I leave for France on Friday.
There were so many things I was going to do and learn before the trip.
Do you do that?
I swore I was going to truly learn French....that did not happen.
I know a few things but where did the time go?
(image found HERE)
It doesn't feel REAL yet.
I don't think it will really feel real until my feet are on French soil.
(image found HERE)
I fly all night to arrive in Paris on Saturday morning.
From Paris I will catch a train (with Jackie and Rachel) and head to the South of France (as I am typing this I can not believe that I am truly going to France).
I will then spend the next seven days at a chateau...yes, you read that correctly....enjoying all the beauty of the area.
Architecture, sunflower fields, markets, food, textile mills......I can. not. wait.
After the seven days I will take a train back to Paris and spend the next three days exploring Paris.
(image found HERE)
I am the most excited to just walk the streets and photograph to my heart's content.
If you love photography you KNOW what I am talking about!
Traveling is a part of who I am....I long for it.
I love exploring new places and there are so many places that I want to see.
(image found HERE)
My little family has made many sacrifices to make this trip a reality and I have worked hard to make this dream come true too.
I wish I could take you all along and share this with you.
I can't wait to come home and share my adventure with you through the photographs I will take.
This will be the longest I have ever been away from my children and husband and truth be told...I have been a little weepy the past couple days.
I know that I will be ok once I get on the plane...but I will miss them so much while I am gone!
It brings me so much joy and peace to know that they will all be waiting for ME at the airport twelve days later.
I am so Excited for you. I know you will have a fabulous time in PARIS! Can't wait to read all about it, and drool over your fabulous pictures ;)
Praying for a safe trip!
Many Blessings,
Molly
Posted by: Molly @ Star Cottage | July 14, 2010 at 06:38 PM
I do wish I had gone to the south of France...I spent my 10 days in Paris. I loved the Vanves flea market...it was smaller that the larger Ouen and the prices were much much better. So much to see in Paris...bon voyage!
Posted by: Lisa | July 14, 2010 at 07:25 PM
Ohmigosh you are so lucky!! Have fun and enjoy!!
Polly
Posted by: Polly | July 14, 2010 at 08:26 PM
Have a wonderful time. Can't wait to see your photos and hear all about your adventures. Kris
Posted by: Kristina | July 14, 2010 at 10:11 PM
Have a wonderful trip Mon ami. Be safe! call me when you get back with wonderful stories!
Posted by: jen rizzo | July 14, 2010 at 10:31 PM
I am so excited for you my friend. You are going to fall in love - this is where your love affair will begin. I can't wait to hear all about it and see your gorgeous photos when you return. I wish you a splendid, marvelous, magical time!
bisous
xx
Posted by: kimberly | July 14, 2010 at 11:01 PM
ENJOY your trip!!! Sounds FAB u LOUS!!!
Posted by: Fifi Flowers | July 14, 2010 at 11:14 PM
Is it true that French Wine doesn't contain sulfites, therefore gives you NO hangover?? Find out for me, will ya?! Live it up while you're there ~ Safe travels and don't forget to photograph EVERYTHING beautiful! Hugs!
Posted by: Destiny (The Ruffled Nest) | July 14, 2010 at 11:56 PM
How exciting! You will certainly come back with a plethora of gorgeous photos! I remember when my mom went to Europe on vacation and it was just me and my dad. I was sad at 9 years old, but he made it fun. I knew she was having a good time and the reunion was oh-so-wonderful!
God bless your travels. Have a great trip to France!!!
Posted by: Rachel from A Cupcake For Moose | July 15, 2010 at 03:54 AM
WOWSERS! I haven't been bloggin in a bit and needed to jump around to my favorite people and am sooooooo very happy for you and your trip! That is WONDERFUL! I have never been, but would be just as excited as you must be, butterflies in the stomach, with the anticipation of the adventures to come. I know you will have a wonderful time! Look forward to the pictures when you get back.
Happy Trails!
Warmly,
Nancy
P.S. Read (re-read) A Year in Provence by Peter Mayle on your way over on the plane!
Posted by: Nancy | July 15, 2010 at 05:14 AM
i can NOT wait to see paris through YOUR lens. i am head over heels in love with your photography and now images from france too!
have a fabulous time!!
i can't even imagine...
ps-, did you ever whip yourself up an awesome camera bag? you know i can't wait to see that either.
geez, such a stalkerfan i am
xo
Posted by: paige | July 15, 2010 at 05:28 AM
Oh, I can hardly believe you are flying out tomorrow. I am so excited for you/with you. I can certainly understand the joy and the mixed emotions about being away from your precious family, but they are in good hands and you will have the experience of a life time. Enjoy every moment!! I can't wait to hear all about it.
Posted by: mkg | July 15, 2010 at 05:51 AM
I am sure you will have a wonderful time, my sweet friend, and yes, you will miss your family terribly and they will miss you, but I know your heart will be awfully busy falling in love.... Have a blast!!!
Isabel
Posted by: Isabel ~ Maison Douce | July 15, 2010 at 06:51 AM
Bon Voyage!
I was there 10 years
ago and the beauty
of France is that it
probably hasn't changed
much....Which is what
makes it beautiful!!!
Can't wait to hear
how much you loved it.
Enjoy and cherish
every special moment!
xx Suzanne
Posted by: Privet and Holly | July 15, 2010 at 07:34 AM
I am beyond excited for you friend. Can't wait to explore France with you. I hope you share hundreds of your pics. Please be safe...don't get in a car with anyone you don't know;)! I've seen TAKEN!
Posted by: Becky @ Farmgirl Paints | July 15, 2010 at 08:16 AM
SOOOO fun! enjoy it all! Can't wait to hear about it all!
Posted by: Amanda Purvis | July 15, 2010 at 09:21 AM
This is just BEYOND exciting! Cant wait to hear all about your adventures!
Posted by: Liz | July 15, 2010 at 09:56 AM
Have a lovely, lovely time. Can't wait to see your photos!
Posted by: Debra | July 15, 2010 at 10:13 AM
Au Revoir, lovely Jeanne! My vicarious self will be waiting for your photos and stories! Enjoy yourself immensely! XOXOX Suzen
Posted by: Suzen | July 15, 2010 at 12:05 PM
Have a wonderful time! Can't wait to hear all about it and see your fabulous photos! Enjoy!
janet
Posted by: Janet | July 15, 2010 at 12:07 PM
BYE!!! have a great time!!!!
p.s. did you get the mail?
Posted by: Anne Marie | July 15, 2010 at 12:12 PM
have fun! soak up all the beauty!!
Posted by: amy | July 15, 2010 at 01:19 PM
Bon voyage! I wish you safe travels and a beautiful Paris experience. I went on a girls trip to France and England several years ago. We did more "English Teacher" stuff though...I'd so like to go back as the person I am now and do all the markets. I'll look forward to reading all about it on your blog...
Posted by: Hayley | July 15, 2010 at 02:15 PM
so exciting, soak it all up and bring back lots and lots of photos!!! muwahh!
Posted by: tara | July 15, 2010 at 02:40 PM
See...dreams do come true:) Enjoy France and remember to "laissez les bon temps roulez" {let the good times roll}! Bon Voyage:)
Posted by: Leah C | July 15, 2010 at 03:45 PM