I loved this so much....so, I am sharing it with you!

"I want a life that sizzles and pops and makes me laugh out loud. And I don't want to get to the end, or to tomorrow, even, and realize that my life is a collection of meetings and pop cans and errands and receipts and dirty dishes. I want to eat cold tangerines and sing out loud in the car with the windows open and wear pink shoes and stay up all night laughing and paint my walls the exact color of the sky right now. I want to sleep hard on clean white sheets and throw parties and eat ripe tomatoes and read books so good they make me jump up and down, and I want my everyday to make God belly laugh, glad that he gave life to someone who loves the gift."
~ Shauna Niequist

Brrrrrrrrrrr.....

Paris in the Winter

Beautiful, but freezing cold...!

Even though they were experiencing record cold temperatures throughout Europe, it didn't deter us from seeing the city and enjoying the sites!  We just bundled up, covering every exposed part of our bodies as well as we could...and, headed out.

We did find ourselves getting on the Metro (subway) much more often than we would have in warmer weather...but, that, in itself, was an experience!

One time it was so crowded on the Metro that I found myself totally squeezed among a packed group of mostly men all standing up. I had to make my way through them to get to my friend.  It was probably a great day for pickpockets...but, not so much fun for this 63 yr. old woman in a foreign country! 

Eiffel Tower and a Beret

Home from an incredible trip to Paris!

Once back home....I had a bit of trouble getting acclimated to the time difference...and, my stomach wasn't too happy with all of the croissants, pastries, cheese, and wine that I had been partaking in while there.  With all of the rich delicacies....my favorite sweet was actually a very plain (my friends said "dry" would be more accurate)butter cookie from one of the Patisseries.  It had sliced almonds on the top and a slight almond-y flavor.  If I could have, I would have taken several of them home with me!

Flying business class was an experience that I will never forget....nor, will I probably ever (never) get to do again!  As soon as you walk onto the plane you are immediately taken care of.  For the evening flight, our coats were taken from us and hung up with care....and a glass of champagne was offered. (Yes, of course, I took them up on this!)  We then got to pick our evening meal from a lovely menu....and, of course, the wine of our choice.  Such fun!

Our seats had a nice big pillow as well as a quilted blanket and a kit filled with toothpaste/brush, comfy socks, moisturizing cream, etc. etc..  These were in case we would be lucky enough to sleep....(I wasn't....even though I tried....and, even took an Ambien half!)  Oh, and the nice warm, moist towel that I was handed to use was so heavenly!

As you can tell, I am loving all of this pampering. : )  Even though I didn't sleep, I enjoyed watching my own little private television to watch some newly released movies.  Delightful.  And, these seats!  They unfolded almost all the way back...so relaxing.  And, who gets leg room like this?!?!  Only royalty, I am quite sure!

But, enough about the flight.  I was going to Paris!!!

....and, so, the adventure began...

(more to follow)