“PARIS is ALWAYS a GOOD IDEA”
My Bed…………
My Lobby art……..
RALPHS………a place to dine. .
Art collected by that Ralphy……R. Lauren.
A window display!
Opera at its BEST on my street corner.
Magnificent urn in those gardens!
A street scene………..can you name that arch in the back?
STATUE & GOLD……….its everywhere in Paris.
I am quite proud of this shot!
My garden needs a re-do……”Oh, Giampy!!”
By this point I was sitting in a bicycle pedaled cart being wheeled to the Grand Palais.
The bridge is breaking from the weight of the locks!
A vision on the SEINE I was lucky enough to look down upon……..
I was able to steal away to the OLD COUNTRY for a few days just to feed my soul.LUCKY ME!I know I KNOW…………and I did just that!Here is a sneak at what I saw and how these images will stay with me for awhile………I met other BLOGGERS.I stayed in a charming BOUTIQUE hotel…………I shopped in Normandy and dined in a 17 Century Chateau……..I slept in some old stables.I hung around a woman who has dined with the QUEEN,I sneaked into Monet’s garden just to take a peek……..and I met some real important furry beasties who will have a Post all on their own.Then who did I sit next to on that flight home?You will NEVER guess so I will tell YOU.TOM HANKS high school history teacher!He still has is name card for his desk………..
There will be more to follow……..as its my Youngest SONS BIRTHDAY TODAY I must leave the computer and create a MAGICAL dinner table and wrap a few pressies and cook up something delicious all before I collapse for a nap………I know you understand.Please stay tuned for more of what FEEDS MY SOUL.
XOXO
Karena says
Oh dear Elizabeth I am quite envious of you at this moment….I can perfectly visualize you getting these amazing shots to share with us! Thank you for this beauty; you have made my day!! I hope you visit soon1
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
contessa says
I walked and walked the first day and ended up with two big fat blisters under my two big toes!
Heading over for a visit!
XX
Linda T says
You do create an enchanted life for yourself. Kudos!
Faded Velvet says
Dearest Elizabeth~
So fun for us to see what you saw through the eyes of your camera!I imagine those pictures are burned into your memory FOREVER. The smells, tastes and emotions evoked from seeing these images are almost tangible.
So glad you had a great, safe trip. Glad you are home and anxious to hear more. Tell the youngest bebe Happy birthday! post pictures of the festivities!!
Donna~Faded Velvet
contessa says
WE shall talk in a day or two………..OKAY?
Katharine says
You are an inspiration of how to live a life, girl. I was just thinking of you today and wondering what you were up to and lo and behold…. PARIS ! Brava.
contessa says
I canNOT believe you and Grace left a comment one minute a part!
How is my lovely FIRENZE…………….report in!Afraid I will be HOME bound for awhile!I WAS MISSED!
XX
Grace says
Sounds like a trip that the memories will keep you going for the whole winter! Brava!!The photos are great!!
contessa says
THANK YOU!I need to hear about LONDON………….XX
suzanna says
Boujour Contessa & Happy Birthday for your son and a colorful dinner I am sure! I have had a bit of a challenge being able to comment here, it has been a bit! Today, it worked, Bravo! My day shall come to make it to Paris, Provence, and absorb the colors; so YOUR shares are wonderful for my viewing.
I am sure I shall not sleep! I also dream of your vision on the Seine! *wink wink*, where is he? LOL
XO
contessa says
SO sorry, for the comment difficulty!If your receiving an email notice PUSH enter on the TITLE of the POST.That will take you to the site………..then scroll down to the bottom of the POST to comment.Very pleased to have your comment as that’s what makes me continue writing…………..
My vision will be your reality!He must be waiting over there!!!GO GIRL GO…………XX
tara dillard says
Do you realize the collateral damage of your life is filling my spiritual well?
How many, in a century, can that be said of?
Obviously, if you were pleased to get a certain pic and say you are quite proud, I’m thinking you did something a bit ‘illegal’.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
contessa says
NO< nothing illegal............. I just walked and walked and there it was in front of me! Waiting for me to snap the shot! XOXO
Marsha @ Splenderosa says
OMG, girl. What a life you have created for yourself!
I will love the furry beastie post, cannot wait.
And, to see the old stable you slept in.
Now, say Happy Birthday to the son for me. I feel like I almost know them by now.
much much love…
contessa says
YES, indeed Marsha………you will LOVE the furry beastie post as you will recognize them for certain…………will try to create tomorrow!
XX
Sunday hendrickson says
Oh, Contessa! How wonderful !
I’m sure it was all Bellissimo and molte bono!
Xxooo
Domenica
contessa says
SI………………tutto bello!
I will SHOW you more!
XO
Beth says
You are truly tellement de plaisir! Love the pictures!
contessa says
Tell me what that means!I do not speak a word of FRENCH!I can tell it’s GOOD……….right?XX
Shireen says
Oh my! We must have some of the exact same pictures! Tuillerie garden gate, arche de triomphe and place de Concorde fountain and obelisk. Just came home from Paris Fri night- Chicago still a zoo at noon. We have pics of the married couple too! They had a photographer with them. They placed the bride on a wall of a bridge over the Seine to get the perfect picture with Notre Dame in the background!
contessa says
HYSTERICAL!I wonder if we passed each other!THanks for your comment!
Theresa says
Welcome home! Paris is saddened by your departure without a doubt. Hope to see you soon and learn more of your adventures.
contessa says
PARIS, is good for the soul………….and the BOD.I walked so much my whole body would ache at night.The music played on the streets………..to hear that as you slumber off to sleep……….is amazing.It was indeed hard to leave but I had a TRIO of BOYS waiting for me and that is a WONDERFUL thing to see too.XX
Anita Rivera says
DEAR DEAR CONTESSA! I am late; I have been very busy with school work, but I saw that you posted yesterday but was unable to come until now. I am SO intrigued by your photos and all the fun you had in MY favorite city! Your shots are excellent, and I especially LOVE the one of the bride and groom on the Seine. MAY I PIN it to my Pinboard????
How are you dear and beautiful Contessa? Lovely post today! Do come and visit me when you have a chance, and let me know if I have permission to Pin your photo! Anita
contessa says
OF COURSE YOU CAN PIN AWAY!
Anita Rivera says
Thank you dearest contessa for coming to visit me today!!!! It is so kind of you to come over and if you can listen to the music sometime on my post. I design the idea around the music many times and without it, I think it is not as effective…thank you for your permission to pin your photo! I will do that tonight, it is so gorgeous! Anita
Eleanor says
Great blog today! You make Paris look even more beautiful than it is, if that’s possible. So glad you had such a good visit to France. Loved meeting such a kindred spirit like yourself. XOXO Ellie
contessa says
YOU were the BEST part of PARIS!I could have sat with you all evening long……………3 flights of stairs up,YOU on your tattered chaise………in your gorgeous apartment……….with your FANCY CAT…………and your stories.It truly was an afternoon I LOVED.XOXO
Mary says
The pictures are superb! You have a gift, for sure! Can’t wait for the little beastie photos as well. 🙂
I especially wanted to hear/see more of the trip, as I am the mother of your “Normandy intern” and she spoke very highly of you. You must be exhausted, though. Blisters on your toes- oh my!
I am so pleased to hear that you trip was such a success. Paris is just so,so special-I am very glad it lived up to your dreams.
Get some rest. <3
contessa says
MARY!
YOUR DAUGHTER is BEYOND!She just took charge in every which way and was so helpful!Even telling me I was not suppose to snap away inside MONETS living room!What a grand experience for HER………her cottage is adorable!I took some photos of her hope she sent your way!If not I will!
There will be more POSTS a coming…….I have been up since 3:30am today!Do SUBSCRIBE on the LEFT side bar…….so you do not miss one POST of FRANCE!I do believe the BEASTIES will be the next POST!THANK YOU for telling me who you are!You made my day!
Doré @ BurlapLuxe says
Oh my dear Elizabeth, next time it’s you and I running off to Paris!
Your holiday looked to be filled with amazing beauty, of course the music of Paris in your head.
The wedding what a romantic look down surprise !
I know what boutique hotel you were at ! Hope you post some of the sweet rural like kitchen photos, it’s cabinet is the very one I inspired mine with in my kitchen, I am still tring to get that simple fell of all things rustic French, nothing over the top, just inspiring the soul.
You fit so in with the French, your grace and beauty above all.
Xoxo
Dore
contessa says
NO cabinet that I recall…….all the food was on an island egg shaped table?Maybe a remodel took place!Blue screens adorned with small portraits……….I had a lovely stay at the Hotel de Buci.The location was fantastic!
Shall we skip off together one day?!!
XX
Nora says
Wow Elizabeth! What an amaizing trip you had.
Fantastic pictures.
Looking forward to hear and see more of it!
Sending you hugs
contessa says
More to come!!
Can’t wait to hear about your move!
Piedmont Pembroke Parent says
Ma Chere Contessa,
Ahh such a lovely visual excursion with you through Paris! The images and colors made me want to be there of course. I am so happy you shared your trip and yes, all the lucky ones who have been to Paris or want to be in Paris recognize the arch! Can’t wait to hear more..so serendipitious both you and your reader witnessed the same bride and groom posing for photos along the Seine.
Happy birthday to Nicholas!
Missed you at the last dinner, but Italian husband was great fun!
PPP
PPP
contessa says
THANK YOU……MADAME PPP.
Yes, I too thought that was amazing……..most likely we walked by each other!
It’s a small small world!
Vignette On Ruby Lane says
Audrey was right ……. And YOU know how to take advantage of it !
contessa says
I DO!!
suzanna says
Merci Contessa! you are such a doll…..I think he is in France, ha ha ha! ;-)) I “love” your vision!
wishes for some sweet, cozy, calm ZZZZ’s for you! XO
Tamera Beardsley says
How absolutely delightful my dear!
xoxo
Tamera
kim says
Dear Contessa, Wonderful!!! I am so jealous and cannot wait to hear every delicious bit. Sounds like a dream!! Love these photos. Your bedroom looks amazing and I so want to get to Ralph’s!!! xx Kim
Anita @ letshavelunch says
Hello Elizabeth. Your photos are wonderful and make me miss Paris so. You had such a busy time but such an incredible time. Your soul must be full!!! What did you cook for your babies birthday dinner?? Something totally scrumptious I bet. Now enjoy the beauty that the Autumn brings you and think about the holiday just passed and even better…..plan the next x x Anita
Queenoftrashytreasures says
Ahh Contessa, Such beautiful photos!!! You must have been exhausted when you returned. Looks like you had an amazing time. Looking forward to more posts after you rest up.