Bonjour, friends!
A January fresh start is mostly symbolic, isn’t it? If one compares December 31st to January 1st, the two days are not so different, one to the next, one following on much the same as the one before. Without the notations of the calendar, and annual celebrations, little distinguishes the turn of the new year from the final hours of the old. Perhaps we can note the almost imperceptible lengthening of the days and relish the collective hush that falls upon the world for that brief time. But the change is subtle and gentle.
Yet we assign deep significance to this transition, as one appointed for turning a blank page, for opening notebooks of pristine sheets, for shifting our consciousness and our efforts to profound realizations, each of us becoming our own philosopher at year’s end.
This January, my first as a full-time resident in Paris, I’m finally getting a bit settled. With the long-awaited delivery of my new writing desk, I’m unpacking treasures like the crystal heart paperweight and my beloved vintage Mont Blanc pen, and bringing out the pretty journals I’ve collected throughout the past 12 months.
And whether I fill the lined pages with important observations and decisive goals, or simply let their emptiness inspire thoughtful meditations as my gaze drifts out the window, the moments are precious and peaceful.
This view always gives me pause. Even in mid winter, reflected, dreamy light fills the apartment. I have not felt the gloom of winter here, even once. Paris is an immense reflector itself, sending the rays bouncing back and forth between the pearly stone of the buildings, so that even when the sun is behind me, it is redirected to fall at my feet.
I have long held a fondness of crystal spheres and gazing balls that perhaps hold clues to what the year might bring. They, too, refract the light and send it shimmering to the corners of the room.
With much uncertainty still in the world, such calm moments must be cherished and gathered in, so that we may draw upon them when life becomes more intense. I wish that each of you find serenity and tranquility as we forge forward into this hopeful New Year. You are in my thoughts, as always.
With love,
G
xx
Georgianna,
You have a true gift for capturing the light and directing it to your viewers. Love your new desk and its position by the inspiring window. Thank you for these special glimpses into your home and life in Paris!
Georgianna, Your post was just what I needed to give a moment of inspiration and escape from the dark gloom of today in the Pacific Northwest. I was actually a prisoner in my 1904 victorian home that I love for nearly three weeks being snowed in under 15 inches of snow!
At the age of 81 years I no longer venture out of my driveway in such conditions. I have not been eager to remove my Christmas decor since it gives me some glitter and sparkle on these dark days. However, now I feel more inclined to bring down the boxes of valentine pretties and return those of December to their rightful resting place. And then to the market for a bouquet of fresh flowers to offer a fresh look reminding me that these days will pass and my energies will welcome the arrival of Spring soon enough!
I love seeing Paris through your lens and eyes! Thank you.
Hello, Marie, and thank you for your wonderful message. I’m very happy that you love seeing my images of Paris! I did hear about all the snow in Seattle as my siblings live there. It is awfully hard to be snowbound but much better than venturing onto the roads. And I understand about the Christmas decor. I just took mine down a few days ago,and here in Paris, there are plenty of businesses that keep their lights up through January. But I’m glad you are looking ahead to Valentine’s Day. Spring will be here before we know it! Stay safe and well, Marie.
Hi Carol and thank you so much! I’m so glad you enjoy seeing what I’m up to here and will keep you updated!
All my best,
Georgianna
It is soo beautiful! Such perfect inspiration for my bedroom too :)
Hi Gina! Oh, I’m happy to hear that. :)
Love this post, Georgianna, as I do most all your shares. You capture the beauty of Paris so perfectly and I cherish each sweet capture. I can’t wait to return to Paris. But in the meantime, I am thankful for each Parisian fix you provide. ❤️
Hi Judy! Wonderful to hear that, thank you. And it’s my pleasure to share as much as I can of this incredible city and my life here. One more book deadline this spring and then I plan to concentrate more on daily Paris content. 💕💕
Inspiring post Georgianna. So true – such calm moments must be cherished and gathered in. Wishing you the very best in 2022.
Hello, Olive! So wonderful to hear from you. I hope that you are very well and that your year has gotten off to a great start. Sending my very best to you from afar! xx
Happy January Georgiannalane,
Your lovely post makes me feel joyful, hopeful & peaceful.
My fiancé & I are being wed on my birthday 🎂 this month.
We are both in our seventies & lost a spouse after many wonderful years of marriage.
We are very grateful to have found each other & so lucky 🍀 to have fallen in LOVE 🥰 once again!
Sincerely,
Rosanna 🌹
Dear Rosanna,
Such a lovely message, thank you! I’m so happy to hear that this post makes you feel joyful, hopeful and peaceful.
I must say that your message makes me feel the same – how wonderful that you have found love again and huge congratulations on your and your fiance on your upcoming marriage. What a fantastic start to the New Year!
Wishing you both health, happiness and many years of joy together. 💕🥂
Georgianna
Georgiannalane,
What is it about a desk by the window that captures the ever changing light and embraces our imagination ?
Thank you for the invitation to view Paris over your desktop. It is wonderful.
Connie
Thanks so much, Connie! A favorite thing about this desk set up is that I am determined not to have a huge computer screen on it. I have spent years looking at double or triple screens and really wanted to change that when I arrived here. It makes a huge difference! Wishing you a wonderful 2022!
How lovely! The light in Paris has a pink-ish hue all its own. I’ve only visited Paris twice, but plan to come back soon. Thank you sharing your joy with us! Your apartment looks so beautiful. 💕
HI Connie! You’re so right – the light in Paris is very special, reflecting off all the pinkish and cream buildings on every street. Thank you for your kind words. I do hope you can return to Paris soon! 💕
Beautiful desk you chose. The placement at window is breath taking. You are so blessed to be living in Paris in such beautiful apartment. I enjoy everything you post. Blessings in 2022
Nancy, I totally agree with all your written thoughts! ❤❤❤
Thank you, Patti! 💕
Hi Nancy and thank you so much!
It took years and years of work but all very worth it to be living here now. I am grateful every day.
Wishing you the very best for 2022 also!
G
What a beautiful post, dear Georgianna! Exquisite objects, flowers, photography as well as writing! Enjoyed it very much, thank you!
Hope the New Year will be a very good one in every way for both you and David. xxx
Thank you so much, dear Vesna!I’m so glad you enjoyed the post. And we wish you the same for a New Year of happiness and fulfillment! xxx p.s. I’ve enjoyed your recent blog posts very much but unfortunately, don’t seem to be able to leave comments anymore, I’m sorry! Your winter photos are exquisite!) 💕 G
Dear G, This post aside from the peaceful beauty is so thoughtful and well written and that desk—-oh my. Do you ever put your laptop on it?
Love, C
Hi Carolyn, Thank you, dear! I was worried about that, too, so I have a desk protector for it so I don’t put my laptop directly on it. :)
Love, G xx
Good morning ,
Are you planning on offering the photos of your writing desk for purchase in the future?
Hello, Connie, and thank you so much for your interest. I can definitely print some of these and will be doing new photos with spring flowers soon. You can write to me directly and let me know what you’re interested in. All my best, Georgianna gl@georgiannalane.com
Georgianna, as you know I love Paris also, so the words you use to describe this beautiful city resonate deeply with me. Everything about this journal entry is wonderful. Your photography as usual is breathtaking! How could you not be inspired sitting at your writing desk gazing out at that view?
Hi Julie,
I know how much Paris means to you, too, and hope you’ll be able to return one day soon. Thank you for your kind words about the post and I’m so pleased that you enjoyed the photos. Looking forward to spending more time at the desk once my current deadlines are wrapped up. Have a wonderful weekend! xx
Georgianna, seeing that beautiful desk catching the light through your windows just makes me smile.
Your words are so lovely and spoke to me today – as they always do!
Wishing you light filled days as Spring approaches. xx
Thank you so much, Bridget! Spring is so near and will be a welcome sight, won’t it? xx