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| - Ladies and gentlemen, aboriculturists and green thumbs, museum goers, people watchers and park goers, gather 'round. I have a tale to tell, and it is every bit full of magic as it is the truth. Not so long ago, in a land 3,000 miles away, I visited a place full of wonder and spirit. The natives call it Phipps Conservatory of Pittsburgh, PA. Baby, it was cold outside. Close enough to freezing to make this California girl shiver deep down into her warmest winter coat. As we approached what can only be described as a castle of glass, I drew my breath in and held it. I was excited. We purchased our tickets (reasonably priced) and entered into the first exhibit room. I smiled as I felt my fingers and toes thaw. The tropical environment was making it's way through me and it felt oh-so nice. The visually stunning displays of art among the greenery had me entranced. You will be hard pressed to find something as gorgeous as the combination of Dale Chilhuly's vibrant glass creations among lush greenery and romantic low-lighting. This year's theme: The Nutcracker. As I wondered from room to room, I encountered one delight after the next, including a train track set that rivals any that I have ever seen before! The details were stunning. My inner six year old squealed when I saw the giant gingerbread house decked out in fruit. Later, my inner princess began to plan my wedding to Prince Harry in front of the Shang Ri La of Christmas trees, dripping with romantic blue and silver, and placed delicately over a still pond. Too soon for comfort, our tour of the conservatory came to a close, but it's magic lives on in my Flickr album titled, I Dream of Phipps-ie. Check it. Then go. You're doing it right.
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