I had the wonderful opportunity to tour

Galveston's historic Bishop's Palace,

also known as Gresham's Castle.

IMG_4223-1Bishop's Palace 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

This Victorian-style castle was named

"one of the 100 most important

buildings in America" by the

American Institute of Architects.

The home was built from 1886 to 1892 

by a lawyer Colonel Walter Gresham

and designed by Nicholas Clayton,

Galveston's premier architect.

IMG_0402Bishop's Palace 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Galveston's best-known and grandest building

is built from Texas granite, white limestone,

and red sandstone, which were all

cut and shaped on site.

It's hand-carved interior woodwork

is made of several rare woods,

such as rosewood, satinwood,

white mahogany, American oak,

and maple.

It has intricately carved ornaments,

stained-glass windows,

bronze dragons and other sculptures,

luxury materials and furnishings,

and impressive fireplaces from around the world.

 Upon Gresham's request,

Clayton showcased the

house's numerous fireplaces

with rare and luxurious materials,

such as African marble and pure silver.

First Floor:

Basement/Store

IMG_4147

Bishop's Palace has four floors.

The raised basement,

which was once the kitchen

and servant's areas,

is now the store.

This basement is followed by

three formal floors.

The audio tour allows you to

view the first three floors.

Second floor:

Entryway

IMG_4184Bishop's Palace (Entryway) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4184Bishop's Palace (Entryway) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Music Room

IMG_0321Bishop's Palace (Music Room) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0321Bishop's Palace (Music Room) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Parlor

IMG_0322Bishop's Palace (Parlor) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0322Bishop's Palace (Parlor) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0322Bishop's Palace (Parlor) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0322Bishop's Palace (Parlor) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Library/Office

IMG_4174Bishop's Palace (Library/Office) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4174Bishop's Palace (Library/Office) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4174Bishop's Palace (Library/Office) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4174Bishop's Palace (Library/Office) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Dining Room/Conservatory

IMG_0330Bishop's Palace (Dining Room/Conservatory) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0330Bishop's Palace (Dining Room/Conservatory) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Butler's Pantry

IMG_0331Bishop's Palace (Butler's Pantry) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Kitchen

IMG_0336Bishop's Palace (Kitchen) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Back hall/Coat Room

IMG_0339Bishop's Palace (Back hall/Coat Room) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Rotunda Staircase

IMG_4152Bishop's Palace (Rotunda Staircase) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4152Bishop's Palace (Rotunda Staircase) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4152Bishop's Palace (Rotunda Staircase) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4152Bishop's Palace (Rotunda Staircase) 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Third Floor:

Living Room

The Gresham family often listened to music here during the hot summer months.

IMG_4191Bishop's Palace (Living Room) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Bishop's Bedroom

This was originally a bedroom of

one of the Gresham daughters, but

Bishop Byrne chose it for his own

with its private balcony and lighting.

He converted the closet into a bathroom.

IMG_0362Bishop's Palace (Bishop's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0362Bishop's Palace (Bishop's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0362Bishop's Palace (Bishop's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Chapel

This was also previously one of

the Gresham daughter's bedrooms.

When the Diocese moved in,

the windows were replaced

with stained-glass, and a fresco

depicting the four gospel writers

(Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John)

was painted on the ceiling.

The room was also outfitted

with an altar and

six prayer kneelers.

IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0358Bishop's Palace (Chapel) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm

IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0352Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Room/1900 Storm) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children

IMG_0351Bishop's Palace (Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0351Bishop's Palace (Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0351Bishop's Palace (Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0351Bishop's Palace (Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0351Bishop's Palace (Mrs. Gresham's Bedroom/Bathroom/Gresham Children) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550

Mr. Gresham's Bedroom

IMG_4202Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_4202Bishop's Palace (Mr. Gresham's Bedroom) 3rd Floor 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Third Floor (NOT PICTURED):

The Boy's Room

Mrs. Gresham's Art Studio

Additional Storage

END OF TOUR

IMG_0340Bishop's Palace 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 IMG_0340Bishop's Palace 1402 Broadway Galveston, TX 77550 Visit one of Galveston's architectural treasures.

Bishop's Palace

1402 Broadway

Galveston, TX 77550

For ticket and tour information,

Phone: (409)762-2475

THANK YOU,

ANGELA

IMG_3346THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA

THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE

is located in Sulphur, LA.

IMG_3349THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA

I LOVE this park.

It's very clean and has great views for pictures.

IMG_3351THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA

Need a quiet place to sit and read?

IMG_3353THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA

IMG_3355THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA

IMG_3357THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA

There's much peace here and good energy.

I LOVE the nature!

IMG_3358There's much peace here and good energy. I LOVE the nature!

IMG_3360THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

There's a mini-library where you can leave a book and take a book.

IMG_3362THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3363THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

Want to take a walk in the fresh air? 

Try The Grove's beautifully landscaped walking trails...

IMG_3365THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

It's a very relaxing place...

Take in the beauty of the grass, flowers, and trees.

IMG_3366THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

And I’m not the only one who LOVES this place!

IMG_3370THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3371THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3373THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3376THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

I promise...the nature will show you the LOVE!

IMG_3379THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

So peaceful and tranquil...perfect setting for pictures.

IMG_3380THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3382THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

Calm park with beautiful flowers and huge oak trees...

Old oaks as wide as you can stretch your arms...

And there's a large fountain in the center with sidewalks all around...

IMG_3385THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3388THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3389THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

The Grove is a beautiful place.

There's a stage for different activities...

Sit on the hill and watch the performance!

Concerts, Farmer's Markets, Carnivals,

Remembrance Walks, Barbecues, etc.

You just never know!

IMG_3391THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3396THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3401THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3402THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3403THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

There's also a sitting area for picnics...

or just a quiet place to sit and eat your food.

IMG_3405THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

  IMG_3406THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3408THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3409THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3412THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE

1211 Ruth St.

Sulphur, LA 70663

IMG_3413THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

IMG_3414THE GROVE AT HERITAGE SQUARE SULPHUR, LA.

THANK YOU,

ANGELA

IMG_0511Sahara Desert

For those of you who have not met him,

this is my bearded dragon. 

IMG_0508Sahara Desert

On this rainy day, I thought it would be a good idea to take some portraits of him.

IMG_0507Sahara Desert

His name is Sahara Desert.

IMG_0492Sahara Desert

I felt the name was very fitting, being that he loves to bask in temperatures

above 100 degrees Fahrenheit.

IMG_3576Sahara Desert

IMG_3579Sahara Desert

He is a little longer than 17.5 inches now,

but will grow up to 24 inches long within

one year of life.

He likes to eat fruit, veggies, and live insects.

IMG_0086Sahara Desert

IMG_0098Sahara Desert

He gets a bath twice each week.

IMG_3559Sahara Desert

Overall, he's a great pet.

He's very friendly and easy to handle.

He doesn't bite.

He likes to watch tv and listen to music.

He's quiet and keeps his terrarium clean.

And his care isn't costly.

What more can you ask for in a pet?

IMG_3569Sahara Desert

IMG_3571Sahara Desert

THANK YOU for taking time to meet Sahara!

ANGELA

IMG_3492Chateau De Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

Anyone who knows me knows that I absolutely LOVE castles!

So, this is the place to be.

You can imagine my excitement as I was driving down the road leading to this

little paradise.

IMG_3432Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

I was so amazed at how beautiful this castle is!

Chateau de Bon Reve...In Sulphur, LA.

Since I was intrigued by the history of it all, this led me to find out some details about this beautiful chateau.

IMG_3434Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3415Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

This castle was the vision of one man,

Mr. Dwaine Allen Ellender.

IMG_3449Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3441Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

It was named the Chateau de Bon Reve!

IMG_3448Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3451Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3452Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA IMG_3453Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

Its name, "Chateau de Bon Reve," means "House of Good Dreams."

I see a place that's mysterious and magical...

A place where you can be whomever you want to be...

IMG_3461Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3458Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

Chateau de Bon Reve opened in March 2007 and was used for weddings, engagements, receptions, parties, dinners, luncheons, banquets, Christmas gatherings, Mardi Gras, and special events.

IMG_3460Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3466Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3470Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3463Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

Yes...I am in AWE!

INTERESTING FACTS --

Dwaine Allen Ellender designed and built Chateau de Bon Reve with his own two hands.

Chateau de Bon Reve is one of 7 castles in the state of Louisiana.

IMG_3472Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3476Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3474Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3471Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3475Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3478Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3479Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3486Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3488Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3490Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

IMG_3491Chateau de Bon Reve in Sulphur, LA

Thank you so much,

Mr. Dwaine Allen Ellender, 

for giving me the opportunity to photograph your beautiful establishment.

IMG_1531Wild Ducks of the Lake Charles Civic Center

I LOVE NATURE and experimenting with natural colors.

IMG_1523Wild Ducks at the Lake Charles Civic Center

What better way to experiment than to photograph these wild ducks at the

Lake Charles Civic Center.

IMG_1556Wild Ducks at the Lake Charles Civic Center IMG_1556Wild Ducks at the Lake Charles Civic Center  

I always wondered why I was attracted to natural browns and earth colors.

IMG_1576Wild Ducks of the Lake Charles Civic Center

I believe it brings feelings of warmth, security, comfort, and strength.

IMG_1576Wild Ducks at the Lake Charles Civic Center IMG_1576Wild Ducks at the Lake Charles Civic Center

While we are on the topic of ducks, here is a little wisdom that can be learned from observing their behaviors and interactions with one another.

KJTD5402Wild Ducks at the Lake Charles Civic Center

THANK YOU,

ANGELA

IMG_1480Calcasieu Parish Courthouse

Why I started my blog

Since I started my business, a friend advised me on starting a blog. After friendly and supportive advice, I have been completely inspired to start a blog for Revelation ALM Studios. I realize all the benefits that blogging can bring.

IMG_1492Calcasieu Parish Courthouse

What you will see in my posts

Photography will obviously be the main topic of my blog. But, get ready! I happen to be in love with the outdoors and plan on devoting a large amount of time towards displaying architecture and natural elements, such as landscapes, wildlife, plants, and close-ups of natural scenes and textures. I may be a little bit of a "perfectionist," but I am nowhere near perfect. Please feel free to always share your advice and communicate with me along the way! I hope to inspire you because, honestly, you all inspire me. I am so looking forward to bringing beautiful, natural pictures to life and helping you see them the way I do.

THANK YOU,

ANGELA

IMG_1489Lake Charles City Hall