Every day the ship docks at a new town to be explored. Each day I say, how is it possible that each town is as beautiful, or more beautiful than the one I just left?

VIVIERS

Viviers is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in southern France. It is located on the Right Bank of the Rhone in southern Ardeche. It is the administrative and religious capital of Vivarais. In the Middle Ages it was a prosperous area. It was home to 30,000 people (today about 4,000 residents). Its location on the Rhone made it a center of trade and artisanry. The cobblestone and vaulted passageways are beautiful. And then there is St Vincent’s Cathedral in the upper town! The walking tour was wonderful, but death defying at times with the cobblestone streets, steps and a width of one lane for cars going in either direction and always pedestrians in their path!

Look at Santa hanging on the wall. They want to make sure the house is not missed!! And look at the chair “on the edge” must have been tough day!!

love the murals on door and windows

Just showing some extra scenery as we cruised away from Viviers heading overnight to Tournon. I know nuclear power plants have to exist, but I wasn’t expecting to see it!!

TOURNON

Tournon lies between the river and the vineyard-blanketed granite slopes that nurture fine vintages. There is a steam train here. The inauguration of the Tournon-Lamastre line took place on July 12, 1891. The steam locomotives pulled wagons transporting passengers, goods and mail. The train ride was fun and very scenic.

Leaving Tournon. Note the terraced vineyards up the steep granite slopes. Tournon-sur-Rhone, France.

I enjoyed both of these beautiful towns. On to Lyon!

We cruised back to Avignon from Arles. In the morning there was a walking tour. The Old City of Avignon is a walled city. It is known as the “City of Popes”. It was the Papel seat in the 14th century when the Pope abandoned Rome and went to Avignon. The Palace of the Popes is a work of Gothic splendor!! So much to look at!! The Place de l’Horloge was fabulous with the carousel and the clock tower, the Paroisse Saint Agrical and then The Place du Palais- Pope’s Palace. Then off to wineries in the afternoon!!

In the afternoon it was off to wineries!! I went to 2 wineries. Chateauneuf-Du-Pape Bouachon and Caveau Domaines Mousset. What a delicious afternoon learning the secrets of proper wine tasting and savoring the flavors. This was a “must-do” since I could remember my parents enjoying Chateauneuf-Du-Pape wines when I was growing up.

What a beautiful day!!

Just got back from a wonderful vacation in Provence. After flying to Paris and on to Marseille I spent 2 1/2 days in Aix-en-Provence. The hotel was The Grand Hotel Roi Rene. Loved this place. Talk about location-location-location! Step out the door and start walking to wherever you wanted to go. Plus, my room was beautiful and there was a restaurant and bar! Perfect!

The plan was for 2 nights at the hotel and then we would be taken to meet our Viking ship, Hermod, in Avignon to start a cruise on the Rhone River to Lyon. When we arrived at the hotel there was a Viking representative to greet us and fill us in on the schedule. For that first day we could settle in and then he would take us on a “walk about”. For dinner we were on our own. The next day we had a scheduled tour. Both days were great. we got to see a lot including a street market, the building where Paul Cezane spent many years, and the Cathedrale Saint-Sauveur. We just drank in the beauty of Aix-en-Provence! And of course, I discovered two concept shops that carried local artist’s creations. At one I loved a multicolor drop earring. I thought they were mismatched earrings and I love that! When I told the salesperson what I wanted she said that is 2 pair of earrings. I expressed my disappointment and she paused then and said OK and let me have one from each pair. She thought it was a good idea!

The next day we drove to Avignon to board the ship. We stopped for a “photo op” at Gordes, Fabulous views. We arrived at the ship in time for cocktails and dinner. The ship cruised to Arles. The day started with a 3-hour walking tour. Here we got to see the Roman-era structures in Arles. Les Arenes Amphitheater is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The arena dominating Old Arles was built in the first century AD. There were chariot races, gladiator contests (I kept looking for Russell Crowe!) and bull fights!! Arles is a famous Provencal market and the sunlight here inspired Vincent van Gogh.

Aix-en-Provence

GORDES

ARLES

Les Baux & Carrieres de Lumieres

LOCK ON RHONE RIVER AND SUNSET

In January I shared colors for the Spring Summer season and told you about some of the trends that you will be seeing.

I decided it is time to start checking out the retailers. I always enjoy a spin through Bloomingdale’s when a season is just getting underway.

I found two labels that were new to me. The first one I found in the handbag department. It is Cult Gaia. From what I’ve read, it is a New York based “free style brand”. The brand is known for unique, artistic clothing and accessories, particularly its iconic sculptured bags. Their Flagship store is at 60 Wooster St in NYC. There are also stores in the US in LA, Las Vegas, Miami, Dallas, West Hollywood, and East Hampton. And also, at select retailers. I look forward to seeing more of these bags!

The second new discovery for me was the label Essentiel Antwerp. In 1999 the company was founded by Esfan Eghtessadi and Inge Onsea. It is an Antwerp based brand. They took a chance in 1999 and launched a T-shirt collection- 4 styles, 20 colors. A year later they opened their first store in Antwerp. After that knitwear, jackets, dresses, shirts and trousers in trendy colors, and new materials were added. They also added a range of accessories. It is now a global brand and has a store on Wooster St in NYC and is in trendy upscale retailers. Since 1999 they have been “going off-piste” which is defined as unconventional, risky, of outside normal boundaries. The term “Off-Piste” is borrowed from the literal meaning of skiing on ungroomed, unmarked snow…in other words going off the grid!! Cinq A Sept has some great looks out for spring. Lots of embellishments, a fringed shirt, and a pretty floral dress with a lace under skirt. Lots of florals out as well as stripes, plaids, dots and feminine lacey styles. Denim, as always, is in the mix.

All in all, I thought Bloomingdale’s looked good and was a very inviting introduction to the spring season. Check out the stores and stress less about all the snow!!

Now that the holidays are over and we are moving along through January it is time to think about Spring. The runway shows for the Spring/Summer season were held in September. That is also when the colors are chosen by Pantone.

Leatrice Eiseman tells us “Colors for Spring/Summer 2026 continue the drumbeat for honesty, authenticity and desire to put our own unique stamp on what wear. The balance of colors that boldly celebrate the joyfulness of dressing with trans-seasonal neutrals and calming minimalist tones create new looks free from constraint.”

And as we know, Cloud Dancer is the color of the year for 2026

Print and Pattern Trends

Vogue sees the following as the trends to start off the season. I’ll keep you posted as things develop as we get into the season.

1. BAMBI prints-animal prints continue, but these are now “dappled fawn spots”, soft woodland prints.
2. 3D florals and botanical prints– florals are stepping out into sculptural forms- appliques, layered organza, fabric manipulations and subtle embellishments, petals visibly lifting off of garments. This includes delicate raised embroidery to oversize blooms.
3. Ruffles and Lace-Romantic, feminine, refined boho influences. You will see Chantilly lace and cascading ruffles. Expect romantic feminine styles using lace and ruffles as “core design language for 2026”.
4. Polka Dots, Checks and Plaids- pattern mixing gets bold. Geometric prints take over in 2026. Scale and layering are the statements. Polka Dots from micro to oversized are in the same garment with plaid. There will be windowpane, gingham and houndstooth. Plaids will be both traditional and unexpected. Patterns will all mix in a single look.
5. Vintage and Costume Silhouettes- In London there were Baroque inspirations, damask-like florals and ornate botanical motifs in jewel tones and metallic. In Paris, reimagined Fifties and Sixties- gingham, retro florals and classic polka dots.
6. Color Blocking and DOPAMINE Dressing. I love this!! Color blocking has been dubbed “dopamine dressing”. This is wearing clothes that punch up your mood and confidence. Here we are talking about high impact color and bold contrast. All of the runway shows paired unexpected colors- bubblegum pink with lime, sunny yellow with sky blue, hot pink with cherry red. This brings on JOY! It is mood boosting.

Enjoy the upcoming season. Express your individuality through style and color. In February I’ll let you know what is starting to land at the retailers.

This has been quite a year. There is not a great deal of harmony in our country right now. People who we might all consider “normal” are having a lot of trouble listening to each other and getting themselves on common ground. There are wars going on and so much violence around the world and that is crazy.

I was watching CBS Sunday Morning, and they were going through the passing of celebrities this year. It was so sad to hear the list go on and on with the names of people that were so much a part of my life. In addition to people I really don’t know there were personal losses this year too that truly are impacting on my life. All of this makes me want to give a lot of thought to where I have been this year and where I’m going in 2026.

My word for 2026 is FORWARD. In order to move FORWARD I think we need to consider many things.

We need to REFLECT on and then RESPOND to our thoughts.

We may need to REGROUP and perhaps RE-POT ourselves in order to get to where we need to be.

We need to REFRESH our thoughts and attitudes and then hopefully REJOICE in our discoveries.

We need to try to live without looking back too much. We need to take RISKS and live with less REGRETS than we may have been allowing ourselves to live with. I don’t think we should take anything for granted and each day you should think of something that fills you with gratitude.

Manifest what it is that you want and figure out how to go about getting it. Manifesting actually works!! Positive thinking attracts positive outcomes. And that’s how we can move FORWARD into 2026.

Every year when I write my end of year blog I always say that I hope the year ahead brings you lots of surprises. Make sure that you are open to receive them.

Happy New Year!

Hard to believe it is once again the Holiday season. I have been sending this as my holiday card for 19 years. Aside from liking the sentiment, it does not lose its meaning for me…perhaps this year more than ever.

I wish all of you a Happy Hanukkah and a very Merry Christmas. Let there be love and happiness for each of us.

Today is the start of Hanukkah and Christmas is almost here. Are you still looking for last minute gifts to finish your list? Or is what-to-wear a bigger question for you right now?

Bloomingdale’s has a great selection of dressy items if you have a “big night” planned. Always fun to look at since most of us are more inclined to being in leisure outfits. But should you need something here are some ideas! Lots of sequins, feathers and faux fur. One of my favorite companies to follow is cinq a sept. They embellish jackets, tops and pants with beautiful brooches! Their price points are high. Look in your Jewelry boxes for brooches and place them on your jackets, tops and sweaters. Do multiples! It’s a great look.

For many people on your list sleepwear is, and always has been, a go-to holiday gift. Lounge socks are always a great gift too (look at Muk Luks on QVC). This is a reasonably priced gift and is always appreciated.

Gifts for special interests are always good choices too. There was a selection of martini accessories, games and teas.

Gifts of Beauty are always great gifts too. Most lines have a holiday gift box. Growing up Santa always brought the Estee Lauder box to me and I loved it.

Enjoy picking out the perfect gift for people on your list.

The decision has been made, and it was just announced. The color for 2026 is Cloud Dancer. Pantone says:

“With its expansive presence, PANTONE 11-4201 Cloud Dancer invites a space where function and feeling intertwine to build atmospheres of serenity and spaciousness, providing a refuge of visual cleanliness that inspires well-being and lightness”.

I am so pleased with their choice. I think that we all need to feel serenity and what better way to start than in the colors we select to wear and look at each day! As a cloud watcher I even love to think about the color name and envision the feelings of peace one gets when looking up at the sky.

The Winter Olympics are almost here. For our athletes Ralph Lauren has chosen all white for the opening ceremonies. Synchronicity!!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a positive, meaningful impact on hundreds of people? Have you ever even known a person like this? I am fortunate enough to know a person who fits this description. And how fortunate am I to be one of the people whose life has been changed for the better.

I met Father Mike when my life was changing. I decided to return to my Catholic roots. I began to go to mass on a regular basis rather than just the holidays. Listening to Father Mike on Sundays added “something” to my week. I moved to another town and a few years later it was announced that he would be joining my parish. I was thrilled and told everyone “Wait until you see him Baptize a baby!!” Its like watching Lion King! Mike was 6’6″ and he would lift the newly Baptized baby up in the air! I’m sure it scared a few parents until they got used to seeing it!!

Tom and I met around this time and he would come to church with me. As a couple we became friendly with Father Mike. He married us. We would have dinner together regularly and he was so comforting as I went through the end-of-life chapters in my parents’ lives. Then Tom died at the beginning of the pandemic. Again, he got me through it. He met us at the cemetery where all we were able to do was say a prayer together. We were not even allowed in the mausoleum. The world as we knew it was closed. Father Mike checked on me regularly. Eventually the church reopened and Father Mike was there for all of us. He Baptized my 3 grandchildren on Tom’s birthday the year he died. He got me through some serious medical issues and when I healed, he did the Celebration of Life for Tom since we had not been able to have a funeral. He knew that I needed to find a new purpose in my life and he helped me to find my way. You can say with certainty that my life was changed by our friendship. We frequently went out to dinner and we would talk about everything.

Now, here comes the amazing part. If you were to talk to everyone at his funeral, you would hear the same kinds of stories over and over. How is it possible that one person can have enough time and enough insight to help so many people grow in their faith? How can one person make so many people feel that they are the most important person in the room and that their opinion matters?

Until knowing this man and experiencing our friendship I would not have thought that one person can have that kind of impact on so many people. I am so privileged to have had this man as my friend and spiritual advisor. For all he has done for so many people, may he Rest in Peace knowing the impact he had on all of us.