“Every leaf speaks bliss to me, fluttering from the autumn tree.” - Emily Brontë
A long weekend in Door County in October — steaming coffee and cardamom rolls from Fika in the morning; long walks in the woods to enjoy the fall colors and crisp air; wine on the deck at sunset; tart apples from Woods and cider from Island Orchard; meals at SBYC, Chives, and Trixie's; visting with friends and family —exactly what I needed.
“By all these lovely tokens, September days are here with summer's best of weather and autumn's best of cheer.” ― Helen Hunt Jackson
“Ah, September! You are the doorway to the season that awakens my soul... but I must confess that I love you only because you are a prelude to my beloved October.” ― Peggy Toney Horton
READING:
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley — “The longer Ben stays missing, the more Jess starts to dig into her brother’s situation, and the more questions she has. Ben’s neighbors are an eclectic bunch, and not particularly friendly. Jess may have come to Paris to escape her past, but it’s starting to look like it’s Ben’s future that’s in question. The socialite – The nice guy – The alcoholic – The girl on the verge – The concierge. Everyone’s a neighbor. Everyone’s a suspect. And everyone knows something they’re not telling” (Goodreads).
The Guest Book by Sarah Blake — “A unforgettable love story, a novel about past mistakes and betrayals that ripple throughout generations, The Guest Book examines not just a privileged American family, but a privileged America. It is a literary triumph” (Goodreads). This book grabbed my attention from the first page as it described sailing off the coast of Maine (albeit with one technical inaccuracy) and I had a hard time putting it down. Yet in the end, I can’t decide if I like the book or not.
WATCHING:
Making the Cut Season 3 on Prime — This season seemed extra short with little drama and a rather predictable ending.
The Great British Baking Show Season 13 on Netflix — Things seem to be back to “normal” in the tents.
Real Girlfriends in Paris on Bravo — Like RHONY, I’m not sure why I watch this. My love for Paris made me do it.
Pinocchio on Disney+ — Robert Zemeckis’ remake with Tom Hanks is worth watching.
ENJOYING:
Puttering around on Nagawicka Lake — We saw a double rainbow and watched some sailboat races with Miss Piper. It was her first time on the water and she rocked her little yellow life jacket.
A long weekend in the North Woods — Despite the rain and delayed fall colors, we had a nice time catching up with friends, shopping for treasures in local shops and flea markets, canoeing to Michigan, and dining at Little Bohemia — the infamous resort where John Dillinger and his gang had a shootout with the FBI in 1934. There are still bullet holes in the walls and several artifacts that were left behind when the gang made their getaway. After dinner, we had to watch Public Enemies with Johnny Depp and Marion Cotillard.
Cooler weather — I love the change of seasons and temps in the 50s and 60s are perfect for bundling up and enjoying cozy evenings on the deck or by the fireplace.
PLANNING:
A long weekend in Door County in October — steaming coffee and cardamom rolls from Fika in the morning; long walks in the woods to enjoy the fall colors and crisp air; wine on the deck at sunset; tart apples from Woods and cider from Island Orchard; meals at Chives and Trixie's; shopping at Bliss…
My own trip to Paris next spring — I planned Paris excursions for three colleagues this summer, so now it’s my turn. So far, the flight is booked (although it has changed twice already) and the Clairette apartment is reserved (I’m so excited to stay here). I don’t want to overplan, but I do enjoy creating a list of possibilities.
“Give a girl the right shoes and she can conquer the world.” - Marilyn Monroe
Tiny Little Ballet Flats Are Going to Be Big This Fall (Vogue) — Always my go-to footwear.
Headband are Back (Vogue) and I’m here for it — I always have been.
Audrey Hepburn: Why “Funny Face” Should Be on Your To-Watch List (Vogue)
The Best Paris Books of 2022 (So Far) — I have only read three of them.
“There are only two places in the world where we can live happy: at home and in Paris.” — Ernest Hemingway
“At home and in Paris” — I love my home here in Delafield, Wisconsin. Yet I am most happy when I am able to visit Paris — to speak French, to take photos, and to enjoy the joie de vivre and then to return home inspired.
When I boarded a plane at CDG to return to home in October 2019, I had no idea that it would be nearly three and a half years before I would return to Pais again. Exactly two weeks after what would have been my annual birthday trip at the end of February 2020, but that I postponed in favor of an extended spring break and promise of the iconic April in Paris, the world locked down.
So you can imagine how excited I am to return to my beloved city six months from now and to be staying in this adorable Paris Perfect apartment in the Gros Caillou neighborhood of the 7th arrondissement where our most famous neighbor will be Madame Eiffel herself. Image the sparkles just outside the windows.
[Gallery photos courtesy of Paris Perfect]
“Believe me, my young friend, there is nothing – absolutely nothing – half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows
Piper’s maiden voyage on Nagawicka Lake
