"Serendip"

gala4
Originally uploaded by podso.

The English author Horace Walpole coined the word serendipity. In a letter of January 28, 1754, Walpole says that "this discovery, indeed, is almost of that kind which I call 'Serendipity,' a very expressive word." Walpole formed the word on an old name for Sri Lanka, "Serendip." He explained that this name was part of the title of "a silly fairy tale, called 'The Three Princes of Serendip': as their highnesses traveled, they were always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of...."

During our cousin weekend, on a lovely afternoon, we visited Wing Haven. It is just what it is called––a haven for birds in a beautiful three acre garden, with paths begging to be wandered. But we didn't know about the big bucks party being readied for that evening. Donors, patrons, the board ... some important people were going to have a smashing gala when twilight settled in. With pure delight we gazed upon elegant table settings under a green tinted tent. We "admired 'til we were tired" ... and took some neat images. It was, without a doubt, a "serendipity." (you can click on the images to see them larger.)