Being the optimist and romantic that I am, I like to think that everday is Valentine’s (as I cheekily tell my husband). But February 14th is also such a happy occasion around which to post a blog, acknowledging all the “cupids” (friends) that warm our lives. And images, in all shades of red, that celebrate romance, beauty, love, creativity, and vision….from simple to smashingly elegant! No surprise, many of these images I photographed in Paris were inspired by this “City of Love.”
From the gardens at Parterre, a basket of roses, a flower so associated with love.
Rouge, mais oui!
A Valentine statement, if ever there was one…fuchsia red orchids stretching to the gold leafed ceiling.
Rodin’s “The Thinker” contemplating the rose garden at his museum in Paris.
At the Dior Museum, lining the stairwell of the three-story-high spiral staircase, 1,874 iconic brand objects summarize the entire universe of the grand couture house’s dresses, gowns, accessories, and perfume bottles… some miniaturized and others life-size… representing over 1,400 objects created by 3D printing.
Sculpture in the Tuileries Gardens.
Dahlias from the garden.
Hotel Plaza Athenee.
And how can we not mention marriage?? From Paris…a floral strewn stairwell moments before the bride descended…
to Newport, with bridesmaids in all shades of red, in the garden at Parterre for a “preamble to the wedding” prior to making their way next door to Rosecliff
…for the ceremony on the back lawn overlooking the water followed by a reception in the romantic ballroom.
Happiest of Valentines to you, my lovely/handsome readers…what are your favorite heartfelt visions?
This is a fabulous presentation, Bettie. You never disappoint your readers with your creativity.
It’s almost as good as being in Paris.
Merci, this one came about in a dream…which is another word for the Dior exhibit. Magnifique!!.B
What a beautiful post! This reaffirms my faith in love. It seems like I’ve been searching for a lifetime and waiting for my special love to arrive in my life. Perhaps now it will happen. Happy Valentine’s Day to everyone. May all your dreams come true.
One never knows what Cupid has in store for us; I heard a beautiful love story just today! xB
Keith, I erased my original reply to you to forward this from another follower in this comment chain:
AND MENTION TO KEITH … AS MOI, A 77 YEAR OLD, WHOSE SPOUSE, SHELDON, HAVE SHARED 47 YEARS … THUS FAR; IT’S NOT HOW LONG ONE WAITS, IT’S THE JOY OF THE QUALITY OF TIME SPENT TOGETHER.
BUT REMEMBER, EVEN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RED ROSE MAY HAVE A FEW …
HIDDEN THORNS.
Absolutely stunning, Bettie! Thank you!
As were your images from your fabulous trip, thanks for sharing with me! Happy V Day, xB
The fuchsia orchids – oh my! Beyond stunning, all your photos are gorgeous – you always have at least one that grabs my attention, thank you for sharing the love & beauty.
Thank you, Tyna, where would we be without love and beauty?! Happy V Day to you and yours, xB
My husband’s heart is my favorite heartfelt vision on Valentine’s Day.
Awww, how beautiful..and touching. That could fit my husband also. Aren’t we lucky…xB
There’s nothing quite like “seeing red” through your lens, Bettie! What a cheerful, happy, ebullient post- Happy Valentines Day to you and Jon.
Ebullient is the word I was looking for! Thank you, Tall R, and Happy Valentines to one of my special “cupid friends”. xB
LOVELY LADY,
ONES FIRST PIANO LEARNED SONG: ‘HEART & SOUL’ (I FELL IN LOVE WITH YOU) –
IS THE BEST EXAMPLE OF WHAT – VALENTINES DAY- IS ALL ABOUT.
WITH YOUR EXCEPTIONALLY SPECIAL GIFT OF VISION AND SHARING, YOU MORE THAN ANY ‘HALLMARK CARD’ … BRING MEANING TO BEAUTY.
… AND MENTION TO KEITH … AS MOI, A 77 YEAR OLD, WHOSE SPOUSE, SHELDON, HAVE SHARED 47 YEARS … THUS FAR; IT’S NOT HOW LONG ONE WAITS, IT’S THE JOY OF THE QUALITY OF TIME SPENT TOGETHER.
BUT REMEMBER, EVEN THE MOST BEAUTIFUL RED ROSE MAY HAVE A FEW …
HIDDEN THORNS.
Oh what a compliment, Tom…I beat Hallmark! And Heart and Soul is one of my fave songs, too.
I’m going to try and send yoour note along to Keith. Happy Valentines!! (your so right about roses…) xB
Beautiful photos of Valentine’s love and beauty! Thanks for sharing.
Hope it will add a bit to your lDay! xB
I L*O*V*E this SO MUCH!!! How do YOU CAPTURE SUCH beauty..must be that romantic side you speak of… Never have I felt more “in love” and my hubs and I have 53 years…does make the world beautiful. franki
Lovely post as dahlias are my favorite. On Valentine Day my favorite to read is Captain Wentworth’s poem to his love. Persuasion is the book.
I so love to read your posts! They are beautifully created and well thought out. I am about ready to buy property and take much of my inspiration from your posts. We have a pond and stream and a forested place to build our dream house. Like you, we never thought we would build, but after watching your posts we are taking the plunge. We are calling it Peeksglen, after my dad, Glenn Peek:-) Warmly, K
Oh Karen, I am so excited for you…and thrilled to be any part of this decision. Your property sounds truly dreamy, and that nod to your father will assure that blessings will flow your way. Enjoy every scrumptious moment!!!! xB
Absolutely breathtakingly spiffing Bettie. The colours and photography are simply gorgeous.
Your husband is a very, very lucky man. Thank you, thank you!
Your first line just brought a big smile to my face. THank you!!! And I’m a very lucky woman (we just returned form a mini honeymoon in NY that was sublime ). Here’s to love!! xB
Loved your post, Bettie! Just late posting a reply…Pamela, above is so spot on…your photos and dialogue can’t be topped! Loved the picture of the Dior stairwell…trust your readers know about the Apple TV series about Dior!
So glad I caught this! That Dior stairwell was “to die for!” Seen you soon, xxB