There are some places that just get in your soul and stay there and you think of them often. Those places change you, giving you a better understanding of a life lived and enjoyed by so many others, both resident and visitor...Paris is that kind of place. It haunts you to come back..especially if you have been there in the spring. One year ago...NOW, we were there and yes, it has taken me a year to get these photo's in order and start my editing. As I move through these wonderful memories..I have renewed joy in my time there, not only in Paris, but also in the South of France, where we spent two weeks after leaving Paris. I have been to Paris twice now, but this was our first time to the South of France and so soon, I hope to also share a few of those adventures and magical landscape with you...but for today, just memories of Paris for those of you who have been there and perhaps, for those of you who have not...you'll dust off your passport.
Walking along the Avenues with the smell of fresh bread entering your brain...you hear it calling to you, and you cave.
Trees starting to bud..no mud under your feet, just beautiful deep shadows criss-crossing the buildings...unique street lights and amazing architecture. The sun is warm and inviting and bouncing off the buildings. Wrapping you in a warm hug.
Always in my view, the beauty of the Eiffel Tower, as it reaches into the deep blue spring sky..
I really think one of the things I love most and think is so civilized is outdoor dining..truly, there is nothing more pleasant on a warm spring or summer day than to sit, at leisure, over a beautifully prepared meal, toss in a glass of wine and you know that life is to be savored. At home, for me, this is not a common sight and when you do find it, the season is short lived. Also the French, take their time and enjoy all that a meal outside implies...slow down, rest, chat and breathe in life.
Simple beauty and color everywhere..these being one of my favorites...
What would Spring be without an abundance of tulips...truly, so many flowers blooming there in early April...I wonder if one could have a bad day in Paris...
Lunch break for the school children..where else, of course outside at the Park...Like London parks are a big part of the make-up of Paris..and all enjoy them. I loved this shot not only of the kids lunching, but of this majestic tree, both in it's color and shape. A place for the kids to sit and gather around. The other thing about the parks, everyone sits on the grass, like we did growing up..now it's "stay away, don't sit, might have ticks"...geez, I'm going to sit in the grass again this summer, maybe even lay down and gaze at a few stars...if it's good enough for the French, it's good enough for me..and besides, I'm half French.
Yes, Paris gets in your head and never leaves...It turns you upside down and you really get a natural high and head rush, just by being there...It makes you stop and look. Smell and smile. Slow down and enjoy. Breathing is easier here..the pace allows for daydreaming and planning...Tasting not only a macaron here and there but trusting in the goodness of life...Merci Paris...je te aime..
Tuesday, April 28, 2015 at 04:22PM 
