My sister-in-law’s mother is planning a trip to France later this year, and she and I have been e-mailing a bit to discuss her travel plans. Well, mainly it’s her discussing and me dreaming, because the only place in France that I’ve ever had the pleasure of visiting is Paris. And in reading her e-mails about all of the wonderful French towns and villages that she and her husband will be traveling through, my wanderlust has been sparked. I have been left with a longing to visit the French countryside.
Unfortunately, traveling to France is not in my plans for this year. And since I can’t travel there, I’ve found a new blog that I’ve been immersing myself in—My Melange. Robin, writer of this very French (as well as very Italian) blog, does not live in France or Italy. However, she has developed a profound love for both countries, and she writes to share her travel experiences and beautiful photographs of both locations. I also think that she writes to make me envious. Nevertheless, if her fabulous pictorial tale of French macaroons do not make you feel like you are in France, then her French flea market wares are sure to get you in the spirit. And if you are ready to travel, she also offers customized travel arrangements to France and Italy. I think that I have a girl crush.
Although I can’t travel to France anytime soon, I have many reminders around my home that are very French and that keep me somewhat satisfied…
My French country breakfast buffet…
A Santon doll (I believe that’s what she is) that I bought in Paris. I almost didn’t make it through the airport with her because of the very sharp sickle she is carrying…
The coasters that I bought in Paris, which aren’t very fancy, but c’est la vie…
Artwork of the French countryside that hangs above my television armoire in the living room…
Bindi’s dog treat canister…
The golden Eiffel Tower on the bookshelf in my office…
A photograph that I took of the Eiffel Tower on my first trip to Paris…
The French toile curtains that I made for my guest bathroom (yes, Lulu can sew; albiet, not very well)…
The pictures hanging in the guest bathroom…
France is somewhere on this map that hangs in my office…
And finally, if the reminders don’t seem to work, there’s only one thing left to do…
Dear LuLu,
I still ‘DREAM” about PARIS & LONDON, and would like to go back again some day.
You got your love of travel and being a ‘DREAMER’ from your Aunt Pattycake. I dream everyday about something, especially about traveling to nice places, or just going to the “beach” and sitting out and feeling the warm sunshine, and hearing the ocean waves.
(P.S.— Lets go to Aruba — are you going this year???
Okay, when I get my new house, you are totally coming over to help me decorate! Your house is gorgeous.
Madame Queen’s last blog post..Parenting Advice — Notes from the Trenches
Oh…and I want to go to Italy. I am so going to check out her blog, and dream like you. I love your frenchy fashions. I really love the pic you took. Great!
Leigh @eneral Ramblings’s last blog post..School House Rock, Rocks the World
Lulu - you’re so cute! I’m sure The Claire wouldn’t mind you stowing away in her luggage!
P.S. off the subject…Ben is knee deep in tiling and I finally found a duvet. I think I need your decorating expertise to help me find paint colors and nifty things at TJ Maxx!
Aunt Patty Cake - yes, we are definitely dreamers. Actually, Germany is tentively in my travel plans for this year, but we’ll definitely have to do Aruba another time!
MQ - thank you! I’m surprised that GR puts up with all of my “Frenchy things,” as he calls them.
Leigh - I would love to go to Italy, too! You’ll definitely have to check out Robin’s blog.
Big H - give me a call…you know that I will be there to help! However, you have awesome decorating sense and style all on your own…your house is decorated beautifully! And I can’t wait to see the finished bathroom with your fancy-pants clawfoot tub!
Lulu, you should totally check out this book On Rue Tatin (http://www.amazon.com/Rue-Tatin-Living-Cooking-French/dp/0767904559) it is all about this woman who moves to france, and cooks and eats and has this awesome house and does all this french stuff. Ok, maybe you should read amazon’s description. It would be way better. ANYWAY…I have a copy if you want me to pass it along.
I went on a Pilgrimage in France..walked 70 miles from Paris to Chartres through the French countryside…it was amazing! We camped outside-and really got to seem some neat non touristy parts of France. It was something i’ll never forget.
Lauren’s last blog post..The Latest
Look at you with all your pretty decor. You’re an actual grown up.
Lauren - first of all, your trip sounds amazing! Walking from Paris to Chartres would be a dream. And I would LOVE to read the book, but I have a thing about books. Once I read them, I like to keep them. Hence, I’ll head over to half.com to see if I can find a used copy. Thanks for the suggestion and the offer to let me borrow yours!
P.S. Lauren - you need to write a post about your pilgrimage…with pictures please.
All Adither - what? Did you think I was 18?
LOL! That’s funny. Ya know, this reminds me that I DON’T GET TO GO TO FRANCE!
Tootsie’s last blog post..I Never Took No Ribbons In Math
Tootsie - it’s a sad reality, huh?
I’m envious as hell that you got to go to Paris! I can’t imagine how long it will be before I can take a trip like that.
Friglet’s last blog post..Shit
My dad and stepmom are taking a trip through the French countryside later this year too… are we related?
We are heading to Barcelona this summer with a side trip to Paris if we get French Open tickets, so excited!
leandra’s last blog post..a travel collage
Lulu, I was just browsing through your post, ignoring my children fighting in the other room. Anyway, I was a bit distracted to say the least, so I scrolled down quickly through the photos. After I finished, I thought, “Why is Lulu dressing up like a french bar maid? My God, shes got to get to Paris or she’ll crack.” Then I went back up and realized that it was your figurine…holding wheat, not working in a bar– she must have been getting ready to make the beer.
Phew. The whole thing scared me and was a lesson in not trying to do too much at once!
But I hope you still get to go back to paris!
Susan’s last blog post..Did someone just call me “Zuul”?
Oh Susan - seriously, it must be late, because I have been laughing out loud at your comment for the past 5 minutes…