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The heart and ancient roots of Paris lie on the banks and islands of the Seine. Paris defines itself by this lively waterway busy with commercial barges and pleasure boats. The Right Bank is on the north side and the Left Bank is on the south. Even Paris’ street numbers are determined by their relationship to the Seine.

Historic stone bridges crisscross the river and connect the islands. The most prominent and historic buildings from the Louvre to the Eiffel Tower are along the Seine or very close to it.

The most beautiful apartment buildings line the river and on one of the days we were there the sun was brilliantly shining into the south windows of those on the North bank. These North Bank apartments must surely be the most exclusive addresses in Paris.

At night the Seine reflects the City of Lights in all its glory and romance.

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Paris was stunning from a balcony of the Musée d’Orsay looking across the Seine River toward the Right Bank. The late afternoon sun was shining and the light was pink on the limestone facades of the buildings.

A view of the Basilica of the Sacré Coeur and several more views from Sacré Coeur itself show Paris unfolding to the horizon.

The Eiffel Tower at dusk and as the light of day faded into the night.

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Arriving in Paris for the first time in my life on December 27, 2013, I found it to be breathtaking and big and crowded and moving fast.

I couldn’t wait to settle in at our hotel and begin a walking tour of the neighborhood. I was charmed immediately by the florist shops, groceries, seafood markets and more all spilling out the doors and filling the granite sidewalks with their offerings.

Many of these shops were very small and filled to the brim inside and out with the freshest, most beautifully arranged goods. The arrangements were simple and oh soooo elegant. I love the French aesthetic of understated and ordered beauty.

Above these shops were five to eight stories of apartments built of granite and limestone with wrought iron railings and balconies. These timeless stone structures were crowned with slate-tiled mansard roofs.

The narrow streets of fan-patterned cobblestones soon gave way to the larger boulevards frenetic with movement from the cars and sidewalks of pedestrians. These streets were also lined with mostly small shops with the typical Parisian apartments above.

As we traveled the Metro to some of the great churches, museums and government buildings, the streets of Paris revealed more and more extravagant architectural riches. I saw more than I could take in; Paris seemed unending in its size and extravagance!

This month Treasures magazine has featured my angels and ornaments along with images of the studio where I design and where we make all of our designs. And in addition to this they have featured the four 2013 angels on the cover of this December 2013 issue.

Click on the link below to read the entire article.
http://issuu.com/treasures_mag/docs/treasures_dec13e/33?e=8097727/5884469

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I am sharing photos that we just received from one of my collector’s yesterday. I love the way Darlene has displayed her collection in this elegant cabinet. The lighting is perfect and the mirrored background increases the impact of these hosts of angels!

She also shared with us a comment from a little girl who was visiting her home and said, “Look, Daddy! An army of angels.”

WOW this is amazing! Thank you Darlene for sending us the photographs. This really touched my heart because it is my heart’s desire for my angels to remind us of God’s love and protection.