A Secret Garden, A Party and A Surprise

I felt just like a little girl this morning, going into a secret garden and picking a bouquet of glorious flowers.

It was just me and the butterflies, bees and beautiful blue skies.

The Secret Garden that I found last winter continues to blossom with joy.

Speaking of joy,  I am traveling back to Boston to host my daughter, Sarah's bridal shower.  I promise to take lots of photos to share.

Now for another party surprise.  It's a blogging party hosted by Anita from Castles, Crowns and Cottages. Anita hosts Simply Irresistible every year and this year is all about Europe.

Beginning July 18th thru the 25th of July, you will be able to tour Europe through the eyes of your favorite bloggers.

It's quite perfect timing for me, because I will be tending to the last minute details of Sarah's shower all next week.

We'll be on the road back home this weekend, and I will be having a lovely post to share about London for Anita's party, beginning on Friday, July 18th.  I will be leaving the post up for the duration of Europe: Simply Irresistible.

I hope that you enjoyed the bouquet of images I picked just for you.

See you on Friday, and if you would like to write a post about Europe for the party, please stop by Anita's and tell her to include you.

I Found a Secret Garden

 I found a secret garden yesterday.  It's called Reynolda House Museum and Gardens, here in Winston Salem, NC.  It's only ten minutes away.  My favorite children's book is The Secret Garden, and here is beautiful song from the movie.

Knowing that we were moving tomorrow, I thought a nice walk would help me to regain clarity, until the chaos of a move began.  Yesterday I treated myself to a walk through Reynolda Gardens.

I love seeing berries in Winter, it's like seeing a promise of what is to follow in Spring.

 As I walked through the gardens in winter, I realized that come Spring I will feel just like Mary Lenox felt when she walked through her own secret Garden.

 Reynolda House is a museum filled with artwork and the history of R.J. Reynolds home.

When I was around eight years old, my father gave me the book The Secret Garden.  This book has meant the world to me and it's symbolism has surely been part of so many chapters of my life.

Although everything was dead in winter in the garden I found yesterday, it was a reminder that a new garden will bloom in Spring.  I miss my secret garden back home filled with family and friends.  I will see them soon, and the promise of a new secret garden will bloom in this chapter of my life as well.

 I can't wait until Spring to see this gorgeous garden in bloom.

It's winter and the cardinals are overseeing the garden, but soon the bluebirds will be singing when Spring arrives.

I am moving tomorrow and our Internet won't be installed until next Tuesday.  So, have a wonderful weekend.