Day 11 ~ May 1

I’ve been searching for the perfect word to sum up the French markets I’ve visited... The sights! The color! The sounds! The smells! The food! ...  The smell of buttered chickens roasting to perfection combines with hand-milled lavender soaps, and grilling garlic, so that the dogs at your feet drool and whimper along with you. {More on markets, food and the French version of fitness in Bonjour 40}

Day 10 ~ April 30

Day 8 ~ April 28

It was raining today, and yet I saw the most impeccable outfit. Knee-length trench flopping lightly open, a navy cashmere sweater, a light gray scarf knotted around the neck, tailored black jeans, and the most glorious pair of (what had to be) Italian pointy, patent black shoes.  It was on a man... {order the book Bonjour40 in October to read the full text...}

Day 6 ~ April 26 ~ Arrival

Day 5 ~ April 25 ~ Departure

Day 3 ~ April 23 ~ Packing, two days before departure

Day 2 ~ March 25 ~ One month before departure

On Paris, there simply are not enough guidebooks, maps, language lessons, recipes, stories or tips for me. (As you can see in this photo, my friends, neighbors, and the bookstore have loaded me up.) {Now in the book, Bonjour 40, is this full original entry, plus a longer piece about travel.}

Day 1 ~ My birthday

Last year, I was asked if I was going to do anything special when I turned 40. Barely a day into my 39th birthday, and 40 comes up? What?! Many women dread this, I know. I’m not the type to be in denial or in the fetal position over it, but if I absolutely had to turn 40, then I needed to figure out how best to do it. Or, better yet, “where.” So for the last year I’ve planned and saved, and next month I leave for Paris. I’ll live there for almost 40 days–something I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl.

Today marks my actual 40th birthday. But quite frankly 40 feels a lot like 39. Which honestly felt a lot like 29 except with more money, more experience, and certainly better choices. Even though my age is 40, I can sincerely say there is a spirit in me that is still 29 or 19 or even 9. Perhaps it’s because I’m giving that little girl in me the gift she’s always wanted. A grand adventure. So to this birthday I say, Bonjour 40! I’m here. Let’s begin… 

{Next posting is March 25th. Follow my blog to receive notices of new entries…}