Here's to the Bright New Year...


Out with the old, in with the new. It's a bittersweet kind of day.

Maybe it's the dry heat in our apartment or the rustic French tree stand, but our Parisian Christmas trees don't last as long as their American counterparts. With our sagging tree on its last legs this morning, I ruthlessly decided that we wouldn't be able to wait until Epiphany on January 6 to take it to the recycling collection point. Relieving its brittle boughs of the Eiffel Tower keychains, red hearts, glass ornaments and twinkling lights, I remembered my mother telling me that some Christmases are extra-special. Christmas 2012 was one of those. The days have flown since our children arrived in Paris and we'll soon be hugging Philippe goodbye at Charles de Gaulle Airport when he heads back to Boston.

"Champagne in the 18th Century". A close-up of one of the bas reliefs in the Pommery cellars.

But before he leaves, we're going to welcome in 2013 and treasure our remaining days together.

Here's to the bright New Year and a fond farewell to the old;
Here's to the things that are yet to come and to the memories that we hold. ~ Unknown

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone! 








Comments

  1. Thank you so much for all of your wonderful posts this past year!

    Will you please tell me where the photo of the bas relief of the people celebrating was taken? It's beautiful!

    Best Wishes for 2013 and I hope you will still be in Paris for next New Years Eve!

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    1. Happy New Year, Betty Ann! The photo of the bas relief was taken in the Pommery cellars in Reims. Mme Pommery commissioned an artist to create several large bas reliefs after she took control of the champagne house. Most amazingly, all of the work was done by candlelight in the 1800s. Thanks for asking where the photo was taken - I'll do a quick edit and add that information as a caption under the picture.

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  2. Hope you have a fabulous New Year and so thrilled to have found your blog!!

    Rosemary
    NYC Style and a little Cannoli

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    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rosemary. Best wishes to you for a healthy and happy 2013!

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  3. Happy New Year to you MK and your family. Gm xxx

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    1. Happy New Year, Iris! I wish you and your family all the best for 2013. xx

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  4. Our best wishes to You and Your family. Health, happiness and contentment - Sanne

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    1. Contentment - I really like that you added contentment to "health and happiness". I wish you the same, Sanne!

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  5. A Happy New Year to you too and thanks for all your hard work bloggng over the year and bringing people together, through your blog.

    My Christmas tree is being taken down today also. Usually it comes down on Boxing day, but of course you know I was otherwise engaged then.

    Nice to make memories with your family. Cherish them! time goes so quickly.

    Love Denise

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  6. Happy New Year Mary Kay! So glad you're enjoying your family time (and I hear you on those Parisian trees... they get so dry so fast!) Looking forward to many more memories with you in 2013!!!

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  7. Mary Kay: Best wishes to you and your family for peace, health, and happiness in this New Year! There's nothing better than spending the holiday season with your family, is there?

    Many thanks for sharing your insights and pictures with us on this blog, and looking forward to reading more about your adventures in Paris and elsewhere!

    Patricia H

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  8. Happy New Year Mary Kay!
    Time does fly, I don't put up a tree and only do a couple of decorations at home but most of the visiting family are gone and I'm left with a sense of things coming to an end.

    But we'll always keep the memories of another beautiful time together.

    My best wishes for you and your loved ones!

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  9. Happy New Year!! I think our tree is on steroids because it's still going strong. Our neighbor's tree was out on the curb without a single needle, yet the needles on our tree have barely fallen.

    Update: Seb just informed me that we bought the least expensive breed called Normans and while they last longer, they don't smell at all like Christmas. A trade off.

    Okay, I rambling...HAPPY NEW YEAR! I'm glad you enjoyed time with the family. It's always sad when they go, isn't it?

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  10. Happy and Healthy New Year to all of you. Enjoy the time that you have with Philippe before he leaves. Fortunately, the World has become very small and he's just a flight away!
    Hope to see you (and meet Sarah) in a few months....if Brady cooperates!

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  12. The sentiment of cherishing special Christmases and the impending farewell to Philippe at Charles de Gaulle Airport is heartwarming. Wishing a joyous New Year's Eve filled with love and anticipation for 2013. Accidente de Motocicleta en Virginia Beach

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