Monet's Garden

I can't believe I never shared this, but I suppose I wasn't actively blogging at the time.  In 2014, I turned 40 and wanted to do something big for myself.  I am a runner and I finally decided to go for it and run a marathon.  I didn't want to run just any marathon.  I wanted to do something to remember.  I tried to get into the London Marathon, but I wasn't chosen in the lottery so instead I went to Paris and I'm so glad I did.  

I completed my marathon and it was the experience of a lifetime - up there with getting married and having children.  I crossed the finish line completely overwhelmed with tears in my eyes.

 Anyway, what I wanted to share was one thing I did while I was in Paris.  I saw Versailles an it was incredible, but what I never thought I would see in my life was Monet's Garden.  I mean THE Monet?  But, I was lucky enough to have that opportunity.  So, we loaded into a bus in front of the Louvre and headed to the house about 90 minutes away (if I remember correctly).

What a feast for the eyes we were treated to upon arrival!  We did go inside the home but there were no pictures allowed.  However, I think the gardens were really the most beautiful part.

 It's hard to describe what it was like to be there.  Every scene was like a painting.

  

I can only imagine how having such gardens would be endlessly inspiring. 

 We were there in spring so while there were no water lilies yet, we were treated to lots and lots of tulips.

 The sheer number of flowers was a sight to behold.  I can't imagine what goes into maintaining such  a place.

This was a view from just in front of the house.  How wonderful to leave your house to see such a welcoming view.

I particularly love the look of the weeping willows.  The view below, while still pretty, would not be the same without the trees.

One of my favorite photos ever of my parents in the gardens.  They were there with me for the marathon.

While I did several marathons after Paris, including my dream race, the NYC Marathon, Paris will always have a special place in my heart.  It was everything I hoped it would be and that experience of a lifetime I dreamed of and Monet's garden is something I'll never forget.