wonky little house in front of the cathedral
We chose to go to Chartres on this Photo Tour, as one of our guests had studied it in school, and wanted to see the cathedral that was so famous. Built around 1200, it is an exceptionally well preserved architectural tribute to the genius of the unknown architect who designed it, and to the men who built it over a 65 year span. The majority of stained glass windows are still intact, and there have been very few changes to the architecture.
I used to teach about this when I covered the Gothic era in Art History,
I used to teach about this when I covered the Gothic era in Art History,
["Height, Light and Pointy Bits",as my students would learn to define it. Indeed, an inordinate number of my former students still refer to backsides as "flying buttresses"!].
I had been a few times before, but never had the time to discover what a charming town Chartres was. Interesting windows...
school boys...
sweet boutiques...
antique stores...
and tea across from the cathedral
at the cozy Café Serpente
where the owner's wife displayed her huge collection of teapots and coffee pots. I'm smitten with teapots [being somewhat shaped like one],so I was thrilled to find this little feast for the eye.
While we were there, we stayed in the cozy farmhouse
adjacent to this beautiful château, owned by a Russian man who visits alone for only three months a year. The other nine months the château is empty! Hmmmm...Do you think he could be talked into a Bloggers' retreat???
From here we go to Paris!
Oh, I'm working up my nerve to do my first giveaway! I just won something on a blog giveaway, and I want to pay it forward. Next time...
A demain, copaines,
dawne
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Hi dearest Dawne.....hope everything is okee with you......beautiful post....and Paris...oh la la ...love that city...love you...happy valentine day....i am thinking of you ...you are always in my mind......love to you from me...xxx...
ReplyDeleteWOW. Dearest Dawne, I JUST LOVE YOUR STYLE. Everything here is calling my name to PIN PIN PIN. AND what a lovely tour my dear friend! THOSE CHECKERED FLOORS, that is what I have going on in my kitchen and dining room. That wonky house? PERFECT, if you ask me! BLOGGER RETREAT at le château? LET'S GO!!!!
ReplyDeleteBIG HUGS TO YOU DEAR ONE, and now I have to go find my double-decker red French coffee pot I bought at a quincaillerie in Antibes!!!!LOVE! Anita
What an amazing cathedral! This is one of the reasons France thrills me so much. I love the old buildings and beautiful architecture. The fact that a building can date back to 1200 and still be in such amazing condition is incredible. Thank you for sharing this little slice of heaven.
ReplyDeleteHugs!
Nancy
Can I just live here in your blog??? gorgeous!
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Carole
Utterly charming photographs, I love the tea shop and the beautiful teapots.
ReplyDeleteOh, and checkered floors, I adore:)
The wonky house is amazing, it looks so unreal!
It is such a treat to see the beautiful places you have visited, looking forward to Paris!
Wendy x
OMG Dawne - Your photos make my heart skip beats - they speak to me of dreams and fantasies, poetry, history, beauty and mystery - you are masterful. When can I buy your book?
ReplyDeleteMuch Love
Di
xxxx
Gorgeous
ReplyDeleteBeautiful
D R E A M Y !!!
your photographs and artistry are such a delight
happy heart day!!!
~ Violet
YES!! Dianne and I , and MANY others, are in line!! Book please :)) Dearest Dawne, your talent never disappoints. All of the images are so terrific, but the altered..I am in a dreamworld!!! SWOON....
ReplyDeleteI wish you a most beautiful, love-filled Valentine's Day, sweet friend!
Loved Chartres when I visited, but I think I was too young to really appreciate the scope of what I saw.
Sending lots of love,
- Irina
dawn, every image is just filled with scrumptious color and history and texture...you have been to some amazing places!! i would love to learn your techniques for adding textures, i have soooo much to learn! thanks for stopping by my bloggy today...i went to your facebook page, but did not see the framed picture of your hubby? i probably didn't look in the right place? looking forward to more of your artistry...
ReplyDeleteerin
xxoo
DAWNE!!!!!
ReplyDeleteIt is 10:45 here and I just woke up from the couch!!!!! I MEANT to post my new post after I ate dinner but I just woke UP!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am just soo tired...I will get that post up now....Anita
THANK YOU FOR COMING TO WAIT!!!!! you are awesome.
When I stumbled across this blog, I was blown away and am inspired to take my years of SOOC photography into the age of post processing. I have been consuming everything I can find on the subject. I have a long way to go, but thank you for the inspiration. Your work is like no other I have seen. If there were any practical way I could learn more from you on the subject, I would jump at the opportunity.
ReplyDeleteDear Dawne, your photos are always stunning and I love the atmosphere. You sure make me want to travel and visit those little charming boutiques! Hope you have a wonderful Sunday!
ReplyDeletelove, Kristin
Chartres is beautiful, Dawne. I love the alley picture. Alleys are so mysterious and fun. The tea pots are so sweet. I, too, have a thing for tea pots. The cozy farmhouse would be a great place for a retreat. It looks so peaceful. Your picgures always amaze me, sweetie. I love them all!! Have a good week.
ReplyDelete~Sheri at Red Rose Alley
Morning Dawne,
ReplyDeleteYes, you would love Lacock Village, right up your street!
Those cut-out Downton dolls are a hoot, thanks for the link, that made my day :-)
Di
X
Hi! Thanks for letting me know, I love you're pictures and of course I will wright were they comes from now that I know. Have a nice day! Thanks from Petra
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