Anywhere and Somewhere ~

Wanderlust is brewing strongly within my soul.  I'm anxious and filling my mind with images of far away places.  Reveries of packing our luggage, boarding a plane, and immersing into another culture are clouding my reality.  

We pull the world maps out, close our eyes and point to anywhere and somewhere, and then construct a plan.  The list is growing, the need is burning, and our gypsies spirits are yearning.  

Soon.  It must be soon.

[John Singer Sargent]

Today, I leave for Alt!  This trip has been planned for months, and I can hardly believe the check-in date has arrived.  My bags are packed, my pencils are sharpened, and my senses are ready to soak in all the great knowledge that will most definitely be shared during this conference.  I'm beyond excited to spend some time with my 'hotel mates' ~ Alexis and Jeanne.  And I'll definitely have a case of the jitters when I finally get to meet two of my blogger favs ~ Karey and Joslyn. 

But my heart will remain in California, right where it belongs with my little family. This is the first time I'm leaving the crumb for more than a few hours, and folks, there is going to be some separation anxiety {all on my part I'm sure}. Obviously, she is in exceptional hands with Papa McDreamy, so my worries are few.  One thing I know for sure, I'm already looking forward to my return back to both of their arms and a continuous stream of kisses.  

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

l'automne à Paris

Three Autumns ago, we rented an apartment in Paris for 2+ months {while the crumb was 7 months in utero}, and it was absolutely incredible!  We didn't have a checklist of must-do-see while there.  Instead, we settled into our cozy Right Bank apartment and allowed our peripatetic souls to just to go with the flow.  Our days consisted of numerous visits to the Louvre, long walks amongst the leaf-changing Tuilieries, hours sitting at our favorite cafes, reading by the fountains under the golden autumn sun, choosing fresh produce from the farmers market, frequenting our favorite boulangerie, and picking up a few {or more} could-not-resist French bebe items.  I didn't think it was possible to fall deeper in love with this city than I already was, but this extended stay pushed me overboard into the 'madly in love' category, and just like a junkie, I need a fix badly. Fingers-crossed, I hope we return soon.

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

{Georgia} Peach

Did I ever tell you I'm a Georgia Peach?  Yes ma'am, born and raised in the South ~ sweet tea, pecan pie, bless your hearts, and endless how-do-you-do's ~ I'm a Southern Belle through and through, and I need my juice-running-all-down-my-chin peach fix, so we are heading to my sweet home Atlanta for a dose of heat with a big dollop of humid on the side (a definite welcome after ten San Francisco Summers!).

The crumb will be spoiled by all her grandparents (and great-grandparents), play non-stop with her cousins, and learn to chase 'lightning bugs' like the best of them (her mama is a pro!).  I'm looking forward to the memories that will be made and re-living my favorite summer adventures with one cute little bumpkin by my side!

[Reverie-Daydream Images]

Lavender Farm

Last week, we enjoyed outdoor adventures in Northern California with Sean's parents.  They have been traveling across country in their beautiful new RV (an eco-friendly, green machine by EverGreen), so we couldn't wait to rendezvous in the foothills of Mt. Shasta. 

One of the many highlights of our camping adventure was the Mt. Shasta Lavender Farm.  It opened to the public on June 12th, and although the lavender blooms were not at their peak of prime loveliness, the beauty of this seasonal destination was magnificent.  Truly, a gorgeous thumbprint of Mother Nature's glory!

[Images by Reverie-Daydream]

E is for Education

Education is something I am very passionate about and believe everyone deserves the chance to learn. Empowerment comes from feeding your mind with knowledge, and this is something that no one can ever take from you. In this great big world, there are children who are not given the opportunity to learn, and if they are, the conditions of their school is less than worthy.

Recently, I discovered the Traveling Mama blog. It is authored by Tina, who lives in Morocco with her beautiful family. She is very creative, and along with her talented photographer husband, Jack, they have opened up an Etsy shop. This may sound like many other great stories you have heard before in regards to artists, etsy, and travel, but this one is different. You see, Tina and Jack (and their Traveling Tribe), are donating 100% of their Etsy profits to go towards purchasing paint, books, art supplies and more for a school in Morocco. You can read more about this amazing 'tale of a school' here and here. They are using their artistic talents to make a difference in this world and to give others a chance to learn. I am humbled by their goodness and gracious hearts.

"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."

~Nelson Mandela

[Photographs by Jack Fussell]

Pastis Hotel St. Tropez

A few years ago, we had the pleasure of staying at the Pastis Hotel in St. Tropez. For the last several days, I have been dreaming of returning to this glorious spot in the South of France.

We happened to visit in October during the off-season, so it was quiet and all to ourselves - a very different feel from the 'see and be seen' summers of this popular French beach destination. However, this didn't stop the 'red carpet' treatment we received from the beyond gracious owners, John and Pauline Larkin, and their amazing staff. They truly made us feel like personal guests in their 'home'. The delicious breakfasts, the evenings enjoyed sitting under the stars listening to John's personal cd favorites while sipping on aperitifs, and the delightful conversations we had with everyone there along with the incredible attention to detail made this an unforgettable stay. Our room was so beautifully decorated with soft linens, plush towels, unique objets d'art, a copper soaking tub, and a large sunny terrace for our own private use.

Pauline and John have a passion for Provence. They relocated from the UK to follow their dreams of owning a boutique hotel in the South of France. Now, they provide a dreamy experience for all of those lucky enough to be their guests! The hotel is filled with 20th-century art, paintings and photography as well as furnished with a perfect mix of period and 'modern-classic' pieces. It is one of our favorite hotels in the world. In fact, we could easily just move in and never leave...it's that perfect!

Mi Guapa

We love to travel! And now that our little Guapa (the endearing Spanish word loosely translated as beautiful) has entered our happy world, we haven't stopped! In fact, our gypsy lifestyle might have increased a bit due to the fact we LOVE to introduce her to new places, people and things.

This recent trip to Spain was her first adventure on European soil, and let me tell you, she hasn't been the same since! Not only does she dance the Flamenco to every Spanish guitar song, but she also proclaims "OLE" at the end of each piece of music she hears including Tchaikovsky. Her taste buds have been primed with delicious ice creams, she discovered the Fountain of Youth, and she has a special affinity for Vespas.

So instead of trying to answer the question we hear most often: "Are you really traveling with a baby/toddler?" We have a rebuttal...."Why NOT travel with them?" My goodness it was great, and we can't wait for our next trip because this little girl has a lot to learn and see. We're thinking Paris should be next.....

[photographs by Reverie-Daydream]