I love my neighborhood and the beauty I am privileged to see everyday as I travel in and out of the roads here. Recently I've thought about all the things that make this area so unique...just as I am unique. With me it's the crazy hair, forever big earrings, must-have high-heels, camera always within reach, the Westies that are always attached to me, silver bracelets, the never-ending Southern drawl, my hedge clippers, my bikes, trail mix, maple nut goodies...the list goes on forever...but these are the things that make "me, me" and will forever! 
Local boutique, "Ellie Bling," certainly brings a sense of originality to the area...there is always a sophisticated, yet very simple something on a headless manequin outside the shop - always catches my eye...just stunning! This look is unique to this one shop.
"Florida Creamery" is the cutest....there is no way to miss this little ice-cream and sandwich shop as you make your way down the sidewalk of Avondale...what grabs me is the painted ice-cream/cone on the sign!
Gorgeous floral abounds in this neighborhood -there is no way to tire of seeing so much "pretty" everytime I go by. I love the way the shop doors are left open---just as though you are being welcomed into someone's home. This is not something you are going to find in many other places in the city.
"Willies" children's shop has been here for soooo many years....now where else could I walk down a sidewalk on a Monday morning and find beautiful crisp white cotton slip dresses displayed out front of a store - this just says "summer is here!" 
Certainly one unique aspect of this little village is fur-children are welcomed practically everywhere....most of the merchants even have a lovely bowl of fresh water for the thirsty travelers!
Avondale-Ortega community...such a great place!
Some of the residents will remember a couple of years ago at Christmas some mischievous person stole this little pirate from the children's specialty toy store....it even made the papers! He really is a quite tall and big guy when you see him in person....not sure how someone pulled that off, but he eventually was recovered and all the residents so happy!
Cherry red draperies outside "Willies!"
Stately oaks abound all over the area - and that means lots of moss and yes, allergies!
The homes along the river just gorgeous and no two alike .... each one unbelievably unique!
Cottages are all over the place - interjected among stately mansions....again each noticeably unique.
Parks are everywhere along the river!
Lovely shops in the Village, "Gardner's Florist" being my favorite.
The residents are truly patriotic...regardless of the time of year-you will see flags flying.
The palms are a given ~
as is the sunset every day~
Our uniqueness is what separates us from everyone else...that truly is something to be celebrated and not apologized for. Have you ever stopped to think about what makes you unique?
