{travel inspiration: paris by lomo}

. . . and while on the topic of paris, {as we so often are}, still and always a fascination with travel photographs, especially the photographs of favourite places, and these hauntingly beautiful shots of la ville-lumière capture the city of light in a way that beckons for one's return at once, as fewer things are more inspiring than to fall once again into these familiar places, along the seine and palais royale, and if it is not possible to steal away at the moment, then even a glimpse, in photographs, are inspiration enough until the next time . . .

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{travel inspiration: madrid, spain}

. . . if you've been reading for a while, you'll know about a certain fondness for glimpses of the vacation shots of others {paris: one two three, bella italia}, and while this afternoon may have been a flurry of speeding along busy highways, still unpacked carryalls and a million unanswered e-mails, everything seemed to fall away at the sight of perfectly ornate domes, venetian mirrors and chandeliers, soft and pretty pastels and the palest pink roses in marvelous madrid . . .

{all images by alix of the cherry blossom girl}

{a fond farewell . . . }

. . . one last, longing look at the things we leave behind . . .

{images: 1 & 2 - atlanta homes and lifestyles via greige; 3 - côté sud aout - sept 06 via linen & lavender; 4, 7 & 8 - michael trapp via desire to inspire; 5 - atlanta homes and lifestyles via greige; 6 - côté maisons via linen & lavender; 9 - photo by joanna henderson via oliveaux}

{summertime, summertime}

". . . if you allowed yourself to be enchanted by the beauty to be seen in even ordinary things, then all things proved to be extraordinary."

~ dean koonz

. . . summertime at last, my favourite time of year and there's a beautiful heaviness to the air that only comes from languorously hazy & humid days, and there are plans for picnics {more than anything} and hand-rolled waffle cones with two scoops {mango and pralines & cream}, golden beaches and midnight walks . . . and whether luxurious plans for afternoon daydreams on gold-threaded italian silk and strolling the winding paths of elaborate gardens, or sunlit days on terraces and dinners outdoors at sunset, wishing you a summer filled with more beauty than you can stand . . .

happy first day of summer!
xo

{images: 1 - trouvais}