It had been years and years since I last was in Paris.
And I honestly can’t remember the last time I was able to wander quietly on my own, just to see and dream…
Perhaps just before leaving for Provence nearly ten years ago?
And so, last Thursday, as I only had a few hours to tick off the clock, I didn’t waste time.
I visited my favorite areas on the right bank wisely, as if investing in the memories that they would provide until who knows when, again.
And of course that included walking through the arches of the Palais Royal in the 1st Arrondissement – that little jewel box in the very heart of Paris, that just might be the heart of Paris for it pumps out an oxygen that makes us all breathe…
…that undefinable perfume…
…of something like Beauty, Romance, Elegance, Art and Time…blended so carefully that only the best within you knows that it is spelled P. A. R. I. S.
And so what was I doing there you ask?
Well, I was there to see a beautiful blonde. Yes, that is the very one above. Some of you might recognize her as Ellie or Eleanor A. O’Connell Decret who writes at Have Some Decorum. I have mentioned her to you before. She is, quite frankly, one of the most amazing women that I have ever met. It was a stunning experience in the best possible sense and one that meant so much to me on a personal level that I want to keep that gift for myself. I know that you will understand. But I do have to give the credit to someone who is also so very exceptional, my friend Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, known to many as La Contessa at The Vintage Contessa. It was her idea that I meet Ellie as a surprise and she made it happen entirely. I can never thank you enough, Elizabeth.
Today is Ellie’s birthday. She emanates many of the ingredients of that same enchanting perfume as found in the Palais Royal, where I paced with excitement only a few minutes before arriving at her door. As with her lovely portrait here, there is no black and white for this one, just a blaze of color.
Happy Birthday, Ellie! Keep fighting the good fight, you are loved by many all over the world…
I am completely unsafe at any speed! I had to delete 2,000 emails because I cannot deal with the "housekeeping"! I saw this for the first time today…..July 5th!!
I am thrilled for both you and Ellie! (I met Ellie in Santa Barbara) I wish wish wish I could say I "knew" her! I met her..I loved her….and my daughter Ella (they are the same age)!!!! knew her a bit better and loved her, too!!!
Elizabeth is indeed a "fairy Godmother" whipping around the earth creating lovely meetings!
What a lovely post…..I am sorry I missed on the first go around….glad I got it now!!!
Happy belated birthday Ellie!!! I know you got the cards we all sent you via La Contessa!!!
LOVE LOVE LOVE!!!!
Oh my goodness gracious, can you IMAGINE?
Just love this so much. I can't wait to hear all about the adventures you, Ellie, and CONTESSA have this summer with you in the driver's seat!
Awesome shots!! WOW!!
So glad that you and Ellie, obviously kindred spirits, could meet. Happy late birthday, Ellie!
She is amazing and beautiful……so happy that you got to meet her…..Sounds like you had a wonderful trip.