Today in the heart of Champagne country, my friend Gabrielle showed me a secret garden, lit with fairy lights.
We admired a landscaped maze and bright yellow Chinese porcelain ...
...and marveled at a hidden grotto, resplendent with a coral and shell chandelier. A blue mercury glass gazing ball punctuated the strong statement.
Ordinary cords of wood became extraordinary, when interspersed with seasonal pumpkins.
Behind these doors, beckoned a trove of treasures...
...softened by the patina of time.
Check back later for more photos from one enchanted day.
Meanwhile, take a look at Bob Geiger's compilation of political cartoons. I especially like Mike Luckovich's depiction of a turkey talking to a Pilgrim (about Sarah Palin).
On a serious note, thank goodness Hillary Clinton and Patty Murray are fighting this latest outrage from the Bush administration.
And a very Happy Thanksgiving to you, Robin! Yes, lots of photos coming up. No, nothing yet with the macro lens. No time.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 27 November 2008 at 10:06
i cold have clapped my hands in delight when i saw the first two photos on this post! oh little twinkle lights and what a gracefully constructed maze! i've been watching the weather in paris so i know it is not as feeling as it is looking. i saw on another post that you have some photos for after thanksgiving to share...anything coming up soon with that new macro lens?
happy thanksgiving dear tara!
xo
Posted by: Robin Laws | 27 November 2008 at 04:14
Anna, you would love this place - so many quirky delights and hidden treasures. Maybe next trip you can visit!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 26 November 2008 at 17:58
Jeanie, it was lovely but bitterly cold! Still it was nice to see the sunshine, as Paris has been grey and gloomy for weeks.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 26 November 2008 at 17:57
What a collection of treasures -- the garden is really a magical place! How fortunate you were to visit!
Posted by: jeanie | 25 November 2008 at 22:47
Amy, you're so right about religion vs. science. Thanks for your insightful comments during (and since) the election.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 25 November 2008 at 21:15
Thanks, Gemma. The grotto is very special. I'll be posting more shots of it soon.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 21:05
Yes, they need a talented gardener to maintain something that lovely!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 21:04
Not only the door - the house is rather spectacular! The family who lives there have done a spectacular job restoring the house to its original grand state. It's gorgeous.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 21:04
I'm going to try it too. Our front door is so thick and hard, there's no way we could ever get a nail through it.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 21:03
My pleasure!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 21:02
Chris, that's Pere Lachaise and yes, you must go there and photograph all the beautiful monuments and moody scenes. There's been plenty of fog and greyness in Paris lately.
As for Bush, we're all counting the days until he can't do any more damage.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 21:02
It was the first time I visited Champagne without actually indulging in Champagne. Looking forward to hearing your stories someday.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 21:00
Thank you, dear Yoli, for the lovely compliment.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 21:00
I love the idea of the chandelier being in a mermaid's boudoir! Perfect!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 20:59
I know! Can't wait to see the back of him!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 20:59
Thanks, Mary. If it were up to me, that bird would be going to Deyrolle, the famous store in Paris that was destroyed by fire two years ago. They're reopening and many people have donated specimens they have collected and even some that were originally purchased from Deyrolle.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 20:55
Constance, glad the Mary Janes worked for you. Yes, the French are the best at creativity and whimsy when it comes to design. I find a lot of inspiration living in France.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 20:54
Sadly, no time for champagne! I think it's my first trip to Champagne in which champagne was not actually consumed. But no doubt we'll make up for it on Thanksgiving! :)
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 20:53
I certainly agree about the women's reproductive rights issue. Thanks for your insightful comments, Brenda.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 20:52
Thank you, Maia. I didn't have enough time to explore as I would have liked, but it's good to know I can make a return visit.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 25 November 2008 at 20:51
Just when I think there could not possibly be more beauty in your blog, you show us the secret garden. WOW.
Posted by: Yoli | 25 November 2008 at 18:44
What a fun field trip. The maze and the yellow porcelain are very intriguing.
Posted by: tangobaby | 24 November 2008 at 18:18
Enchanted, yes! another subject for the chat list: my travels through Champagne were mostly gastronomic, back in my food writing days...complete with the Prince de Polignac!!
Posted by: Colette | 24 November 2008 at 16:58
Tara I am filled with excitement looking at your images of this magical place..a place I'd lOvE to visit in person!
Love the artwork in the pile of wood!Love the line of empty rusted urns!
thank you for sharing! I look forward to MORE!!! Merci aNNa
Posted by: naturegirl | 24 November 2008 at 16:13
Beautiful photos, Tara! That chandelier is worthy of a mermaid's boudoir. It all looks so enchanting - thank you for sharing the enchantment with us!~xo
Posted by: tinker | 24 November 2008 at 09:02
so enchanting..can't wait to see and hear more!
Like your new format here AND you man, can the guy just quit NOW please!!
Posted by: stephanie | 24 November 2008 at 04:03
Aren't these so pretty! Oh, is there no place that has such variety, so a great conspiracy of nature and human achievement, as Paris? I swear, next time I get there I am going to the famous cemetery... what's the name? In any case, this morning we had fog (!) in So. Cal. and I thought of Paris. Why? I don't know. Maybe the mysteries...
On another note, that Bush maneuver... He and his cohort are apparently so used to doing what they will that they think we are too stupid to see through semantics and trickery. I continue to struggle with a lack of hope, but more every day I am winning hope back.
Posted by: Chris | 24 November 2008 at 01:48
Lovely, just lovely.
Posted by: My Melange | 24 November 2008 at 00:03
Wow I can't wait to see more of this. How lovely to just nip down to Champagne.
Posted by: Di Overton | 23 November 2008 at 21:55
How very lucky we are to share these enchanted days with you.
Posted by: Donna | 23 November 2008 at 20:50
oh Tara! Enchanting! I especially love the ribbon use by the front door:) ahhh yes...Please keep the religious conservative right wing away from medicine. I think about the young girl in the news a few months ago who was in need of a medical procedure to save her life, Her own parents refused it for her in favor of prayer and that God would heal her if it were meant to be...she died in her own home while her parents watched it happen. These types scare the heck out of me. I don't want them or their warped views anywhere near our science & medical advancements. Abortion needs to stay safe and legal. If you're against them, Don't have one!
Posted by: Amy {berriehead} | 23 November 2008 at 17:26
What a wonderful garden! Thanks for sharing these lovely impressions!
Posted by: stadtgarten | 23 November 2008 at 12:35
I love all the photos, and the idea that fairies live there.
Posted by: diane | 23 November 2008 at 08:39
Ohhhh how I love French creativity!
What joy to find a little surprise and a whimsical wink like the perfectly placed pumpkins amongst the stacks of wood! Making a perfect work of art out of everyday objects!! Bravo. That first shot is amazing too of the ivy and the bare trees.
Dear Tara,
I took my new MJ's on an outing. They make me VERY happy! You make me happy too!
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 23 November 2008 at 03:12
I love how those wreaths are hung! I may have to try that myself.
Posted by: elizabeth | 23 November 2008 at 02:36
Beautiful (sigh) Hopefully champagne was also involved!
Posted by: Kay | 23 November 2008 at 02:07
I So want that pumpkin! Now that is how pumpkins, should look! The mazes are so wonderful! I have to pick a favorite and tell you,those blue doors with the wreaths, is one of my favorite pictures, you have taken.
Uhem.. that bird, is real! lol
Posted by: Christina | 22 November 2008 at 22:58
I too am enchanted, Tara! I wouldn't be surprised, sadly enough, if Bush showed up somewhere in drag. That's how low I think these religious, ignorant people are, who just happen to run the country. MEN SHOULD NOT GET A VOTE WHATSOEVER WHEN IT COMES TO A WOMAN'S RIGHTS OVER HER OWN BODY!!! Dammit!
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | 22 November 2008 at 22:35
How very lovely it all is. Thanks for the tour. What would you do with the bird???????
Posted by: Mary T. | 22 November 2008 at 22:23
Enchanted indeed! All the elements of a good, gothic fairy tale!
Posted by: Maia | 22 November 2008 at 21:50
Hey, I will take a look at those links in a minute!
Your photos are great. What a nice garden. I love gardens like that. They remind me of something the royals would keep, like Highgrove. So manicured, perfect.
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 22 November 2008 at 21:34
I too would be enchanted with all these sights! Wonderful how a fantasy world of the mind can be made a reality for others to enjoy and share! I think the grottowith the coral and shell chandelier would hold me entranced for quite awhiles! Beautiful shots!
Posted by: Gemma | 22 November 2008 at 21:28