If it’s Friday, it must be France …
Here’s where I would rather be today. And you? Let’s meander up the road for a brief visit to St. Paul-de- Vence, perched on a hilltop north of Nice. Another day we’ll spend more time here but right now it feels like the perfect spot for a quick break.
Wander up the lane to La Colombe d’Or. Visit the website for more photos and details of the extraordinary history of this superb inn and restaurant, owned by the same family since 1920.
Settle in the bar … one of my favourite spots … order your beverage of choice and drink in the atmosphere too.
POP! ~ back to reality ~ so much for that fantasy.
Let me tell you where I really am today. Does this ever happen to you?
Things pile up and the next thing you know a week has simply flown by!
That Tuesday blog post? Oops!
That backlog of e-mails and blogs I follow? *hangs head in shame*
The final details I need to clear up to move on with publishing my next novel? I’m working on them …
But then Mother Nature steps in with a major snowstorm that provides the perfect opportunity to stay hunkered down at home, cancel meetings, and get caught up. It definitely looks like “The Great White North” here in Toronto today and the view from our balcony appears rather like I have felt all week i.e. SNOWED UNDER.
So today has been a gift! I’ve accomplished more writing-related work in the past five hours than the past five days and the load is beginning to shift. By this evening I may be close to completely caught up! YOWZA!
Before we leave France altogether, here’s something else to eagerly anticipate if you are fortunate enough to be in the area.
CARNAVAL DE NICE 2013 – February 15 to March 6. If you are there, get ready!
Click here for a previous post of mine about this annual celebration that brightens up winter on the Côte d’Azur. Is there a winter festival where you live and do you join in the fun or patiently wait for it to be over? I hope wherever you are, you are safe from the storm.
We heard that you were under snow!! Vancouver has been under rain except today the sunshine came through! I even wore sunglasses!!
I always love to hear the sunglasses are out in Van!
We plan to head “home to France” for a prolonged visit this Fall. Can hardly wait. Your blog is a delight with so many gorgeous photos that make my heart sigh.
How lovely you are going “home to France”. Where do you stay? I am glad you are enjoying my photos and so delighted you took the time to comment. Merci!
We stay with family in Trelly, Normandy and friends just outside of Paris. We’ll be making a trek down to Nime where i spent a portion of my childhood!
How lovely! One of the wonderful aspects of France, to me, is the distinct beauty, history, tradition, and cuisine that each departement offers. Bon voyage!
It truly is an amazing country. We plan on being there for six months!
Unlike your snowstorm, France looks great.
It has been quite a dramatic day here!
If I was on that terrace right now, instead of snowed-in Toronto, I’d ve enjoying some Lilet on the rocks with a twist. Sante! Happy and safe travels tomorrow.
I’ll join you there, but I will sip on a Ricard instead. BTW, the French tour may not be happening. I’ll keep you posted and will be putting the info on my website as soon as it is confirmed. Change is coming.
Change is good. Doesn’t always feel that way, but it is.
I couldn’t agree more! Now tell me, did you stay in all day Friday or did you mosey down the street to Starbucks?
:). I stayed in ALL day! Like a bear in a cave.
I’ll take Carmel-By-The-Sea today — but reality has me at home with the computer and a pile of books for research.
That’s a fine choice too, Sheri. You sound very busy so I’m sending you a friendly reminder to take a break. Have you had surgery yet?
Ooh la laa! I’ve been to Nice but I don’t remember those places. Beautiful! I bet they don’t have wifi lol.
LOL! In fact, they do have it at La Colombe d’Or! I’ve been surprised where I’ve found wifi over there. You just never know …
Ooh la la! Tres magnifique! I’d love to be in France with you!
I’m getting the travel bug again planning where to go this year. Hoping Joe and I can get away to England and Scotland this year! Have you been? What should we do? My plan is to get him in a really good mood and visit Highclere Castle, where they film Downton Abbey! Squeee!
Oh Jess, what exciting news! I hope you can make it happen. I’ve been to England and Scotland and hope to go return at some point. A visit to Highclere Castle would be wonderful! I’m glad you mentioned that because I’ve got to tape tonight’s Downton episode since we will be watching the Grammy Awards and I’m sure you and Joe will be too!
I couldn’t agree with you more – today was a gift! I was snowed in as well today north of Toronto and stayed home from work. I have been promising some photos to my cousin for months, and today provided me with the opportunity to finish editing them. Yayyyy!!
Snow days are special when we are fortunate enough to be indoors. I’m sure you had a happy time editing your photos and reliving memories. It’s one of my favourite things to do.
I’d like to be in France too. Actually I’ll be there in May… I can’t wait!
Wonderful, Meg! Where will you be?
I’ll be in Provence (Avignon) and then a train to Paris!
No snow here in California, but it’s been freezing! And unfortunately, rain storms are not good enough excuses to cancel work and stay indoors, though I would like them to be. But yes, France looks much nicer. 😉
I much prefer snow to rain … although many would not agree. But given the option, you know where I would want to be!
Yes, please! I’d much rather be in France with you, my friend. Not that it’s bad here (it isn’t, today is gorgeous and sunny), but your photos always make me nostalgic for France and a bit of lingering over great wine and cheese.
Well, let’s compromise by lingering over great wine and cheese in Atlanta at the RWACon. D’accord?
No snow here in the south of the France, but we have what I call “snow air”, we can feel in the air that it is snowing in the Alps, a mere 90 minutes away, so it’s blue skies and in the sun it is deceivingly beautiful and warm, but without those rayons de soleil, freezing cold.
Yesterday I was in Nîmes visiting a friend and we took our daughters to the park and even managed a picnic – perhaps a little optimistic, we were certainly the only people partaking of a picnic, but it was so beautiful out. As long as you are moving it is fine.
This village looks beautiful and makes me yearn for the warmer months, but I am heartened by the knowledge that at least the days are getting longer. Stay warm over there with all that snow, I hope it gives you a chance to escape into your writing. I shall be relaxing with your words too.
I enjoyed watching the power of the elements on Friday. The snow simply did not stop! Yesterday we had blue skies,sunshine, the roads were cleared for the most part and the city looked like a winter wonderland. Then I flew to Florida last night … a study in contrasts!
So glad to have found your blog. Enjoying your stories and photos. I travel to Paris when possible and I’m hoping to explore and spend time in the south of France. Beautiful weekend here in Carmel, perfect for the AT&T ProAm in Pebble Beach which concludes today.
Carmel is a gem, no question about that. We have visited the area a few times and loved it as well as the entire coastal drive to San Diego. I am back in Florida as of last night and we are watching the tournament right now. It does look like a beautiful day there and the scenery is breathtaking. If you ever want any info on the south of France, don’t hesitate to ask. Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting!
I always want to be some place else. That’s my problem. Love the photos and i hope you are surviving the snow.
St. Paul-de-Vence is one of my favorite places in France. Thanks for taking me back there, Patricia! I thought I’d been transported to a fairy tale when I found myself in Colombe d’Or having tea with the spirit presence of all the artists, writers, movie makers. I was in heaven, literally. I left St. P-de-V with a small bottle of the best amber perfume and tiny painting. I dream of living there. And Nice isn’t half bad either!