Giverny and the Monet Foundation

It doesn't get any better than springtime in Giverny. My favorite painter, Claude Monet, created a masterpiece on this lovely piece of earth. He transformed the property into a magnificent ever-changing canvas.

Monet lived in the peaceful village of Giverny from 1883 until he died there in 1926.

Above, in the background, is the Japanese bridge featured in numerous works of art.

It was too early in the season for the waterlilies.

A gardener was working in the pond in a pretty green boat.

Waterlilies 

Wisteria booming over the Japanese bridge.

Even in black and white the landscape is enchanting.

The gardens in front of the house were full of color.

The tulips were dominant in most of the beds.

The layout of the gardens.

Lovely lovely tulips.

There were even green tulips and black tulips!

I could move right in.

Art work is everywhere.

The colors are bright and cheerful.

Monet collection of Japanese engravings in the yellow kitchen.

Blue and yellow - happy colors.

I really like the blue and white tile in the kitchen.

The works of various artists displayed in the studio.

Happiness is a pink and green house in France!

Simply lovely.

Tulip time.

Another destination checked off my bucket list.

Giverny and the Monet Foundation - a wonderful way to spend the day in France.

💜andPeace,Myra

Paris in the Spring (2018)

Paris has been on my bucket list for a long time. Finally the romance, history and beauty are mine to remember. Another wonderful Viking River Cruise - Paris and the Heart of Normandy.

The Arc de Triomphe

We began our Paris visit with a guided bus tour.

One would have to be young and in top physical shape to see everything on foot!

The Champs-Elysees

Wonderful to see the places I've read about and heard about my entire life.

Travel to me is like putting a face with a name.

37 beautiful bridges keep Paris connected on the winding Seine River.

The architecture worth the trip.

Notre-Dame Cathedral

Inside the Cathedral

The Paris Point Zero

Just outside Notre Dame the center of Paris is marked with this brass star.

The very 💛of Paris.

Our guide told us one of the customs is to place your foot on the star and you will someday return to Paris.  I like that idea. 

The Louvre Museum

Our time here was limited so we were fortunate to have a guide.

She steered us through the crowds to the more significant pieces.

Here she is, Mona Lisa!

Venus de Milo

Winged Victory

From this photo you can get an idea of the crowds.

I took this photo from inside the Louvre.

Cute window in Paris shop

A bridge near Notre Dame Cathedral. 

The Eiffel Tower.

Our last night in Paris we toured the city again.

I will post the night photos at the end of this series.

Stay tuned for the twinkling Eiffel Tower at night.

Next - Giverny and a day at the Monet Foundation

💛andPeace,Myra

Bernice Garden

Bernice Garden in Little Rock, Arkansas is privately owned and available for weddings, markets and music events. The garden is located on the corner of Daisy Bates and South Main.

 

There are permanent and temporary sculptures by Arkansas artists.

 

My favorite piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very pretty in blue and green.

 

 

Too much shade to grow flowers? No problem with these cute little metal discs.

 

 

 

There are restaurants and shops along the street near Bernice Garden.

 

My favorite area restaurant is The Root.

 

Breakfast at The Root.

They offer healthy selections and use locally grown ingredients.

 

Nearby is the ESSE Purse Museum and Store.

 

The window by my table at The Root.

 

I encourage you to visit South Main if you are in the area.

 

 

 

♥andPeace,Myra

Dale Chihuly - Clinton Presidential Center

Last week I went to the Chihuly exhibit at the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. I discovered my love of all things Chihuly years ago on a trip to the Seattle/Tacoma area. Since then I have had the opportunity of seeing several exhibits across the country.

 

The exhibit begins at the entrance of the Clinton Presidential Center.

Chihuly installations are often found outdoors.

 

Different perspectives of this installation can be had by walking all the way around the square.

Another View

 

Chihuly pieces remind me of nature.

To me this is a fanciful garden.

 

The "seaform sets" take me under the sea.

 

 

 

This Chihuly (above) is part of the permanent collection at the Clinton Presidential Center. It was made for the White House holiday season in 1999.

 

 

The restaurant Forty Two is located in the Presidential Center.

I highly recommend the food, the service and the view.

There is also dining outside on the terrace with views of the Arkansas River.

 

The restaurant offers lunch specials.

I had the cilantro grilled mahi with homemade chips.

 

♥andPeace,Myra