Musings--quick takes Juan-les-Pins

Boardwalk at Juan-les-Pins. Lots of walkers, joggers, dogs and children. The water is too cold for me, but others seem to be enjoying it. Still a few more days to eat at the restaurants on the beach . . . .

Window shopping in Juan-les-Pins. . . . The trip was, after all, for work. Boutique owners have about another month of tourists and sales, then the town quiets down for several months. Many stores close in the winter season.

I love the late-afternoon light in September. This photo was taken near Opio. Lots of Americans and British live in this area, given the proximity to Sophia Antipolis. Not to mention the climate.

My favorite restaurant in Juan-les-Pins, Le Paradis, has been sold to a chain. I will miss its talented staff, great cuisine and atmosphere.

My favorite bookstore, right across from the Crystal, has an excellent selection of French literary works as well as English books and guides. The owner includes short reviews with each book in the display.

The night before I left, we had our kir at the Crystal, something of a tradition.

A New Beginning - It's 2012!

Ahhhh! Veuve Clicquot--this size is for a big celebration! Maybe next year. . .

It’s that time of year—I start feeling nostalgic. I don’t think it’s an end-of-year phenomenon but rather an end of holidays, which enabled me to reconnect with friends and family, avoid a schedule and assess accomplishments and resolutions or things lost and found.

Lost - objects
With a past lifestyle of numerous moves, I have lost or misplaced many things I cherished. I really miss crystal chandeliers, which give the impression of luxury and provide endless plays of light.


Found - A Place!
The Crystal is my favorite café. It has taken me a long time to find a place I consider my own.

- A rental apartment in an old part of town where I’ve wanted to live for the last 20 years
- A renewed love of trail biking & dance
- A growing interest in cooking (in the last month)
- Members of the family, former students and old friends. Exciting times ahead.

Wish I had done
- Traveled to see family and friends when instincts told me I should
- Been happy with what I have done even though it was much less than planned

Memorable occasions
- My son's engagement
- My kids as partners in life's major undertakings
- My long-term projects (my "other" life) are nearing completion


Ah Ha experiences
- Savoring moments with special people
- Realizing how nice people really are
- Finding shared passions
- Enjoying Isabel Allende’s books and quotes. Here is one for us all this coming year--“You are the storyteller of your own life, and you can create your legend or not.”

Best of all, I'm looking forward to a new year! HAPPY NEW YEAR, EVERYONE! "And off we go," as my friend HE says!