Paris and Montmartre

Paris, 2012 - Our second day in Paris got off to a great start with a delicious cup of café au lait and two pain au chocolat still warm from the oven. Breakfast is one of the little things that lured me back to France.

The included city sightseeing tour would take in many sights we had visited the last time we were in Paris, but we joined the tour as far as Place de la Concorde. From here we walked through the Tuileries Garden and onward along the River Seine to Ile de la Cité and Notre Dame Cathedral.

Paris - Tuileries Garden

France Revisited

Paris, July 2012 - I'm back in France and it's the day after Bastille Day. When our flight arrived mid-morning, the city was still recuperating from the previous night's festivities so our transfer from Charles De Gaulle Airport to the Pullman Montparnasse was unimpeded by heavy traffic.

The Champs-Elysées dressed up for Bastille Day 2012

Scenic France

PARIS: Luxembourg Gardens

I recently returned from my vacation in France – a river cruise down the Saone and Rhone Rivers  through Burgundy and Provence, followed by a sojourn on the Cote d'Azur. And we saw some amazingly beautiful scenery.

River Cruising

In a few more weeks I'm off to France.

Musée d'Orsay, Paris

Random Act of Kindness Blitz!

A smile. An encouraging word. A thoughtful gesture. Each day people interact with us, offer assistance, and make our day a bit brighter. This is especially true in the Writing Community. 

Take a second to think about writers you know, like the critique partner who works with you to improve your manuscript. The writing friend who listens, supports and keeps you strong when times are tough. The author who generously offers council, advice and inspiration when asked.

So many people take the time to make us feel special, don't they?

Finding the Book

Years ago I began a tradition, visiting my local Chapters outlet every June to stock up on books for my summer reading. And these weren't just any books. They had to be stories set in my favorite locations - France, Italy and the islands of Greece... I loved the whole process of trolling the bookshelves, with the scent of Starbucks coffee perfuming the air. But was there an easier way to pinpoint my search? I didn't want to miss a gem hidden on a lower shelf.