The Water Lilies at Giverny
There was beauty all around us, every vista could have been a painting
Because the weather was so warm the gardens were still blooming in dazzling reds and yellows as if it were still summer. As we walked through the grounds we fell under the magical spell of this beautiful and colorful landscape. We walked across bridges, along winding pathways, sat on old benches, and went into the house where we had a beautiful aerial view of the gardens.
The sunshine and flowers were like a poem and I could easily imagine Monet finding inspiration in this sacred place. Giverny is a place to dream, to meditate and to find visions to store away for a rainy day.
I thought about the permanence of gardens and how Monet's spirit still informs this magical place. The lives of our great artists come to an end, but through conservation and historic preservation groups, their gardens and homes can remain forever. We are the lucky beneficiaries of the efforts of many, many people to keep this place going. Art and history were made here and this place is a repository for the memories of all those accomplishments. Flowers and paintings are at the heart of this magical place.
Monet's home -- the rooms inside are filled with color just like the garden
One of the quiet country roads that we travelled on our way to Giverny
These images are guaranteed to bring sunshine and warmth to the chilliest winter day. When my garden is in its wintertime mode and not doing much of anything, I can look at these memories of Giverny and find inspiration in the magic, spirit and timelessness of this beautiful place.
