Laguna Gloria

I scratched another item off my "Austin To-Do" list: 

I finally visited Laguna Gloria, Italianate-style villa, former home of Clara Driscoll. 

(We can thank Clara for not just remembering the Alamo, but making sure it was preserved, too!)

Laguna Gloria sits at the foot of Mt. Bonnell. 

It's a green paradise where peacocks roam and swans swim in the bordering pond.

I joined other writers there for a Critiquenic.  

Critique + Picnic = Critiquenic! 

We snacked and critiqued each other's works and gave thanks that we lived in Austin.

Afterward, I roamed the grounds with my camera, of course.

Come see what I saw...

The front of the house faced the fountain and the rest of the grounds.

The back of the house opened to walkways and adventure.

It was all I could do to NOT step through this cute little gate.

Inside the house. Loved this little corner.

A better shot of the details of the window.

Just one of many paths meandering around the grounds.

Did you notice the lights strung above the path? I'd love to visit at night!

I'm so glad I caught a glimpse of one of the peacocks!

And of this dad and his little daughter on the lawn.

This swan ruled the pond.

A reminder that this is an Art Institute now.

"No one can see their reflection in running water.  
It is only in still water that we can see." 
-   Taoist proverb

This path led to...

...the buildings that comprised the art school.

And look who I found there!

Now, what's next on my list...