I met her..."the" Mona Lisa. Yep. Flew across the Atlantic on a night flight, pinned down by my son's outstretched legs, that were strewn across me, while my daughter rested her head on my shoulder. Everyone on that damn plane was asleep but me. Seriously? Every time, People, every time.
We hit the Louvre early into the trip, still jet lagged and awestruck. We entered a room and saw a crowd had formed to view the Mona Lisa. We waited in line, my daughter, then age 12, saying she wasn't feeling well. It was seriously hot in there. I thought about taking my sweater off, but then thought better of it, because I was wearing only a cami underneath. When we got close enough to for a viewing, I was? Disappointed? Shocked? Unimpressed? This is supposed to be one of the greatest works of art and all I could think about is how small it is, and how hot I was. I was worried about my daughter's comfort, so I snapped a quick photo only because I felt like I should.
People say the Mona Lisa is famous for her enigmatic smile - that it's mysterious and hard to interpret. Maybe she knows the painting is overrated, and her smile is mocking us all. Perhaps, I was just tired, a bit moody, and uncultured that afternoon. Maybe it is truly one of the greatest works of arts, and I failed to appreciate it, but I'm okay with that. I did, however, enjoy the chance to rest my legs and savor a frothy cup of hot chocolate at Angelina.
photos: 3, 5 + 6
The best part of the trip was simply getting off of the Metro at any given spot and exploring each arrondissement. I wish I had a copy of, Janelle McCulloch's, book, Paris: An Inspiring Tour of the City's Creative Heart, to help me navigate the charming streets. This beautiful book is organized by arrondissement, and reveals little gems at every turn. Packed with gorgeous photography, a ribbon page marker, and tips on how to see the city by someone in-the-know, this book is eye candy for your bedside table, and a mini escape for all the dreamers who know they should have been born in Paris.
This giveaway is open to all readers who follow Inspired via Google Friend Connect. Simply leave a comment below to be automatically entered.
Tweet about the giveaway or follow Inspired on Pinterest for additional entries. Be sure to leave separate comments for each.
Be sure to leave an email address should your name be chosen!
Thank you and good luck and as always, thank you for supporting Inspired Design! xoxo
Have you seen the Mona Lisa in person? What is your favorite arrondissement in Paris?
I would love to win. I miss Paris. We lived there years ago...such a pretty place.
ReplyDeleteI would love to win. I can only dream of going to Paros
ReplyDeleteAfter visiting Paris my dream is to live there for at least 6 months!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a beautiful book and I'd love to own a copy. Thank you for a chance at the giveaway!
ReplyDeletemwosteen@gmail.com
DeleteI thought I was the only one underwhelmed by the Mona Lisa, so thank you.
Deletecigalechanta@hotmail.com
I Follow Inspired on Pinterest! People have already pinned my "pins" of your lovely things!! I HAVE seen the Mona Lisa!!! AND I don't have a specific favorite arrondissement but one of my favorite pictures EVER is my picture from the Tip-TOP of the Eiffel Tower!!! You can see the pinwheel of the streets dividing the city...breathtaking! I'd love to win! aprilroper1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteI follow inspired design on Pinterest and GFC!
ReplyDeleteI have pinned your image of he book to my Pictures of Paris board.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a beautiful book! Paris! I have never been and am dying to go. My husband and I will be celebrating our 10 year anniversary this spring and I have another special day I will be celebrating this spring and we are talking about Paris! Thank you for the opportunity on your giveaway and I'll cross my fingers. Happy weekend Debby!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win...and I enjoyed the post!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful giveaway, Debby! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteI was quite surprised at how tiny the Mona Lisa was too. Luckily there wasn't a huge line up the day I went. Hopefully I'll get back to beautiful Paris very soon...
Clare x
Just tweeted it!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win--What a great giveaway!!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on pinterest.
ReplyDeleteI just tweeted---loulousucreblog
ReplyDeleteI tweeted the giveaway too! Clare x
ReplyDeleteOh, and I'm also a pinterest follower! (tumblr & instagram too for that matter haha!)
ReplyDeleteClare x
Oh, I NEVER win anything - please, oh please pick me!
ReplyDeleteJennifer
beantownprep@gmail.com
Hi Debby. I follow you on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteMe again...I'm so jealous that you've been to gay Paris! It is my dream to visit one day. Hope you are well
ReplyDeleteThis book looks so lovely I could just die! It would allow me to relive the wonderful trip we took last summer, sigh!! I just want to go back again and again, once is not enough.
ReplyDeleteI too have a story about my Mona Lisa experience. It was so crowded we were squished against all sorts of people just shoving us around. I felt a bit claustrophobic but determined to get close enough to get an obstructed view. I mean, how many more chances would I get to see her! Finally, I got close and spent a few minutes admiring it. I got in the moment. It was a bit surreal. But then, I just had to get out. I waved my museum map at the attendant near by and she came to my rescue, yelling at the people around me to let my husband and I get passed the rope! We walked away feeling all sweaty and kind of dazed by this whole experience, but I'll never forget it, lol!
I am glad I am not the only one disappointed! I would love to win the book. Debra C. chedeb5353@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI follow as Renee G on GFC. This book looks fantastic.
ReplyDeletersgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com
Oh...gosh...I'd love to win this...I follow through GFC.
ReplyDeleteThis book sounds amazing!! I love Paris
ReplyDeletecp.posta@gmail.com
I AM SO LATE but please put me in my dear!
ReplyDeleteI remember seeing the Mona Lisa and we were all the way in the back of the crowd. It was our second to LAST day in Paris and we were so tired after a three month tour of France. It was small, but what I found the most charming of all was to feel the expectation of coming to see it had by all of us...there we all were, gawking, wondering, admiring, mocking...whatever each one of us was doing, we were there.
LOVE THAT FIRST PHOTO! Anita
So funny....when I saw it for the first time I remember the excitement and anticipation but also being very surprised at how small it was. The book sounds INCREDIBLE! I am afraid to read it, it might make the urge to get on a plane too strong to fight:) Paris inspires me unlike any other city in the world!! Have a great weekend Debby!!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great book...love all of these images..very pretty!
ReplyDeleteHa! Yes.. I had a similar reaction. It was SO crowded, and warm.. I do believe she is mocking us;) The book looks beautiful! What a nice read before falling in to a deep slumber.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a wonderful weekend.
xxl
The book looks very lovely. Would love to win it!
ReplyDeleteThanks,
ombdesigns@gmail.com
Aahhh Paris is my dream!!! I would love to win this book. Someday I will get there!
ReplyDeleteKellyLKosta@gmail.com
I would love the book, I'm going to Paris for my 60th in May.
ReplyDeleteI also follow you on Pinterest, where does the time go?
ReplyDeleteOh, and I follow on Pinterest too!!!!
ReplyDeleteKellyLKosta@gmail.com
Sure would love to add to my book collection!! Something to inspire an adventure.
ReplyDeleteKate
I would so love to win this book! Always interested in anything about Paris! I was a French Major and never went to France, big homebody, (or loser)!! Anyway, loved your 'Mona Lisa' story! Interesting and truthful take on her! Thanks for a chance to win!
ReplyDeleteKara
I followed you on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteKara
qmellett@carolina.rr.com
Hello! I would love a copy of this book, I visited Paris last year when I attended Uni in London and fell in love with the city!
ReplyDeletesheleneknisley@yahoo.com
Hi there! Would love to win this. I am a dreamer of Paris for sure. I too found the Mona Lisa not what I thought. Hot chocolate and dreaming while reading this book would make a perfect afternoon, don't you think? Thank you for all of your inspiring posts. Love your blog!
ReplyDeletekimberlyfrick@yahoo.com
I follow inspired on my Google account and look forward to every post. What a magnificent giveaway opportunity...the book is on my current wish list at Amazon.
ReplyDeleteKristin F.
rockymountainbirder at gmail dot com
I follow all of the boards at Inspired Design on Pinterest
ReplyDeleteKristin
rockymountainbirder at gmail dot com
Debby,
ReplyDeleteI follow your boards on Pinterest and I'm a Google follower(and I visit your tumblr weekly). I did see the Mona Lisa, our sons were 7 and 11, respectively. I'm not sure I was able to appreciate Mona in part due to the crowds. It was winter when we were there so not heat issues, but the crowds were pretty intense the day we visited. I'd love to return to see more of the city of lights.
Karen at Garden, Home and Party
I would so love to win this book! I dream of going to Paris someday! Thank you for being so generous!
ReplyDeleteLucky you! Love the pic of the coffee and book. Enter me for this fab book!
ReplyDeleteI would love to see the Mona Lisa in person, but we're not quite ready to do Europe yet...one day soon though :) And of course I already follow you on GFC :)
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about the giveaway here https://twitter.com/VanishaMVakaoti/status/292864139913723904
ReplyDeleteI follow on pinterest too :) (vanishasblog (at) gmail (dot) com )
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog ,in my email arrived all day your mail with the new post and its always a pleasure for me read it and saw yours wonderfull photos!! Thanks a lot for your post kiss kiss
ReplyDeleteI love your blog andbfolow you thru GFC. just started following you on pinterest. heading back now to check out all 32 boards while enjoying my coffee! Mdann44@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteDEBBY DARLIN'!
ReplyDeleteWell, I was in the film industry as an EXTRA waaaaay back in the 70s! YEP, I was.
I was also a dancer and actor on stage so I think that tendency to tell a story lives on in what I do. Thank you for noticing! Anita
Thank you for a chance to win! I'm pulling for you in your marital struggle..been there...it gets a whole lot better...
ReplyDeleteBest...Kathy
I would absolutely love to win! I adore Paris! My husband and I saw the Mona Lisa as well and were not super impressed... I feel kind of guilty about it. ;)
ReplyDeletep.s. I'm following on GFC.
vandango33@gmail.com
I tweeted: https://twitter.com/egood33/status/293063773529456642
ReplyDeletevandango33@gmail.com
I follow Inspired on Pinterest.
ReplyDeletevandango33@gmail.com
I would love to be inpired by this lovely book.Thanks for the chance..xx
ReplyDeleteI love your story, Debby! So funny because I felt the same way when I saw her too. :)
ReplyDeleteHope you had a great weekend! xoxo
And I follow you on Pinterest, of course :) xoxo
ReplyDeleteYeah I've seen her, and I too was underwhelmed. Confession: I much preferred strolling around the garden of the Tuileries and the outside of the Louvre castle than the inside.
ReplyDeleteCount me for that gorgeous book please! x
Paris my favourite city what a gorgeous book
ReplyDeleteThat book looks amazing. I hope you're staying warm!
ReplyDeletexo
Sharon
Would love to win....
DeleteThank you and another thank you for night stand reading inspiration
Keep warm
XOnina
Looks like an amazingly beautiful book!
ReplyDeleteKim
Great Post. I like your website. thank for your share to us.
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I would love this book! I so want to come back to Paris and enjoy it local style. Michelle. Mdann44@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAngelina is one of my favorite spots. I tell everyone headed to Paris to stop there. But like most things, it's definitely changed over the years. Still a wonderful hot chocolate but the ambiance has changed a bit - more tourist, less french, I guess.
ReplyDeleteI used to live in the 7th so maybe I'm a bit biased, but I do love the 5th and 6th so much too. I guess I'm a left bank kinda girl.
Which arrondissement was your favourite?
♥ swoon ♥ I'd love to win the book too. I've never been to paris but find myself in love with so much about it. :)
ReplyDeleteI follow you on google friends
Oh, I also follow you on Pinterest. ♥
ReplyDeleteI love your Blog and Pin many of your inspirations. Who could not love Paris! Living
ReplyDeletefar away, the book would be the next best thing to being there.
Roberta: robertamacq@gmail.com
HI~
ReplyDeleteI am following you here! Love your giveaway. My husband and I are planning to go to Paris for the first time this year for our anniversary and this book would be so helpful. I saw this book in a local shop and thumbed through it and loved how beautiful it is. Thanks for having this giveaway!
Karen
I am also following you on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteThanks again!
Karen
I've never been as hot as I was the first time I arrived in Paris via the underwater train from London…I will never, ever wear those shoes or that outfit again! My favorite part of Paris was just walking the streets alone with my husband and then finally, seeing the Eiffel tower that night and eating at a quaint bistro.
ReplyDeleteDeb HOW in the WORLD did i miss this?! - um count me in - i need this bad boy - BADLY!!!!!!!
ReplyDeletefollow u on pinterest too - my daily inspiration! - heading over to tweet now
ReplyDeletetweet tweet DONEdiggity! - now karma help me get this book!!!! PWEEEESE
ReplyDeletePS - i went to Paris once - and i got my Fendi luggage there - it's a treasure - i wanna go back and dig REAL DEEP in my pockets and get a Chanel bag - wouldn't that be HEAVEN! - *die*
ReplyDeleteLove the photos and the great book rec! I have been looking for a fun "guide book" for Paris! You know, one with lots of pictures.
ReplyDelete:-) My daughter Claire, wrote an essay on how small the Mona Lisa was and how our expectations don't always add up. She loved seeing it none the less. Love your Blog!
What a lovely sounding book! As I will probably never have the blessing of traveling to Paris (though I never say never!) it is wonderful that books help us travel there!
ReplyDeleteThank you for the chance to enter the drawing. I enjoy your blog. It comes to my email during my lunch hour. You are a great lunch friend. I love the pictures!
ReplyDeleteRachel
Dear Debby Oh I would love this wonderful book. Paris /France is at the top of my list.
ReplyDeleteI hope to be there one day soon!
Xoxo
Karena
New 2013 Artists Series
Hello Debby,
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures of my favourite City. Paris is where my husband asked me to marry him, on the steps of Sacre Coeur at midnight, when we were very young! I have been back on a number of occasions, but we had a special trip there this last summer, to celebrate our 25th wedding anniversary! We stayed in the Marais, which is my favourite part of all. I would love to win this beautiful book on a place that holds a special place in my heart.
Sophia
Hi Debby...not sure when you met Mona. My encounter was thirty-two years ago on my honeymoon and I pretty much had the same reaction and always felt guilty about it. Maybe because I had had to drag my "then husband" to the Louvre to begin with. Maybe Mona did not smile favourably nor at least enigmatically on me...because that relationship ended two years later. Today, living another life, I have my daughter in France right now doing a semester abroad with her university program and I would love to win your book so that I could follow along from here in Canada and be close to her in spirit.
ReplyDeleteFind me here at bmoretti@rogers.com.
DeleteI am pretty sure I am already in love with this book! I follow on Google :)
ReplyDeleteI follow ALL of your boards on Pintrest, too!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah! My email address is christinagodfreym@gmail.com!
DeleteThank you for this opportunity! I have friended on FB!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Followed on Pinterest!
ReplyDeleteThank you! I have seen the Mona Lisa!
ReplyDeleteThank you! Can't decide which is my favorite arrondissement but maybe after winning the book I will finally choose! agumbinner(@)gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHello, I have been to Paris 3 times and still have so much that I want to see. So, I need to return someday, hopefully. I would love to win this beautiful book!!! Thank you for offering this to your followers.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the Mona Lisa in person. Even though I knew that the painting was small, it still was quite a shock to see how something so small, can make such a huge impact. But, having seen it in person, was a wonderful highlight of the first trip. I love Paris, and have many wonderful memories to call upon when I miss the city and the markets/food/people.
Continued success on your lovely blog.
Jody
I could have used that book a few years when I wondered around Paris, no plan, no research, just wondered. It was wonderful! But I know I missed alot! Can't wait to go back with a better plan.
ReplyDelete