Random Photo(s): Autumn in France

Such a lovely trip to France my mom and I took in October of '09. I thought I would share some of my photos that display the early Autumn beauty. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by!

The courtyard at the offices of a wine producer in Chablis, France. 

The church and the beautifully gated entrance to a private residence in Vezelay, France.

 

















Looking back at Chateau Versailles.

Queen Marie-Antoinette's estate and gardens. 

 

Love the lamp posts!

The girl in red walking along the Seine. 

A gray Autumn day in Paris.

The grape vine leaves changing colors. 

Beautiful....

Mom and I at the vineyard in Montmartre.

Random Photo: A Man and an Ice Cream Cone

Oh friends, life has been crazy, busy lately. Husband started a new job. Before he started that, we took five days and drove down to see his dad and step-mom in Nevada. Soccer started for my six-year-old and guess who is his coach. His dad. And, I have been blessed to be working 3-4 hours a day from my home for a couple friends' businesses. Our schedule has been changing almost daily the last couple of weeks, making it a wee bit hard for me to get into a good routine. (And I need a good routine!) With school starting back up in a week, the schedule around here will yet again need to be adjusted. I have to say, though, I am thankful to be able to ease into working again while being at home with the kids. I am not sure my sanity or my kids' behavior would have survived me going back to work out of the home. 

Anywho, you are probably wondering by now what ANY of that has to do with this picture. Absolutely nothing! : D That is why I picked it for today. With all that stuff going on the last couple of weeks, I have realized that one needs to stop and take an ice cream cone break. Or lay in the hammock. Or go for a walk. Or watch the sunset. I think you get the picture. There will always be work to do, chores piling up, kids to corral, bills to pay and media sources to steal our attention. When I saw this man while on vacation in France, I stopped in my tracks. I thought, "I love it! Check this guy out just chillin' with his ice cream. (No pun intended!) I have got to get a picture of this!" Who knows what he was thinking of the crazy tourist lady taking his picture but I had to have this shot if only to remind me that the real peace and joy in life comes when we can kick back, relax and enjoy the simple things. Like an ice cream cone.

Random Photo(s): Chocolats et Confiseries

Ah Paris..... 

what is sweeter than you?

How about a chocolate and confections shop! This little shop was on the same street my mom and I stayed on when we traveled to Paris in 2009. 

Rue Cler, a beautiful market street where the shops spill out into the street to entice the shoppers as they passed by. When I stepped into A La Mere De Famille, I about fell over the aroma was so grand! There are just no words to describe it perfect. Just grand! Mmmmm how I would love to be there now when I am craving the bitter sweetness of a dark chocolate treat. Instead I will crawl into bed and dream of Paris and it's little chocolate shops.  zzzzzzzz

Random Photo: Dreaming of Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii

The warm waves greet the sandy beach again and again 

as I lay on my towel. 

I soak in the sunshine and the spirit of aloha. 

The sounds of laughter and memories being made fill the air as does the sweet smell of a beach barbecue. 

I venture to the water to wash away the stress and tension of life.

I find peace and rejuvenation. 

Aloha Hawaii

until next time....

Random Photo: The Man on the Balcony

                                                                                

As my mom and I wandered the streets of Montmartre in a Sunday afternoon in Paris, I saw this man on a balcony talking on the phone. It was a beautiful and intriguing sight to me. I secretly snapped a photo of this mysterious and wonderful scene. Who is he talking to? What are they talking about? Some exciting adventure they are going on....... Making dinner plans with his loved one....... Offering advice to a hurting friend...... or, and the more probable one of all, Mundane, everyday business. Whatever the conversation subject, I love photos like this that get the imagination going. One click saved this moment in time that will forever make me wonder, who is this mysterious man on the balcony and what was he conversing about? 

Welcoming Autumn

The countryside surrounding Vezelay, France in October.

Autumn is here, my favorite time of year. 

The leaves change colors and fall. 

The days grow shorter as the night comes quicker. 

Crisp air brings about cozy blankets and sweaters. 

On the breeze there is a scent of smoke from fires warming cuddling people. 

Fog greets us in the morning with a silent hug. 

The pumpkins and corn grow big and tall, getting ready for the harvest.

Fall surrounds me and brings with it a smile and a wonderful peace to my heart.