Posts tagged paris
october
It's an in-between month. September, with summer weather in the beginning, then a slow, slipping transition into fall; dotted with birthdays and celebrations and just plain loveliness. 

And then there's October. Tucked into the space between the last traces of summer and the first icy tendrils of winter, I feel as if it's the only legitimate month of autumn. I tend to overlook this month of crackling, crunchy leaves, a thousand shades of crimson and amber and gold; the clear, blindingly azure skies; the wispy scent of smoke in the air; the extra patchwork quilt on the bed. But when October arrives each year, I wonder how I ever survived without it.
It's the first touch of fall, the dipping-in-your-toes stage, a bit of a deja vu when reacquainting yourself with the  new season. It's the second and third mug of hot chocolate, steaming and frothy with milk. It's the flushed pink cheeks and frozen ears, tingling just enough to make you feel more alive than ever. It's the crackling fire on a chilly night, the smoke making its lazy ascent into the velvety, star studded blackness. It's October and I'm quite smitten.

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Exactly one year ago today, October third, I was in Paris. I can't quite wrap my mind around the fact that so much time has already passed – time flies so quickly. I miss it. I remember biting into my first pain au chocolat (and consequently dying a thousand deaths of buttery goodness) in one of the myriad tiny bakeries that dot every inch of the city. I remember trudging up the steep steps on the hill that houses Sacre Coeur and gasping at the sight of Paris spread out before me. I remember seeing the Mona Lisa for the first time and the giggle my mother and I shared looking at the other spectators jostle each other for a good photograph. I took a picture of that scene.
I also remember sitting at the foot of the Eiffel Tower, crying. My emotions were a mess that day – simultaneously elated, excited, and exhausted. I realized while sitting on that bench that I only had a few days left in Europe, and I cried. I was overwhelmed with everything I'd seen in such a short amount of time and my feet ached from walking so many miles. I cried, wishing the rest of my family could be there right with me. I cried in happiness and disbelief that I was really there. Yes, I'm silly – but sometimes when you're caught up in a moment, it's hard to keep your emotions in check.

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September was a good month, a very good month. But this is October. A month of memories, new things, warm colors, and lots of family time. This is October and I'm so glad it's here. 

xo

ps to ring in october, a new look at pastor's girl's ponderings. it's a change i've been planning and working on for a few weeks -- while i find sidebar headers lovely, i was ready for something different. thoughts?


update: for those of you that thought my blog design was similar to hannah's -- there's no question that i admire her designs and blog, but i promisepromisepromise that i was working on this design before she redid her blog. i suppose great minds think alike, no? ;)
i heart faces: scenic black and white
Today's theme at I Heart Faces is "scenic black and white". I immediately thought of this photo...

in front of the eiffel tower


This is my mom and me in front of the Eiffel Tower, taken on my surprise birthday trip to Paris this October. It may seem like the average cheesy "Smile! You're a dumb tourist in Paris!" shot, but it means a lot to me. The feeling you have when you're gazing at the Eiffel Tower for the first time is incredible. It was such a special moment for me. I mean, Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world! How often have we seen Eiffel Towers printed on miscellaneous objects? I can't even begin to count. But to actually be there? It's surreal. 

What's your favorite city?

-carlotta

PS Thank you for your sweet compliments on my room yesterday! Since I live in it, I'm always seeing little things that could be fixed, artwork that needs switching out, etc, but your words made me happy :)
paris part three
Yes, there is a part three of my trip to Paris. Three weeks later. Oh well. Today is crazy busy - seriously, it's not even funny how much I need to accomplish in twenty four hours - so I thought why not start off this Monday morning with a little Parisian spirit?

on a paris bridge
crepes
my mom and i...

secret wedding photographer
paris skyline



Paris is, without a doubt, my favorite city that I've been to. I know I've gushed about it time and again, but I really can't help myself. I'd give anything to be back there right now. Really. I am a very firm believer in the fact that everyone should go there at least once in their life time. Even if you're not super crazy about Paris to begin with! It's so worth it. I'm so thankful to have such wonderful parents that would give me such an amazing birthday gift. Never in a million years would I have thought I would get a trip to Paris for my birthday! I'll never, ever forget the two and a half days I spent there with my mom. It will always be one of my fondest memories. And I sincerely hope that I'll be able to make more memories there again sometime!

What is your favorite city?

-carlotta

Psst...don't forget to enter in my giveaway if you haven't already!
a little parisian slideshow
I really wanted to call this video a "film" but since it consists of pictures and music, I don't think it fills the criteria of a film. Bummer. I like the word film. Film, film, film. 

A few of these photos I've already shared, but there are some that y'all haven't seen yet. I figured this was the best way to showcase them without taking up a ton of room. Plus, it'll be nice for me to watch in the years to come and remember my time in Paris.



What do you think?

We're home! Sorry. Forgot to mention that. It definitely feels weird to be back after so long away, but it feels nice too. Traveling is such a blast. I had an amazing time away - I didn't want to leave at all. But now that I'm home, it feels so right.

Happy Saturday!

-carlotta