I’ve been away.
So, if you don’t mind, I’m taking a brief detour from the Georgia and South Carolina trip to share some recent images with you. They seemed to fit this day of pageantry and celebration.
I mentioned some surprise plans for D’s birthday (he sends many thanks for your thoughtful wishes) which I’m pleased turned out beautifully and were indeed (thankfully) a surprise to him. On Saturday, I drove him out of town, having sent him an invitation a few days earlier with instructions to pack an overnight bag. And this is where I took him:
Thornewood Castle is an authentic, Tudor-era English manor that was purchased in the early 1900s by Chester Thorne, one of the founders of the Port of Tacoma, Washington. He had the house dismantled, brick by brick, and brought from England to America on three ships which sailed around the Horn. The house was rebuilt as a gift for his wife, Anna.
Stained glass fragments, a grand staircase of 500 year old oak and original panelling are among the astounding features of the house.
Luckily for us, it is now a classy bed and breakfast. And only 45 minutes from our house. I couldn’t resist it as a birthday surprise.
Looking out the windows of our room.
Yes, a hillside farm covered with ranunculus, and me on my own with my camera gear. So eager to be there that I left the hotel without so much as brushing my hair. After all, I had the day ahead of me, all alone, and no one but D knew I would be there.
Hi Georgianna,
So lovely that you had a wonderful trip away for D's birthday and what a beautiful place you went to. Love the field of rhnuculas, must have been an amazing sight and glad that you were able to meet up with a friend.
Happy weekend
Hugs
Carolyn
I love your photoes!
Wonderful trip, wonderful surprice, i love the blogsphere and the beautiful surprices that we can find in it!
Sorry for my English!
have a nice WE,
Naty
First of all, how many men will do something that wonderful for their wives anymore? "It's okay honey, we'll just take the house with us when we move!" LOL! I hope D had a relaxing time away.
Isn't that odd to run into a fellow blogger in the middle of a field of flowers. What are the chances? Oh to stand among thousands of Ranunculus must have been amazing!
I have goosebumps! As one who does not believe in mere coincidence, I am amazed at the power of the universe to bring into our lives those we are intended to know in person, at just the time we are intended to know them. And to think that Lauren recognized her "find" in that field of flowers. Could there have been a more apt spot to meet for you two? I love it…you just made my day with this story. And the flowers…oh, sweet memories. I was born and raised in the Los Angeles area and am most familiar with the location where you strolled. It brings me memories to see your images. I didn't even need to read your words, I knew exactly where you were. I now live all the way over on the other coast and have yet to find fields of color like that here! But there are so many other beautiful things here to behold! I still miss that field. I used to drive past it on my commute from L.A. to San Diego on days that I had to travel to San Diego for work. And, lastly, I just showed your photos of Thornewood to my husband…what a delightful spot for a surprise…he has now challenged me to come up with something like that for him! LOL Have a great day…you've made mine with your story about your meeting with Lauren. xxx Annette
What a romantic lady you are arranging that trip, I really thought it was in the UK until I read the post. The karma of blogging never ceases to amaze me, what a connection to make!!
Hi georgianna, what a beautiful manor and a lovely story behind it. Gorgeous photos, love the fields of ronuculars, they are just devine.
Wow, what a small world! Beautiful pictures :) Fields of flowers are truly a sight to behold. Before my photography days, we were driving through Virginia and we passed a field of poppies. The person driving didn't want to pull over, but now I think I would have grabbed the wheel to stop the car!!!
Oh, the flower fields of Carlsbad are so gorgeous – I haven't been there in years! And that English manor… I hope I can visit it one day.
Nice to have you back! xoJill
oh my gosh what a gorgeous sight…..a whole field!! Gorgeous gorgeous pics as usual and what a fun surprise to meet a fellow blogger…
Saturday of sunshine, strolls, surprises, and serendipity! Now that is one of the joys of visiting you, my dear, wonderful, friend. I am so happy to see these posts and hear your joys! Blessings
If I ever get to visit the Northwest and I hope to make that happen some day, that B&B; looks like the place to go! Beautiful pictures! What a nice birthday surprise for your husband. I love the history of the house being moved there from England, brick by brick. Amazing!
The fields of flowers were something to behold! I'm wondering if they would grow here in North Florida. So happy that you and your blogging friend ran into each other…that would be a dream come true for me!
I am amazed at Thornewood Castle! It is so beautiful and it looks like you stepped across the pond into the English countryside. What a lovely place to stay. And the ranunculs gardens are just heavenly. Beautiful!
WOW G – the castle is incredible (great day to post with the royal wedding), the acres of flowers and you got to spend time with friends!! You just can't beat that!! Your pics are gorgeous as usual and I'm sure everyone will agree that we want to see more!! talk soon – t. xo p.s. – you will appreciate this – Lis stayed up all night and watched every minute of the wedding!!!
Looks like you had a lovely time. That castle in Washington is amazing! Of course…more beauty in WA to discover. Your photos of the field of flowers is stunning, and how fun to meet a friend there!
I would have been in heaven out there in that field, so cheerful with its bright spots of color under the sun. And I'm so glad you got to meet your friend!
Brenda
This is amazing…JUST last weekend, I found out about those Fields (in Carlsbad, right?) and was delighted to find out how close they are to where I live. I seriously considered a trip there with my hubby during the week. I ALSO thought, "OH gosh I bet Georgianna would love to know about those fields" but I remembered you lived down here, so probably knew of them already -"how silly of me" I thought, and didn't want to presume. WELL there you were!! Literally! ha! :)
I truly adore your pictures here- WHAT colors. sigh! I'm also very glad the CA sun granted you the BEST week of weather we've had this year for your lovely work.
Many compliments to you on your beautiful photos of Savannah – I especialy love the iron fence/fleur de lis tops with the large beautiful front door/porch/lighted chandelier in the background. OOoo it's just so inviting. Each of your pics are soooo uniquely charming. Thanks so much for sharing them with us here!
The Castle is fantastic! geee that looked fun!
love,
Sherilyn at Clear Crick Cottage
PS – if this is different big field of flowers, I still think it's funny I imagined you would love being there taking pictures. :)
-Sherilyn
How fun to meet Lauren! I met a Blogger friend last night!! Beautiful flowers!
You're killin me with all the ranunculus! I've wanted to see those fields for a couple years now. I think I might like them better than our tulips.
I have to just get on the stick and plan ahead to do that some year.
And I didn't realize that Thornewood was a B&B.; I've know some people to get married there, can you imagine?
Beautiful as always G, glad you've had such wonderful trips lately:)
Stunning photos as always G. How amazing to meet a blogging friend in a field of ranunculus, how perfect is that.
I would love to stay in Thornewood B&B;, it is beautiful. hugs my friend.
Oh G,
What fabulous experiences you have had. Isn't life wonderful that way? I am so glad you were able to surprise your hubby with his treat! My it really was fantastic – what a place – who needs to go to Europe when you have this at your finger tips.
The Ranunculus are just to die for – i can't believe you were able to photograph this gorgeous field. I would be in Heaven, as for meeting your friend in the middle of it all – that is just wonderful….ah !
xxx
Suzi
Happy Birthday to your hubby! That castle looks like a wonderful place to celebrate at. It's really not too far from here, have to keep it in mind.
The fields of Ranuncula's are spectacular! What beautiful swathes of colour to see! I am glad Lauren spoke up and talked to you! Both of you took some awesome photos!
What a wonderful surprise for his birthday, it sure looks like a wonderful place filled with gorgeous details. It looks and sounds like you had much fun in California as well. It so cool that you met a fellow blogger and that you recognized each other. :D Was this in Carlsbad? I'd love to visit a field of flowering ranunculus some day. Have a lovely weekend! xo
Dear Georgianna, I love the way you tell a story. Again, your photographs are outstanding…a real treat for a sunday morning.
These are gorgeous–and of course, what a lovely surprise.
My favorite shot was the one with the flowers in focus and the sitting area (?) in the background.
Hi Georgianna — what a lovely birthday surprise for your husband! Looks like somewhere in England…we have nothing like that in LA as far as I know. And as you already know, I'm still so tickled by our chance meeting. Made my week. What are the chances of that, and who wd've thunk ?!! Love your field shots–and it's always cool whenever I go shooting with someone how we always end up with fairly different pictures, and I always think "wow; wish I had a shot that turned out like that". Noo, not fishing for compliments :) — this is all good — b/c I love getting inspired by other people. Have a wonderful wk. xo L
Dear Georgianna,
what a beautiful field of flower! So wonderful!
I love your flower photos!
Wish you a wonderful week,
Hugs,
Yvonne
As soon as I saw the flowers I knew where you had been. The ranunculus fields just north of San Diego! Georgianna, your photographs are stunning! I too could walk all day in gardens and drink in the beauty. And wouldn't I love to bump into you one day *smiling* What an honor that would be!
Until that day, I will gaze upon your lovely photographs of beautiful gardens and secret getaways.
Hugs,
Susie~
Oh wow!!!! If you hadn't said I'd have defintely thought that house was in England!! Great photos!
Oh my goodness Georgianna, what serendipity!!!
These photographs are truly amazing. I cannot even imagine the wonderful feeling of being in a field of ranunculus with a camera! Pure Heaven!
What a lovely and romantic time had at the B&B.; It looks like it could be in the English countryside. I was so special for you to get together with friends and what a surprise to find one in a patch of your favourite flowers. V
Hi Georgianna,
I always love to visit your blog-it is always so beautiful.
The B&B; looks fantastic and the field of Ranunculus is breathtaking.What a lovely surprise to meet a blogging friend there and enjoy lunch together.
Take care,
Carolyn
I remember going to the flower fields when i lived in so cal many years ago….i wasn't a photographer then but i remember taking tons of pictures with my ancient minolta xg7….i am going to try and dig them up….
i love the castle pictures…what a love story to move a castle across the world for the one you love….and how wonderful to share it with your love!!
hugs…
Hello G
I'm so happy that your surprise for David worked out, and what a romantic B&B; you stayed in.
It's wonderful that you met up with a fellow blogger and had lunch; it was meant to be.
Hope you find some time soon to relax in your garden.
Judith
Welcome back dear G!
I'm so happy that everything worked out just the way you want!
hugs
Lila
Your trip sounded perfect, G! Glad you had an incredible time. And oh my, what a lovely coincidence to have met Lauren amidst the beautiful flowers!
I'm still really in awe at how all these beautiful flowers are growing in the wild over there! Can totally imagine how fun and amazing it will be taking photos of 'em. :) And the castle looks just wonderful. I'm sure D had a rather perfect surprise/celebration. ;)
And, welcome back again lovely! More than glad to have you back! :) x
Hi Georgianna,
Oh my goodness, that's the "Rose Red" mansion from the Steven King story. Was it spooky?
And the flower fields in Carlsbad….so pretty.
Thanks for sharing your adventures. Have a great week.
Bonjour Georgianna – everything is just so pretty even the most beautiful vase of flowers with pink oriental lillies and a hillside of ranunculus – just divine! xx Loved it all!
I knew you were my kinda girl when you spoke of a giddy jaunt and went out to photograph something without even brushing your hair.
These photographs are remarkable ~ and what a gorgeous weekend. Reading this post this morning is going to make my whole day. Thanks for that!
What a great and lovely surprise for D´s birthday!!! You had such a great idea!! Lovely images and great trip. Meeting blogging frinds is such a delightful experience.
hugs my dear Georgianna
oh my gosh, that house is amazing! What a perfect Birthday treat. Now all I need to do is get my other half to find an English cottage and get it built over here like that ;) How special to have met in such a magical field of ranunculous! Catherine x
Oh, to be standing in a field of ranunculus! Thank you so much for sharing these wonderful images, and the story, too. And that B&B; looks a little like Muckross House in Ireland… Beautiful images, all!
xoxo
Whoaaa!! A field of those gorgeous ranunculous! what a dream come true!! I absolutely love the detailing on that manor- the owl is my favorite…I would totally hang that in my house somewhere! You captured the light and romance of the interior. How I wish I could leave it all behind, travel and photograph with you out there…
I don't know what is more amazing…
the castle, the field of ranunculous or meeting an online friend out of the blue!
OH wow, amazing work here! Love the bed of flowers, I feel like having a dream just right there!
Imagine "relocating" an entire English manor house from England to America–I'm just fascinated by that story. What a beautiful place to spend a birthday weekend!
The flower fields are almost too beautiful to be natural. I would love, love, love to see them!
Happy weekend!
I really thought for a moment you were actually in the UK – then I had to laugh and thought that it was absolutely mad to have a castle dismantled and shipped to another continent…
It looks like you've had a great weekend and I love the fact that you met another blogger like that – brilliant! That picture of the field is great, it looks as if the flowers are going on for miles…
Wishing you a great weekend, Love from London xo
Stunning manse, stunning flowers!
Dear g, coming by for a visit is really like going on a magical getaway to all these wonderful places you have so beautifully photogaphed! Thank you so much! I have had some fun lately visiting the NC Zoo for more exotic animal shots and then Rising Meadows Farm for sheep & lambs, chickens… more down on the farm. Loved it! They had some beautiful garden beds too, so will posting some of that too soon.
So sweet of you to come by and maybe we will cross paths one of these days!
Love… Dianne
Dearest sweet g, OMG i am so in LOVE with that hillside farm covered with ranunculus!!! It would be such a dream come true to be there. Thanks so much for sharing such gorgeous photos with us! Have alovely merry happy week and love to yoU!
Stopping by with a little sunshine for you. Take care. Blessings and love, Amy
I love just everything about this post, dear G! You've made such a Wonderful surprise for your husband (please receive my belated wishes of all the best on the occasion)!
And the ranunculus fields are fantastic, I especially love the last three photos!!
Your meeting in the open country sounds incredible :D
Take care and be back soon! Missing you much!
No way that is not possible the amazing field and the blog friend…so surrealistic. I really don't know what to think about the field it must be so wonderful to see zillions of ranunculus together, I really really would love to see that with my own eyes, at least I can see it with your eyes.
Thank for this
Henrietta
Dear Georgianna, it´s just amazing how you and Lauren met in that wonderful ranunculos field!!!! this is a wonderful evidence of how this blogging world can do so good to us.
And the castle, how beautiful, you took D for his birthday is just gorgeous !!!
and of course being amazed for your wonderful photography, thanks for a beautiful start to my day.
Waiting for you anytime….