Books, Awards and Give-away Gift

Book - Great Read

After following Beth’s blog Social Climbers, for awhile and thoroughly enjoying her post topics and writing, I was most interested in reading her book of the same name Social Climbers. Not being able to find it at our local book store (in Canada), I dropped Beth an email and she was most gracious, and I was able it to order it directly from her.

When my book arrived I was excited!!! Beth had personalized it for me, her inscription made me smile. . Thank you – You made my day!

Well, once I started to read the book, I couldn’t put it down. I’m not able to read books for hours at a time, as it now tires me and I have a difficult time keeping the story line straight. But I found this book easy to follow (perhaps because I could relate to her main character) and Hubby was kind enough to read to me when I was starting to get tired – so that really helped to keep the story line fresh in my mind.

What I really enjoyed about this book, is that it has inspired me to start thinking about reaching out within my new community and look at building new friendships. Since moving to the country – though it’s been great mentally and physically – emotionally sometimes it’s difficult as most Besties are an hour plus away by car.

If you have not read this amazing book pop on over to your local book store or contact Beth at Social Climbers. The characters are so realistic everyone will be able to relate. I only have one Question: When is the next book coming out?

Awards:

It was an honour to receive the “Sunshine” award from Ruth of, Underneath His Wrapping, as her posts, writing and comments always touch me and bring a smile to my face. She is an inspiration to me and if you have not come across her Blog, pop on over there for a visit. She has just renovated her blog look and it looks fantastic!!!

The rule of receiving this award states the receiver is to pass it along to 12 other blogs...whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blog world. There are many blogs that deserve this award - here are the 12 blogs I am forwarding it to;

Getting Fit and Loving It          Life In Quotations            Pink Preppy Lilly Lover

Pink Martinis and Pearls         French Mademoiselle      Bellas Rose Cottage

Bonjour Romance          Barbs Heart Strokes       Hope Filled Living Magazine

Casa Bella                  A Town and Country Life           A Reclaimed Life

Barry from Life in Quotations passed this wonderful award the "You're Going Places Baby", to me. Thank you Barry, your words of support, encouragement and leading by example – continue to inspire and motivate me. Mr. B- is definitely going places, and if you are in need of some inspiration, an ear to listen or a place to express yourself his blog is your sanctuary.

The rules for this one are simple, describe where you'll be in 10 years and pass it on to ten bloggers...

TEN years, hmmm –Blessed with a child(ren), adopted or via surrogate - from our waiting embryos. Know who I am. Have penned my first book and most important to me- Be making a positive difference in people’s lives.



So I'm asking these lovely ladies ,Where will you be in 10 years?

The Life of a Suburban Princess           La Bella Vie            Forty Not Out

Cafe Bellini           Thoughts From Meme's Corner       Paris Pastry

Social Climbers     My Castle in Spain      Lily Lemontree            Susan R.

Give-away Gift

I was the lucky winner of the Coco Chanel give-away hosted by Pink Martinis and Pearls. This past week I received my most generous prize; a copy of The Gospel According To Coco Chanel, written by Karen Karbo, along with a fresh body satin spray - Coco Mademoiselle - by Chanel.

So Saturday evening I decided to pamper myself with a nice warm bubble bath, which I then spoiled myself with the wonderful Mademoiselle - body spray. It left my body wonderfully soft and freshly scented.

While I was in my bath Hubby had brewed me a nice cup of tea – he used the Marie Antionette - tea from Laduree, purchased on our trip to Paris earlier this year.

 
 
Now I was ready to settle into bed and start on my new book. Ah what more could one ask for; Silky smooth skin, a special hot cup of tea and a wonderful book!

Paris - Day 2

Our second day in Paris was dedicated to Mr. G. First stop on the list was Photographer’s Walking Tour of Paris – The Latin Quarter. We were greeted by our host Mr. Kevin Hayden – a professional photographer for more than 30 years. Usually the tour has about 8 people – but again the universe had other plans for us – and Mr. G and I were fortunate to have Kevin all to ourselves.


As we walked along I was captivated by Kevin’s knowledge of the city and his intuitive nature. He explained photographic techniques in terms which I was even able to understand and he also provided great insider tips to getting that perfect shot. Kevin’s enthusiasm and direction was so inspiring - I had to keep reminding myself that this was for Mr. G. and I was just tagging along.

In the heart of Paris on the Left Bank across from Notre Dame, we stumbled (more accurately – Kevin directed us in its direction) across Shakespeare and Company. For centuries the Latin Quarter has been the centre of Parisian creativity and intelligentsia, so it is only fitting that one of the oldest book stores is located here.

Like I mentioned, Kevin was very intuitive and listened carefully when we spoke about interests. As we walked through the doorway – the air was filled with history, excitement, and shelves upon shelves of old books – really old books! What a privilege, as an aspiring writer, to explore.

As Kevin and Mr. G. discussed taking shots from the upstairs windows in the shop and other photography related topics, I took the time to check out the books downstairs. The books upstairs are not for sale. By the time the photographers were ready to move to the next photogenic place I had managed to find 3 books of interest; The New Royal Readers, (Adapted to the latest requirements of the education department NO. 11) printed in 1891; The Vicar of Wakefield (Oliver Goldsmith), printed 1901; The Rights of Woman (Mary Wollstonecraft) – The Subjection of Women (John Stuart Mill), printed 1929. Be sure to ask the shop clerk to stamp the inside of your book with the store’s coveted logo stamp.

Some other pictures I captured, while following Kevin and Mr. G.

Whether you live in Paris or are on vacation a tour with Kevin is something that should make your must do list. Take a visit to Kevin’s website to learn about his photography work or to schedule your own private walking tour – with the added benefit of being with someone who is knowledgeable on the history of Paris and is also able to take you to some of the best spots for capturing that perfect shot.

Next on the list walking tour of Paris's 3 best food groups - pasteries, chocolates & bread

 Jennifer, our tour guide, greeted us at La Maison du Chocolate, 19 rue de Sevres - from that point it was a whirlwind of mouth watering delights! Among some of the places Jennifer introduced us to were: Jean-Charles Rochox Chocolatier; Cacao et Chocolate;Pierre Herme; Maison-Kayser and Marcolini.

Our group consisted of Mr. G. and myself along with two wonderful women from Spicer, MN United States. One of whom is also a Professional Photographer (Carlson Studio Inc.) - for our Blogger Friends in Spicer, MN you may want to check their Carlson Studio Blog to see the amazing pet portraits they have done. It was truly a pleasure to have the company of these two lovely ladies - not to mention that they are chocoholics too!

Along the way Jennifer's knowledge of Paris history kept us so entertained that the walk from one venue to the next seemed liked seconds. Perhaps the the quick passing of time may also have been a result of the sugar induced energy - did I mention that at each stop we were treated to 2  complimentary samples of the shops delights. Mr. G. became a fan of Ganache. Did you know that in Paris a baker must get permission from the city before he can close his Boulanger or vacation? Did you know that May 1st is a very important date and that people give each other Lilly of the Valley? (a chocolate version is pictured under the Macs in the above shot). These are the tid bits of knowledge you may not learn about if you just venture out in the unknown. For first time visitors to Paris or even for those who want to explore a different section of the city, having a knowledgeable local Parisian will let enlight you as well as possibly saving you some sole on your shoes.

You can email Jennifer to schedule a personal/group tour customized to your needs.

Below are some shots I took along our adventure, among them Jardin du Luxemburg - it was just as beautiful as my NYC living - Paris friend had promised it to be.

                         

I hope you are enjoying Paris!

I invite you along on our visit to the Louvre, Cruise the Seine , see Paris by night and enjoy dinner on the Champs-Élysées - on tomorrow's post.

images: Falling off a High Heeled Life

The Power of the Written Word ...

Some of my fondest memories are unwinding at the end of a hectic work week curled up on my couch with a wonderful book. This is a part of me I refuse to give up! Now, since my “detour in life”, my ability to retain what I have read is frustrating at times – but the feeling I experience while reading remains with me. I have gone from reading a paragraph to almost getting past a dozen or pages, before I find myself needing to look back at who is who and what has happened on the previous pages, so that what I’m currently reading makes sense.

When the impact this detour was having on my life became a reality, I never asked “why me?” I did however ask “Now what?”. So I slowly started pulling out books that people had given me while I was in the hospital and as welcome home gifts. Over the next couple of years I would read and re-read books a few times, desperate to retain the messages within. My speech therapist R. suggested that I make notes, as I read. At first it didn’t make sense, but when I gave it a try I found that my notes simplified what I had read and served as triggers to help recall what I had read. It does not always work, but, has been a step towards helping me start picking up books again.

Some of the books that that I found inspiring the first year of my “detour in life” are pictured below;

If you are seeking answers I encourage you to read these books – they will challenge you to question things around you and help get you back into a positive way of thinking – the first step in overcoming any obstacle life presents you.