• Home
  • Our Authors
  • Blog
  • Events & Giveaways
  • Privacy Policy

Inspired by Life ... and Fiction

Novelists bound by the pen, sisterhood, & more

Backyard Days

October 16, 2024 By D'Ann Mateer

I’m not an outdoorsy girl by any means, but I love my backyard. Not becuase it’s beautiful. And not because there is any gardening to do—it’s just grass—I simpy the cozy space and the peace it provides. 

Because we are on a corner, we have a view on two sides. Straight out the back, there is a tree line, which is lovely. To my left is our community clubhouse and pool, separated from us by a green space. Beyond the clubhouse rise the treetops of our city park. 

The truth is, we don’t get to enjoy our backyard as much as we would like. We do live in Texas, after all. It’s mid-October, and today will be the first day (fingers crossed that the forecast is correct!) it will dip into the low 70s for the daily high temperature. And I intend to soak it up! 

On the few days a year it stays in the 70s—and doesn’t rain—you can find me in my backyard. I love that even as small as it is I have several different spots in which to work or read. 

There’s the comfy sectional that is shaded most of the day. 

The dining table with an umbrella to help block the sun at certain times.  

The small table to the side where I’m pretty much hidden (or was before we cut that tree back!) and shaded all day. (We want comfy chairs for this spot!)

And the seats beneath the roofed porch area, which get the morning sun. . 

In all the houses we’ve lived in, I’ve never had a backyard I’ve loved as much as this one. Nor one we’ve used as much either by ourselves or with friends and family. I’m particularly thankful for it in the spring and fall. And this week looks to be one where I’ll enjoy it a lot. 

Do you have an outdoor spot you love when the weather hits your sweet spot? Tell us about it! 

The following two tabs change content below.
  • Bio
  • Latest Posts

D'Ann Mateer

Inspired by novelist Eugenia Price, D’Ann’s dream of writing historical fiction with an element of faith began in middle school, though her serious drive toward publication took a bit longer. D’Ann is the author of four historical novels and one novella, as well as a contemporary short stories in a compilation volume. D’Ann and her husband of 30 years can be found in Austin, TX when they aren’t touring historic sites or visiting their grown children.

Latest posts by D'Ann Mateer (see all)

  • The Cheer Squad - May 7, 2025
  • Guest Post: Crystal Caudill - April 16, 2025
  • D’Ann’s Favorites - April 13, 2025
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
  • Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X
  • Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
  • Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket
  • Click to print (Opens in new window) Print

Like this:

Like Loading...
«
»

Filed Under: Family, House and home Tagged With: backyard

Subscribe to Blog via Email

Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

LINKS IN COMMENTS

Please note: If you include a link or links in your comment (URLs or email addresses), your comment will not post right away. It will wait for a moderator to approve it, which may take some time.

Comments

  1. Tamera Alexander says

    October 16, 2024 at 5:54 am

    Love seeing your outdoor space, D’Ann. Beautiful. I enjoy being outdoors this time of year too. I hope fall lingers for us both before stepping aside for winter—although I enjoy that too. 😉

    • D'Ann Mateer says

      October 16, 2024 at 9:41 am

      Me, too! After being out of our house most of last year (spring and fall), I’m ready to enjoy this season outdoors!

  2. Karen Witemeyer says

    October 16, 2024 at 8:13 am

    You have so many little cozy nooks in your backyard, D’Ann. I’m loving that sectional! Enjoy the cooler temps this week!

    • D'Ann Mateer says

      October 16, 2024 at 9:41 am

      You, too! And. yes, the sectional is my favorite!

  3. Deborah Raney says

    October 16, 2024 at 8:20 am

    I love that herringbone brick by the back door. The whole yard looks great, and I’m so glad you’re able to use it in this season!

    • D'Ann Mateer says

      October 16, 2024 at 9:42 am

      Thanks, Deb. We don’t get deer in our backyard like you do, but we do get bunnies. And least when Dolly doesn’t scare them away! 🙂

  4. Jen says

    October 16, 2024 at 2:54 pm

    We love our covered back porch with a pergola attached. We sit and watch the golfers behind us and enjoy meals out there during our 6 months of warm/hot weather.
    Our yard is a blessing where we grow flowers. this year we started a wild flower garden. There were lots of Surprises every week!

    • D'Ann Mateer says

      October 16, 2024 at 4:10 pm

      A wildflower garden! I love that! I imagine it’s lovely. I have a very non-green thumb!

Search Site

Monthly Archives

Blog Categories

Recent Posts

  • #LiftMyStack Challenge! May 9, 2025
  • What’s pulling you down? May 8, 2025
  • The Cheer Squad May 7, 2025

Disclosure

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the pages on this site may be "affiliate links." This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, someone will receive an affiliate commission. We are disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Copyright © 2025 Inspired by Life & Fiction | Website Design by Robin

%d