Pink Saturday at the New York Botanical Garden

 

Welcome to the New York Botanical Garden

 

This morning was chilly and raining -- more autumn than summer. Definitely no air conditioner and a sweater. I know my posts are going to quickly move to autumn thoughts and activities, but I wanted to share one summer adventure, before it's lost to memory. My visit to the Dale Chihuly exhibition of glass at the New York Botanical Garden stands out in my memories of summer, 2017.



 

One of my favorite parts of the installation in one of the beautiful greenhouses. The postcard effect is thanks to Snapseed.

 

This was the first outdoor installation by Chihuly in New York in ten years. I'd seen a fabulous display at the Fairchild Gardens in Miami several years ago and enjoyed this one as much. I love the colors and the way the glass is set in the gardens. 

This is another favorite. It reminded me of a fantastic mythical flower, perhaps something out of the Arabian Nights.
 

One of my favorite parts of the display was the pieces set in pools, mixed with beautiful water lilies. The exhibit runs through the end of October and I'm hoping to find an evening to return to see the installations at night. If I do, you can be sure there will be photographs to share.

I'm linking up with my friends at Pink Saturday. I was delighted that last week's Pink Saturday post was featured. Thanks so much, How Sweet the Sound! Can't thank you enough. My Pink Saturday friends are talented writers and photographers and this means a great deal to me.

Despite the chilly weather I got a great walk today -- five miles! -- in Lower Manhattan through lovely gardens and the magnificent harbor views. I also enjoyed hours of catching up with my college roommate who joined me. Both the walk and the conversation were a complete treat. I'm going to share our afternoon in a post later this week.

I hope you're all enjoying the weekend and have a great day tomorrow. To all in Texas and those who are dealing with wildfires in the west, you're all in my heart and prayers for safety.

As ever, thanks for visiting and take good care!


 

Dale Chihuly at Fairchild Garden

 

I'm a fan of glass art, whether the pieces are snow globes bought in gift shops around the world or vases and sculpture by artists. One of my favorite glass artists is Dale Chihuly. I'm not sure when I discovered Dale Chihuly's glass sculptures, and I can't remember when I first saw one in person. But once I became aware of them I am delighted to discover them in my travels. I had the good fortune of seeing a show of Chihuly glass in Dublin last summer and the equal good fortune in being able to visit a large installation of his work in Florida last month. I am very grateful that my friend, Sue, saw that the display was taking place during my visit and made arrangements for us to see it. The settings were extraordinary and it was a fabulous experience.

There were over eighty pieces arranged in the gardens and these are a few of my favorites. We rode throughout the grounds on a tram and got to see all of the pieces. We enjoyed the tram ride so much that we rode twice, both in daylight and twilight. The changing colors at different times were a special treat.

Today was cold and slip-slidey, a word I've just coined. I did get out for some fresh air, but I was very content to spend most of the day doing home things. I even let myself skip the gym. Tomorrow is supposed to be relatively warm -- 40 degrees! -- and I'll catch up on the gym and errands then.

I'm linking up with Roses of Inspiration for some happy Tuesday thoughts. Please stop by and meet some of the nicest bloggers in BlogLand.

As ever, thanks for visiting and keep cozy!

It's All Over Except the Calories...

...Sort of. This is the thought that popped into my mind this morning when I thought of my birthday. I had a yummy dinner last night and this morning the celebration of the day was over, except for the calories that remain with me. My second thought was the "sort of."  The calories do remain, but the good wishes and good feelings are still with me, too. I am going to settle down later today and slowly read and cherish the good wishes, both electronic and paper, and give thanks for the friends and family who reached out to me.

A second thought, as I return to my New York life, was that all that was left of vacation was the calories, but that is a "sort of," too. There are photos, memories and new friends and I cherish those as well. I'm still in a Dublin state of mind this afternoon and I'm going to share another few Dublin photos today.

I would be remiss not to share a photo of the Guinness Stout complex, probably the greatest attraction to visitors of Dublin besides the Book of Kells. In the interest of truth in journalism, I confess that I didn't go on the tour, but rather took this picture from the bus. I'm not a drinker of beer, stout or ale and I thought the experience would be wasted on me, but I know I am in a distinct and small minority.

The Guinness Storehouse, a very popular stop for visitors to Dublin

The gardens at the Beatty Library at Dublin Castle. The Library has an extraordinary manuscript collection. 

Next to the Beatty Library I found a wonderful exhibit by stained glass genius, Dale Chihuly, illustrating James Joyce's "Ulysses." I am a big fan of Chihuly's work and was delighted to find this exhibit. I've never read "Ulysses," but this exhibit may just be the push I need. 

As always thank for visiting and thanks, too, for the comments and good wishes for my birthday. Take good care and please come and visit often.