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I had a day with absolutely nothing to do, my first yet,  and I was tickled.  I was eager to try and find some new books written in English for myself and the kids. 

French bookstores abound in Paris.  They look so beautiful and inviting but I am just a babe at French.  I stand outside, looking through the window, disappointed that I can't read a particular book.   

I hopped on the metro and found  the first English bookshop in Paris called Galignani, located at 224 rue de Rivoli.  It sits across the street from Jardin des Tuileries.   It isn't very large and is stuffed from top to bottom with books in French and English.  I was transfixed by the decorating books.  So beautiful and you don't have to read French to appreciate the beauty within. 
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I bought a book entitled "At My French Table" by Jane Webster.  It is about an Australian family who move to the Normandy coast.  They buy a Chateau, and after a year, open up a cooking school.  I can't tell you how many times I heard myself say out loud "who are these people?"  It is unlike any travel book I have read, full of beautiful pictures, recipes, information on local cheeses, wine, food and flowers. 

I have tried to savour this delicious read but I was hungry for more every bite I took.  It sits beautifully on our coffee table, begging me to open it up which I do, again and again.   
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After the bookstore, I found a chair in the Jardin des Tuileries overlooking a fountain.  I ate my lunch and watched the world go by.  Couples strolling hand in hand, families pushing strollers, children chasing birds, co-workers eating lunch together.  This is how I envisioned my Paris life.  I know it won't be like this every day but I will savor these moments. 
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Comments

Gina

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 02:50:59

Good for you having some "me" time. No matter where you live in the world most of your week will be organising your family. Cooking, cleaning, helping with homework etc. Taking a little bit of time-out no matter where we live takes effort.

I bet everyone of us has somewhere we could sit and read a book. A park bench. Our back yard. How often do we?

I don't work in the hospital on Fridays. It is a day to vacum, iron, sort. You have inspired me to promise to take 30 minutes to sit on the reserve across from my house. I'll pretend I'm in your park and am waiting for you to join me for a take away coffee!

Anyone else free to join in a bit of virtual time-out? Or is it just time to call the men in white coats to cart me away?!!!

 

Mom

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 08:34:40

As Dad's cup said love the moment. Hey Gina that left the comment, I'll join you anytime just name the day.

 

Dan

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 10:28:05

G, I am so glad you FINALLY took some time for yourself. You are ALWAYS "on" attending the needs of Max, Sophie and/or me and it was so nice to hear that you took time to decompress! Love...DJ

 

Elizabeth

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 11:43:49

This book, "At My French Table," sounded so wonderful that I immediately went to Amazon and ordered it.

Little bookstores are wonderful, but sometimes we have to go to the Amazons!

 

Shelly

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:19:56

What a beautiful day! So happy for you. Thanks for taking the time to share. I look forward to your blog. Maybe it can become a book. What would the title be?

 

aunt sally

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 01:50:32

wow girl, that's all i can say - a lovely day and well deserved. (that book looks awesome!!)

wow as well to your husband and his loving comments. i loved your thoughts on your neighborhood church and on church in general as well as dan's comment!! give that man a hug from me!!
xoxo

 

Jane webster

Sun, 22 Aug 2010 03:05:32

Thank you for your lovely comments re " at my French table".....sounds like you are having a wonderful adventure of your own!

 

Air Jordan

Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:45:13

Holding on to anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned. Do you agree?

 



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