"There Will Be ...

... 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.

Comments

[Jennifer]

Diane,I'd heard that piece but never saw the video! I love it! Reminds me of Josh Groban's beautiful vid Per Te ... Yo-Yo Ma certainly is a gifted performer. And I'll bet you'd take to the Tango like a duck to water, Diane ...'cause you're already so pretty and graceful.

[Peter McCartney]

Hi! Sorry if I'm a bit shaky with this comment, but I've just added decaf diet coke to my decaf coffee diet!

There is something about your words that makes me want to comment. The elegant way you have described this guest house, and with such warmth and longing to belong, tells me that you are indeed a great writer. It also makes me want to buy that house as well, If only!

Take Care - Peter

[JD at I Do Things]

Oops! I think I left my comment for this post in the previous post. Well, ditto that.

[Jennifer]

@ Peter ... I understand the decaf part! Be careful there! And thank you for stopping by to read, and for your very kind words! Please come again.

@ JD ... No worries, luv. It's all good.