Sunday, June 9, 2013

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...

11 comments:

  1. what a cool place! LOVE the trees and greenery and the pond and the peacock and... :)

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  2. I like the back view of the house, more than the front. Love the grounds, swan and peacock!

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  3. A lovely house,
    A very nice visit...
    Best regards from France,

    Pierre

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  4. What a paradise! Imagine living there... *sigh*

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  5. Putting this on my list should I make it back to Austin. Wow. Gorgeous place and lovely photos. The peacock is a bonus!

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  6. thank you for sharing .. what a lovely place

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  7. Wow - lovely lovely shots! That house is delicious!

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  8. Very beautiful spot. Hope you had fun at the critiquenic.

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  9. you have some very interesting places to visit out there!

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  10. Some of it is very fancy . . . bet the art school is wonderful.

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  11. what a wonderful place! i'd love to visit some day.

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