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Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Paradise in the Northwest

I got through another year of summer shows!

And what a summer it was.  Between the highest temps I can remember, yes I know it isn't really hot to you Southerners, but high for here for sure!  Battling 85 degrees, and a few ladies not wanting to even try jewelry on, my shows were a smashing success.  Thanks to all who came, looked, purchased and signed my guest book.  I loved meeting each and every one of you.

That smile is all about the last day of the show, and it is almost over, ha ha!
Notice the Magnolia Pearl, lovvvveeeee her clothes! 
Need another visit to Round Top I think for a another couple of pieces?? Eh Diane??

And thank you for all the amazing birthday wishes.  
The show happened on my birthday, so that was fun to let everyone know I was celebrating even more.


Fred and I got to take a quick one night break to Victoria to visit my friend Jill Rockwell. It is always so much fun to head out of the country, and all of an hour ferry ride away.

I took a lot of pictures at an amazing tourist attraction, called Buchart Gardens.
This is a place I have heard about all my life, and had never been.
It is worth the wait. oh my.

Here's a little window shopping picture of a grand ball gown, made of napkins, I thought it was amazing.

Just a couple of the grounds. There are about 55 acres I believe. Or was that 500?? I don't know, it went on forever, and was a picture postcard at every turn.


Fred and I couldn't believe how well manicured everything was, just spotless.
Oh to have a green thumb.
I'm such a goofball, but great archway!

Look at the Oriental garden, wow.


Going in to the rose garden. Swoon.


Okay, this is cool. I shot the poster about the Sunken Garden, so you could see it.
This used to be a quarry, and wait until you see what they did with it.  Mrs. Buchart was such an amazing visionary.  This garden was started in 1912, wow.  If she could see it now.


And here is how it looks today, converted from a quarry. 
Just breathtakingly beautiful.  And in full bloom.
Sneeze!


That's my little part of paradise up here in the Pacific Northwest.
A pinch of sun, a ferry ride, and beauty.
Such an amazing recipe for smiles.

Lots of hugs and love,
Riki

14 comments:

Alice said...

What a beautiful place to be! That garden is stunning! I'm glad your show was a success. And by the way, happy belated birthday!

In the Light of the Moon said...

Wow..I'm still spinning over that archway!! Stunning,really,truly!!
What a sweetie pie you are in your first picture..I just want to reach through the photo and give you a big squeeze.I only wish I had a Magnolia Pearl piece...so beautiful and boy does it look cozy!!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

I have never been to Buchart Gardens either Riki! How beautiful. Your post will get a lot of people up there. Maybe next year. We are due for a San Juan / Victoria trip.

Love ya!
Linda O.

The Feathered Nest said...

Hi sweet Riki!!! You are so ADORABLE!!! Especially in your MP clothing! I'm so glad you had good shows...but your stuff is so wonderful, it's no surprise! Happy Belated Birthday dear heart ~ I do hope it was a wonderful one. The gardens you visited are absolutely breathtaking! I always love seeing what you've been up to, thank you always for taking time to share!!! hugs and love, Dawn

Sandra said...

What a beautiful garden! I would love to have that view from my house.

Lovey said...

Oh what beauty in paradise... happy Belated Birthday
Riki!!!

Cyndi J said...

A belated Happy Birthday! Here in Florida, our shows are in the spring and fall because the summers are miserable. I'm happy to hear your shows were a success and deservedly so. And those gardens! Absolutely beautiful. Play date with Cat on Saturday!

Sueann said...

Wow what a gorgeous garden! Oh to have just a small part of that!! Sigh
Hugs
SUeAnn

Cillaw said...

I was there too a few years back. Just stunning. I loved it all. The sunken garden was my favourite and so was the monkey puzzle tree. Thanks for sharing!

Thoughtfulhands said...

Riki you look so adorable and happy birthday. The garden pictures are amazing thanks for sharing.

Miss ya, can't wait to see you this fall,
Theresa

farmlady said...

Glad you got to see Buchart Gardens. I've seen it once and was overwhelmed by the beauty.
That ball gown out of napkins is amazing.
Glad you're having such a wonderful summer. It's hot down here.

Charlene said...

Glad your shows were a success!!! And I know you're glad they are OVER!!!! It's a lot of work!!! Speaking of Magnolia Pearl... Cindy has shipped a box out to California & it will be at Joy's for the class weekend. She brought a bunch out (we brought them when we drove) & she sold everything but, about 4 pieces. So, she shipped a box to Ann Hames a couple of weeks ago. Ann kept what she wanted & Vickie took the box with her to store until we all hook up at Joy's. MP at half price... everyone loved it!

I saw your comment on Cindy's Facebook photo that Elle looked like Maddie. We had such a good time at Trisha Fontaines. I am doing part two of that post today (I hope). Her home was amazing. She had soooooooooooo many wonderful vintage items. That is one creative gal! I know you are getting super excited about your trip. Can't wait to see you & Susan in November. HUGS! Charlene & Elle

connie said...

you are too cute!! I was at the gardens 20 years ago and was in awe! so glad to see it is just as beautiful now as it was then... say hello to fred and maddie my friend!

Katalina Jewelry said...

You look adorable...must be that birthday glow! I've heard so much about the gardens but now seeing your gorgeous photos, I'm convinced I need to get there!