
Dear Friends,
One of the last places I visited in Asheville was the Biltmore Estate. Oh my, she sure is purty. My next thought, how am I not a Vanderbilt living in this fine home? How?
Listen, I have no shame in saying I would love to be accustomed to living in the lifestyle a grand estate like this demands, but in modern times. Taking the best from the past, and leaving the ugly behind.
This manor of living is an artist's dream. As I strolled through a lady played a hammered dulcimer. It was both soothing and powerful.
There's a music room, a library that rivals Beauty and the Beast. Books, books, so many books and not enough time even for a lady of leisure. The gardens in and of themselves are the piece di resistance.
One of the last places I visited in Asheville was the Biltmore Estate. Oh my, she sure is purty. My next thought, how am I not a Vanderbilt living in this fine home? How?
Listen, I have no shame in saying I would love to be accustomed to living in the lifestyle a grand estate like this demands, but in modern times. Taking the best from the past, and leaving the ugly behind.
This manor of living is an artist's dream. As I strolled through a lady played a hammered dulcimer. It was both soothing and powerful.
There's a music room, a library that rivals Beauty and the Beast. Books, books, so many books and not enough time even for a lady of leisure. The gardens in and of themselves are the piece di resistance.
Art is every where. Sculptures, paintings, (two Monet's hang there), tapestries, prints of masterpieces, which how prints were made back then was an art form on it's own.
Then there's the tapestry room. Here's an excerpt from the Biltmore.com. Please go look at this link to see the tapestries.
Then there's the tapestry room. Here's an excerpt from the Biltmore.com. Please go look at this link to see the tapestries.
"The tapestry gallery is the longest room in the Biltmore house, it was designed to showcase part of a set of tapestries known as The Seven Virtues. Hanging in the room is The triumph of faith, (and two others I can't remember the names) and while there were sets made of these it's believed not many survived, and Faith is the only one left in existence.
Dang. Can you imagine enjoying your morning coffee studying the tapestries, "woven from wool and silk in Flanders (now part of Belgium) between 1525-1535"? The only one left in the world? I can. If these don't inspire to share and create beauty I don't know what would.
Dang. Can you imagine enjoying your morning coffee studying the tapestries, "woven from wool and silk in Flanders (now part of Belgium) between 1525-1535"? The only one left in the world? I can. If these don't inspire to share and create beauty I don't know what would.
The humble abode also had a gym which would still be a decent home gym in present-day. There was an indoor pool, a bowling alley with two lanes. The billiards room with two tables which were masterpieces in their own right made by Brunswick Billiards.
There were sitting rooms where people gathered, usually before a meal to get to know one another or catch up with an old friend. The main dining room is spectacular. The one particular statement which struck me was, according to the tour dinner was the main event. "Conversation was entertainment."
Conversation was entertainment.
Yes!
There were sitting rooms where people gathered, usually before a meal to get to know one another or catch up with an old friend. The main dining room is spectacular. The one particular statement which struck me was, according to the tour dinner was the main event. "Conversation was entertainment."
Conversation was entertainment.
Yes!
Imagine conversations held here. There would be plenty to talk about. What did you do today? Did you stroll in the gardens? Did you ride on a horse? Did you hunt? Did you play a little eight ball? Did you know the Prince of Hootchykoo is notorious cheater.
I believe, conversation as entertainment is a profound statement. I would also add it's connection. If the chat is give and take, both parties listening as well as speaking, well, I consider that priceless. It's also a huge portion of a beautiful and meaningful life. Discussions, tete-a-tetes, heart to hearts, gabfests are an art form. Listening, really listening without thinking what you will say next, but actually hearing the person, that's like the tapestry Faith, a one of a kind gift.
I believe, conversation as entertainment is a profound statement. I would also add it's connection. If the chat is give and take, both parties listening as well as speaking, well, I consider that priceless. It's also a huge portion of a beautiful and meaningful life. Discussions, tete-a-tetes, heart to hearts, gabfests are an art form. Listening, really listening without thinking what you will say next, but actually hearing the person, that's like the tapestry Faith, a one of a kind gift.
Besides everything I've mentioned is part of why I belong there. It's graceful and slow living. A place where dawdling is encouraged. Where you can linger and digest everything. The gardens are meant for stopping to smell the roses, sketching, daydreaming and a perfect spot for a morning constitutional.
Of course the carefree life needs balance. I know this intellectually, but when I'm in the midst of something wonderful, special, GOOD, I never want it to end. I suppose it's a mechanism to block the ugly of the world.
Time, leisure I believe are types of attributes which equates to privilege. Since I do not live at the Biltmore mansion, or any other mansion, castle or fairy tale cottage I do have a bit more time these days. I can make the most of it.
Click me
Of course the carefree life needs balance. I know this intellectually, but when I'm in the midst of something wonderful, special, GOOD, I never want it to end. I suppose it's a mechanism to block the ugly of the world.
Time, leisure I believe are types of attributes which equates to privilege. Since I do not live at the Biltmore mansion, or any other mansion, castle or fairy tale cottage I do have a bit more time these days. I can make the most of it.
Click me
Me, I get lost in the daydream. It's both wonderful and hurtful, because when I snap out of it, there I am. Well, that sounds depressing and melodramatic, doesn't it? I do have a very good life and I'm truly grateful. What I mean is how can I incorporate more art, culture and beauty in my world. I'm going to list some actionable items I can do because I'm a fixer.
On a side note, I realize not every wants things to be fixed. This realization took me a long time to really understand. There are people who want to talk and vent, I'm included once in awhile, where they just want to be heard, not fixed. I suppose this is a good starting place for me in how to listen in a more refined manner. I must admit I'm better at this than I used to be. I do need to know however what your preference is, listening or listening with advice.
Here's some things I think would help in the quest for slow, gracious living.
On a side note, I realize not every wants things to be fixed. This realization took me a long time to really understand. There are people who want to talk and vent, I'm included once in awhile, where they just want to be heard, not fixed. I suppose this is a good starting place for me in how to listen in a more refined manner. I must admit I'm better at this than I used to be. I do need to know however what your preference is, listening or listening with advice.
Here's some things I think would help in the quest for slow, gracious living.
- Surround myself with art of all forms. While I don't own a private collection, I can go to galleries, museums, art shows and create art.
- Strolling. Getting outside as much as possible. My city has a lot of amazing gardens. There are also garden tours. I do have friends with green thumbs. The most challenging idea, start in my own yard. I do not have a green thumb or a gardeners soul, so I'm going to have to start small. This is no easy feat because I'm a big picture thinker, not detail oriented. I suppose that's what a challenge means.
- Gather with friends, for meals or walks for meaningful conversations, or silly talks. I don't do this enough. Talking with strangers, well that's my strength, but I think a group of friends relishing in the same activity would be remarkable. I need experience in this area so perhaps a garden party or two or three.
If you have any suggestions on how to live like a queen for dummies, I'd love to know them.
Warmest Regards,
Kelly "Vanderbilt" Whitten
Warmest Regards,
Kelly "Vanderbilt" Whitten