As an example of this passion I described Dick almost dragging me from the train station to our hotel in Florence because I looking around me from the paving stones to the corner shrines to magnificent Renaissance buildings to the brilliant autumn sky. Florence is a feast of beauty, and In the Presence of Beauty, Part 2 will share some of that glorious feast.
But beauty isn't just in the magnificent. It is everywhere.
Just that morning in the church parking lot I stood in wonder looking at the beautiful "mitten" leaves from a poplar tree. The day was glorious and the yellow leaves were scattered everywhere, each a perfect mitten. I was in awe.
The weekend of the 8th, Dick and I went into northwest DC to visit the Marjorie Merriweather Post home, Hillwood House. I've heard about the place for years, but had never visited. According to the weather folks, it was a peak foliage day; we had warm temperatures and dramatic skies of white and dark clouds playing hide and seek with the sun.
I was very much aware of being in the presence of beauty, and it was awe-some. Here are a few of the photos from the day.
Looking toward the motor court at the back of the house, where guests were dropped off under a covered porch.
Massive Gingko tree: Gingkos are said to be the oldest trees in existence. This one is about 50 ft high.
Arbor surrounding the rose garden.
Japanese gardens. Each of the many gardens on the property has its own gardener and crew of volunteers.
Tiny pieces of beauty.
Faithful sentinel at the pet cemetary.
Friendship circle: This quote is taken from a postcard that Tsarina Alexandra sent to one of her friends--
Friendship outstays the hurrying flight of years and aye abides through laughter and through tears.
