April in Paris

The year was 2004. As my friend Marian Dunshee wandered the streets of Paris one April afternoon, she happened upon Au Nom de la Rose, a lovely little florist and gift shop on rue du Bac in the 7th arrondissement.

From bouquets to beauty products to marmalades, this charming store celebrates everything to do with roses. Even its romantic street display reminds one of a private courtyard garden.

Speaking of small private gardens, here’s another jewel from that spring day in Paris. The garden is literally bursting with cheerful flowers like pansies, primroses and tulips. Let’s hope it sparked smiles on those rainy April afternoons.