Thursday, December 22, 2016

Day 180 Phipps Conservatory- Feel the Wonder in a Wonderland


The weeks before the holiday often involve that panic rush feeling "to get it all done.” We forget, as my blog inspiration book, Everything I Learned About Christmas, I Learned From A Little Golden Book, reminds us that Christmas should be a “time of wonder, a time like no other time of the year.”  At Phipps Conservatory,  the beauty brings back the wonder of the season as you navigate through the 8 rooms  of nature infused with lights, Christmas trees, and  poinsettias,  as well as 5 permanent  botanical  gardens. 


Reflection
24 foot tree
I have enjoyed the Conservatory  in the past, see Day 149, but this  winter show  seemed extra spectacular, maybe because it seemed  to  offset some of the unfortunate recent current world  events and  lack of Pittsburgh sunshine. In fact, my mother had to be pushed to attend but she soon perked up with excitement to discover  what  would be found in each room.  It was fun to see  the expression of enjoyment on her face as we discovered  20 decorated Christmas  trees and 1,200 poinsettias scattered  throughout the Conservatory.  One  of the Fraser Firs glistened like a star towering  up 24 feet and reflecting  over a pool of water!

I recommend  viewing  the show at night when you can  enjoy the 25,000 LED lights inside the Conservatory and  the 62,000 square- foot illuminated Outdoor Garden.  I think this was better than Temple Square in Utah see Day 151. My favorite rooms  are always the Orchid Room and the Tropical Forest  and on this night, we enjoyed the  sounds of  North Hills High School  Choir caroling.



As I looked around everyone seemed to be smiling and in “awe” of something. Maybe it was the 24 different varieties of Poinsettias, or  maybe it was the huge train layout depicting the city that produced the smiles . Whatever it was, this winter show sure gave us the needed  feeling of wonder   like a child discovering something beautiful and new! I sure will keep this in my survival tool box and  recommend a visit to keep the wonder in your Christmas Season.

(It is open from 5 pm to 11 pm until Jan 9th. They are hosting various holiday family friendly events and  a Family New Years Eve Celebration.

Outdoor Garden 
Spiritual Source 
"But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you. or speak to the earth, and it will teach you or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the LORD has done this? In his hand is the life of every creature and the breath of all mankind (Job 12:7-10)

Other Sources