Spring Awakening

From many of us (though luckily not for me this year), the winter has been harsh. The winter has been long. We are ready to say goodbye to it for another year. We're ready to believe in the promises and the hope that a new season brings.

Spring officially begins today and what better place to celebrate rebirth and renewal than the timeless favorite of springtime in Paris. Although I've never been much of a Francophile, I've always wanted to spend the first day of spring in Paris -- particularly lolling along in the gardens.

The Jardin Du Luxembourg has been the subject of countless works of art over the years -- including Henri Matisse's aptly titled, "Luxembourg Gardens" which was stolen in 2006 from a museum in Rio. Originally constructed in 1617 for Marie de Medicis and subsequently rather formal in layout, this garden to me epitomizes my vision of historical, sumptuous French gardens. I imagine a quiet reflective stroll which leads to a romantic tryst in a remote corner of the gardens -- far away from the children who come here based on the Madeleine books.

To a happy, passionate Spring!