Sunday Thoughts – “Once Upon A Dream”

Sandra
“I feel as if I had opened a book and found roses of yesterday, sweet and fragrant, between its leaves.” ~ Lucy Maud Montgomery
Happy Sunday morning, everyone.  I do hope this finds you well and enjoying signs of the arrival of a gorgeous and beautiful spring.  Yes, I continue to do a bit of dreaming about the magnificent beauty that we will see soon, very soon.  Our King Alfred daffodils have just opened.  They are such a lovely sight as are the peonies slowly peeking through the soil beginning their journey upward.  So, I do rather feel as though, “I have just opened a lovely book and found sweet things of yesterday.”
However, there are many dreams of yesterday in which beauty abounds.  And, this post is about a few of the enchanting and fairy tale wonders of the world. I hope you will enjoy them as much as I do.
“Once upon a time, I thought faeries lived only in books, old folktales, and the past. That was before they burst upon my life as vibrant, luminous beings, permeating my art and my everyday existence, causing glorious havoc.” ~ Brian Froud

A Château somewhere in France.

I have had this photo for years and may have used it in a past post.  However, when I originally found it, I almost cried it was so beautiful.  The only information about the photo was, ‘a Château somewhere in France.’  Indeed, I was disappointed, something so lovely and enchanting certainly must have a  beautiful name.  Each time I look at the photo, I am transported to another era: Imagining hidden gardens with fairies scampering about, ladies taking tea, beautiful weddings, and the breathtaking beauty of the château.  

This photo is of spring at Hawarden Castle in Hawarden, Flintshire, Wales. It is the estate of former British Prime Minister, William Gladstone and was in his wife’s family.  Her name was Catherine Glynne.  The castle was built in the mid-18th century and is certainly a beauty of the world.  Can’t you just imagine the gardens?  I know they would be a fascinating experience.

undefined Château de la Motte-Husson, completed in 1874.

This is my latest discovery, Château de la Motte-Husson.  Located in the small market town of Martigné-sur-Mayenne, in the Mayenne département of France.   This majestic château is being brought back to life by the fairy tale love and vision of two special people, Dick and Angel Strawbridge.   

I watch little television, however, one night I was looking for anything which may be interesting and I found, “Escape to the Château.”  Of course, that caught my attention.  The series is about the renovation of this grand château as a home for the Strawbridge’s, plus opening this gorgeous home as a venue for guests looking to be pampered and spoiled, and for weddings.  The Strawbridge’s are both charming, entertaining, and talented people with two beautiful children.  It is a delightful show if you enjoy such things.

“Beauty matters. It is not just a subjective thing but a universal need of human beings. If we ignore this need we find ourselves in a spiritual desert.” ~ Roger Scruton

I believe people are basically good and want their lives to be like a fairy tale.  There are so many things in this world that are exquisitely beautiful, they seem as though they belong in a fairytale.  Nature has them at every turn, from a beautiful swan to a glorious blue sky on a spring day ~ magnificent beauty. 
From time-to-time, we all fall off our path, and beauty helps us to pause, reflect, say a prayer and move ahead.  If only we would pay attention to what is around and in front of us, it may keep us stay away from a “spiritual desert.”    
You see, I know beauty creates fairy tales.  It may not be a château but simply, our own wonderful castle filled with dreams, special only to us.    

Dear friends, I thank you so much for your visit and perhaps, you will leave feeling as though you have “opened a lovely book and found sweet things of yesterday.”  

Wishing you and yours a beautiful day. 

And. . .

Enjoy creating your own magical fairy tale.  Stay well!

 

syflove: “pansies ”

 

 

“Beauty surrounds us.” ~ Rumi

Amour, 

Sandra

 

 

 

Notes: Images:  via tumblr

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16 thoughts on “Sunday Thoughts – “Once Upon A Dream””

  1. Good morning, Sandra. The images you have chosen, the quotes, and your sentiments all combine for a beautiful post! I love the Lucy Maud Montgomery opening quote. Wishing you a most wonderful Sunday and week ahead!

    1. Many thanks, Pam. Wishing you a lovely day as well. It is a beautiful day here this morning. Hope it is for you too.

  3. I am watching that show! They are doing a wonderful job restoring their home. They are quirky and talented. I love the walled garden they have created too.

    1. It is a great show. I, too, love the walled garden. They are creating and saving something beautiful.

  4. I believe in fairy tales and that we make our own. Sometimes, as you say, falling off the path, but still — if we are wise — finding our way back on. I adore the daffodils and anticipate a daffodil post when yours arise. And I muss catch Escape to the Chateau. Oh, it’s all so beautiful. I find a lovely haven here for each week. It is my church, my start, my tranquil place. Thank you for that.

    1. Good morning, Jeanie. I, too, believe we create our own fairy tales. Mike cut a huge bouquet of our King Alfred daffodils yesterday. They are so bold and beautiful, they look as though they should be in a fairy tale. I think you would enjoy Escape to the Chateau. Here it is on HGTV on Saturday, sometimes Sunday evening. I think you would enjoy them. Thank you, Jeanie, for your lovely comments. I am happy my blog is a peaceful start to your day. Have a wonderful day and week ahead.

  5. Beautiful post, Sandra. I would love to see your bouquet of daffodils. I know it is beautiful. I want to investigate watching the program you suggested. We made a switch from cable TV to Utube TV and we don’t get HGTV anymore I don’t think.
    Spring is here in south Alabama. It has been a glorious week of beautiful weather and my grandchildren were here so I have had a good week. The azaleas are about to open and one already has. I have quite a few colors. Soon my bridal wreath will open. My hydrangeas are budding out. I can’t stay inside.
    Have a blessed week.

    1. Good morning, Bonnie. How wonderful that you had your grandchildren for a week. I know you treasured every moment with them.
      It is hard to believe you are about to see your azaleas in bloom. They are so pretty. In Virginia, the Norfolk Botanical Gardens surrounded the airport. It was such a treat to fly into Norfolk in May when they were blooming, such a glorious sight. Do take photos of your Bridal Wreath, I love it and it was my mom’s favorite. With such beauty happening in your garden, I know you can’t stay inside.
      Wishing you a lovely week, enjoy the days.
      ps. I posted a photo of our King Alfred’s on Facebook if you want to see them.

  6. Good morning, Sandra! Such beautiful quotes and sentiments for this day. I love how everything is starting to wake up from it’s winter’s nap. I can’t wait for spring to arrive! I hope you have a most lovely and blessed day, sweet friend!

    1. Good morning, Shannon. We have a pretty day here today with signs of spring at every turn. It is still quite chilly, but warmer than a few weeks ago. Wishing you lovely spring days, dear Shannon

  7. One of my long-held and unlikely dreams is to have the run of a chateau in France for a few days. I’d love to poke into all the hidden corners from the attics to the wine cellars, exploring and dreaming. Then to climb to the top of the chateau and look out over the countryside, as in your photo, and while away a few hours just soaking in all the beauty.
    I have watched some episodes of Escape to the Chateau. What a brave couple. Have you seen any of the youtube videos of The Chateau Diaries? Another such show, not on television, but very charming. I’ve watched a few episodes.
    Have a most beauty-filled week.

    1. Hello, Lorrie. I so agree with you, to “have the run of a chateau in France” would be fabulous. I can’t imagine, but I know I would adore every moment. I have not watched any of the Chateau Diaries, but I will certainly look into it. Thank you for telling me.
      wishing you a lovely week as well. We are having warmer temperatures and more and more things are peeking through the soil. I thought of you this morning when I went out and my tête-à-tête’s greeted me all in bloom.

  8. Sandra, I can understand how that picture moved you to tears. The colors in the picture are some of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen and make one believe that peace is found there. I love the shape of the Chateau de la Motte-Husson–a long name for a home of such cozy lines. Beauty certainly does help create a fairy tale. For years I’ve held a sentence in my heart that dear Tara Dillard writes: “Make a fairy tale and go live in it.” And why not, for goodness’ sake!

    1. Good morning, Dewena. I love Tara Dillard’s words. We all make our own fairy tale’s in our own chateau’s. It is such a lovely thought, especially in our crazy world. I really don’t have my head in the sand, but beauty, beautiful thoughts, and words keep me going forward.

      Dewena, thank you for your visit and kind words. Enjoy your day, hope you are under blue skies.

Comments are closed.