift myself something that I feel will improve the quality of my life. The arch with the roses on it was what I added with my first book, and I was right--it has been so wonderful to have armfuls of pink roses all spring. The little details of this meditation center were my gift to myself for my most recent book.


It's called The Devil in Beauty, and it comes out next month. It is my first mystery and it was so much fun to write! It is available for pre-order now. You can read more about it by clicking on its book cover on the top right sidebar. The photo on the cover was taken by the same fab London photographer at the famous London Photo Shoot which I directed. In LONDON. (You can read about it by scrolling down.) It will be hard to put this all away when the rainy season starts, but, for now, it is a wonderful way to add sweetness and light to anyone's life.