Where to Begin?

 Where to Begin?

I am not sure even where to begin to share this impromptu adventure. I returned home with a full heart on Wednesday night, but oh so exhausted. It was an adventure I always dreamt of taking, but didn't really believe I would ever do. Corey, from French la Vie blog, posted about 2 weeks before this tour that she had a cancellation and did anyone want to go to France? I said "I do" and before you knew it I was flying off on an unplanned adventure; even though, I just returned from Alaska.

So here I am back home and ready to share with you.

Four women joined together as the adventure began with Corey and Chelsea, Corey's daughter. We stayed in Corey's home and often she cooked for us. The next four pictures were taken of my bedroom for the week in her home. Isn't it amazing?

I flew into Marseilles, France and the next morning was picked up by Corey and Chelsea at my hotel.

After picking everyone up, we were off on a seven day adventure of beautiful sights and shopping. The boats greeted up as we drove through Marseilles.

The first stop on the agenda was to climb to the third floor of a private apartment.

We were greeted with something to drink and a cookie.

Though I didn't buy anything here, it was an adventure of the senses just to look.

They had quite a collection of French graphic novels and figurines that any child (or child at heart) would love.

We stopped to shop next at Annie's apartment. She is the one in the white dress in the background. OK, I did a little shopping here: a vintage nightgown, a rustic bowl, and a large chunk of soap. Yes, soap, olive oil soap that is good for cleaning about anything or just sitting on a dish in the bathroom. I love it.

Chelsea had made lunch for us; so we sat on Annie's patio and enjoyed.

If I was shopping for antique plates, this place would have been the place to buy. Beautiful things everywhere you looked.

And this is just day one of a seven day adventure.

More of the adventure will be shared on the following days.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Keep on Dancing

 She danced! Dreaming of Dance

If you have followed me for awhile you will know I visit my favorite antique mall 4 times a year for their seasonal events. It is sort of my kick off for a new season. The celebration just makes my heart happy. I don't need to buy anything, but snap a few pictures and savor the changing of the season by surrounding myself with beauty and pretty things.

Each time I go I notice if there is a theme that is showing up that I have missed. It seemed this time it was just about decorating ourselves.

We can decorate ourselves with baubles and beads or maybe a pretty hat or piece of lace. It doesn't take much at all. We can even just pick a flower when out and about and tuck it behind our ear.

Yes, I did have to notice the light coming in the window, shining on this pretty blouse. Just the light took my breathe away.

Sometimes I can't help myself, I just must touch. Thankfully, I didn't see a do not touch sign. I love to touch old fabrics. Oh, I touch new fabrics too. When I go through a clothing store I can't resist touching as I walk by. And sometimes just the touch will sell me on something I hadn't been looking for. Do you touch when you shop for clothes?

There is a song that says, It's a Hard Luck Life. Everyone has times that are part of that hard luck life, but it is how we choose to live it that counts. It counts that we decorate ourselves and dance.  Another song is I Keep on Dancing on my Own. That is exactly what I do for myself and what I tell others to do too. Let's all keep dancing, decorating our world, and we will certainly find JOY through all the tough times.

And then I found this smile.

He made me smile back.

Have an amazing week and don't forget to dance.

Yes, I know, I just got back from traveling to Alaska, but an opportunity came along last week and I said "yes!". I leave Sunday for 10 days, traveling to Provence (the south of France). My "live-in gardener" is staying home and I am flying off to meet others and play awhile. There may be a little shopping too. I might even dance in the street. France has always had my heart and I needed one more adventure there.

I will see you in a couple weeks for pictures.

Sending love,

Marilyn

Nature Girl

 If you haven't noticed before I am definitely a girl that loves nature.

Each and every day I love noticing what is just outside my window.

Recently I had to step out in our parking lot in my robe just so I wouldn't miss this partial eclipse about 9:30PM on a clear night. I wasn't the only one out there. So often we have clouds, but this was a perfect night for viewing. Needless to say, I was thrilled.

And then because I knew dahlias were blooming, I had to go in search of dahlias.

I found a dahlia festival happening about a 1/2 hour from my home at Swan Island Dahlia Farm. Now with each one I saw I would say "this is my favorite". Really they were all my favorites.

Even the clouds were magnificent! I was a rainy week this past week and Saturday was the first non-rainy day. The clouds were out in all their glory, but the sun won and it was gorgeous.

It was hard to pick a favorite, but I did bring home a bouquet of magenta ones.

I also picked up a catalog because my daughter loves dahlias in her garden. I am thinking dahlia tubers might make a fun Christmas gift.

Then today my friend said "do you want to come with me to walk downtown and find crows?"

Well they aren't just any crows. Laika Studio (a local film studio) is coming out with a film from the Wildwood books that were popular a few years ago. The crows were promoting the film. A different artist in town was asked to decorate each crow. I don't know how many crows are out and about right now, but we found four of them today. I would guess there are about 25 of them; so there might be more searching if time allows.

There was a stop at Lan Su Chinese Gardens for some tea and goodies, then we spotted one more crow in front of the gardens. I am showing the lotus because the garden is full of lotus blossoms right now. Each is more beautiful then the other.

The final crow for today.

Do you love nature?

Do you searching for beauty and whimsy?

Sending love,

Marilyn

Views from the Train and Denali National Park

After leaving the ship my "live-in gardener" and I caught a train to Denali National Park. It was a 6 hour train adventure.

The view from the train window was a picture perfect treat.

We were disappointed not to see a bear or other wild life; but thoroughly enjoyed the sights of this beautiful country called Alaska.

The train paused for a few moments to pick up a few people from this area of Alaska.

 

The train stopped at Denali National Park long enough for most of the people to disembark and then it was off to Fairbanks, which we caught after enjoying a couple days in this National Park.

We stayed at the Denali Village Park, which was like a little oasis in the woods.

There were fires in the firepits around the area and they sold s'more kits in the local store.

After two days in this beautiful park, it was time to say goodbye.

More views from the train as we rode for 3 more hours to Fairbanks.

The trip was definitely planes, trains, car, taxis, bus, and by foot.

And then the night view as we landed in Portland, Oregon.

Alaska was now checked off the bucket list and gave me all but one state I have not visited.

Now why would I want to go to North Dakota? Ha!

Happy travels!

Sending love,

Marilyn