See the light change from the patio
Lounge around awhile.
~
This place was built by Boyce Gulley, who abandoned his wife and daughter in 1930 after finding he had tuberculosis. He traveled to Arizona and started building a "castle" as a gift for the little girl he'd left behind. Mary Lou Gulley was a toddler when her father unexpectedly left and never returned.
She found out about the castle after he died. She then moved in and finished the castle as a gift to him.
linked to
Postcards from Paradise
Gemma,
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazingly beautiful and magical place with a fascinating family history of childhood abandonment (for interesting and sad reasons) and a daughter's desire to fulfill a father's dream of a loving gift for the daughter he was never able to actually nourish with true affection. In essence, she completed the circle for herself, which I find to be a rather healthy action altogether. Brava, Mary Lou!
Thanks for sharing such beauty and compassion,
xo,
Noelle
so interesting...
ReplyDeletethat her father disserted her and then she found the castle and completed it in his memory, and yes perhaps for hers..of him
x..x
What an unusual story!
ReplyDeleteBut then life does throw up fascinating odyssey, did you get to stay there, or is it a museum?
Sue x
gemma...i love that you have linked the winged heart to angel faces.
ReplyDeletei did not know of this retreat....so i joined in supporting awareness of this program and the art auction with a post today.
thank you gemma, this is the best of the blog world, increasing awareness and helping others.
Gemma,
ReplyDeleteFirst, I love your name.
Next the story is beautiful, as well as the photos. Thank you for your kind words about Amy's shrine, and visiting my blog.
I would love to be able to look at the desert outside. Great photo. I love your kitchen. Hope you have a great Mother's Day. Take care.
ReplyDeleteEnchanting post. Thanks for this.
ReplyDeleteAll the best, Boonie
Gemma once again it's memories looking at this magical place! One really has to get inside to appreciate the creative energy of this family brought together by this castle!Loved it and the day we toured this magical place together!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy Mother's Day!
Big hugs for helping me last night! xo
How poignant and lovely...
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing isn't it, to think of the work people did in the heat without the convenience of all our modern machinery - yet it's usually much more beautiful than anything built today. Built with the heart...
Gemma, these are gorgeous. Your particular point of view so enhances this marvelous place. Did you take these the day we were there or did you go back? And why oh why do I NOT remember the red seating???
ReplyDelete