Church of the Annunciation

Today, we will continue with our journey through Nazareth.  One of the highlights of my tour was visiting the Church of the Annunciation, which is a traditional site of the place where Gabriel visited Mary as recorded in Luke 1:26-38.

Images of the outside of the church

This door depicts various images found within Scripture.

The church is built upon what was thought to be Mary's family home and one of the traditional sites of Gabriel's announcement to Mary.  This image gives a view of the home upon which the original church was built.  These photos were taken in the lower level of the church.  

Here is a broader view of the traditional home site.  This area is also referred to as the grotto.

Beautiful stained glass

Artwork depicting Gabriel's announcement to Mary.

These photos provide a closer view of the home.  It was fascinating to see how it was made of stone.

Another view

The steps inside.  I wondered where those steps led!

Looking upward to the dome

Here is a view of the original church that was built around the traditional home.

Another view for perspective

Artwork on the original church

More stained glass

Then, we entered the upper part of the church and beautiful stained glass and artwork abounded.

All along the walls are beautiful works of art given by different countries.  This image of Mary was given by the USA.

Here is an image of the sanctuary from further back.

Another perspective of the church.  You can see on the left a few of the other images of Mary that have been given.

More beautiful stained glass above.

The artwork at the front of the church denotes Christ in red toward the top with Peter standing beside him.  Behind and to the left, Mary is seated and clothed in blue.  

This is an image of the alcove to the right of the central altar area.

Here is another image of the central altar.

More artwork depicting Mary.

It was so beautiful to see the different perspectives each country provided.

Doorway surrounded by stained glass

Mary images

This photo was taken after exiting the church.  I just loved the architecture and tile roof of this building and also the palm tree in front.

I believe these are remnants of the Byzantine church located in the area.

Below is a description detailing information about the mosaics above.  

I believe the artwork above is from Czechoslovakia and below is from Italy.

It was quite surreal to experience a traditional location of such a powerful narrative exemplifying humble servitude and embrace of God's plan for her life.  

Mother's Day Weekend Surprise!!

For Mother's Day I thought it would be fun to plan a little surprise day trip for my mom.  I kept her in suspense until we started to see signs for the adorable town we were going to visit, Winnsboro!  I had always wanted to visit here, so this proved the perfect opportunity and this choice of destination did not disappoint.  They have such an adorable downtown area and I cannot wait to return!  We happened upon the most adorable Bistro for lunch and were in a bit of a rush since our next stop on the journey involved appointments in thirty minutes, but the staff there was so gracious and helpful.  They were able to provide a fabulous lunch quickly!!

I just loved the interior of the Winnsboro Bistro.  The ceiling has beautifully gathered fabric that meets in the center of the room.  Love the chandeliers, too!

The warmth and richness of the tones was just perfect for the setting.

Here is where the fabric gathers in the middle.

I think this would be a lovely place for any party!

Here's my beautiful mama.  It was so special to celebrate her!!

We both ordered tomato basil soup and yes, it was as delicous as it looks!! 

After our quick and fabulous lunch, we headed to our next appointment:

 

Copper Leaf Day Spa!!  

I had heard how fabulous this place was and it deserves all that praise and more.  We had a wonderful time!  I booked pedicure appointments for mom and me and since our appointments were back to back, they took me to a cozy little room to relax while Mom was getting her pedicure.

Here is my view in my little oasis of calm.  They had a wonderful overstuffed armchair and ottoman to relax in and also brought me the most fabulous warm neck wrap.  I confess I almost dozed off a few times because it was so relaxing.  I loved that they had Real Simple magazine, too -- one of my favorites!

Here's a picture of a very happy, relaxed girl!

Then, it was time for my pedicure, which was also fabulous! 

Here we are with our finished products!!  Mom chose a fantastic red and mine is more hot pink. :)

After the pedicures, we thought a little coffee treat might be nice, so we moseyed on over to another part of the downtown area to this fun little place!

 

They had such a fun and expansive menu that it was hard to decide what to order.  I finally settled on the Market Street Macchiato and it was delicious!  We enjoyed having a good visit in the fun ambiance of the coffee shop.

They had such fun coffee cups and accessories for sale, too!  

Then, we spent a little time shopping! :)  Mom found a treat for Little B and a lovely book of quotes from a mother to a daughter.

 

Oh, how blessed I am to have you for my mother.  

I love you so much and am so thankful we got to share this day together and celebrate you!!