Hello dear friends and welcome to a New Year! I hope yours has gotten off to a terrific start and that you’ve had time to reflect on the positive events of 2018.
I’m humbled, grateful and thrilled to say that 2018 was truly exceptional for me professionally, and a complete whirlwind, with much travel, many milestones and even this new website. But I was often absent from this journal, so I’ve written a recap to share with you my highlights, adventures (like chateau hunting in France!) and previews of what is to come (new books!).
But first I want to say THANK YOU to each of you, for being here and for your continued support and enthusiasm for my work.
BOOK NEWS
So much to tell you about my books!
For some background on the latest, in 2017, my biggest thrill was releasing Paris in Bloom, in Paris. The book reached #1 in several Amazon categories and #2 in French Travel Guides (only behind Rick Steves!) and is still a top seller. In a true “pinch me” moment, it is even available at Shakespeare and Company in Paris!
I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who purchased the book, left reviews on Amazon and elsewhere, who shared it on social media, blogs and through other channels, and who continues to do so. I created Paris in Bloom to share my love for Paris with all of you and I’m so touched with the incredible response.
And that resulted in something else fabulous. You see, I had always envisioned Paris in Bloom as the first in a series of books on cities in bloom. I had done rough designs for future books but hadn’t shared them with anybody. They were my secret dream project that I had worked on late, late at night for several years.
But, after the success of the Paris in Bloom release, I felt more confident to introduce these books to the world. My agent and I sent the proposal for the next book in the series to my editor at my US publisher, Abrams Books, and then, following negotiations, in July 2017 we finalized a new deal and Cities in Bloom officially became a series, the first being Paris in Bloom, with TWO new books commissioned! And so, on March 12th this year, the next one will release, New York in Bloom. Here’s a sneak peek for you!
This book was probably my most challenging project of all. I arrived to photograph the blooms in Manhattan on the first day of spring in 2018 and it snowed eight inches! For more info on the book and more photos, see here.
I’ve now completed the first chapter of book number 3 in the Cities in Bloom series, to be finished by May of this year, for a 2020 release. And yes, I can tell you the title – it will be called London in Bloom!
MORE BOOK NEWS
In the spring of 2017, I signed contracts with my London publisher for two new books in the Contemporary Flower series: Peonies and Dahlias. In 2018, both were released in multiple languages internationally. And in December, Peonies was named a Book of the Year by the London Sunday Times!
HALLMARK EDITION
My US publisher, Abrams Books, and I partnered with Hallmark on a custom, limited-edition of Paris in Bloom. It’s really adorable, slightly smaller than the original edition, with different paper and end sheets and a lovely place to write a gift recipient’s name. It’s available here.
MAGAZINE ARTICLES
Although I’ve had to reduce the number of magazine assignments I’m taking on due to my travel and book deadlines, I did have very special projects featured in these publications last year:
CALENDARS
In 2018, I created a total of eleven calendars with my partners Abrams, Graphique de France and Brush Dance, as well as my own desk calendar through my shop. I did a separate blog post on where to purchase each one.
ONLINE SHOPS
My online shops had their best year ever and I branched out to doing custom gallery walls for some top interior design bloggers which has been a wonderful experience.
One of my clients, Kristy Wicks, with Maggie, and her new gallery wall of my Paris images.
TRAVEL
As well as my criss-crossing the Atlantic between New York, London and Paris many times for the various assignments, David and I met up in France for a road trip to Normandy and the Loire valley to visit our friends Sharon Santoni of My French Country Home and Julie Huh of French Manoir. These inspiring ladies have made the dream of living in France a reality.
We also made some side trips, including stopping to look at a beautiful chateau for sale (below). We are, in fact, looking for a country property in France, to make our home and our headquarters for workshops. We loved this one but are concerned it might need work and the location wasn’t ideal (close to a road). Such a shame. Isn’t it enchanting? If you’ve ever seen the series “Escape to the Chateau”, this one is nearby.
The front of the chateau. One tower has been restored but the rest needs to be done. .
Back of the chateau
It’s sad to see it neglected but there are hundreds, if not thousands, of such places in France. So the dream of owning a castle, if you are willing to renovate, is realistic.
After we said farewell to the chateau, we stopped at the charming town of Fresnay-sur-Sarthe where we found this delightful umbrella installation and took dozens of photos (a few in the shop now) We loved the town, also, and will definitely return.
THE YEAR AHEAD
Before long, the first spring flowers will be emerging and I’ll be back on the road to capture the magic for the next Cities in Bloom book. I want to reiterate that so much of what I do is with you in mind. Many of you have been along for the journey from day one and I can’t adequately express my deep appreciation. It would not be the same without you, at all.
My wish is that 2019 is a joyful, healthy, fulfilling and memorable year for you! That you each find personal satisfaction creatively and professionally and that you and your loved ones are well and thriving.
I will leave you with one last word, about dreams.
Do you have certain dreams – important, precious dreams that maybe you don’t share with anyone? To travel, to write a book, to follow a creative path or even to live in a fairytale castle? I’d love to encourage you to believe that they are attainable. Please keep believing in your passion, and never give up. If you never give up, you cannot fail to arrive. Take one step toward that dream this week, and tell me about it, okay? I’d really love to hear.
Love always,
G
Wow, it’s all wonderful!
May 2019 be another lovely year for you ~ FlowerLady
Oh dear Georgianna!
It is pure joy to read all about this… (even though, of course, we’ve all shared snippets of the ride with you.) And you really encourage me – I have dreams for sure and have been working on the interior of me for the past few years and am finally stepping out to reach them!! Your work is… it’s soul food. That’s what it is!! And I am so please – so very, very happy to see you flying creatively!!! All the very best to you in the next year!! xo
P.S. The new website is gorgeous!!!
Thank you, Katy! x
Thank you so much, Katy! I’m really happy to hear that and you have definitely been along for the ride from the beginning. I’m so glad to hear that you feel encouraged and I can’t wait to see what you are dreaming of and what you do next. I’ve always loved your photographs and beautiful nature. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. xoxo
I’m with Katy on this. You are always positive and Light, and we thank you Georgianna 💟,
peace n abundance,
CheyAnne
Hi CheyAnne!
Thank you so much. I really appreciate you and your continued friendship.
Did you find the journals in the shop? Here’s the link:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/555968131
xoxo
G
So beautiful to read and see all you are creating and dreaming of Georgianna – so very pleased to see your beautiful dreams becoming amazing realities. Time I started to dream again….
Thank you so much, Karen. You’ve always done been brilliant with your beautiful family and your creative projects. Whatever you choose to pursue will be wonderful, I’ve no doubt. Wishing you much joy for the future. Big hug.
Thank you so much Georgianna :)
What an incredible year for you! I know just a tiny bit of what your dedication looks like and the truth is you’re unstoppable. You put in the hard work like no one I know and just look at this giant list of results from 2018 alone! I’m just one of the very many people inspired by your images and I hope you know how much your time and encouragement has helped me find my way, too. I’ll get there! I can’t wait to come to your French chateau and make films there…I can see it already! <3
Hi Suz! Thank you so much for stopping by and for your always generous words of support. It’s certainly been an intense few years of work and I’m very grateful for all the opportunities and projects, and looking forward to more to come. I’ve loved all the happy adventures you and I have shared and know that much success is in your future. We would absolutely love to do films with you so let’s put that on the vision board and make it happen! xoxo
I have a copy of Paris in Bloom and I love it. I will definitely buy New York in Bloom, because I love your work. Thanks for sharing joy and happiness with us.
Thank you so much, dear Huda. I’m very grateful for your support and always kind wishes. It’s a pleasure to know you.
I love Paris in Bloom, it’s one of my favorites! Thank you for sharing your work and dreams. The chateau looks wonderful, it’s a pity that there is a road nearby. But you’ll find your perfect dream chateau!
Thank you so much, Darina! I’m so happy to hear you love Paris in Bloom. It is a pity about the chateau but I very much appreciate your positivity about us finding the perfect one. Then we’ll all have a big party!
G
Last year my husband and I exchanged rooms. He with his wonderful beautiful saltwater fish and me with a new room in which to redecorate. As time marched on I begin to see a pattern forming. My new room begin to take form of Ms. Lane’s Paris viewed from her talented eyes.
It started simple. I had a carousel collection my husband help build over years then a very small collection of Eiffel towers and colors that remind me of Ms. Lane’s pictures. Before I knew it, I gained insight on how I would decorate my room.
It would be influenced by Paris.
Currently, I have photos marked from Etsy that will soon be in my home. (psst, she is on Etsy) And better than that, it will be my goal have two seasonal sets of photos from Ms. Lane. One set for Fall/Winter and the other Spring/Summer so I am never without Paris.
Though I have never been to Paris ( only London Town) it will be a pleasure to have Paris inspire my home. As French is in my bloodline, I feel an ancestral pull like non other for this room to reflect not only my heritage, but a grandmother whom spoke fluent French. Her favorite colors were purples, plums, and mauve. I dedicate this room to her influence in which I know she would approve of Paris.
Thank you, Ms. Lane for always having inspiration photos that make me smile.
Hi again, Lisa, I’m very excited to hear about your new room and how it will reflect your French heritage and honor your grandmother! I’ll be ready to create your prints for you!
My best,
Georgianna
G – you are living proof that if you can dream it, you can do it! From day one, you have been my inspiration, role model and then my dear friend. My “first” trip to Paris was a dream that became a reality largely in part to your incredible portrayal of the city and your encouragement to go. I am so proud of your accomplishments and can’t wait to see what is in store for 2019!! Here’s to a great year!! P.S. If you need a scullery maid in your new French chateau, I’m your girl!! Haha!! xxoo
Dear Stacy, Ah, my friend, you’ve been along for much of this high-speed adventure and I’ve been very glad you have been. It means so much to me that you and your Mom had that wonderful trip to Paris, the first of many! Here’s to a great year, indeed, for all! But scullery maid? I don’t think so. More like Public Relations Extraordinaire or Chief Cheerleader (wink). xoxo
I loved reading all this. You are very inspiring and clearly work very hard, though you make it look gracious and effortless.
Hello, Nadine! I very much appreciate you stopping by and your kind words. It’s been an intense several years with more to come but I’m very grateful for the opportunities that I have. If I can inspire others, that truly means the world to me. Wishing you the very best and a wonderful year ahead. See you soon in the French countryside, I hope!
You deserve all this and much more to come. Your work is superb!!!!! And this post was so inspiring, thank you G!!!
I wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed 2019 with a lot of success!!!
Thank you so, so much! I’m so glad it was inspiring.
I wish you and your family a truly wonderful year ahead of health, happiness and success! Thank you again for stopping by. xx
I enjoyed this post Georgianna! Thankyou for inspiring me. 🌸🥰💞
Hi Tricia! I’m so glad to hear that – thank you!
Wishing you a wonderful year ahead.
My best,
Georgianna
Congratulations Georgiann and all the best in 2019. Your books are amazing and the in bloom series is such a wanderful idea.
Thank you so much, Katerina! I’m so glad you think so. I’ll keep everyone updated on the new release and I’m very happy to have you here for it.
My best,
Georgianna
You truly have a gift and talent that is beautiful and inspiring. Paris in Bloom is breathtaking! Thank you for sharing your love of French beauty that touches my heart and brings such joy! I’m excited for your new book and look forward to being a part of all your new adventures in the coming year. Congratulations and all the best!
Thank you so much, Carla! I really appreciate your kind words and support. And I’m so pleased that my work brings you the joy of French beauty.
I’ll keep everyone updated on the release of the new book and I do look forward to having you be part of the new adventures in 2019! Wishing you a great year ahead.
My very best,
Georgianna
Hi Georgianna! I am so pleased that you had such a prolific and successful year in 2018, and quite deservedly so. Congratulations on all your achievements! Your talent, creativity, determination and hard work is very inspirational and admirable. And thank you for sharing your dream with us and your encouragement to follow our own dreams. I hope that 2019 is at least as brilliant for you as 2018 was. Much love and best wishes to you and David xxx
Hi Vesna! Thank you so much for your kind words. You’ve been a friend along for this journey since the beginning and I greatly appreciate it. Wishing you a wonderful year ahead. Much love from David and me. G xxx
I loved reading this post! It was very inspiring and I really liked reading about the successful year you just had and the importance of dreams. I am very much looking forward to seeing more of your future work and endeavors. Wonderful post!
Thank you so much, Eiko! I really appreciate your support and your kind words. Wishing you a great year ahead.
Very best,
Georgianna