If you have your speakers turned on you can probably hear Edith Piaf singing
La Vie En Rose. I am in a French state of mind this weekend. The reason for this is
a friend just returned from her first trip to Paris and has been regaling me with wonderful
tales of her trip. I have had the good fortune of having been to Paris and other parts of
France a few times and I am thrilled to hear her first time stories. Before she left she
asked me what I most wanted to see on my first trip many years ago and I of course
replied “Everything”!!! She laughed when I told her that I had a great, great, great (I
actually don’t know how many “greats” back) uncle who was a well known painter in
Paris in the 1800’s and has a couple of paintings hanging in the Louvre, but that became
last on my list of things to search out. It started at the top of my list but once I arrived in
that exquisite city, his paintings moved lower on the list because I wanted to see every
single thing I could possibly see in Paris and France...and then, finally his paintings.
I have traveled often with work and I have been fortunate enough to have made a few
more trips to France since my first trip many years ago, and I must say...each time I go
to Paris it is as if I am there for the very first time.
So given my French state of mind this weekend, I will read (for the 100th time) the
wonderful book by Vicki Archer, French Essence...
Enjoy a few French macarons...I took this picture at Madame Paulette’s shop in Los
Angeles.. She also has a shop in Paris that I have pledged to visit one day!
Listen to a little Edith Piaf...
And, sip a little French Champagne to celebrate the New Year....
much love, joy, good health and prosperity. I thank you all for welcoming me into the
blogging world. You have made it a wonderful experience. You have blessed my life.
It has been a pleasure getting to know all of you and sharing so many wonderful ideas
and experiences. I thank you and I wish you all many, many blessings in the New Year.
Happy , happy New Year....and here's to 'a French state of mind'....xv
ReplyDeleteOooh, la, la! I think I wanted to see it all on my first trip to Paris, too! How wonderful that you have a relative with work in the Louvre! Not many people can say that! I've been to the Louvre twice, and got so lost each time! That book sounds great, by the way. Wishing you a very happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteOh, nothing beats a Parisian macaron. Except their croissants, maybe!!!
Those macarons look good enough...to well, eat ;)
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year!
Chris
Happy New Year! French Essence is on my wish list (as is Paris, sigh) ! How cool that your great uncle is in the Louvre - I am impressed!
ReplyDeleteIt is always nice to learn a little more about you. Enjoy your French filled evening. Thank you for reading my blog and always leaving thoughtful comments.
ReplyDeleteWishing you all the best in the new year!
-Rene
Oh- I love your French state of mind! It makes me long to go and see it for myself. I have traveled all over the US but have never been to France...so, I am enjoying it from my chair here and enjoying the stories of those who have been there. Happy New Year to you- xxoo Diana
ReplyDeleteLove the French music, Susan! How very lucky you are to have traveled to France on more than one occasion! I have yet to be anywhere overseas, but will never say never. ;-)
ReplyDeleteIt's been a real joy getting to know you over the past year, my friend. I look forward to all of the wonderful inspiration and contiued comradery in 2011!
Happy New Year to you!
xoxo,
Jo :)
~*~*Happy New Year!!~*~*Hugs,Rachel
ReplyDelete*French Farmhouse 425*
I'll join you in that toast - Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHow cool is it to have a relative with work in the Louvre!!! I guess most of us favor either 'French' or 'English' ... count me in the English camp. I really like the beautiful French design I see published, but English almost always makes me swoon. (I spent a week in Paris about 20 years ago, and I still long to go back to see everything again.) Now that I think about it, my new gardens are very French. Hmmmm ....
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Dear.
Connie
Happy 2011! I'm in a relaxing state of mind for the day!
ReplyDeleteI have yet to visit Paris...but soemday, hopefully, I will! :) I actually am hoping to go with my daughter when she turns 30 later this year, if all my plans turn out well.
ReplyDeleteThank you for all your compliments about my blog ..I truly appreciate them!
Happy and healthy 2011!
I have been lucky enough to visit a few wonderful places, but not France...yet. How wonderful that you have gotten to experience all the beautiful things that country has to offer.
ReplyDeleteI hope you have a blessed and joyous 2011 ♥ Tricia
Ahh, the French! I love their "joie de vivre" - Happy 2011! Hoping to "visit" more often in the New Year!
ReplyDeleteAlways nice to be in a French State of Mind. Great post and I am so glad that you were able to have a nice and relaxing New Years. So here's to a happy, healthy and joyful 2011 - where I look forward to getting together with you to check out some great thrift shops and antiques..and some alpacas too!! XOXO...Debbie
ReplyDeleteI think this is a wonderful state of mind to be in. You make it sound wonderful, I hope to go someday. I am dying to try a French macaroon. Evrerytime I see a picture of the pastel sweetness I want one!!
ReplyDeleteI have so enjoyed our emails and getting to know eachother the past few months. I am looking forward to knowing more about you and also to my visits to your lovely blog.
Thank you for your ever sweet comments on my blog. You always make me smile and also you make me want to be better at writing. You are a love and I am so glad you are a part of my blogging life. I am sure if we ever get to meet we would talk for hours, xo Kathysue
I just love your French state of mind. I have enjoyed getting to know you and look forward to many more Blooming Rose Musings in 2011! Much love, Mona
ReplyDeleteBonjour...nouvelle année heureuse!!!!
ReplyDeleteWhat a mood you set! XOXO Trish
I am in a Friendship State of Mind and, in this place, I celebrate the many years of knowing you... and look forward with pleasure to a million more.
ReplyDeleteLove to you my old friend, Stephanie
Lovely post...ooh I'd love to go there...
ReplyDeleteDear friend, there
ReplyDeleteis nothing at this
very moment that I
would like better
than to travel to
France with you!!
This has been like
a mini-break as I
run laundry and try
to prepare for the
week ahead. I have
only been to France
once and you are
right, there is
EVERYTHING to take
in....Happy, happy
New Year! Let's
notice and enjoy
all of the wonderful
everythings in our
lives this year : )
Big hugs,
xx Suzanne
Just popping back to say thank you so much for your very kind words! They absolutely made my day! All the best this year ahead...
ReplyDeleteHello dear friend,
ReplyDeletethank you for this..I close my eyes and imagine being there...
thank you for your visit to my blog and lovely comment- much appreciated when you drop in..enjoy your roses..and looking forward to popping in here on your blog through 2011!
xo Colette ~ Afrique du Sud
France is only a short trip away from where I live in England so I have easy access.....but I've not been in a while actually. You know how if something's really easy to do you sometimes don't get around to doing it? That's how I am with France....
ReplyDeletePerhaps I feel a trip coming on!!
Happy New Year!
Sarahx
I just had to pop back to see the name of the book you love....French Essence. It looks so lovely.
ReplyDeleteSarahx
Thanks for coming over to visit my blog! hoping you'll come back over & "follow" me.....i'm loving peeking around yours!!!
ReplyDeletexoox
Happy New Year to you too sweet friend!
ReplyDeletePretty photos and song! :)