Not an anniversary, not a birthday, just a badly needed opportunity to recharge batteries and stand back from everything for a while.
My husband and I jumped on the Eurostar to Paris whilst my mother “borrowed” Ted for three days at home.
Our Montparnasse hotel room view spanned from the Arc du Triomphe to Sacre Coeur with glimpses of the Louvre, Grand Palais and St Germain de Pres in between.
Pressing your face hard on the window, you also caught a glimpse of the Eiffel Tower.
Coming home I’ve spent the past few days chilling out in the garden, away from the emails and the to-do list.
Away from the self imposed deadlines and standards.
No cooking, just stuff from the fridge.
I’ve been considering which landmarks matter most in the hotel window view of life.
And it’s not towers, basilicas and monuments.
It’s a little boy eating ice cream.
I swear he’d grown bigger in the three days we were away.
We were not missed – although he was delighted to see us return. Life goes on at grasshopper height.
I hope you had an Easter as sunny and relaxing as mine. When was the last time you took a step back?
We bought a house in France, so three times a year I get to step back, it’s heaven. As a matter of fact I’m stepping back right now, and loving every second of it. Great weather! No school run! No , as you say, self imposed deadlines, just loads of fresh air and super food, couldn’t ask for more. Long live stepping back! Jude x
Ah! A house in France! How I would love that!
What a lovely break you must have had, gently meandering the chic streets of Paris, switching off from the daily grind, chilling out in the garden on your return and perhaps indulging in some lovely pastries, as I did, in considerable quantities! I tried making some macaroons on our return last year actually, on the blog they are, good fun to make and will definitely need to return to Paris for the more inspiration for more macaroon ideas!
We did squeeze a macaron or two in yes!
What a sweet post … I am sure you were missed … maybe even just a little bit ;0)
I love this post. Everyone needs to take a step back sometimes and it sounds as if yours was well deserved and I agree with Chele, I am absolutely sure you were missed really.
Well admittedly, he did say he wanted to stay with mummy and daddy rather than go home with grandma!!
Hi, this is a fab post. You are definitely right about needing to step back occasionally. I’m overdue one of those! And don’t worry children do miss us they just have a great talent in not showing it LOL.Just found your blog via Tots 100 and enjoying catching up on some of your posts. Please pop over to mine at muminmeltdown.blogspot.com
Thanks T x
Great to see you here… hope to have you back soon!
Wow, really jealous right now 🙂 I haven’t taken a step back in a while – either studying or baking or organising society events, but I hope to take a break like you soon!
Whew, sounds like you’re busy!!
Great post and really interesting Paris pics – I have never been to that area of it – so different to the rest of Paris
There were plenty of restaurants around Boulevard Montparnasse and Boulevard Edgar somebody but to be honest, I wouldn’t stay in that hotel again unless I was getting a train from Gare du Montparnasse next morning. Reason being that Metro for Montparnasse is really long way away because they knocked it down to build the tower and then rebuilt it 3/4 mile up the road. It’s kind of like booking into a hotel near Euston Station and discovering it’s really at Mornington Crescent…
Makes me feel like jumping on a plane somewhere! Glad you had a lovely break. Happy Easter!
What lovely, sunny weather in Paris! And full of good intentions to unwind and take stock of life’s priorities. I try to step back every day, the view’s just not as nice as your hotel room ;-).
Oh yes. It’s amazing how everything can take on such an avalanche effect. The must do more mentality. We have had a really lovely few days just not having to meet any deadlines or ferry children around. I find that with the size family I have (7 children!), it’s been a blessing that we live in town so we can nip out for an hour to a nearby cafe just the two of us.
This is a wonderful post. We lived in Paris for a few months a few years ago (and visited as often as we could after that) and it is truly the most wonderful place. I can’t see myself escaping there anytime soon at the moment, but I have just had an hour to myself at a department store makeup counter and after a dreadful couple of weeks, that felt almost as good as going to Paris!
Ah Paris! I have had a long love affair with Paris, since the age of 17! Many important events in my life, from discovering independence, work, love and my honeymoon have been in Paris!
I am certain you enjoyed your well earned break.
My twins are having a break from me at the moment, on holiday with their Grandparents. My escape is long overdue!
Nina
changing bag
Totally know what you mean, we all need to chill out and take it easy…blue sky thinking, helicopter views…
I am looking forward to going to Paris for my birthday. Such a wonderful place. Its so nice to get away once in a while, but funny thing about me, I am always happy to get back at home, no matter how much i love my vacation.
Anywyas, welcome back.
*kisses* HH
Fantastic pictures, Sarah. I lived in Paris for a year and it was amazing. Especially love the apartment building windows!
Sounds like you had a good break Sarah. I haven’t been to Paris for years, you have me yearning here.