French Friday from Paris!

Hello All,
Today is the day I share anything French that I find inspiring. I hope you enjoy what I have for you today.

Just for a moment though, I want to share that I enjoyed all your comments on Tea Cup Tuesday from Paris, I tried to visit everyone, but unfortunately I was unable to leave comments on most blogs! When I return home I will visit all of you. I appreciate your participation so much. And also, I felt so bad that we couldn't get Martha's Mr. Linky working, but I saw that many of you visited her site and left such nice comments, that was fab!


On to French Friday...

Yesterday we took a trip to the outskirts of Paris to see Versailles! I found it so fascinating! The day was overcast and did rain and thunder on and off, but with our umbrellas we were just fine.

A magnificient ceiling!

The Chapel

The Hall Of Mirrors. This was a most difficult room to get a photograph in. Even though it is lined with window and mirrors opposite them, with the stormy day we needed long exposures. This hall is stunningly opulent and beautiful!

I beieve this is a painting of Marie Antoinette. Let me know if I am wrong. These paintings are hung up on the walls in such a way that sometimes you can not read the name plate.

This was Marie's room in Versailles. It is huge, and beautiful. You are not allowed to use a flash in Versailles, so all our photos are a bit dark. The bed is topped with huge plumes of white feathers.

I tried to get a close up of the drapes. The material and pattern is exquisite! The colors so deep and vibrant. There were so many things I would have loved to feel! But touching, of course, would not be good for the preservation of the pieces. Marie must have loved texture, it is everywhere, texture and color.

Many of the original furniture has been lost. But there are pieces that are where they belong, and the French are trying to get back any pieces that they can.

Just one of many gorgeous chairs.

A latch on a door that closes up the long floor to ceiling windows.

A decorative wall panel. GorGeous!!!

The back (or front?) of Versailles. There are sweeping lawns, walkways, and reflecting pools.

There was a Laduree shop there too! So of course, I had to get another box (and such a beautiful box!).

The flavors in this box were Vanilla, Rose, Raspberry and Chocolate! Yum!

It would take days to see everything here. We spent about 8 hours touring it. I was so amazed at all there was to see. I did visit the outer buildings, but that is for another French Friday to share. I loved most visiting Marie's little Hamlet, and smelling all the lilacs that were in bloom everywhere!

Thank you for visiting today. I hope you enjoyed my little account of the first part of my trip to Versailles. Have a fabulous Friday!

Hugs,

Terri

First French Friday

I am in Paris! We arrived early this morning before many people were out and about, so we were able to begin exploring without crowds. One of the first places we came upon just up the street from our hotel was a florist shop on a corner. All the flowers were lined up looking gorgeous. They are geniously displayed in a plastic bag filled with water and twisted to look almost like a vase. These Hyacinths smelled devine!

Look at these absolutely gorgous colors!

Across the street from the flourist is one of many bakeries. Can you believe these mereinges??? Tomorrrow I am going to eat one of those!

Look at this enchanting alleyway. There is a journal store in there that has some lovely papers. I am going to pick some of those up too. There is also a resturant there I want to try.

This photo below was taken before the crowds filled the streets. Paris really comes alive as the day progresses.

The photo below is where we ate dinner this evening. I had Beef Bourguignon. It was so tender, I had to remember to chew! The wine was fabulous as well. The ambiance was perfect, just a tiny little cafe, with open window, red tablecloths, a breeze and plenty of French being spoken.

We have really enjoyed our first day here. But, we are soooo tired! Tomorrow is a new day and we are heading for the flea markets early in the morning.

Wish us luck!

Hugs,

Terri

French Friday

Hello All,
This time next week I will be in Paris!
I have begun to pack already. It is very exciting!
I am looking forward to strolling down the Champs de Elysee drinking in scenery.

I would like to share my French adventure with you all and hence, French Friday will be born and begins next week!!! While I am in France I will be sharing about my trip. When I return I will be having giveaways and free downloads, as well as bits of stories of my trip and hopefully really great photos! (I am frantically reading my new camera's manual!).

Until then, I am sharing with you all a surprise gift I received from a dear friend Marlynn, who I met right here in blogland.

She made this lovely card for me!
And can yous see in the top most photo all the fabulous bits and pieces of vintage bits and buttons! I just love this little tin of goodies, and what a fab key!!!
She sent it all tucked in a gorgeous box. There is even a little bag of vintage heart shaped sequins from French General.

I was in shock as I pulled out more and more goodies!

She is so talented, and I am always sighing at her ATCs!

Below is her gorgeous Paris tag.
Stop by and visit her at Honeysuckle Breeze.

Thank you so much Marlynn, you have inspired me to create!

Paperwhimsy Enchanted Room Swap!
I was also very fortunate to get a swap item from another blog friend Christy, she too is totally amazing with what she creates. Remember my Alice in Wonderland cigar box room? I have sent it off to a secret recipient, and I received one from Christy in return. How fun is that!!!
This is her Thumbelina room.

Isn't it Enchanting??!!!
I just love her little whimsy girl and her tulle skirt! And the idea of putting it in a book shaped box is fab!!!

I feel so lucky!!! Thank you Christy!!!

You can visit Christy and her her fab art here at Christine Chronology.

A very happy Friday to you all, and don't forget to look for French Friday. I am planning on sharing from Paris, so hopefully by next Friday I will have my 1st post!
Thank you all for stopping by!
Hugs to you all,
Terri