"There Will Be ...
Tuesday, July 15, 2008 at 04:44PM ... wonderful surprises." ~ What's Eating Gilbert Grape by Peter Hedges
At the confluence of unique vision and dogged determination there is usually impressive achievement. Add to that uncommon creativity, indefatigable optimism, a stellar work ethic, a desire to help mankind, and the most successful capitalistic society that has ever been devised, and the result can be a signal mix of great wealth and its many manifestations.
Translation: What a country! God bless America.
Happily, another corollary when these varied traits and factors meld is often exceptional hospitality, kindness, and generosity.
Allow me to elaborate. Although I like to think I am not without a soupçon of personal mystique, mystery itself has never been my strong suit. (And if you want to know what soup cans have to do with it, you shall have to continue reading anyway.)
I often say, if he and I were mood lighting he'd choose to be an overhead fluorescent tube and I would want to be a dainty 40-watt bent-tip decorative bulb.
Many years ago TG and I and the kids lived in another state. No, not the state of confusion! That's where we live now. I will thank you not to snicker.
One day in the early '90s when we lived in that (other) state, I was a passenger in the automobile of an acquaintance. We were traveling on a road about ten miles from my home. At one point I was advised to look over at something, and I did, and what met my eyes was a sight I will never forget. It was a house that was in the process of being built, and even in that nascent stage its mammoth size was clearly destined to be rivaled only by its stately beauty. I stared for a second or two before my companion said: "Oh, you're looking at the guest house. There's the main house." I was directed to look some distance away from the spot where my eyes had been trained, and there was -- also under construction -- another house.
To quote the insanely cute pirate ... A better one!
A mansion in the making, as it were. A sublime and magnificent residence that would someday effortlessly hold its own beside the loveliest and most palatial estates in America.
Its maker and owner is a man who for the past thirty-five years has been a pioneer of innovation, industry, and education.
Last weekend, owing to a set of circumstances that are interesting (to me at least) if not particularly unusual, TG and I were invited by this man and his darling wife to stay at the guest house I gawked at from the road so many years ago. To say it was a treat to occupy that grand space for a span of forty-eight hours would be an understatement, and if you've been paying attention you know it is unlike me to indulge in understatement, so I won't say that.
But it was a marvelous experience and one that, like my first glimpse of the guest house fifteen years ago, I will never forget.
It has been said that the devil is in the details, but I maintain it is God Who dwells there. And everywhere one looked in this fabulous place, there were incredibly satisfying details. Craftsmanship, art, design, technology, nature, time-honored traditions ... all were on display in staggering measure. I didn't have time to tire of feasting my eyes upon it all.
I learned a few things this weekend and was reminded of some I already knew, to wit:
There is something about the way buttery light falls on furnishings, finishes, fabrics, and objets d'art that you did not choose and for which you are not personally responsible, that makes the privilege of examining them at your leisure, doubly pleasing.
There is something about the warm sunbeams and the cool breezes caressing expanses of land and water that have been painstakingly developed and lovingly manicured and are so freely shared with you, that is as enchanting as it is rejuvenating.
There is something about floodlit grand classic architecture and splashing fountains and majestic gates and the thoughtfully-planned paths winding gracefully around them all, that elevates the senses by being both refreshing and thought-provoking.
There is something about the unselfish provision of verdant sanctuary for both wildlife and treasured domesticated animals that is a joy to behold and, however briefly, to be a part of.
There is something about the appearance of the eternal sky with its many moods and whims viewed through hundreds of spotless panes of glass facing west, that is at once breathtaking and calming.
Twice it rained and, as I love rain, the drops were like a benison on our short time there. (TG thinks I'm crazy for loving rain like I do ... it cannot get glaringly sunny enough for him ... I often say, if he and I were mood lighting he'd choose to be an overhead fluorescent tube and I would want to be a dainty 40-watt bent-tip decorative bulb wearing a frilly shade ... and no, I don't mean he's bright and I'm dim ... good grief ... but he's not writing this so who cares?)
At any rate the weather patterns were part and parcel of the delight I felt throughout the weekend.
I realize it was a touristy thing to do and perhaps a bit gauche, but you know me: I took lots of pictures. At least I wasn't wearing a confederate flag teeshirt and a fanny pack, y'all! But since we were after all staying in the guest house of a private residence, out of respect for the family I cropped many of the photos to include specific details rather than the buildings and rooms they are actually a part of.
To augment their beauty, I set the images to music. I apologize for the way the song cuts out at the end; I tried several times but couldn't get it to do right. That's the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma playing the music of Ennio Morricone.
I hope you enjoy.
Reader Comments (29)
Looks like a wonderful place! I enjoyed the Columbia pictures as well. Haven't ever seen such a big fire hydrant nor those chains.
Wow, that was really beautiful. I loved all of those pictures and the music went so well with all of them. It really is a magnificent place. I enjoyed its opulence, it has such a mystery to it.
A stunningly beautiful house indeed - and peaceful by the look of it, too! How generous of him to invite people to stay and share all that! And the detail is just gorgeous!
@ Lyn ... drive down and have lunch with me and we'll cruise by them thangs! It's about time we had an old-fashioned chinwag.
@ Audrey ... as always you were part of the beauty, luv!
@ Jay ... oh, it was so peaceful! It seeped into the pores. I had such a good time. Captain Jack looked mighty fine on the giant-screen TV too, heh heh!
It is getting a bit overwhelming to me how much you and I are truly alike. I love YoYo...his music makes me want to cry those deep cleansing cries in my soul. The cry that lets you really emote ! In looking at your pictures I had several thoughts...one is that though I will never own the type of home or furnishings you experienced there, I am glad they exists...no sour grapes here because to see them and watch the way nature agrees with them in the sunlight and shadows is truly a gift to us. I shudder when I think that it is only a small reflection of what the Father has in store for us when we get to our Heavenly abode. I also thought that adding your children into the mix was genius as there is no greater beauty or object of awe for me than the faces of my children and grands. The other thought I had was that times like you had at the fab house are times that we see why God created us... all of that beauty ( and that of the world created) has to be shared ! To keep this to oneself would be sad to those of us who missed it but also for the owner as his creation would never be seen or appreciated. By the way, I love the rain as well !!!! Will it end? Dixie
I'm glad you had such a rich, bounteous, and aesthetic time. It looks incredible.
@ Dixie ... girl it is such a shame that over the years we've had so precious little time together! But I'm thankful for Jim's and TG's friendship and that is has allowed us to be friends too. I had almost the exact same thoughts you did regarding how beautiful Heaven must be, and the reason our Lord specifically said "In my father's house are many mansions ..." because we are made in His image and our response to this grandeur was planned by a loving Father. The owners of this lovely place are truly kind and magnanimous, and so refreshingly down-to-earth. They have been a great blessing to our family.
Oh and, Yo-Yo Ma sends me right over the moon too. Like you, his playing makes me want to cry. Do you have his album Yo-Yo Ma Plays Ennio Morricone? If not you must get it! They have it at Barnes & Noble!
Our kids really are something, aren't they? God is so good. We need to get together soon, luvvy!
@ Ruth ... it was indeed such a time, and it was a precious gift! I'll treasure the memories.
Sounds a lot like my place.
Only without the opulence...and the fine art...and whole and complete furniture. Oh and the fountains and gates.
Come on up for a visit sometime. You'll be staying in the barn. But the cows will keep you warm.
Don, is there cable in the barn? Oh, and I'll need a microwave and fridge, and a place to plug in my makeup mirror! I love moo cows!
I'm glad you had such a refreshing time. There's definitely something to be said for gracious living! I loved when you said God is in the details - Amen! The devil can't create, only mimic and mock. But God!!! What beauty HE creates! I love rain too, by the way, and lately we're getting lashings of it!
Glad you enjoyed our knick of the woods! Javie is such a cutie :)
@ Rosezilla ... AMEN indeed! So true what you say. Enjoy your lashings!
@ Madison ... we sure did and it was good to see you hunny! Glad you didn't fall out of the golf cart when Andrew was driving like a maniac! LOL! And Javier got such a big kick out of gamboling about the grounds. He was a hoot and a half when we took our walks.
I know I have mentioned this in a comment before, but you are a VERY talented writer. I've got to ask: What is your writing background?
Ah Kev, a man after my own heart! I have no writing background to speak of except what I've gained in the last year or so when I've made it a priority to blog, write, and submit steadily. I just love to write; that's the only credential I possess. But thank you humbly for your great compliment, which means so much to me. You are a very talented writer yourself!
How beautiful and the gorgeous music added just the right touch.
Thanks LL! Glad you enjoyed it.
As always, I felt like I was there myself when reading your writing!! Love it.
I must check out this Yo Yo Ma person, apparently his music has quite the credibility, if your previous commenters are any indication of his talent!
By the way...picturing you wearing a confederate flag made me giggle.;)
Aw, thanks Angi! You won't regret buying an album by Yo-Yo Ma. He is considered by many to be the world's greatest living cellist. He is truly remarkable. A great artist! He plays a cello built in 1733 and nicknamed Petunia.
And yes, style icon that I am, confederate flags and fanny packs (you can't wear one without the other) are unfortunately not an option!
Captain Jack always does look fine on the big screen. The bigger the better, I always say!
I left something for you on my blog today. :)
Jay, size certainly does matter! Trotting over to your blog to see what you left for me!
How gorgeously magnificent! It's amazing that you stayed in the very place you admired from afar fifteen years prior. Isn't it wondrous how things work? What a wonderful picture show set to delightful music!
Thanks Keli ... it is indeed wondrous! I still can't get over it!
Loved the piece and the photos! Your writing is as charming as your weekend guest house. Also enjoyed the pix of your lovely city...
Thanks for reading, Mary Margaret!
Sounds like you had a wonderful time staying in that beautiful home. And you did a fantastic job with the video and music! I love Yo Yo Ma. Have you seen him play that wonderful tango music - 'Libertango'?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rj6rCbUcnxc
I must learn to tango....