thinking of warmer climes

Let's go back and walk the 187 uneven steps of the King Aragon staircase...

and get lost among the granite fields after a day under the Corsican sun...

or after, wind our way to hidden lagoons and catch the lingering rays before the sun disappears into the sea.  We could take a dip soon, don't you think? Once the water is warm...

a stop over in Annecy

Can't you just feel the gentle autumn sunshine in this picture? It was snapped while strolling leisurely though the old town in Annecy a month or so ago. Time just seems to move at warp speed these days. We've since traded brisk autumn weather for artic winter cold and although the snow arrived seemingly early, it feels like it's time to hibernate with the ever shorter, dark days of winter. Here's to soaking up the sunshine wherever we can!

a snowy snapshot

And just like that, the ski season is underway. We've gotten so much snow the past few days and now the sun is out and we are being treated to a most magnificent start to winter. Hope you are enjoying the view of winter wonder, too! 

afternoon at the park

We headed to the park an excuse to get out of the house and into the fresh air . It was one of those beautiful fall days, one that starts crisp and cold but quickly warms up, making heavy coats an unnecessary afterthought.

The fall leaves have tumbled from their high canopy into a think blanket covering the ground.  We spent some time picking them up, tossing them and watching as they drifted to the ground.  They crunched underfoot, their earthy smell heady and heavenly as we walked towards the pond.

With the the sun magically filtering through colorful leaves, only a few ducks remain hiding in the shadows of the still water.  The rest have already flown on towards warmer climates.

Clover has developed a new habit of walking with his hands in his pockets -- all the time. I find it adorable.  I don't know where this came from.  Except I am always afraid that he's going to fall and end up flat on his face.  But then again that kind of seems like the constant risk of an energetic toddler, regardless of where he puts his hands, doesn't it?

we need to talk about Corsica

Just after I waxed poetic about welcoming autumn, we did the exact opposite and jetted off to Corsica to catch the waning rays of sun and summer.  It was the perfect trip. The three of us, along with Félix's sister met up with Félix's cousin and his cousin's friend.  Can I just tell you that a ratio of 5 adults to 1 child is my kind of ratio? 

Our mornings would begin with the three of us sneaking out of the house for coffee and croissants in the harbor while the other housemates slept.  The citadel of Bonifacio loomed high above the small harbor below.  Sitting outside, sipping our coffee, Clover provided a constant narration of which boats went motoring by past the white limestone cliffs on their way out to sea. We'd head back to the house with croissants for the late sleepers and then we would all head off to the beach. It was a rhythm I could totally get on board with.

We stayed at Félix cousin's place in Spérone, at the southern most spot in Corsica. There was just so much to love about where we were.  It's rugged and gorgeous.

Hadri, Félix's cousin showed us a fun spot, a completely concealed beachside restaurant.  It was totally hidden behind the scrub oak until we were gazing at the sea.  We had a long, lingering lunch in front of that perfect view.  There are so many great hidden coves and secret beaches.

Clover didn't want to go near the water. Even so much as the tiniest drop would elicit squeals of distress. He would happily play in the sand and then all of a sudden on the second to last day he acted as if there was nothing he would rather do more than play in the surf. All fear forgotten. We could not get that boy out of the water. 

Which by the way, can we talk about the water? I've been to the mediterranean plenty but I have never seen it such a gorgeous turquoise, so clean and so clear.  Amazing. And I think another reason why I was so blown over by the place is that it is so close. By plane it's less than two hours but it felt a whole world away when we were there.

It was a fun, quick trip full  of lots of laughs, wonderful family and friends, great food, great champagne, and beautiful beaches, too.  Which really sums up my idea of a perfect trip in the sunshine before the cold autumn arrives.

I can't wait until we find our way back to the cobblestone streets, the golden sunsets and the silky, white-sand beaches of Corsica... Until then, I think it will feel like a dream that we were ever there. 

Do tell, do you have a favorite vacation spot? I find mine is changing all the time.

you can own the night

You can own the night, if you like. However, I'll keep the mornings.  I'm much more partial to them these days.  We caught this sunrise in Corsica the other week.  It was... well, magical. I have to say I am head over heels for the place. Corsica completely captured my heart.

sightseeing for beginners

Along with the pretty views of the lake, part of the fun of going for a stroll in Geneva is hearing so many different languages being spoken. I love how international it is. There are people from all over.

Last weekend, we spent time in the shade of the tall trees near the botanical gardens. We kicked a tiny soccer ball around the grounds. We took turns sharing snacks.  

But what I really want to tell you about our walk along the shores of Lac Léman, my favorite part, is that Clover pretends to sightsee. He climbs up to look through the binoculars. He cups his hands around the coin slot, peers in and with a happy grin relates all the wonders that he sees. 

The cuteness and innocence of that makes my smile big and goofy.  

a summer storm

The sun was setting over the Mont Joly when we arrived at home following a family trip to the park on Sunday. A summer storm rolled in ever so abruptly.  It was beautiful.  The rays of bright sunshine that pierced through the dark clouds were awe-inspiring.

local love

We left Clover with his grandparents for a night last week. Félix and I made the absolute most of it and stayed a night in Annecy.   We picked a spot near where we used to have an apartment, right by the castle on the hill.  Waking up the next day as the sun rose across the valley, it was  positively dream-like.

We spent a wonderful morning walking down the cobblestone streets in the old town.

And looking over the old, tiled rooftops of the city.

We stopped for a morning coffee at a café beside the canal, drenched in warm sunshine.

and happily strolled along our favorite spots and well-traveled paths.

We reveled in the beauty of an early morning ballade next to the lake.The dreamiest start to a day, before Félix had to head to his classes and I went back home to pick up Clover. It was perfect, a much-needed moment to pause time and reconnect before returning to the usual pace of life, running in all different directions. I think it's a getaway that I will tuck away in my memories to be brought out and thought of during hectic moments.  A lovely, happy escape.

a hint, a whisper

What's it like where you are? It is officially spring here but there are still piles and piles of snow that have yet to disappear. Slowly but surely though the snow's coverage has been shrinking and in the patches where it has melted, now there is just the slightest hint of green. It's that little bit, the small whisper of spring letting us know that it's truly on its way that is making me breathe a little deeper, sit up a little straighter.

The sun is out today.  It's warm enough this afternoon that I've left the window open. It feels so refreshing to be airing things out. Down in the valley, trees are budding; flowers are blooming and the grass has regained its bright green hue. We're moving a little slower than that up here in the mountains, but we're stepping closer to spring nonetheless.

Hope you can soak up a little sunshine where you are!