Claude Monet attempted to record an ‘in the moment’ impression that a scene gave him. I relate, as I attempt to do this with my photography. Here is the color and joy that fills his garden, home and paintings. The end result, is timeless beauty.
Author: Julie A R Stephens
Remembering D-Day as the 80th anniversary approaches
We visit the grounds, the churches…the beaches…
Angoville-au-Plain is a tiny village in the Normandy region of northwester France where I was fortunate to visit in April 2024. Below is a hyperlink to an article I wrote for our newspaper about my experience.
Morning Prayer at the Abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel
Walking to Morning Prayer at the Abbey on Mont-Saint-Michel
My Catholic upbring filters into my appreciation for this holy service.
My sensitive nature loving self is grateful for the opportunity to be here with the beauty of the peaceful morning on the beach
I made a short recording of the service which is located a few pictures into this post
Bruce and I got up before sunrise.
New Experiences Keep Us Engaged with Life!
Watching a cat in Fougères France taking a walk perched on its person.
Conversing with a traveling companion who also feels shy.
UNESCO World Heritage site, Mont St-Michel, is a unique architectural and natural wonder of Europe
We left Amboise France.
Ambrose, France – Leonardo da Vinci’s House & Garden
On the first stop traveling to Ambrose, I am looking for soy milk. A kind soul shows me the French words for soy milk
The wallpaper at the desk in our hotel
Juxtapose old & new
I didn’t realize when walking past this ‘statue’ that it was a live man.
Chenonceau Castle – Thinking About Life Passions
This post begins with the most exquisite artwork of a meal, the food whispers a blessing. Come. Savor. My treasured purple wisteria continues to call out. Château gardens. Julie eye-catching moments.
Delicate touches to our meal create art.
Bruce and I are not foodies.
The French Countryside Begins! Guédelon Castle – The Château de Chambord
Yesterday’s steps:
Bruce and I walk a lot at home, but
these tours are ultra active!
Today’s plan:
Traveling on our tour bus out to the countryside, we pass field after field of yellow flowers – harvested for canola oil, these fields of yellow, along with the countryside setting, are peaceful looking – nature makes me happy!
Paris-Colorful Streets- Picnic-The Louve-MUSEE JEAN-JACQUES HENNER
April 18
I get fun pictures as we are walking – many people have well behaved canine companions on leashes & that gets my attention. Too, look at this woman’s fun purse – it’s made to look like a piano
We continue walking this well-choreographed tour as Claire leads us to this cheese shop.
Paris! La Sainte-Chapelle Shakespeare And Company – The Abbey Bookstore
Day 2 of the Tour
April 17
Our tour has officially begun
The Seine River with the Eiffel Tower as we walk around Paris!
La Sainte-Chapelle
Construction began sometime after 1238 and the chapel was consecrated on 26 April 1248. The Sainte-Chapelle is considered among the highest achievements of the Rayonnant period of Gothic architecture.
April in Paris!
Bruce & Julie – October 2017
in celebration of our 40th wedding anniversary which was August 20th 2017
Big cities have special problems that other places don’t. Watch out for taxi driver scams in Paris. We knew how much a taxi should cost from the airport to our hotel.