Please join me on an adventure I have dreamed of for a lifetime!
This sculpture of the Winged Victory in the Louvre symbolizes so much to me.
Yes, I am overcoming the difficult issues that have held me back for several years. Now is the time to move forward with goals, purposes, the opportunities of this next chapter in The Book of My Lifetime.
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| The Louvre with the Glass Pyramid |
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| The Eiffel Tower with Fireworks! |
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| Lavender Fields |
I have dreamt of running through fields of lavender and taking in the heady scent. Making Herbs de Provence with bits of lavender and fennel mixed in.
I would gaze in awe at the magnificent sculpture atop The Garnier Opera House.
I take time with friends to visit Provence and stay where the Courtyard has a view of the sea and the groined ceiling the color goldenrod, as does the excellent wine!
Back in Paris bicycling to get fresh breads and sweet treats. The aroma coming right out of the ovens!
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| The Grand Lefour Cheese Cart |
You will never ever find the many varieties of cheeses that France produces anywhere else in the world!.
Going with my friend Andrea of The French Basketeer to purchase a colorful variety of Market Baskets to ship home to California.
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| A must stop for me, the American Tourist |
We must take some treats back home from our travels!
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| Excerpt below from the Author Vanessa Diffenbaugh |
As it is springtime I am currently reading this Book, and have it with me for evenings when it is difficult to unwind from so many pleasures of the day. The Author has this to say:
"The Victorian language of flowers began with the publication of Le Language des Fleurs, written by Charlotte de Latour and printed in Paris in 1819. To create the book--which was a list of flowers and their meanings--de Latour gathered references to flower symbolism throughout poetry, ancient mythology and even medicine. The book spawned the science known as floriography, and between 1830 and 1880, hundreds of similar floral dictionaries were printed in Europe and America.
In The Language of Flowers, Victoria learns about this language as a young girl from her prospective adoptive mother Elizabeth. Elizabeth tells her that years ago, people communicated through flowers; and if a man gave a young lady a bouquet of flowers, she would race home and try to decode it like a secret message. So he would have to choose his flowers carefully."
Reve, Soon to be released A Four Volume E-Book
That will delight, educate, interest you greatly.
Written by Andrea of French Basketeer, Elizabeth of Elizabeth Eiffel, and Laura Ingalls Gunn of Decor to Adore. These women have traveled to France many times, two have homes there, and you Must subscribe to this publication!
The architecture, here is The Musee d'Orsey with more priceless art treasures.
The Pantheon in Paris, so difficult to even imagine what went into this stunning construction.
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| Renaissance Paris Vendome Luxury 5 Star Accommodations or stay at a friends flat! |
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| Luxury Shopping Anyone? Elite Jewelers Van Cleef and Arpels |
Now off to Beune to have some time out of the city again and lets visit Andrea's
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| Andrea's Beautiful home in Beaune during the Holidays! |
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| Baking her Apple Tartre in Puff Pastry served with a dollop of Creme Freshe! Enjoying the Good and Blessed Life we have. |
Joining Anita of Castles Crowns and Cottages
and many others participating in this Dream Trip! Please visit their sites as well!
and many others participating in this Dream Trip! Please visit their sites as well!
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| Simply Irresistible France! |
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Thank you dear friends for supporting the Arts Worldwide!
A very special thank you to all who have been here to help me during my time of healing!
Credits to Follow
75 comments:
Best of luck in Paris, you will love. I was also fortunate in visiting Paris and the Louvre. Such a beautiful place. I am now looking forward to visiting Tuscany in the Fall and can't wait!
BONJOUR MA BELLE! Karena, thank you for coming over this morning to let me know that you are participating after all! I could not wait for this party, and I have been joyously sitting here all morning long, visiting all the various posts from Europe, Canada, and now in the USA! WONDERFUL reflections and new goals for your life. Having friends are the best connections to make our dreams come true. HAVE FUN MY DEAR!!!!! Anita
Best wishes for continued good health, happiness and travels, Karena. Safe journeys.
Tina
I hope you can take a trip like this soon! Also, wishing you continued health and joy, you deserve it.
Ahhh, beautiful! We spent some time in the South of France...it was lovely. Praying for continued improvement in your health.
Thank you for taking back to some of my favorite places in Paris. Touring your post this morning with coffee brings all my memories flooding back. Visiting you from Anita’s party.
~Emily
The French Hutch
Wow! So many things to love here but I particularly love that courtyard looking out on the water. And how fun to be able to share in your French world. Will have to check out that ebook. Merci, Kirsten
I hope that you are feeling better and stronger every day, Karena.... Paris is indeed a great motivator, and one day you will be there! I'm off to go check out the party on Anita's blog.
I love Paris! Karena I hope you are well, thinking of you and thanks for sharing these beautiful images, xox.
What a lovely post Karena! Isn't this French link party wonderful? Each take is so unique and gorgeous. Paris is one of my favorite places and with your French heritage it's a must do for you no doubt. Dreams do come true!
xx, Heather
One day Karena, close your eyes and click your heels together three times and say "there's no place like Paris". If I could grant wishes you would be there in a jiffy.
Love your view of France.
Much Love
Di
xxxx
You are simply a gem!
If you take a trip like this soon Karena please let me come along look like heaven!
Enjoy your weekend!
XXX
Debra~
What a lovely virtual trip! I hope you are able to make it a reality very soon!
I really enjoyed "The Language of Flowers" - it's a beautifully written book.
Have a good weekend!
Perhaps we could meet and run through the lavender fields together, as it is also a dream of mine. (and then perhaps a few pastries?)
What a lovely blog!
It is so fun together .....welcome in France darling.......love your post !!!...i am glad i met you here.....have a nice weekend....bisous Ria...xxx...
what a wonderful trip you have taken us on. Grand post. xxpeggybraswelldesign.com
Have fun!
Oh what wonderful places!!!
Thanks for the beauty Karena,
~ Violet
Karena Tour Magnifico!
have a really good week end sweety
XoXo
regards
Luisa
http://personallyselected.blogspot.com.es/
Karena,
This sculpture is so pretty. My daughter just visited the Louvre on her honeymoon and said it was amazing - there is so much to see! The lavender fields are beautiful, as I am very much in love with nature myself. Thank you for taking me away on this french trip. It's so nice to dream together.
Love,
~Sheri
Thank you for the beautiful virtual tour Karena.. I love the lavender fields, everything is so inspiring.
Don't let Bebe next to the cheese cart..
The Winged Victory sculpture was the inspiration for one of my relief wall sculptures.. It is just breathtaking.
Thank you so much for including it.
You are so kind to visit and leave such a sweet note about little Bebe..
bless you
Penny
That was indeed a wonderful trip. I often wonder how it would feel to stand within the fantastical structures that were created centuries ago; to visit a Monastery or walk through an ancient church. I envy those who have such treasures within mere miles. Maybe one day I will have the opportunity. I first heard of the "Language of Flowers" when reading "Cranford" and all the ladies were trying to decipher what the flower on their Valentine revealed.
Bonjour Karena. Visiting your blog today was just like being in Paris! Lavish spread of photos, and what a great tale. I hope you get to visit soon. You will have a splendid time in the French capital... A bientôt, Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)
Wonderful food and wonderful places,Very lovely.
It was a pleasure to be here,
Marie Antionette
Thank you for coming to visit me!
I hope that you are feeling better and that you do get to live your dream and go to visit Paris and other places in France. I know that you would love it and that all of your blog friends will be quick to offer advice and suggestions!
Take care of yourself!
Elizabeth
Oh wow Karena! That dining setting overlooking the sea is too much for this guy to handle in the morning, it bloomin' gorgeous:))
Happy weekend lovely!
Paul x
So wonderful, Karena--how dearly I hope that you will make this particular dream come true one day!
Sending strength and plenty of bisous,
Heather
Beautiful! You certainly summed up the best parts of France, so much to love!
A gorgeous French tour Karena... I love this French party... :)
Happy weekend... xv
Karena!
How fun it is to party with you!
You have kept the arts alive in our hearts as you have endured the past few years.
So much of art, particularly sculpted art, is a tribute, a celebration of victory over struggle.
I have walked in Paris twice and have felt the energy that prevails from the sculpted and architectural spendor!
Thank you for your friendship!
Wishing you improved health and your dream trip to a reality!
~Lynne
withLove.
Bonjour Karena!
What a glorious trip it will be when you visit France!
It is such a dream for any artist and art lover...the multi-sensory experience is almost overwhelming...
You have chosen some stunning images indeed...
Wishing you strong health and many blessings...
Enjoy La Fete!
xoxo,
- Irina
Karena, thanks for visiting me! I wish you a bon voyage, and hope that you gather the most wonderful memories of France, I'm excited for you! What fun to shop for baskets!! 'p.s. I loved The Language of Flowers.
Xxx Anne
I would so love to re-visit Paris! I was so overwhelmed when we went! It was our first buying trip for the shop so there was never really time to take in the sights and sounds! I definitely need to go back and enjoy it from a different perspective! If you go I think a lot of us would love to tag along! Hope you are feeling good!
Bonjour Karena, Paris is so beautiful and a chance to visit again would be heavenly for me. Enjoy my friend and take care, Linda
Bonjour, bonjour! Fabulous post and I hope to tag along when you visit! I would go every year if I could :-)
What an incredibly beautiful blog post! I almost felt I had stayed a week in France! Thank you for your passion for all things French!
It was all so very lovely...
Ciao!
Teresa in California
http://amagicalwhimsy.blogspot.com/
I am also participating in Anita's French Blog Party...please come stop by!
Lovely tour Karena! I wish I could be there again in person, but since I can't this is the next best thing!
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
Oh my, Karena, this is delightful and so very rich with details. LOVE the flower decoding. What a beautiful way to communicate.
Move forward with hope, lovely. So much life to live...savor every detail and let nothing hold you back.
Thank you for stopping by the table. My pleasure to serve you.
Bonjour, mon amie.
xoxo's
My dear Karena,
MERCI for coming by to let me know how much you are enjoying the party. This has truly been a fun and exciting time for me, and now that I am at home more, I can visit all day, go in the garden with my computer and visit all around the world of Blog.
ENJOY MORE and as the party draws to a close this Friday, it will have been a most splendid event. MERCI. Anita
I love this post! I will be going to paris for my 50th and I am so excited , you have given me so many things to look forward too! I better start brushing up on my French.
xo Karolyn
Karena
I don't think there could be a better tour guide. This dream sounds wonderful, and I hope that you get to realize it soon.
Teresa
xoxo
Bonjour Karena,
Makes me want to pack my suitcase and go back to France.
My husband took me there for my 50th and then we were lucky enough to go back for our 25th wedding anniversary.
Thanks for the wonderful post.
Happy week
Carolyn
What a pleasure to travel with you! Your keen eye for quality ...in everything! is so apparent!
What a beautiful post. I love the photos you chose!
xo
Sharon
Karena ... such a beautiful post and I love the pictures. You gave a perfect view of beautiful France. After we visit the Winged Victory we must go across and have a glass of champagne at Cafe Marly! Running through lavender fields is also something I would love to do! Thank-you for a beautiful trip my friend!
best wishes always
Frances
xx
What lovely pictures and what a wonderful tour. This is just the thing to lift the spirits!
Hi Karena,
What a great post...very heartfelt. Thanks for sharing. I hope you get to go to France someday.
Interesting reading about the flower bouquet and trying to decode what they meant. :)
Thanks so much for stopping by. Thanks for your sweet comments.
Heidi @ hi-d's place
Karena! Such a beautiful, honest, inspiring post! Thank you for sharing. Follow you heart; Dreams really come true and you will make this wonderful dream a reality! Thank you for your kind words on my Provencal setting!
It's so nicz meeting you thanks to the party. Your pictures are beautiful and would inspire anyone to travel. I hope you'll make your dream come true.
Traveling with you has been such a pleasure, Karena! And many thanks for the introduction to the ebook and the book on flowers.
Anita always brings such a lovely group of bloggers together...I do hope your healing continues apace and that someday your dream of visiting Paris will come true!
Best of everything to you...
Barbara
Thank you so much for visiting my post, dear Karena! Isn't the Emerald Coast extraordinary?
This is my second time around swooning over your beautiful images of France...so gorgeous...
Merci et bonne journee!
xoxo,
- Irina
Gorgeous imagery!! Let's go - I'll go pack!! xo
Just fell in love with all the photos..my very favorite was the lavender field!
Loving this post! Isn't it exciting to connect with all of the bloggers participating in the party! Huge thanks to Anita for her time and care! I am soooooo going to make that trip to France again....now more than ever!
Beautiful post! You have covered so much! I am an art lover, too. My special love is water colors.
It is so nice to see so many people enjoying my beautiful country, France. I thank you very much for this beautiful post and I thank you Anita for letting us to express ourselves on France.
(I am not sure my english is good, please excuse me)
Thank you for visiting my blog.
à bientôt et merci encore
Hélène
Awwww, take me with you Karena, Please :))
You have lots of fun and relax your soul on The beauty France offers. I so love Andrea she will be a beautiful companion to shop with tell her she is a beautiful force iwith her baskets and the beauty she creates.
I would have visited sooner but I took I'll with this sore throat, cough, plugged up ears, dizziness, sneezing watery eyes, yes you might say I was SICK!
To sick to do my yearly post with Anita's link party.
I am happy to see you were involved and I hope to hear all about your holiday when you get back. Hit the brocante and bring all that inspires you.
Thank you my lovely friend.
May God bless your travel with health and keep you and the ladies close to him.
Xx
Bisous
Doré
Ps. Karen i too am French and Irish.
Such beautiful images or one of my favorite spots on earth! Thank you for sharing and thank you for the visit and sweet comment at The Dedicated House. It means the world. I would love it if you would share this lovely post at my Make it Pretty Monday party at The Dedicated House which is live. Here is the link if you want to check it out. http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/2013/05/make-it-pretty-monday-week-50.html Hope to see you at the bash! Toodles, Kathryn @TheDedicatedHouse
I haven't been to Paris in years, and a visit back would be lovely! It's fun to dream, eh?
xo
Oh, have a wonderful time in Paris with Andrea! I can just see the two of you together there! Paris is on my bucket list!!!
What a wonderful time you must have had. fondly ~lynne~
You will get there someday and LOVE it! Love everything you have here on your list :-)
Hi Karena, I hope that you are going soon. Life is short, don't put this off. Your tour was perfect. I could taste, smell, and enjoy each of your pictures.
I've always wanted to go to Paris. I loved living through you!
A well deserved trip Karena! Good for you! .. and you will have a wonderful tour guide:) The picture at the top from the Louvre is perfect and I can see why it moves you. You've got your wings, now fly! xxleslie
Paris is always a good idea!
Oh yes! How nice traveling through Paris with you and Anita's gang.We must do it again-Let's all go to Ireland next,how about it?
Oh how I loved this post...I am going in September...!!
Could use some tips!!!...Have a wonderful weekend Karena!
Lovely Karena. So many wonderful memorie and you have stirred my heart. I've only been to Paris once and I yearn to go back. Thanks for this lovely post and so many great ideas.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
What a beautiful, poignant post, Karena. It is just so you. Have a wonderful, safe & thankful Memorial Day Weekend. xx's
You do know how to travel. I love the book recommendations and can't wait to get that book on flowers. Nice to have found your blog via Anita's party. A brilliant way to get people together.
Dear Karen! You have won a copy of Jamie Cat Callan's new book on my giveaway! :)
My e-mail is : palomasea@gmail.com.
Please contact me with your info., and I will send it to you!
Congratulations! :)
Have a splendid day!
xoxo,
- Irina
You and I both have a love for travel in common, Karena. France is so lovely. thanks for sharing all these pretty images. I have great memories of crepes and the Eiffel Tower all lit up at night!
Hello,
best post
and best Blogspot
congrats!
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