Friday, February 8, 2008

The Mona Lisa...

So, I've had my eye on this print for quite a while now. I LOVE everything about it. It reminds me of Paris. I thought about buying it and putting it in my main bathroom. I've got the french fleur thing going on in there, and it would be a lovely addition.And so, it got me to thinking and brought back the most wonderful memories. A few years ago we had the pleasure of going to visit my old boss and his lovely wife. They lived in London at the time, and we were invited to stay with them in their BEAUTIFUL home. I worked with him many years ago, and through the years we never lost touch. They are the most wonderful people you could ever meet. And I am humbled to call them our friends. When we arrived at their stately home behind black iron gates that opened at the click of a button on a private road....well it was like a Mercedes Benz commercial. And I'm not kidding....because he picked us up at the airport in his Mercedes. His lovely wife was waiting at the front door of this magnificant three story stone house. The lawn was perfectly manicured and adorned with beautiful flowers. And well....I felt at this point like I needed a shower and some pantyhose and heels. But one look at her lovely face, and it felt like home - instant warmth. The entire house was dressed in cream from walls to carpeting to the porcelin floors throughout....there was a double staircase that wrapped all the way up to the third floor. 7 bedrooms and six baths I believe...for the two of them. The foyer was simply stunning. The entire back of the house was covered with french doors that exited out to the private back yard. The kitchen had state of the art appliances, and an expresso maker built into the wall. In the 7 days that we visited, they took us everywhere you could imagine, and they treated us like family. We are eternally grateful for their gracious hospitality, and for the experience of a lifetime not only for hubby and me, but for my boys....they still talk about the staircase of all things - ha!

Our boys were a few years younger then, I think my youngest was 5 at the time....well she offered to keep the boys so hubby and I could spend the day in Paris. OH MY WORD....I was quite hesitant at first....not that I didn't trust her....she's like the perfect mom. I just didn't want to impose on them anymore....sheesh....but she insisted, and off to Paris we went. We took the Eurostar, it connects London and Paris via a tunnel under the English Channel. What an AMAZING day!

Hubby and I spent the most perfect spring day in Paris, we visited the Louvre Museum....and first on the list was the Mona Lisa....I didn't care to see anything else but her and of course the rest of the amazing pieces by Leonardo da Vinci...a surreal experience let me tell ya! And my favorite of all was to be able to see the Eiffel Tower....stand under it....touch it...smell the air around it...We hopped on one of those red double decker tour buses and went off to see the amazing city...and I dream that we will one day be able to go back to this magical place on earth....


And another one of our most memorable moments...we happened to be at Windsor Castle on Easter morning...and the church bells began to ring from the rooftop of St. George's Chapel...it's the chapel at the castle...so we decided we had to attend the church service....OH MY GOD!!!! (sorry, don't like to use the Lord's name in vein, but it is "appropriate" at this moment...forgive me). If you are in London on Easter it is a MUST. After the service hubby and I went up to speak with the "priest" but goodness...he's much higher ranking...his title escapes me....and so he blessed our family, making sure to touch each of us with his blessed hands and he said a prayer with us. Then when we were watching Prince Charles and Camilla's wedding...it was in that very chapel where we attended the service...and GUESS who married them??? I was speechless when I saw his face on tv. Oh we are sooooo blessed!!!! Did a little internet searching and I found him, he's the Dean of Windsor...and I also found a picture of the inside of the chapel to share with you. AMAZING isn't it?


Ok.....wake up Rose....back to the print. As I was saying....I'm thinking it would be pretty in the main bathroom. And so...I'll share a few snapshots of our trip to London and Paris too. Phew....sorry for the long-winded post....I got lost in the moment....

Here is a snapshot of the Eurostar we took to get to Paris,
of course we had to snack on croissants during our 3
hour trip. And I had a cup of french roast coffee...something to
be said about drinking a cup of french roast in FRANCE,
somebody pinch me please!


Here is the entrance to the Louvre Museum

The beautiful winding streets of London...



Here I was under the Eiffel....pretty dramatic isn't it?



And it's true these guys don't crack a smile, I was pretty much in
his face for a few seconds giggling and nothing! Ha the things
they have to put up with.....weirdos like me!
This picture was taken at the grounds of Windsor Castle.
And Queen Elizabeth was home...the flag was flying.


Another picture of Eiffel from the double decker bus....an amazing view.

BIG BEN....when I first saw him....tears just rolled down my face
he is as magnificant as I imagined...and well I had quite a few of the
"overcome with emotion" moments....


AND last but not least....THE MONA LISA....could you believe how small it really is?!
You were not allowed to take pictures, but I managed to snap this one without being arrested.
Though a few nights in a french jail cell really doesn't sound all that bad...:)

and back to earth Rose....
a snapshot of my bathroom where I'm dreaming of that print. I hope you enjoyed our trip to London and Paris....have a great weekend friends!
Sunday is my birthday...and I will be having a few healthy servings of alcoholic beverages - won't you join me?

24 comments:

  1. Rose,
    I am happy to stop in and see you everyday. relax and enjoy the weekend.
    Janet

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  2. Hi Rose!
    I love that print...did you buy it? You should if you haven't. It is perfect for you!

    Hope your weekend is relaxing! I am starting mine off right with a massage tomorrow afternoon!
    Hugs,
    Penny

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  3. thanks for taking me along--what great pics!

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  4. Oh Rose! Sweetie this was such a wonderful post! I enjoyed every moment of the tour, and what truly wonderful friends you have in these people! I also just want to wish you a very HAPPY BIRTHDAY for Sunday. I hope it's the best birthday ever sweetie! Hugs for you!
    Amanda (aka Cottage Contessa)

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  5. This is a fantasy post!
    Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful memories and beautiful pictures!

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  6. I love your blog!

    Your friends sound like lovely people ... and don't you love Paris! I have many of the same photos from my wonderful time there.

    I think the picture would be beautiful in your bathroom.

    I love roosters too!

    I have to leave for the day, but I'll be back. I'll add you to my list of friends so I won't lose you!

    Have a wonderful day,
    Deborah

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  7. Rosa - Loved it! Thanks for inviting me to your blog to read all about your trip to London. That is one of our goals to get there and take in all the spectacular surroundings.
    How blessed you truly are to be able to say that you have been there! I am thrilled for you and also a little jealous.
    Did you get my birthday card in the mail? Can you believe I remembered? All the best to you, my friend! Peggy

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  8. Thanks for sharing the trip with us. What a great opportunity to enjoy another part of the world.
    Now, have at least one drink for me to toast your special day. Happy Birthday and best wishes for many more to come!

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  9. Rose,
    I am so glad I came back. What a remarkable story about truly special friends. I have never been to Paris, but I will go someday ( I hope) to eat croissants and drink French Roast Coffee (my fave, BTW). I love London except the congestion.I have been there twice for long weekends. My Hubbie used to travel a lot for business:>)
    Janet

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  10. I love this print and yes. I think it should be yours.
    I still have yet to see Paris so really enjoyed your pictures. I have been to London and Windsor and the like...I cried too...I cried when we landed and when I watched the changing of the guard and when I first heard Big Ben chime and...okay. So I pretty much cried the whole time. Can not wait to go back and then see Paris too!

    I LOVE all your wallpaper. It is glorious!

    Hugs,
    Sue

    Is it alright if I add your link to my blog??

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  11. I am so glad you came to my blog and told me I missed alot of this post! What a wonderful story! I can you you have great memories of that special trip. How fun it was!

    Get that print.....it belongs in your home!!
    Penny

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  12. Hi Rose, I enjoyed your journey to London and Paris. When I saw the Mona Lisa I was shocked to see how small it was too. And like you I took a photo too. :)

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  13. OMG, I didn't expect a trip to London and Paris this evening. What great pictures. Did you see my post on the pictures of architecture that were shaped like letters? A couple of yours have letters in the buildings.
    Very cool.
    Hugs,
    Nan

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  14. Whoops.......I too got caught up in your vacation and forgot to comment on your print. I LOVE it!

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  15. I LOVE YOU MOM HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
    LOVE YOUR SON ADAM

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  16. Hi Rose,
    What a lovely post! I've been to London, but never to Paris. How lucky you are! Thanks so much for your great pictures, and the narrative, too. It really made me feel as though I was there with you!

    Oh, and happy birthday! I hope you have a wonderful day!
    xoxo,
    Mary

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  17. Happy Birthday! Thanks for the trip to France...just what I needed.

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  18. What a wonderful experience! Thank you for sharing it with us. I hope to see Paris someday. Happy Happy Birthday to you!!!! Enjoy your day!

    Hugs,
    Dena

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  19. Love the print, ad the wonderful memories!! The photos were lovely and the trip sounded fabulous!!
    Have a wonderful day!

    blessings,
    kari & kijsa

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  20. Thanks for sharing youe trip. I love that print! and I love your bathroom picture too!
    Jen R

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  21. The print is lovely! I took my own trip to Paris last November, DIVINE! Yes, oh, the coffee and the croissants! Yummy.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU! :-)
    Blessings,
    Melissa

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  22. Happy Belated Birthday to You!! Hope you had a wonderful day.
    Found your blog through your comment on Kari and Kijsa. I am inspired by your decorating style already. Can't wait to read and see more of your blog.

    Robin

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  23. What a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing all the great photos. I love that picture! Hugs, Cathie

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  24. Rosa - I just saw the pictures and read of your amazing trip to Europe. Thanks so much for sharing. I would love to visit Paris sometime. HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope you had a great one!
    Love, Eva

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