I am very privileged to have seen many of the beautiful castles and châteaux in the Loire Valley, and enjoy sharing my experiences. Blois is a lovely town, and home to the Chateau de Blois. This one is most intriguing, as four architectural styles are represented! I realize that may not excite everyone as it does me…I can be a bit of a nerd about this stuff. Construction began in the 13th century, and continued through the 17th century. The shot I took is looking at the Renaissance facade of the Francois I section. There was so much to see here, with a gorgeous view of the town and surrounding countryside. More to come on the town of Blois…
the cloisters
Last year we traveled to the Bahamas, and found this special place on Paradise Island called the Cloisters. A 14th century French Monastery, it was imported stone by stone to the states by William Randolph Hearst in the 1920’s. 40 years later it was brought to the top of this hill overlooking Nassau Harbour, and there it has a breathtaking resting place.
louise bourgeois
Just read the news that Paris-born modern artist Louise Bourgeois passed away. I was not familiar with her work until last year when we “mini-mooned” in DC. We made a trip to the Hirshhorn in search of a certain Pollock painting, but instead discovered Bourgeois’ work. As you can tell from the photo, I get major heeby jeebies over spiders….so this particular art installment was uncomfortable for me. However, it was fascinating to learn of her legacy…highly emotional sculptures mostly exploring women’s deepest feelings. I love her message…”Tell your own story, and you will be interesting. Don’t get the green disease of envy. Don’t be fooled by success and money. Don’t let anything come between you and your work.”
-Louise Bourgeois 1911-2010
summer pleasures
I'm not a hot weather person. So when the temperature goes up, I focus on the things I do love most about summer. Peonies are high on the list, right next to strawberries and Le Tour!
whoopie!
Our farmers market purchase this week (ok, every week)…whoopie pie! We just recently discovered this local treat, and we’re hooked. Shown above are the delicious oatmeal-the more common chocolate are not pictured, because, well…we ate them before I could get a photo. I just couldn’t resist looking up the history of these, and they are a Pennsylvania Amish tradition. Apparently the women would put these in farmer’s lunchboxes, and when they found the treats, they would exclaim…“WHOOPIE!”