Under the Category "Things That Make Me Happy"

Some of you might know that I have a fairly sizable personal library of books about Paris.

I'm constantly looking for new additions, so I have a list of "Paris Book Filters" I plug in at Amazon in the "Books Category" from time to time to see if there's anything new that I have to have.

Then I'll search for a used copy.

If I find it at a reasonable price, I'll probably grab one, and sometimes another one for a friend.

Here's what popped up today when I did a search in Amazon Books for "Unusual Things to do in Paris."

Life is good.

News!!!

From A & K Publishing

https://www.aakenbaakenandkent.com/

NEW RELEASES

If you are one of the many people who check our site, you probably remember that we posted a notice that we were pleased to announce we will be publishing a new edition of Whimsey, the popular novel by Kaye Wilkinson Barley who is well known for her popular blog, Meanderings and Muses. We ended that notice by writing that, “she and A & K have another work in the oven, but we’ll wait for a later date to announce that one.”

Well this is the later date and this is the announcement: Kaye and her husband and co-photographer Don Barley will be travelling to France with an A&K contract in hand to photograph all the carousels in Paris and write a book about them.

Kaye explains, “I fell in love with Parisian carousels during my first visit and returned to the U.S. eager to learn more about them. Further research revealed that there is a conspicuous gap in readily available information. I intend to photograph all of the carousels in Paris, including those that move around the city, and those that disappear for a time only to reappear later. The book will capture the colorful motion of everyday life in the City of Light while chronicling the history and characteristics of these unique attractions.
​
Carousels are much more than amusement rides. They are emblematic of the fantastical and the fun, the wild and the tamed. With their varying degrees of ornamentation and craftsmanship, Parisian carousels have for more than a century signaled delight and merriment for children while igniting the still small spark of whimsy among adults.”
 ​

National Hat Day

Did you know January 15th

 is 

National Hat Day?!  

Yay!!!

The perfect excuse to play with old (and not so old) photos of me and Harley wearing hats.  

I came by my love of hats honestly, it would seem.  The two lovely women in the center photo are my Great Aunt Sadie and my paternal grandmother, Laura.  I do not know who the handsome gentleman between them is, but the gentleman with the mustache is my grandfather, Irvin Wilkinson (better known as Pop-Pop).

A toast to hats!

Whimsey still gathering some pretty good reviews - Yay!

I'm happy to say my Whimsey is still gathering reviews a year and a half after publication. And, some very nice reviews they are.  Here's the most recent ten.  

See more here - http://smile.amazon.com/WHIMSEY-NOVEL-Kaye-Wilkinson-Barley-ebook/dp/B00BC3GZJ4/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

First

5.0 out of 5 stars magic, September 28, 2014 By  Deborah Friend (Mulberry, In.) - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) Lifted my spirits! A reminder that magic is real when you don't have to have all the answers. Answers to the child in all of us. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 5.0 out of 5 stars Whimsey, September 5, 2014 By  marsha briggs - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) The title caught my eye. The description caught my fancy. Whimsey is a private island with magic. Creative people in extended families evolved from the matriarch who became rich writing books as a man. The wicked women of whimsey go off to the arts college and go their own ways. They all return to be part of a gallery just for whimsey folk. Loved this book. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 4.0 out of 5 stars Whimsey, September 1, 2014 By  Ronnie Oliver - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) I liked how the author wove a bit of magic through all her characters. I love how Aunt Elizabeth watched over and guided Emma. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 5.0 out of 5 stars when can I revisit Whimsey?, August 10, 2014 By  Heather Hopkins "frech40" (Harleysville, PA United States) - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) This was a great first book from Kaye Wilkerson Barley. She makes me want to see what happens in whimsy next! For those who enjoy Nora Roberts you will really enjoy this book, similar genre but not a copy of the her books! Well done thoroughly enjoyed!!! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 5.0 out of 5 stars I loved every word and can hardly wait for another novel, July 30, 2014 By  Sherrylrae (Columbus, GA) - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) Wow what a book I stayed up half the night and all of the next day to finish it. I loved every word and can hardly wait for another novel. You can't miss by reading this wonderful tale of fun, love and mystery. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 4.0 out of 5 stars An enchanting tale..., July 28, 2014 By  Kindle Customer (Flint, MI United States) - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) A story that leads you to the magic of living your dreams! This story transported me to the island of Whimsey. I went to the dunes and ran in the ocean with Emma. Sat on the pier in the marsh with Aunt Zoe. Waved to Great Aunt Elizabeth as she rocked in her rocker. I imagined all the beautiful art created by the Wicked Women of Whimsey. I so enjoyed this telling of Emma's homecoming and of her "finding her crimson". May all who read this have a stirring up of their gifts! May the joys of life bubble up and tickle you! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 4.0 out of 5 stars Whimsey, July 27, 2014 By  heather gluba - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) What a lovely book, made you feel as if you were there with the girls. Loved it from the start to finish. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 3.0 out of 5 stars Isle of Whimsey, July 14, 2014 By  Sue Curran - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) Fun read. Love the setting. Full-bodied characters make this book worth the read. Waiting for more from Barley. Hey Harley. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent!, June 16, 2014 By  Rick M. - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) Captivating story, descriptive scenes, drew me in! Fun characters, true friendships, close family. Captures the South completely. Enjoyed so much! Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment 5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, May 26, 2014 By  Paige Lim (WOODLAND, CA, US) - See all my reviews Verified Purchase(What's this?) This review is from: WHIMSEY: A NOVEL (Kindle Edition) I thoroughly enjoyed the magic that was woven through the story! Can't wait to read the next 's. Bradley's future books. Help other customers find the most helpful reviews  Was this review helpful to you? Yes No Report abuse | Permalink Comment Comment