An unusual shrub near Cromwell Road, London. Anyone know what kind it is?
On Monday I received this delightful message:
Hi Tara,My name is xxxxx xxxxx, an xxxxx currently living in xxxxx (another country). I hope you don´t mind using xxxxx to contact you hoping that maybe I could get some advice from a local perspective for a special evening that has been on my mind for the last few weeks.
As it turns out, I will be visiting Paris for xxxxx days at the end of xxxxx in order to meet some potential clients my company wants to develop. My girlfriend xxxxx, who currently works in xxxxx (yet another country) will join me for the weekend and the idea is that we can spend some time together, as well as get to know this charming city.
What she doesn´t know is that I would like to take advantage of the fact that we are in such a romantic town to plan the perfect day that ends up with me asking her to marry me. This will hopefully catch her breath away :-) The problem is that I have never been to Paris so far, so here is where I would need your advice. I would really appreciate if you can recommend me some romantic spots and places that can help me build up a nice atmosphere towards the evening. I am thinking maybe a walk in a beautiful street, some gardens or parks, a nice restaurant or a traditional serenade around the river, but please, you are the expert and that is why I came to you. The keyword as you already notice: Romantic.
As you can surely imagine, I am very excited and cannot wait for this day to finally come. So, if you decide to help me in my quest you will make this romantic xxxxx the happiest man of the world.
Merci et au revoir,
(Name)
Ah, a charming man with a romantic soul... And what a lucky woman to win his heart! Practically every woman I know wishes men would make more of an effort to be thoughtful and sweet. Today I was having lunch with my friend Susan of Soozphotoz and her lovely daughter Sara on Ile Saint Louis. When I told them the story, they simultaneously exlaimed, "Aaaawwwww - how sweet!" Yes, you can bet I sent the writer a list of some of the city's most romantic rendezvous spots. And the Eiffel Tower was not on the list!
Here's another wonderful story, just in case you missed it----or need a tiny glimmer of hope.
I just stumbled on your website looking for Paris poems. I'm in a late blooming romance (58 and 53) going to Paris in three weeks. Could you give me the ideas you suggested as well? We're staying in the Latin Quarter.
PS: Love your photos!!!!
Leslie (and Neil)
Posted by: Leslie | 22 June 2008 at 15:20
Tara, I was enjoying your photos and clicked back to see what else I'd missed lately. So glad I did! I hope the sweet romantic writes some time to let you know how everything went. He sounds like a doll. And Gluten-Free Girl's YES post! I read every word. Thanks so much! K.
Posted by: Karen DeGroot Carter | 02 May 2008 at 19:34
plant is mahonia Winter Sun starts flowering late autumn
Posted by: ewa | 01 May 2008 at 21:10
About that gorgeous bush. The leaves look like my blue holly bushes, but the berries are like nothing I've ever seen. The hpoto looks like you shot it from above (?). Do the berries stand up on those threads, or do they fan out? What a discovery. I hope someone solves this mystery for inquiring minds want to know.
Posted by: Jane Librizzi | 01 May 2008 at 16:38
Ah...young love in Paris....there is nothing finer. How kind of you to help him out.
I also enjoyed reading "Gluten Free Girl's" October 2006 post on her incredibly romantic love story.
What a great way to start my day!
As for the plant, it looks to be a Mahonia (Oregon Grape) of some sort.
Posted by: Nancy Sotham | 30 April 2008 at 15:53
Oh I wonder where you suggested? We have been exploring the arcades in the 2nd the last couple of days - so gorgeous. And the Jardin du Palais Royal - with natural arcades of glowing green right now.
Posted by: Passementerie | 30 April 2008 at 14:25
And what a wise move to ask your assistance - you are so kind and charming, it will add to the plan and make it perfect.
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 30 April 2008 at 11:54
And what a wise move to ask your assistance - you are so kind and charming, it will add to the plan and make it perfect.
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 30 April 2008 at 11:54
Swoon Swoon Swoooon!! triple by 100 times, swooooon!! What a sweetheart!!! Lovely!!!
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 30 April 2008 at 06:56
What a sweet man! And lucky lady!
Thank you for sharing it with us!
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | 30 April 2008 at 03:31
Tara, this looks like mahonia aquifolium (Oregon grape) altho' it might be another Mahonia. A gorgeously sculptural plant, isn't it!
Posted by: materfamilias | 30 April 2008 at 02:12
hmm...sorry I don't know the name of the unusual plant but it is pretty :-)
Posted by: Amy | 30 April 2008 at 01:31
Awww,
How cute ;) Glad he picked you to help him!!!
Posted by: My Melange responds | 30 April 2008 at 00:39
Tell Susan hi for me next time! He came to the right lady and I'm glad to see romance is thriving. xxoo
Posted by: Tammy | 29 April 2008 at 23:39
What a sweet guy, and such a lucky lady! I wish them love and luck.
Thank you for sharing the link to the other true life romance - that was deliciously romantic!
Posted by: tinker | 29 April 2008 at 22:22
Wow! You are like a fairy godmother!
Posted by: pepektheassassin | 29 April 2008 at 20:59
That is so romantic and sweet.. my cousin did the same thing for his fiancee..
I love special engagements. Thanks for sharing!!
Posted by: holli | 29 April 2008 at 20:40
So magnificently romantic! Perfect for the City Of Love and how thoughtful of you to give your most romantic recommendations.
Posted by: Madeline | 29 April 2008 at 20:33