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Blenheim Palace

Thirty minutes North of Oxford lies Blenheim Palace, tucked amidst a small village. The palace hold over 300 years of history of the Marlborough family and the lives that intersected theirs.
From the outside, you know upon entering your eyes will have many extravagances to behold.
The palace was preparing for an event when we toured. So, there were workers arranging giant bouquets of fresh flowers, which smelled lovely.
Nearly every room had a chandelier, illuminating the the art work within the palace, which to be staring down at you with watchful eyes. I could not help but think, I wonder how many different stories these eyes have witnessed, passing in and out of the palace?
The palace landscape took my breath away. The manicured gardens are lovely, organized by curling hedges and cascading waterfalls but the open grounds are far more exceptional. The original landscaper designed over 2,000 acres to look natural. Exploring, you can tell that each path and tree is aligned with an appealing symmetry that highlight the grand vistas or lakeside views. The stunning fall color starkly stood out in comparison to the deep greens surrounding.

My favorite part of the palace was The Temple Diana, a little temple with the perfect view of the lake through the border of trees. With clouds looming overhead, swallowing up the bits of sunshine trying to pour through, I thought this little temple looked like the ideal, romantic hideout from England rain. I pictured a couple sneaking out of the palace, unaccompanied, escaping from the small talk of the weather. Having escaped the conversation, they do not escape the weather, and as they walk, hand in hand, they are caught in a rainstorm, and they find refuge beneath the stone pillars of the temple. I walked towards the temple and discovered a sign that explained it was the place Winston Churchill proposed to his wife, Clementine. My imagination was not far from historical truth. I stood there for a while, gaping at the beautiful view, in awe of the glorious scene before me.

May you enjoy the colors of Autumn. May you never be afraid to let your imagination run wild, knowing God created you with an imagination He designed.
All my love,
Gennavieve

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