Sunday, February 21, 2010

French Day Dreaming

I woke up one morning, et j'avais envie to go back to bed and turn the clock back in time dans mes rêves



but it was too beautiful outside.



So I decided to look out my balcony



and let my imagination transport me to an era where a woman would just swing open the doors into her armoire



and find something beautiful



and extraordinary to wear.



I stumbled into a deep slumber where everything morphed into a collage of stunning black and white memories of which the color comes only from each passing day, and where else other than Paris



would this adventure of dramatic contrasts between light and dark



and haute couture take place?



Even stepping out to the café pour une bonne tasse de thé avec une amie



would call for the occasion to slide on a string of pearls.





And if it rained?



All the better; misty days gave way to try the latest fashion



And once the weathered cleared up, all a girl had to do was call up a friend



decide what to wear



and take to the streets



in style.





Somehow, being well-heeled makes you feel good



and ready to seek new adventures



with the one you love.



I suddenly woke up to the light of a new day in my own world



and I'm ready to go out today and make my dreams come true.

Enjoy each day in style with someone you love!

Photo Credits:

French Interiors scanned from Country French Interiors

Bringing France Home -Cheryl MacLaclan 1995

Provençal Escapes - Caroline Clifton-Mogg 2005

Lace on Chair - Tongue and Cheek

Audrey Hepburn, Vogue - Google Images

87 comments:

desde my ventana said...

Joli post et message. C'est la meilleure attitude dans vie:profiter des choses et les personnes aimées.
De belles images, Audry ... elle est l'essence de la classe , la beauté, l'élégance et le savoir être.
Merci pos ces moments Anita,
Bisous et trés bon week-end,
Cecilia

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness.. you made my day. Because your story and pictures are just the contrary of what I am doing here: Cleaning house and ground in a set of "dirt cloths", polishing the floor with some bees' wax, and later ironing a pile of XXX. The glamour and beauty of your collection of pictures made me dream for a while and now I will hurry with my duties to be able to verify at least a tiny bit of what I saw here. And if it is my 40s hat on my French rolled hair...Thank you !!!

Presépio no Canal said...

Positive and cheerful attitude towards life that is YOU, dear Anita ;-) That s why you bring such a joy in our lifes!
Have a wonderful weekend with R. full of love and joy ;-)

S.

desde my ventana said...

Oui Anita...je vais passer 4 jours à Paris dans trois semaines...je ne peux pas attendre,je l'adore.
Bisous,
cecilia

Jackie said...

Lovely post. Really enjoyed it!

Lori @ Katies Rose Cottage Designs said...

Ohhh I want to be taken away there with the clothes and to be in Paris ~ Sounds pretty much heavenly ~
Thank you for the beautiful pictures ~
xoxo
Lori

desde my ventana said...

Oui j'irais avec toi,mais....je vais avec mon marie.
Bisous,
Cecilia

Grace said...

What a fabulous over the top blog posts I miss Paris so much..Your blog is so beautiful. Thank you so much for such beautiful pictures. Grace xoxox

Such a Wondrous Place this Faery Space said...

Completely perfect saturday wake up. I have my cafe and these light-filled images with the amazing black and white classics, aahh. Thanks dear. Blessings.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Hi Anita...wow, what a way to wake up...Enjoy your World today with your Loved One...Have a beautiful weekend...Dzintra♥x

The Dutchess said...

Marvelous...And don't you just adore AUDREY! There is a big Audrey poster hanging on my birdsnest wall..I decided to cut my hair very short ..(like her,on the picture you posted)..with a bit more 'bang'. And if you ever travel to Paris ..I will be waiting there..:)

Unknown said...

You are my sassy but classy Anita. You make me want to go out and buy a white dress with black polka dots and heels that shimmer and shine. Black as the ace of spades with white bows. I'd put a big red bow in my hair and tote a red purse with "Auntie Jacqueline" written all over it and the boys would say...oooo...la...la! Love you dear heart.
Your girl with the curl. (who by the way is mad at her hair today...looks like a birds nest!)

"Create Beauty" said...

Oh my, I had the smae dream! : ) ~ you are delightful!!!! ~ Violet

Anonymous said...

Hi Anita, your images this post are wonderful! I hope to see you this week?!
Julie

Stephanie @ La Dolce Vita said...

You are a delight, my dear! What a lovely post! I know you will capture your dreams.
Best,
Stephanie

Unknown said...

Anita, this is just stunning! Gosh it is just sooo incredibly beautiful here. You sure know how to spark the imagination with such delicious images, music and words.

I am so pleased to be able to share your world for a moment or two. The dress forms you have in the side bar are just to DIE for! Incredible.

Thank you for popping over for a visit. What a pleasure. Hoping you enjoy this fantastic day. I know mine will be just a bit brighter after my visit here.

Hugs! =D
~Kitty Kellie

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh what a way to start the DAY!
Thank you Anita for taking me on such a marvelous tour.. That's how I should have decorated my guest room!! I love how you always manage to included Audrey in your posts... She is the essence of beauty, inside and out.. Love the music.....
Enjoy your weekend !!
Penny

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Good morning Anita!

Oh, the bed and the balconies are just dreamy, aren't they? I love the way the light filters into the room....and that FIREPLACE! YUMMY!....but my favorite picture is in the rain. It looks mysterious....

Big hugs sweet friend!

xoxoxoxox
Spencer

My Casa Bella said...

sweet anita, as always you put a smile on my face as we readers go along with you on your fun journeys!

Country Wings in Phoenix said...

Good Afternoon Anita Sweetie...
Oh my gosh how I enjoyed Paris with you today. I can just see myself waking up in the soft pillowy bed, and getting up to rush to the balcony and throw open the doors to welcome a beautiful Eiffel Tower. The city so new and full of adventure. Taking in the sites and sounds of a new place with no familiarity. How exciting is that? A true dream for me.

I would stop at the bakery for some danish and a cup of tea to people watch for awhile. Decide which direction to venture in for this day.

My friend, you know how they say great minds think alike. Well check out my post for today. We my dear Anita are on the same wave length again. I so adore you. Have a beautiful Saturday my sweet. I will see you soon. I love you girl. Hugs, Sherry

Tara said...

Oh, gosh, if i ahd bedrooms like these I'd never want to get up!

BonjourRomance said...

Bonjour dear Anita,
How lovely - I love how you dream of Paris in black and white. That black hat would be stunning on you, I think your style is very much like Miss Audrey. I would so enjoy having a café au lait with you mon amie!
Enjoy a fabulous week-end with the one you love.

Papillon Bleu said...

Une merveille cette jolie histoire si charmante. Merci.

anouk said...

Sweet and lovely tale about Paris and live.
Be happy, Anita. Kss.

deb famularo said...

I love looking at the world through your eyes! Oh La La, to have coffee with a friend in Paris, that would be a dream!!!!! To go shopping with a friend in Paris, that would be even better! Let's book our tickets!!!! :) love u, deb

Unknown said...

Tres beau, dreamy....Yes.. We should all go after our dreams...Make it happen. I miss Paris rain and looking at my apartment window on a stormy evening. :)
You are SO good at make people dream and inspire them.
Merci pour ton amitie. Gros bisous!!

Christel said...

This is the bedroom of my dreams! Glorious, breathtakingly beautiful, and so serene..ahh to have that peace. I can picture myself out on the balcony early in the morning with my cup of coffe, the morning paper, and the birds would be singing, the sun shining, a warm soft breeze blowing in my hair, the smell of jasmine so subtle...smell it? ahhh the serenity, the beauty, thank you dear Anita for such a lovely post. XOXO Christel

deb famularo said...

oh my goodness, that is FABULOUS Anita! Congratulations! I can't wait to see it! I bet it is wonderful!
Okay, I'm going to search airfares now, lol, any hotel recommendations in particular you prefer? Oh, if only!!!!!!!! Maybe someday, stranger things have happened, right!! Can you imagine us running around in Paris, Mon Dieu, the touble we would get into! xOxO

Joyce said...

You always find the most gorgeous photos. A bedroom to die for. It would be nearly impossible to get out of bed in the morning! So dreamy.

Linda Carswell said...

Such beautiful photos, I always dream of Paris and towards the end of the year my dream is to come true (yet again) it will be my 4th trip to paris....I can't wait.

I stopped by....not to brag...but say a very big THANK YOU for such a wonderful comment to my blog. It was such a delight to read and certainly made me feel very proud!!

Kindest Regards, Linda

LiLi M. said...

Bonjour Anita! I finally made it up here, but what a way to start your day! To tell you the truth I was kind of busy yesterday, making a bunting for a favorite relative's 8th birthday (why do I always have to do that on the last day??) and preparing some blogposts, doing the groceries, the laundries etc. etc. Now that is what they call weekend?! I was going to come back to you sooner, but I just didn't have the time during the spring break. Though I have the licences to teach history in high school I never did. At this moment I am what you should call a stay at home mom, though I prefer to say that I am an enjoyer of life!
That is why we are kindred spirits, though I believe that you work very hard and that you are totally dedicated to that, you are definitely a what we call a 'life's artist', someone who knows how to nurture the eye and the soul and who does that too! Thanks for another lovely post Anita. I wish I dreamt that way, but when I have been too busy I always dream things like this: I am going to a flea market with my cousin but someone has packed my bag and put everything in it which I needed for staying there, so I am loaded with stuff like make up, pajama's, sleeping bag etc. while walking on the flea market. Next thing I remember is that I made an appointment with my bff. I try to find her and when I do she prefers to go out with a man. I try to tell her that it isn't my problem that she is doing that, but I just cannot stand when somebody doen't keep her appointment. But she keeps telling me how pathetic I am to have nothing else to do in life than going out with her. I'll spare you the rest, but now you can imagine that it is so good to enter your world of beauty and tranquility, thank you for that! Have a lovely Sunday, bisous LiLi

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Anita thank you so much...what a beautiful way to put it all!!!
And thank you for caring and thinking of us over here...in Sydney they had warnings to not go in the water due to strong currents...as far as I know all has been well here and nobody affected...I think the warnings will stop soon...Wishing you a lovely week Dear One...Dzintra♥x

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Oh Anita my Thoughts go out to your dear Student Friend...
I will keep out of the water till those currents have gone way down...Bisous, Dzintra♥x

synnøve said...

Your post today was so lovely it made goosebumps all over me!!!! O how I wish for a morning just like that..... luckily I am visiting Paris in June this year with my loved one, and who knows!!!
I had a wonderful sunday today, although it was miles away from the fashionable streets of Paris!!!
I will make a post about it today :)
Synnøve xx

Vær våken said...

Love your french day dreaming! Very nice post! Wouldn't mind waking up in that bed and walk out on that balcony :)

The Victorian Parlor said...

Wow-I could dream in that room all day. Of course, with Paris just outside I would have to drag myself out of bed and traipse about for a cup of coffee and some bread and then return for nap:)!

What a fun dream!

Blessings,

Kim

Champagne Macarons said...

Dearest Anita,
this post is a dream! You have a beautiful way of expressing yourself ~ very eloquent. I loved each photo, especially of Audrey and Paris. Paris is beautiful after the rain ♥ One lovely evening in Paris, we walked along the Seine after the rain.. it was beautiful.
Wishing you a beautiful week ~
xoxo, B

Anonymous said...

Awww... What a beautiful post Anita ♥

Lara Harris said...

I just wanted to let you know I have 2 more issues of Flea Market Style that I am giving away on my blog:

http://avintagetouch.blogspot.com/2010/02/another-flea-market-style-magazine.html

Lara :)

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Oh how I love this music.. If you need me I will be taking a nap on that beautiful bed.. ( first photo)
I will fluff the pillows before I leave.
Sweet dreams my friend.
Penny

Vær våken said...

One month im Nice sounds absolutely wonderful! Guess you know the city now! I've been there three times and loved it!

xo's

Fleurette said...

Bonjour chére Anita, Ce sont des belles photos en noir et blanc!!!
Je l'adore:)
Je vous souhaite un lundi magnifique et une belle semaine!
Bisous du coeur
Fleurette

Anonymous said...

Looove your blog and photos!

deb famularo said...

Oh wow, well I can understand that cute little French man- you ARE adorable! I bet they love you in Paris! If we go together, I'll shut up with my bad French and just let you do the talking!!! lol
yes, LETS GO!!!! I am SO ready! xOxO

deb famularo said...

Glue is tricky! For my projects, believe it or not, I almost always use either glue dots or my glue gun. Rarely do those not work for me. But you may need something super strong!!!!!
xOxO

claudie said...

You sure have beautiful dreams dear Anita.
I'm doing just fine. I have a new "crown". Not the one you wear on you head, unfortunately lol Everything went well.
Julie is flying in on the 14th, and away we go to meet the girls. I'm so excited.
Only 12 more sleeps.
We are having very mild weather lately. Our river looks like a crystal clear piece of glass. Not that we could skate on it right now. I would be afraid to fall through.
Hope you had a beautiful weekend. Did you watch the final hockey game? OMG it was so close, and I was so glad to have the USA team against us. The closing ceremonies were nice, but the end was a little harsh with the music. I must be getting old LOL
I won't be blogging too much longer. I will be back in April. Yup long absence. I think Randy and the puppies will miss me big time.
Hello to R. for me
Sending big hugs your way.
Love Claudie
xoxoxoxox

Daphne Nicole & Lynda Cade said...

What a lovely post! Your images are so beautiful!!! Have a blessed day.
Daphne

Tish Jett said...

Cherest Anita,

You outdid yourself, but then again I want to say that every time I visit. How absolutely dreamy/beautiful. You definitely made me happy, thank you for sharing tes réves.

Merci pour la belle journée.

xoxo;
Tish

Rita said...

My dearest sweet Anita,
thank youfor taking me along on such a wonderful journey. I wish i could wake up, open my armoire and choose something gorgeous to wear, to put my pearls and heels on and start my black-and-white journey in Paris. Your post is an absolute marvel. I've enjoyed it so much and your pics are the perfect complement to such a stunning piece. You put a broad smile on my face despite my first day in a new job. A most tiresome and gloomy day which has been brightened up by you, my fair lady.
and dear Audrey is simply adorable...the quintessence of beauty, grace and charm.
hugs
rita

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

Those photos are formidable! Magnifique! Love your words in between, make a sweet, sweet, jolie, jolie, fairytale ....
Have a bonne semaine, Anita

Unknown said...

Hello Ms. Anita,

Still loving this post! haha! I love your visits, thank you so very much for keeping in touch. I am very much enjoying it. ;)

As for the ballerina doll, I love the idea but have not done anything like it as of yet. The only thing that comes to mind immediately that might make her twirl around is to sandwich a dowel or a wire of some kind between the front and back of her and put her in a theater setting where the wire extends to the roof and down to the floor. Maybe a tutu that would catch the wind and make her twirl like a pinwheel?

My approach to design is to start doing image searches for something similar to what I'm trying to do. Someone else may already have solved the problem you are currently pondering or their images become a spring board for new ideas of your own. I often find that I like some but not all parts of a particular project so I'll take the best of those I like and combine them to make my own original piece.

We all inspire each other to expand and become more than we were. Isn't it wonderful? If you do come up with something, I would love to see it. Hope this helps some. :)

Sending that sparkly fairy dust and wish you a perfect day.

Cheers! =D
~Kitty

La Petite Gallery said...

Wish I could stay here for a week, lovely. The music is wonderful ...
Well back to the real world. I enjoyed this so very much..
yvonne

Bunnym said...

What? This wasn't a dream? I thought I was there among the tre' chic and avant garde. Your words most detailed and the photos most vivid...What shall we dream next?

bunny

ps. Having a gala Oscar Party soon, all the IN people will be there...stay tuned ~

Anne Marie said...

wow! what a post Anita!! you know what I just realized? you look a lot like Audrey Hepburn....and you should totally get your hair done like hers......and dress like that!

you would look like a twin!

Teacup Mosaics said...

Lovely, lovely, lovely! Thanks for the dream vacation you always weave a wonderful tale. Hope all is well!
Kelley

LuLu Kellogg said...

These photos are so lovely....I felt magically transported far away....until the dog just barked! Ahhhhh, we can dream, can't we?

I am so glad you came by for a visit and liked my new banner..I just love doing these banners when I need a break from everything else I have my hands in :)

LuLu♥♥♥

Anonymous said...

I have just been to paris and back....because you took me there with your imagination Anita! Thank you....you have a magical whimsy that works wonders on my fantacies.. princess canopy beds, pearls, lace, walking in the rain, paris....

you should post a moving compilation...a short video or slide show presentation..in your style of storytelling...that would be something I'd watch again and again, I'm sure!

well, darling, thank you for your 'copious' visits and comments..i may post often, but it means more when you swing by to say hello!

ciao bellisima Anita
sleep well
carmelina

Edie Marie's Attic said...

Bonjour ma belle!

I felt the dream! What a wonderful dream it was. Delassant, renaitre, charmant!

How are you my sweet Anita?? I'm working more hours and keeping quite busy. I'm sure you are busy busy busy too with those bebes!!

Love & hugs, Sherry

Vær våken said...

Have no idea how I missed your first comment, but 3 months in France...wow! Must have been wonderful!! Of course, I'll stop by again...think we have a lot in common :) Have a nice day!!

Fete et Fleur said...

Hello my dearest!

Gorgeous post!! I hope you seized the day as you said, and reveled in the sunshine.

Hugs!
Nancy

Kirsten Steen said...

Anita~ Thanks so much for visiting me and my little walk through the Marais. Loved your Paris dreaming! AS I said, when I need some happiness, I will come find you!!
Kirsten

A Refocused Life said...

Absolutely fabulous post! It mesmerized me into dreaming with you. Thanks for the little escape.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

You sure took this Ozarks farm chick out of her element for a while. Thanks, I needed that. Great post sweetie, I sure enjoyed my read.

Have a blessed day from the hills and hollers of the Missouri Ponderosa!!!

koralee said...

I so love visiting you...I get lost in your words and images..wishing with all my heart that was me...sending you oodles of love. xoxo

Woolytales Miniatures said...

wait!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am coming with you!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Marie said...

I choose to read slow...that's with everything I read so when I read this post, I was quite happy that I do. It allowed me to step away from everything for a while and relax.

Thank you.
Elizabeth

Marie said...

I choose to read slow...that's with everything I read so when I read this post, I was quite happy that I do. It allowed me to step away from everything for a while and relax.

Thank you.
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

I am in Mass.I thought you lived in Paris!!

deb famularo said...

Hi Anita! Thanks for your sweet comment. If you want some fun online places to go for ATC making, let me know and I'll e-mail them to you. I'm new to it myself, but I found some fun places online!
Have a magical day! xOxO deb

Barb said...

Hi Anita,

A charming post my friend. Love the photo's. I am French day dreaming also but now with a twist....
Thank you for your visit and always leaving such sweet words.
This has been an interesting year but God is good and all is well.

big hugs,
Barb

オテモヤン said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Unknown said...

Anita, i found Zacky. you can see the details on my blog and some funny stuff. Oh i feel so much better and happy. Thank you for being my friends and for the encouragements and love.
Gros bisous.
Frenchy
www.lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com

Debbie said...

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY ANITA! I just had to come on over and comment on Rubens' beautiful song. HOW SO SO ROMANTIC. You two are an example of true and lasting love. You've shared so many years together ... your lives, and that is something special and worth celebrating. I hope you guys do something amazing.

XOXOXO
Debbie

Susan said...

Oh.my,goodness! I've been completely transported to another time and place! Stunning images, ubelievably gorgeous bedrooms...ah, a girl can dream! I may need to order a croissant with my coffee on my next stop at Dunkin Donuts! Thanks for stoping by!
Blessings!

deb famularo said...

You're so sweet Anita, thank you! I hope those websites helped you.
If you even have any questions, please e-mail me. I'm happy to assist if I can!!!!!! Have a magical, art filled day! xOxO deb

Micki said...

I loved all of the pics. I adored Audrey Hepburn, and just enjoyed everything!
Micki

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I just wanted to pop over and thank you for your visit and sweet comment on my blog. I think I found your blog a Koralee's. Your name intrigued me. I try to take some time each week and blog hop to meet new people.

God bless and in the words of old Granny Clampett, "ya'll come back now, ya hear!!!"

rebekah said...

i just totally LOVE this post! how amazing and your music... oh i might have to add that to my own play list - even if i couldn't understand a word. i'm going to become a follower and check back for more! thanks!

desde my ventana said...

J'espère que tu passes une bonne semaine. Je te remercie par toutes les visites, tes commentaires et par tout l'appui et l'amitié que tu m'envoies.Tu est un vrai trésor.
Muchos besos,
Cecilia

My Grama's Soul said...

All of us SHOULD LIVE such a beautiful life, don't you think. Loved, loved, loved the pics.

Blessings,

Jo

Simplement ... said...

Je viens à peine de m'apercevoir que tu avais publié !
Je dois être née sous le signe de la Lune !!!
Moi qui aime tant venir chez toi !
Alors je suis la 81 ème à te dire tout l'enchantement que me procure ton merveilleux blog ma chère Anita et tout le bonheur que j'ai à pousser la porte de ton univers si raffiné.
Je t'embrasse très amicalement et te souhaite un très beau week-end.
Marie-Ange

Debi said...

I am so thrilled to have found your blog! Just beautiful and gorgeous photos!I too began to dream!
xox
Debi

Simplement ... said...

C'est avec un immense plaisir ma chère Anita que demain je viendrais écouter la chanson de l'Amour !
28 ans, quel beau chiffre ...
Mille bisous d'amitié et à demain ...
Marie-Ange

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hello dear friend!! So good to be back... I have my dancing shoes on... Oh How I love this music..
Blessings
Penny and Bebe

Unknown said...

Audrey Hepburn, l´élégance même.

Merci de la faire revivre, ces photos sont extraordinaires.

Je reviendrai visiter votre Blog.

Have a nice monday.

Queen Of The Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries said...

Dearest Anita...Good Luck in writing a play in maths and grammar...wouldn't it be great if it worked!!! Have a lovely Wednesday, Dzintra♥x

VICTORIA said...

Gorgeous!Blog i really enjoyed reading your blog.You really made may Day,those bedrooms are just dreamy!very delightful photos!such a wonderful blog.Thanks anita for sharing.