a sentimental day

Looking back, I have been told, is never a good thing, but once in a while I find myself having the need to look back thirty plus years,  just to escape the complexities of today’s world.

The funny thing is, as my mind  reflects on  most of my amazing childhood,  I subconsciously or perhaps just by pure accident come across  online photographs  which, I could have sworn, were taken from a time during my childhood.

You see my parents, along with the entire clan on my father’s side and sometimes my mothers went on picnics in the mountains of a place where I was born, but back then I had no idea how precious those days were, I simply took them for granted and played about without a care in the world.

Fast forward to my adult life and the need to escape the daily chaos, I spend a good amount of time reflecting on those amazing moments and when I come across a photograph which reminds me of that time, I add it to my collection just in case I need to mental escape.

a villa in tuscany – vacation paradise

Between the condo renovation, work hiccups and other matters of family and home, I actually needed a break from the norm today by focusing on my vacation plans for the Fall.

Although I love Paris and will consider spending every vacation day there, every single year, I have opted for  a trip to Italy this year because I needed material for my second novel.

This time, I am considering  a villa stay in Tuscany just to “veg out”  and get inspired to at least draft the outline for the novel, if not more.  Since that is my plan, I  turned to my favorite site here which I used to use during my travel planning days, to get information about villa rentals abroad.

The problem is, most villas house 3 or more vacationers and only a handful are available for just 2 guests. But through my persistance,  I found one villa just perfect for my needs. The problem now is I have to do alot of convincing to hopefully book the villa for our Tuscany portion of the trip.

The villa is called  Casa Coreglia. Check out the photos below and tell me what you think?

pacific heights – san francisco – an architectural marvel

Hint

San Francisco is probably one of the most beautiful travel destinations I can recommend. But of course you all already know that, right?

What I truly appreciate the most about my city is the fact, that even though it is comparatively small to most other metropolitan cities, the hills more than make up for the size and of course the fact, within walking distance or (a Muni ride) away, you can experience different cultures within each district (or neighborhood), making it actually and suggestively  a huge city.

My choice of exploring any city is of course walking and one of my favorite neighborhoods to explore, not only because of the challenging hills, which give me a great work out, but also the architectural marvel for my visual therapy away from the 9×11 computer screen.

Now, I have included some street signage for you, amazing tourists from around the world and neighboring states and Southern Cal  as a guide, so that when you are visiting the city, you can chart your walking tour based on the order of the signage and believe me you won’t be disappointed with my recommend.

But, if you aren’t going to be coming around to visit anytime soon, stay tuned for May 10th and I will share the photos of the architectural marvel which match the street signage. Stay tuned or come to San Francisco and see for yourself.

Bring a pair of walking shoes and a warm pullover or a heavy sweater when you come between Apr-Oct

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the nook vs the home library

I understand the new trend is to downsize and declutter. The two things I am a big fan of and have, over the past two years, applied to my new and improved lifestyle. But the one thing I seem to have trouble with is getting rid of books and/or downsizing my  home library collection.

Everyone around me keeps suggesting I invest in an electronic reading gadget, such as the Kindle, the Nook or the I-Pad to replace my collection of hardcover and paperback books.  I don’t know why but I absolutely refuse to give in and instead continue to dream of creating my own  in home library for my next place of residence.

Call me crazy, but there is nothing more rewarding then a floor to ceiling custom built bookshelves which house a collection of wonderful and sometimes unique books that are incorporated in either a family room, a long hallway or an actual home library (room).

I have included some of my favorite in home library designs to consider and perhaps share with you the passion I have for books. Tell me what you think?

2010 in a nutshell and happy new years

With a blink of an eye, 2010 comes to an end. This year was the most eventful for me because I celebrated a milestone birthday, lost a job, sold a house, lost a family member, rekindled relations with extended family as well  as travelled to some interesting destinations and some not so interesting. I admit I experienced too much and from it learned alot in the course of  365 days.

One thing I must say, thanks to maturity and an unexplainable sense of self-control (which I think is associated with maturity),  I was able to cope with the “personal” events which unfolded during  the course of the year  and in a way survived the outcome(s) with minimal damage to my mental health .

As I result of 2010,  I have decided to pass up on making New Years  resolutions altogether so that I am not too disappointed in myself, should I not be able to uphold the commitment.  Instead,  I have set some flexible goals for myself, which I am going to do everything in my power to reach throughout 2011, no matter what destiny has in store for me.

So, with that said, Happy New Year everyone!!! Have a safe and wonderful celebration no matter how you plan on ringing in the New year. Remember the basics, don’t drink and drive, take a moment to remember all our troops abroad and if there is room in your life, adopt a pet  from a shelter and if not, consider  planting a tree in memory of someone very special to you.

experiencing france through montreal canada

Outside of Paris, my second favorite place to visit in order to get my dose of French essence is Montreal, Canada. Although most of my visits there revolve around   family, I manage to sneak in a day to escape the norm and traditions just to reconnect with the city, in my own way.

It isn’t difficult to feel as though you are in parts of France, while in Montreal, because every where you turn there is a reminder of the French culture. Whether in street signs or billboard advertisement, architecture and cobble stoned streets,  restaurants and cafes, bookstores and more, the make up of the city exudes a more Parisian feel than most any other place around the globe which is influenced (previously colonized) by French culture.

One of my favorite times of the year to visit the city is in the Fall.  According to family, Montreal seldom sees sun and is often times more cloudy and rainy than the locals prefer. Plus the humidity in the Summer months is most unbearable outside air-conditioned interiors.  I should know this, because I have been there in the Summer as well.

Fall is ideal to play tourist. It seems as though  the entire city is at one’s disposal to experience the culture, since most visitors have returned home. There is a certain crispness to the air outside and in a way the  city seems magical with the changing of the leaves all around. One can’t help but take note of the  streets  that are adorned with the fallen colorful leaves and the unrelenting lights emanating from the stores and restaurants, which add warmth to the gray stoned exteriors   seldom definable  against the gray skyline.

Walking through any city is recommended and probably the best way to get a genuine sense of the environment or surroundings. And although, I did my walking tour of Montreal in seven hours, I knew that it was most ideal to spend a few more days  in order to explore each district or neighborhood in-depth and greater detail.

I know I will return there again soon, but for now, the two hundred plus photos I took in a day will have to do to get me by. I have included some below for your viewing pleasure and want to say, that if you happen to be an American experiencing France withdrawals like I often times do, please consider a quick escape to Montreal, Canada to get your fix.

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french women manifesto – who knew

I know, I know you are probably getting sick of my French this and that, but if you are then please turn the page, otherwise sit tight and share with me cause there is plenty to write about.

According to the book French Women Don’t Get Fat (website) there is a manifesto to follow. I actually laughed when I read the list because most of the items listed are a clear description of what I stand for and believe in. So I suppose I am truly French at heart. . So here are some of my favorites

French women eat for pleasure.
French women eat with all five senses, allowing less to seem like more.
French women enjoy going to market.
French women do enjoy wine regularly, but with meals and only a glass (or maybe two).
French women eschew extreme temperatures in what they consume, and enjoy fruits and vegetables bursting with flavor at room temperature, at which they prefer their water, too.
French women get a kick from Champagne, as an aperitif or with food, and don’t need a special occasion to open a bottle.
French women typically think about good things to eat.  American women typically worry about bad things to eat.
French women know one can go far with a great haircut, a bottle of Champagne and a divine perfume.
French women honor mealtime rituals and never eat standing up or on the run.  Or in front of the TV.
French women love to sit at a café and do nothing but enjoy the moment.

fall 2010 suggested books to read

 

My Top Pick

 

I love books and so I practically buy one a month to read.  I am always searching for new publications when I walk through bookstores and enjoy picking, in my opinion, what I think is a good read.

Don’t get me wrong, I love all books except  suspense/mystery,  but since I tend to hon in on my creative side more so than the other sides, I choose books which will help me escape  the realities of life, even if for a few hours a day.

I have, for that reason, included a list of new publications popping up at bookstores which I think may be fun to read this winter. Let me know what you think and/or if you have other suggestions, please feel free to drop me a line.

photography inspired must have books

Coffee table books and one’s used throughout the home as inspiration for cooking, daydreaming and falling asleep to is a must in any home. Collecting the right one’s sometimes may be difficult for some and finding the best one’s is most rewarding for the addicts.

I happen to be the addict and love to have stacks of  oversized hardcover books all throughout my home.  I normally settle for museum themed ones, or black and  white photography of mostly European cities and some vintage items as well.  So, I was happy to have come across PARIS TANGO by photographer Carla Coulson and wanted to share it with my readers just incase they are in the market for collectible coffee table books or just a gift idea for Christmas.

The theme of PARIS TANGO is described as follows: Published by Penguin, “Paris Tango” is a portrait of the City of Lights as you have never seen it before. From the African street markets of Chateau Rouge to the penthouse suite of the Paris Ritz, Coulson and her camera uncover a Paris that is rarely seen. (advanceaustraliawebsite)

So, here is hoping the book makes it to the U.S. I am looking forward to it and will certainly add it to my collection. I have seen previews of her work and I must say, it is certainly one not to be missed.

 

 

museum envy or “transforming culture into a consumer product?”

While in Paris, enjoying the Louvre Museum on a rainy afternoon, I noticed the above poster hanging over the self-purchase ticket kiosk in the lobby of the museum. I actually stared at it for a long while and then decided to take a picture of it just to ponder over in the weeks to come and to remember to research the reasons behind the “project.”

When I returned to the U.S. and shuffled through my photographs on my computer, in order to organize them, the above picture popped up, reminding me of what I had to do.

As a  supporter of the fine arts and an avid museum goer, I must say I have trouble with this decision. I  believe this is the first time a museum is opening a “branch” and although the article I have included here justifies the means to the cause, or rather explains the reasons behind the decision, I have mixed feelings about the endeavor.  Perhaps I am wrong to think this way, but I strongly feel all things historical Paris, should remain in Paris  in order to stay  in touch with history as it were written and in the most traditional way possible.  Branching Starbucks and McDonald may be acceptable and understandable but The Louvre is not in my opinion.

I would love to hear your opinions on this topic, so please feel free to comment as you wish just so I can have some overlooked insight on the subject matter.