I took a month hiatus from my blog, but not from trying new things. I apologize that my December preparations for the holidays superseded my writing and even resulted in my illness. I fell into the trap as my blog inspiration book, Everything I Need to Know About Christmas I Learned From A Little Golden Book reminds us:
"Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and all, but...there is just so much to do... All that baking, endless cycles of cooking and cleaning, cold and flu season and then there's the snarling holiday traffic ..but Christmas is about keeping it simple. It's a time for children, a time of wonder, a time like no other time of year..."
So STOP, BREATHE, and absorb the beauty of the season. A walk though Phipps Conservatory's flower and garden show is a great way to do this.
Day 149 Ballet at Phipps Conservatory and Winter Show
The beauty of Phipps Conservatory's winter show with its poinsettias, lights, and trains in addition to a special ballet event called Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes, offset the ugly colors of the events in Paris when I visited the first week in December. Phipps Conservatory is the perfect way to get some holiday magic. It's even better when you combine it with the beauty of a ballet.
During the once a year event, (Poinsettias and Pointe Shoes), the Pittsburgh Ballet performs excerpts from the Nutcracker up close and personal at the conservatory. The sugarplum fairies, Clara and the prince all dance a few feet away from the audience. This was the perfect way for children to experience the Nutcracker without having to sit through the entire show. There was so much excitement after the show when the children met and took pictures with the dancers.
The gardens sparkled with holiday lights and decorated trees enhancing the beauty of the flowers and plants. Touring though the rooms of the Phipps was an escape from the conflicts in the world because everything seemed so peaceful and beautiful just like a ballet.
I have seen the Nutcracker many times (See Day 90-Share the Nutcracker) and have recently enjoyed the Phipps (see Day 141-Party in the Tropics) but this was a new experience to combine both! Don't miss this event next year. There also is still time to STOP and enjoy the beauty and relax with the winter show at the Phipps Conservatory and/or see the Nutcracker at the Benadum.
Merry Christmas and Wishing you all Blessing in 2016
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| Sugar Plum Fairy |
Spiritual reflection
Then Jesus said," Come to me, all you that are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28)
Other Sources
http://www.pbt.org/performances
http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/240585/everything-i-need-to-know-about-christmas-i-learned-from-a-little-golden-book-by-diane-muldrow/9780553497359/
http://www.post-gazette.com/ae/theater-dance/2015/12/05/Phipps-to-dance-with-Poinsettias-and-Pointe-Shoes/stories/201512050030