This week I had the wonderful opportunity to spend time with my DH. Thanks to my dear friend Malin, who mothered my two girls and dog for us, we were finally able to spend a few precious days together, just the two of us!!! J.J. had to head to Las Vegas for work and invited me along being there was going to be "down time" between work sessions. Let me just say that 11 years is far too long of a time to wait to spend some time without children - LOL! This was definitely a treat!!!
When J.J. wasn't working we went exploring. There is a LOT to explore in Vegas. We mostly just went from hotel to hotel looking at the different themed lobbies and shops. I felt sorry for J.J. being that he had to push me pretty much everywhere in a wheelchair. I still can only manage a block or two before needing to rest and it takes a LONG time to walk that short distance - I think it was a 1/4 mile just from the check-in desk to the elevators in our hotel. I've never seen anything quite like it! He certainly got his exercise and I learned to just accept and enjoy the ride (for the most part - there were some pretty bumpy rides at times though - LOL). The Venetian was incredible with indoor canals and architecural details that are so well thought out. Some day you will see their inspiration in designs I create Ü I studied the patterns and color combinations in the carpeting, tile work, fabrics and gift items. Being surrounded by such diverse creativity was so inspiring. It's funny how even when I leave work behind my mind still buzzes with all things creative - LOL!
The Bellagio entrance, with the Dale Chihuly glass ceiling and the Conservatory prepped in all it's fall glory, was stunning. Each season the Conservatory is changed out - the old mill below was just one of the featured buildings. Large glass leaves were "tumbling" down from the ceiling throughout the Bellagio. The light shining through these leaves made them so incredibly beautiful. My pictures just couldn't capture the effect of the light. There were apples, squash, berries, mums and a myriad of other beautiful fall flowers clustered around the structures of wood, iron and glass. All were artfully arranged.
One of my favorite pictures was of the fountains at Bellagio - overlooking the Paris Hotel. This was my favorite "free" show Vegas had to offer. These fountains are absolutely spectacular, especially as they "dance" to the music during the night time hours.
Now that we are back we have a LOT of catching up to do, but to take this time was so important. Thanks for sharing in my adventure and I hope to be back with some creative projects soon.
awww, sounds like a wonderful little get-a-way Ellen :)
Posted by: Kim Hughes | November 04, 2007 at 03:50 PM
So glad you had some wonderful time together Ellen. I think the most time we've had in the past 17 years since my first arrived has been 24 hours and the last time we were able to do taht was six years ago. Sigh...someday! In the meantime I'll enjoy my noisy household the best I can. :) actually we're hoping to go away in a couple years for our 20th anniversary for a week. Hmmmm...the biggest problem is finding someone to hold down the fort!
Posted by: Julia Stainton | November 01, 2007 at 05:39 PM
You certainly deserved some time away!!! I just love to read your description of what you saw- you are an artist in all senses of the word!
Posted by: Beth | October 30, 2007 at 11:25 PM
You certainly deserved some time away!!! I just love to read your description of what you saw- you are an artist in all senses of the word!
Posted by: Beth | October 30, 2007 at 11:24 PM
So glad you got some time away and to rest, Ellen -- you certainly deserved it!
Posted by: Sharon Harnist | October 29, 2007 at 07:18 AM
I love the lobby at the Bellagio, too, only it was decked out with spring flowers when my hubby and I were there. Didn't you just want to watch how the lights moved through all that beautiful glass throughout the day?
Posted by: Becky | October 29, 2007 at 04:43 AM
It sounds like a great time and you really deserved it!
Posted by: Viv (VivLyn) | October 28, 2007 at 03:47 PM
I stayed at the Venetian a few years back when my husband was there for a business meeting.
It was so beautiful I didn't want to leave.
Kandi
Posted by: Kandi | October 28, 2007 at 05:29 AM
11 years IS too long. DH and I got a weekend getaway this past spring and we thought we were pushing it with 5 years. It sounds like you had an incredible time. I have never been to Vegas...but your photos make it look tempting.
Posted by: Alli Miles | October 27, 2007 at 11:21 PM
How wonderful for you to get away with your DH and spend some special time together! Your photos are beautiful...especially the fountains!!
I also enjoy the beauty each Las Vegas hotel has to offer. My favorites were the Bellagio and Mirage (It's been a while since I've been there, though).
Posted by: Rose Ann | October 27, 2007 at 10:40 PM
So much fun, even if you had to get a ride to see it all! Glad you got some time alone with your JJ. Back to the salt mine!
Posted by: kathynruss | October 27, 2007 at 07:41 PM