An Ancient June Wedding

Ancient ruins pull strongly on my heart -
speaking by way of beauty which reaches the deepest part of my soul.




The remnants are veiled in reverence and mystery to me, and I think
a perfect spot for a sweet, soulful, and ethereal wedding.




Time and the elements have rendered the perfect cathedral. The June sun, softened by the canopy of old and beautiful trees - provides soft, dappled light to an altar of ancient stone, carpet of moss, and flora that grows wild and drips from century old urns.




Music fills the sacred ground with the sounds of the forest-- babbling brooks, the song of birds and the wind through the leaves.





Antique Celtic lace graces the bride,





and rings of hand wrought silver carry with them promises
and
dreams for a lifetime of love.




Secrets whispered, promises made -
witnessed by the guests of stone
donned in their century old garments veiled in moss.




Tables draped in linen and topped in candles have been tucked into the foliage for the reception, embellishing, rather than taking from the natural grace and beauty of the woods,



while a feast and dancing in the night are just beyond the portal - where the stone sentinels stand in eternal vigil.




Please visit Marsha and the other talented and beautiful women of the by invitation group for sublime wedding posts.

Happy Monday.

A new week ahead...
filled with
endless possibilities,
inspiration
&
joy.

Putti plaque of stone from my garden.


Happy Monday.
xo isa

_____~*~_____
Sources & Credits
Putti Plaque photo by Isabeau Grey

Goodbye 2011

As I stand on the proverbial threshold with 2011 at my back and 2012 in front of me, I have to say that this has been the strangest year. I wanted to immediately say it was the fastest year I have experienced - but that would be incorrect. Fast doesn't describe it. It is more surreal -- a time warp. All of a sudden I am at the end of it.

When I was well, I measured the year in what all I accomplished, and I would feel so proud of all the projects completed, the beauty created in the gardens, my home, my work.... this year, I fell down on most of that if you use those terms. I certainly didn't blog as much as I wanted -- but please know that I wanted to, and I think of all the people that have touched my life through blogland.... all the beauty that was shared with me, all the inspiration that affected me
... and I thank you.



This year, my measurement for the year is that I lived to see it. I am tougher than the cancer that is trying to take over my body. I am more than that. I am not defined by that. It is a whole new way of seeing things and I am still adjusting to my new reality.

I look so forward to a new year, and to be able to spend it with you. Thank you - each and every one of you for what you added to my world. I am eternally grateful and wish you all the best that life has to offer in this upcoming year - and always.

Happy, happy new year.
xo isa

---~*~---
CREDITS
Swan photo - source unknown.

Holiday Magic - a GIVEAWAY

I would like to spread some Holiday Cheer your way --

Happy Holidays from Greyfreth!
I would like us to put this bottle of mine under your tree ...as a gift...from me.

My shop,Greyfreth has teamed up with Karen Albert of Art by Karena, who is hosting an incredible 12 days of Christmas Giveaway event.

I am going to be remaking one of my earlier pieces - this stunning cross bottle of antique crystal and mercury glass (shown above) for the one lucky person who wins the giveaway, which starts this Thursday, December 15 and ends on December 23. (We are the 12th day of the 12 day event!)http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

WHAT TO DO TO ENTER:

1. Become a Follower of GREYFRETH if you aren't already.

2. LIKE our brand new Greyfreth Facebook Page.

3. Head over to Karen's blog ART BY KARENA the hostess of the 12 days of Christmas Giveaways,
****Leave a comment on her blog to enter. Be sure to follow her fabulous blog, too for an additional entry!

***You cannot enter the giveaway here! - It is being hosted at Art by Karena ***
so make sure to go over to Karen's wonderful blog to get in on all the holiday cheer and to enter this, and all of the other fabulous giveaways Karen is hosting!

Good luck and Happy Holidays!

Ho, ho, ho!
xo isa

Take Flight...

It has definitely been one of those weeks. Because I marked my calendar incorrectly, I missed participating in Marsha's lovely International writing party. There is no such thing as being fashionably late when it comes to something like that. I am so disappointed that I missed it, and in myself for doing so. I truly apologize.

The theme was What we have always wanted to do, but have never done... I was excited to write about it, and it has been on my mind so heavily, so I want to share, in short version, what my heart has always longed for... don't laugh.

I wish that I could fly.

My only recurring dream, and one I have had since I can remember, is that I can fly. It is always the same. It begins over the ocean, it is in slow motion.... I soar lazily over the sea, along the face of a beautiful cliff and over treetops and up towards the sun. There is nothing but the gorgeous scenery in my dream, and the feeling of total freedom and total bliss. I love that dream.

I found this amazing video of starlings in flight at dusk (with the London Symphony Orchestra as background) -- it's very different from my dream, but it is something to behold.

Enjoy.

Happy weekend, my friends. See you Monday.
xo isa