Paris on my mind.....

Paris is on my mind because I have two friends in Paris right now and have been receiving emails and photos on a daily basis. Admittedly, I am a little jealous. I would love to be there seeing the sights and eating wonderful food.

But, I have Paris all around me...I am a gatherer..... I gather things as I travel and fill my home with memories of my journeys.

Like the tiny Eiffel Towers and the lovely package from the Crillon.....

My Murano chandelier purchased at the Marche Puces (flea market) that I held through three flights to keep it safe....

The rootstock cork screw that makes me smile whenever I look at it....

Even the "kitschy" things , like the reproduction clocks I bought in a tourist shop...

Paris is all around me...in the sepia engravings I purchased at the Louvre...

and even the small sugar collection in my kitchen! I will board a flight ...in time...to go back, but for now, I am content to stay home and enjoy my part of Paris.

Valentine's Day in Paris......

Le Train Bleu

For the past ten years, I have been in Europe on most Valentine's Days...many times in Paris.

Paris is the place to celebrate Valentine's Day. Le Train Bleu , with it's belle epoch architecture, is just one of those places to celebrate. It is located inside the Gare de Lyon train station and was built for the 1900 Exposition.

Rue de Rivoli offers many places for romantic meetings....here, at the Belle Epoch tearoom, the Angelina, would be a perfect place for tea and dessert.

I can just taste their hot chocolate with a Mont Blanc........

Stroll further down the street to the Hotel Crillon....

their Hemingway bar is the place to be for Valentine's!

Photo-Daniel Cruz

...or maybe the Ritz for a decadent souffle with their initial stenciled on top...

Turn the corner onto Rue Royale and go inside Laduree.....

This is one of the oldest tearooms of Paris, with it's bakery beginning in 1862....

Known for their macaroons and pastries, the line is ofen out the door to make purchases.....

...such a special place to celebrate Valentine's Day.......!

This florist in the 6th arr., covered the sidewalk last year for Valentines with hundreds of large red and pink rose petals for the block leading to their door....I almost didn't want to walk on them....

If you can't be in Paris this year, don't forget the little details to make the day, scattered petals, good food and , best of all, great company!