November saw us visit a magical wonderland with hidden surprises.
England’s most elegant 18th century landscape garden is home to a crystal grotto. Hundreds of thousands of crystals including calcite, gypsum, quartz and fluorite have been used to re-create what is an extraordinary folly.
Stalactites hung from the ceiling and the walls sparkled with crystals. It’s said on a still day ‘nature’s mirror’ can be seen inside the crystal grotto. We are back in a few weeks for POD to meet Father Christmas.
We took POD to her first firework display, a spectacular show watched by 17,000 people. The torchlight procession was an incredible sight.
We’ve really been able to appreciate Autumn this November. POD has seen conkers for the first time and she’s loved seeing leaves change colour. Her excitement has meant I’ve enjoyed it more than I ever have before and I’ve loved photographing it. Regardless of the cold, it makes such a different to how you feel getting some fresh air in your lungs!
Alongside this aura of calm and tranquility comes reflection and panic. In November 2010 I was 8 months pregnant with POD. I remember that time like it was yesterday and the anxious feeling of being a mum-to-be.
November always passes by so quickly, everyone is counting down to Christmas. If I had my way, I’d like to slow it right down. Just so I can reminisce in the period that led to our Christmas Day baby being born.
We’re linking this post up with The Gallery at Sticky Fingers, the theme is November.
Wow, what an amazing place, whereabouts is this?
Mollyxxx
It’s Painshill Park in Surrey Molly – lots of wonderful follies there! I’ve written a couple of posts on it recently 🙂
Wow you’ve brought back so many memories for me – I remember going off on Mat leave in November 2010. I think I slept a LOT! Love your photos, the stalactites are really beautiful.
Thank you Tas. Hopefully it brought back good memories! Great you got to sleep, I seem to remember rushing around when I finished 🙂
Wow! Amazing images.
Christmas Day baby – that must be so very special.
Thank you Kate 🙂
I really have to visit that grotto, somehow 🙂 I wish I could slow December down for you, but I’m afraid it’s going to fly by!
Bless you! If you do ever get there make sure you check the opening times! I shall share the Grotto photos when we see Father Christmas 🙂
Those grotto photos are so beautiful.
Having a christmas baby must make the season extra special and extra busy for you! 🙂
Thank you Lou, super busy time 🙂
I can see that we are going to have to make a trip to this place – it does look amazing
It’s well worth it, just check when it’s open as it’s only for about 2 hours a day. December is bookings only I think 🙂
Beautiful photos as ever. It’s funny how the changes in the season remind you of pregnancy and the coming birth. It’s the same for me now, even though my kids are much older.
Thank you Sarah. It was quite memorable in 2010 as there was thick snow everywhere by mid December. It’s nice to remember and good to hear you still do too 🙂
Beautiful photos. I love November because it is that month til Christmas!
Thank you Laura. It does seem to be creeping up even quicker than usual this year 🙂
Stunning images and I lived reading about how special this month has been for you too.
Thank you Sarah, it looks utterly fabulous where you are 🙂
Just magical! And perfect to meet Father Christmas… 😉 xx
Can’t wait to meet Father Christmas!