“Beauty is the shadow of God on the universe.” ~ Gabriela Mistral
Good morning, beautiful souls. As this is my first post of the new year, I thought it might be good to share a little history of this blog, especially for those who may be new to Maison de Jardin. Maison de Jardin (The Garden House) is actually the name of our home and is the name I chose for the blog. For those who have become treasured blogging friends and for my dear friends who know me personally, you know this blog stemmed (January 29, 2017 ~visit here,) from my love of beauty and the desire to share my passion and hopefully inspire others. Others, who may not have noticed all the beauty around them, or perhaps those who needed a gentle nudge to create beauty in and around their own homes. Being aware of this, and recognizing the magnificence around us, makes such a difference in our daily lives.
“There is nothing that makes its way more directly to the soul than beauty.” ~ Joseph Addison
We feel differently, stress leaves, we breathe better, and our hearts are happier when we stand in awe for just a moment enjoying something beautiful. The ‘something beautiful’ can be a single bloom, a wonderful rainbow, sunrise or sunset, or a child messy from the strawberry patch. If it touches your heart, most likely it is asking you to ‘pay attention.’
The same holds true when we read exquisite words of wonderfully talented souls. I am always inspired, and a little overwhelmed, when I read something marvelous from someone who lived in another time and another world. It always increases my awareness to ‘pay attention.’
“Nature is full of genius, full of the divinity; so that not a snowflake escapes its fashioning hand.” ~ Henry David Thoreau
“Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God’s handwriting.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Amour,
Sandra
Beauty hath strange power. “ ~ John Milton
Breathtaking photos, Sandra! Just soaking in moments of ordinary beauty can make daily walks extraordinary, and it is one reason I love getting out as many days as I am able.
Happy New Year. Thank you for sharing the beauty.
Thanks so much, Rita. Keep walking and enjoying. Happy New Year to you as well.
Sandra, I always find beauty when I visit with you. From the stunning images to the inspiring quotes, you share beauty in our world. I look forward to each one of your posts my friend. Happy three years of blogging, you are a delight and a constant source of loveliness!
Dear Pam, thank you so much for your kind words. Meeting you has been one of my joys of blogging. You are a treasure and such a source of inspiration. Blessings to you and yours in the New Year.❤
The description of your blog is so spot on and it lives up to the hopes and aspirations you have had for it. Since I’m new to you this year, I found it especially interesting. I always appreciate your language, choice of quotes, and of course the beautiful images you choose. Bravo — I’m so glad to have found you last year and look forward to much joy in my 2020 visits!
Ah, Jeanie, many thanks. I appreciate you more than you can imagine. I, too, am happy to have found you. Your blog is always so happy and is a joy to visit. I especially love all the traveling you do and it is treat for me to read and enjoy. Happy 2020, Jeanie ! ❤
SO beautiful. I enjoy your posts so much.
Thanks, Penny. Wishing you a beautiful day!
There is so much beauty to be seen. You have posted stunning views that touch the heart, mind and soul that leave miracles of joy. The peace overrides the stress and the accompaniment is wonderful inspirations to the soul. Thank you for being the creative person you are and that I and many others can accept these gifts.
Dear Jerry, my goodness I do thank you for your lovely words. And, your visit. I sincerely believe in our world today, peace is needed by all of us. I do hope you will continue to follow along. It was wonderful to meet you. Many blessings, my friend.❤
Sandra … I have a friend who always says “identities meet.” This is real.
In my long journey through life I have found people very similar to my way of being and thinking. You are one of them, as well as our common friend Pam, who was a happy find at an important time in my life.
Everything you show is, in addition to beautiful, very interesting: wonderful quotes, beautiful photos … everything, everything is beautiful because you create beautiful things … and you show them with love.
From a distance, I can appreciate your beautiful soul.
I wish you all the best for this year that is beginning and I have taken the firm intention of devoting more time to my blogs that I had recently abandoned and that I will communicate when there is a publication.
A hug
Dear Dolores, I apologize for being late responding to your beautiful comment. I had a list of appointments yesterday and when I arrived home I was too tired to even think.
What your friend said about, “identities meet,” is certainly true. I feel that about you and I am grateful you think that of me. Our friendship may be virtual but it is real. I thank you more than you realize for your thoughtful and kind words. Also for your encouragement.
I am happy you decided to devote time to your blogs, I will be excited and happy to read them. And I look forward to it also. I loved so your post about peonies. I also subscribed to receive your post, hopefully it went through. But please let me know when you post, so that I don’t miss them.
My friend, I wish you a most beautiful and happy new year, full of unexpected blessings. ❤
Sandra, So much of the news is all bad and depressing. Your blog is a solace that comforts and has that sense of awe and wonder. You find beautiful photos and quotes that uplift and inspire.
Bonnie, I am happy you enjoy what my blog offers. I strive for it to be just what you described. I, too, feel our world is upside down and we need to focus on the beauty of what God provides for us daily. Blessings to you, my friend. Know I am grateful for your friendship. ❤
Sandra, I always find peace and beauty when I visit your beautiful blog. Winter is one of my least favorite seasons, but last year you inspired me to look at it differently and to see the beauty that surrounds it. I found that I enjoyed the winter season more than I had in a long time. Thank you for always inspiring us. I hope your week is full of blessings and lots of joy, sweet friend!!!
Dear Shannon, thank you so much for your kind comments. Beauty does inspire us and is so important for us to see. I believe, my friend, that is one of our purposes in life – to inspire others and lift them up. You do that with each and every post on your beautiful blog and for the lovely things, you always say. Wishing you a wonderful week full of joy.❤
Amazing pictures and quotes! Thank you for sharing and Happy New Year!
Thank you Maristella and a most Happy and Healthy New Year to you as well!
Beautiful photos, Sandra. I do like the first quote you share by Gabriela Mistral: “Beauty is the shadow of God on the universe”. I do believe that to be true. Everything you share in your post is lovely, just lovely. Thank you! xox
Brenda, thank you so much. Wishing you a week full of beauty at your every turn.❤