Two Syllables...

"Well we really meant you to visit Paris in May,

but the rhythm required two syllables."

- Vernon Duke, April in Paris (1932)

Bonjour Mon Amie!

I returned from Paris a few hours ago, and you know that I'm eager to share my adventures with you. As usual, I took hundreds of photos, visited with old friends and made a few new ones; and discovered a few more wonderful nooks and crannies I think you need to know about. Bien sur Mamma-Diva-hood takes precedence, so please be patient. I'll share all a.s.a.p. In the meantime, you know that je dois te taquiner un peu (yes, you know that I'm a bit of a tease ;-} ...

Mr. Gorgeous and I dropped our bags at our apartment

then hit the streets!

Pain et Chocolat

16, Avenue de la Motte-Picquet

Of course, we were starving!

There was only one place we wanted to break our fast...

It was a bit chilly, but Madame Cathy always keeps warm blankets on hand; and the wine helps, bien sur!

The lovely Sylvie...

Mr. Gorgeous, Coco and I met the marvelous Mimi at the RER station  (at the tip of ave. Bosquet and the Seine) - so wonderful to see my friend again! We hopped a train to Versailles, where I spent a sublime 2 hours 'shooting' and interviewing Sylvie - the owner of Camille's Closet (a tiny-fabulous-gorgeous boutique et salon de the, located just behind the palace). Look for the full article in an upcoming edition of Belle Inspiration Magazine.

Sylvie has the most gorgeous antique and vintage furniture.These huge plush, Marie Antoinette pillows where especially fabuleux! And you KNOW that I want those chairs - but how to fit them into my suitcase?

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And, while I took loads of photos, and scouted out new locations, my primary reason for being in Paris (this trip) was the first of many ways Mr. Gorgeous and I intend to spend this summer celebrating our 15th wedding anniversary...

       Bistrot du 7eme

(56, Blvd. la Tour Maubourg)

Mr. Gorgeous, Coco and I at our favorite Paris restaurant. No children, not set plans. Just my love and I in our favorite city...

During our flight out, Mr. Gorgeous commented that he wanted to find another place to add to our breakfast places. Now that's an assignment that's all me ;-} Our requirements are 'simple:' it must be close to the apartment, yet far enough away for Coco to get in a good morning walk; it must be ridiculously romantic; have yummy food and a decadant Cafe Creme, and it's got to have an outdoor terrace: with comfortable seating, heat lamps, full sun, and awnings that allow you to sit comfortably in even the worst weather. Little did we know that we'd find the perfect place on our second day!

Cafe de l'Esplanade (52, rue Faubert/7th)

Just behind Les Invalides

This place is almost too amazing to be believed. It fits all of our requirments and even more. This place is posh, decadant, luxurious and romantic! Par example, on a furiously cold rainy day we sat outside (for hours, completely protected and cozy warm from the elements). We asked our waitress to call us a cab - and a sleek black Mercedes showed up - their private 'taxi' company! A forewarning: this place is very expensive, but oh so worth it! Tres Parisian romantique.

On one lovely afternoon, after brunch at Cafe l'Esplanade, we three decided to just walk and wind up...wherever. On this day, we looked up and found that we had walked the 3 or so miles to the Jardins des Tulleries...

Spring was in full bloom - c'est magnifique!

But, you know me, I had a few adventures in mind...

View of the Eiffel Tower from Pont Alexandre III

Mr. Gorgeous and I had a Vogue-esque high fashion photo shoot - amazing! Our session with the amazing photographers, dynamic duo: Audrey and Anthony lasted 3 plus hours, as we wandered the city: Eiffel Tower, Le Louvre, Ill St. Louis, La Seine...I purposely left my camera at home, so we'll have to wait a few weeks before I can post the results, but they'll be worth the wait. I can't wait!

Me giving my 'talk' at a Paris Soiree

Leave it to Patrica to always find a way to make her Paris-meet-and-greet a unique experience. I gave my speech to about 30 people, gathered in a Tibetan restaurant - in Paris! How cool is that? More on this particular adventure later...

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!

Temple