If it's December, then I'm loving Paris!

I'm one of the few people who probably LOVES winter.  To me, winter gets a bad name.  I cannot handle temperatures of 80 degrees and higher.  Frankly, it feels like my skin is on fire.

I prefer the crisp, cool chill of a winter day with the wind blowing gently through the trees and the sun shining brightly on newly fallen white snow.  Nothing feels cleaner and nothing looks fresher.  Give me winter, but especially, give me winter in Paris!

I know, I know...most people want to visit Paris in the Spring, but not me.  I love to stroll the streets of the city of lights wearing my fabulous long duster, a dark caramel-colored winter maxi-coat, often stopping to wrap it tighter as the winds blow loudly scraping the narrow streets.  I love Paris!  From the smell of freshly baked croissants and baguettes to the aroma of deep, dark café au lait.  Gorgeous waiters, garcons carefully pour coffee artfully in those tiny porcelain cups...give me Paris!

Sure, it's expensive, but there's nothing like it.  You can walk and explore and lose all sense of time.  There's no rush, no hurry, nothing but tiny cafes hidden up cobblestone-lined streets only a mile from the nearest couture salon du jour.  No one wants to speak English and I love it.  Everyone can speak English, and I love it.  No strangers around, just beautiful people wearing beautiful things speaking Francais tinged with English and accents like buttery cheese is a velvety smooth omelette.  Oh Paris, you're so perfect!  You're so refined. 

Give me Paris...in Winter.

*Vanessa Brantley  Style395.blogspot.com  December 12, 2016   "If It's December, then I'm Loving Paris!"   Volume 1, Blog 1b [vol. 1-1b].

Saying Goodbye to "My President," Barack Obama!

In less than two months, Barack Obama, the first African-American President of the United States of America will give his last bow to the people of this nation.  I will miss him dearly.  I do not look forward to the moment.  Surely it is going to be bittersweet.  He was "my" President, a Black man and a Democrat.

I never truly believed I would have a chance to vote for an African-American nominee for President.  When Jesse Jackson ran for President in 1988, I was his alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention, representing Clayton County, GA.  I had been very involved in the political scene in metro Atlanta back in the 1980s.  I was so proud of Jesse Jackson, but I had no idea that 20 years later there would be a Barack Obama.  When Mr. Jackson did not become the nominee, I never believed I would have a chance to vote for a Black President...not just once, but twice in my lifetime. 

For me, the past 8 years have been magical.  Every time I saw President Obama with First Lady Michelle and their two daughters, I beamed with pride.  They never let me down.  Through all of their adversities, they stood strong as grand examples of American leadership at its best.

President Obama, I salute you!  Your grand legacy is safe with me.  Great Job!


*Vanessa Brantley  Style395.blogspot.com  December 12, 2016   "Saying Goodbye to 'My President,' Barack Obama!"   Volume 1, Blog 1a [vol. 1-1a].