Awwwwww, ma famille, mes amis...

As much as I want to be daydreaming about Paris until my voyage, work has been taking up the majority of my brain space as of late. And, then, this afternoon... an unexpected and lovely reminder of my upcoming adventure courtesy of my lovelies... my family and my friends.

Here's a snap of my bouquet of goodies:

Auntie Arleen sent along what her and my mom would call some "walking' around money," which, at least twice since I opened the envelope I've had to remind myself contains actual, spendable cash (it's so sparkly and pretty!), an "important docs" holder for... well, my important docs, some tres chic jewelry so I'll be properly accessorized, plug thingies, and, perhaps most valuable... some sound travel advice. Then, last week, the ravishing Madame Davis and the adorable Garcon Matthias gave me an Eiffel Tower luggage tag and some perfumed soaps, "Auntie Manda, you put them in your luggage so it smells good on your trip." Also, notice the handmade "Bon Voyage" card? Perhaps the young Matthias is a budding Monet.

And, then, a card from Sisty that reads:

"Sweet Baby Sis - There's no place like home... but Paris has got to be a close 2nd! Thought you could use your very own pair of "ruby slippers" to guide you safely along the way. These are special ruby slippers because they are practical, sensible & comfortable. They are what Dorothy would have worn had she been a lesbian."

And THESE:

These, ladies and gents, are sparkly red Crocs. My sister is a GENIUS. And for those of you who aren't aware... rudy slippers are ever our homage to our mama. So, thanks sisty, for making sure mom will be with me every step of the way!

Another reason why Sisser is my hilarious and spectacular treasure? Here is how she signed the card:

"...always know that we will be waiting at the "end of the rainbow" to hear of your adventures.

Oui amor you mucho,
A B C & D"

I am one lucky girl...

2 WEEKS!!!

Dead Folks

We're going to Père Lachaise Cemetery.  Here's my list of awesome dead folks I'm going to go see:

Sarah Bernhardt

Colette

Jim Morrison

Édith Piaf

Georges-Pierre Seurat

Gertrude Stein

Alice B. Toklas

Oscar Wilde

Any other suggestions?  I'd be happy to snap a photo of your favorite interred individual. 

What's up Frenchy McFrenchface?

I've been wondering when, précisément, this Francophilia of mine began.  Merde if I know.  But I do know WHY I love all things French.  Intéressé?  Well, you're here, and you're still reading this, so I'm assuming the answer is "oui," so here goes:

1.  Amelie - boy, do the French know how to make films (Umbrellas of Cherbourg being an exception... oh and that film where that guy throws himself off of a bridge because some girl he almost ran over with his car wouldn't run away with him, and some other woman falls down a flight of stairs and starts bleeding out her ear... I digress):

2.  Music - No one else has Edith:

3.  Cheese - I don't have to justify a fascination of a country that loves its cheese.

4.  Wine - or its wine.

5.  Art -   It's one thing that France has inspired its own to greatness; Rodin, Degas, Renoir.  But, it seems that artists of every ilk and every genre found their muse (or simply acceptance) here - Picasso,  Josephine Baker, Edna St. Vincent Millay.  Perhaps a Parisian muse will find me too.  She'll have a lot to overcome though.  You know, like my lack of an attention span and any sort of cultivated talent.  Whatever, it's her job to figure that out.

6.  Style - c'est magnifique!

7.  Kissing - c'mon... french kissing?   FRENCH kissing... they invented the best kind of kissing!

Paris... a dream realized

Read silently to yourselves (mouthing the words, if necessary) in your best French accent:

This is the story of a girl, earthbound by her fear of flying, but driven by wanderlust to overcome and one day set foot on the cobbled streets of Paris. 

K, you can quit with the accent.  I'm going to Paris next month and I'm super stoked about it.  And, rather than burn up Facebook with daily photos and anecdotes, I came up with this... my Ooh La Blog.  Those of you who are interested to see me live my dream can do so right here.   

Le details:  July 7-18, I'll be living it up French style.  Only with more showers and less smuggery.

Le Travel Companions:

Mademoiselle Mellissa et Madame Deanna

What I'll be drinking:

 Where I'll be eating:

Check back in the days leading up.  I'll be posting things I'm all giddy about seeing and venting about any old anxieties that may creep up.  I just may need your advice, so come visit me.

Au revoir!