Haunting, beautiful, magical

Whilst I love autumn dearly, I always find it so hauntingly sad.  Each year it brings something to an end, a season, a love. More moments gone that turn to memories never to be held again.

This year the heartache is there again, yet the colours are richer than I remember them being in the past nine years on the outskirts of Paris.  Strong, vibrant against blue skies, dancing in the breeze before they float to the ground.

Haunting, beautiful, magical.

Christmas air

It's hard to believe another year has slipped on by and Christmas is around the corner.  We've been working on some cards that will be in the shop later today,Christmas cards, gift tags and some bookmarks that make a perfect stocking filler.

Bliss

This morning was pure bliss.  

Crisp fresh air, a clear blue sky, a grand créme in hand, and in no other place than Versailles.  

To top it off, a couple of horses and their riders were returning to the Grande Ecurie after a morning walk in the grounds of the chateau.

Perfect way to induce some feel good energy and start the week. 

Red at the Evergreen

Having passed a lovely afternoon at the Evergreen Hotel today, we presented some new photos that hadn't yet made it here.....until now. 

Afterwards it was a dash out west of Paris where the autumn colours were just amazing.  They seem to be the richest and most intense shades of red that I've witnessed since arriving in France in 2001. 

Shamefully, I didn't have my camera so couldn't snap them in their glory as the sun set. 

On your bike

Recently seen cycling along the Quay Gesvres in Paris. 

I love looking at the photo and wondering where he was going, and who were the flowers for?

Hope you're having a happy weekend.

Sunday Love

I adore Sundays for all the cliché reasons you see on the cosy television ads.  I love sleeping late and waking up in crispy white sheets with the sun peeping through the windows, children coming in to snuggle under the covers before the bouncing and giggles start.  I love the coffee that slowly pulls me from the last of my dreams so that I can pull on some clothes.  I love that the Sunday market will cover the square in front of the buildings above, abundant in fresh fruits, cheeses, and crunchy warm baguettes that are ripped apart as we've barely taken possession.  I love the life and the energy that comes on that square before the buzz goes quiet and all retreat indoors for a lunch en famille.  Wrapped up on the sofa's, newspapers will be read from front cover to back before an afternoon stroll or bike ride will complete the day. I could easily live a lifetime of Sundays.

Heavenly indulgence

Amongst the fall weather that has dominated Paris and the Yvelines throughout August, there have been jackpot days when golden sunshine has emerged, bright and warm.

This little guy soaked in it, as did we all. 

Diving head first into the centre of a wild flower, he drank away in her beautiful nectar before emerging covered in the fairy dust of pollen. So heavy was his binge, he had to take a minute to compose and prepare his wings before hiccupping off to the next flower.

A heavenly indulgence indeed.