I decided to take a few days off to enjoy our beautiful spring here in Texas. A dear friend of Jack’s and mine, Angel Ann, joined me. But I wasn’t goofing off entirely, took lots of photos. Everywhere I looked filled my heart with ideas for new paintings.
Tyler, a small town in the eastern part of our state holds an annual festival to celebrate the Azaleas that bloom in abundance there. Gardens were dotted with Southern belles, we felt like we were back in the days of Scarlett O’Hara in “Gone With the Wind”.
Ann had visited Tyler last year on March 11. This is one of her pictures of the Azaleas in full bloom, the color was amazing.
This year spring is springing a bit later, we never know God’s time table. Here is the same Wisteria pergola you saw in the previous picture. Azaleas are heavy with buds but no colorful blooms yet. Give them a couple more weeks and their brilliance will be awesome. But we didn’t mind at all, the gardens were still beautiful.
One of the owners in this particular neighborhood allowed the public to tour their private garden. What a joy. Ann and I fell in love with their quaint greenhouse.
Oh my, it was filled with Orchids from all over the world! What a treat for us, we both really appreciate all of the tender loving care it takes to nurture these exotic blooms.
A soothing fountain bubbles serenely in front of the greenhouse.
I couldn’t resist this unusual planter and grouping of plants.
We had to laugh at the cute little puppy in this sculpture. You may have to enlarge the picture to see him in the basket. Just Click on the image. What a fun garden piece!
And wouldn’t it be fun to have a dinner party on the terraces under the umbrellas?
Another beautiful Southern Belle gracing the garden! I can’t even imagine trying to wear one of those hoop dresses. But in talking with her we found this is a girl after my own heart, she was wearing tennis shoes under that fancy dress! It was such a delight to tour the beautiful gardens in Tyler. It didn’t matter that the Azalea Blossoms were late to the party. We had a fabulous time anyway! So that’s what I’ve been up to the last few days. Will be starting another painting in our next session. Hope you’ll come follow along. With Colorful Smiles and Hugs,
Mikki Senkarik 
March 20, 2018 at 8:13 AM |
Thank you for sharing these gorgeous photos, and so glad you got to see such beauty in person. I can just imagine all the new ideas you have for upcoming paintings! God bless you!
March 20, 2018 at 11:14 AM |
Thank you Mikki for taking me along on your wonderful trip. Here in Panama City Fl we also have an Azalea Trail with the ladies dressed in beautiful old fashion gowns. We were blessed to have a decent Spring with lots of sunshine so the flowers and trees are all putting on a show. I look forward to seeing your new paintings from all you saw on your trip. I know they will be inspiring. May God Bless
March 20, 2018 at 9:51 PM |
If anyone has a ticket to goof off it’s you! Just do it! Love you, Phyllis