Whimsical Windows!

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Be sure and visit Julia's Hooked on Fridays and Melissa's A Beautiful Life blog parties to see other fun posts!

Shifting to a glorious spring after a long winter wonderland feels pretty fantastic right about now! I am preparing to have the outside of my home painted and add a flower box to a prominent front window. I am definately hooked on window boxes and I have been scouting around for design inspiration and found wonderful ideas from photos including some I took on trips to Europe. Here are a few that put a smile on my face that I thought would be fun to share. This colorful over the top drapery presentation framed the front of a crepe shop I lunched at in Paris. As I recall it was located not far from the Picasso Museum.

You may have figured it out, but Paris happens to be one of my favorite cities. When traveling, I attempt to speak the language, (usually badly) just small snippets and phrases. Words like hello, thank you, please and most important restroom! I keep a sense of humor and never venture without my favorite Eyewitness Travel Guide book. In my humble opinion they are the best. A smile and friendly attitude takes you most anywhere.

Venice, (Venezia) Italy is truly a special magical place. During Carnival it reminds me of a Disney World for adults filled with romantic old world charm and quirky, winding, narrow streets. I often wondered how they managed to maneuver a house full of furniture in and out of the city. When traveling, I like to visit main tourist sights, but always venture off the beaten path. Boats are available, which you use like a bus around the city and you definitely get your exercise, because you walk everywhere.

In the afternoon colorful fresh fruit and vegetable stands suddenly appear out of nowhere for the locals to purchase from. European refrigerators are tiny and American type grocery stores non existent. However, there are mouthwatering pastry shops on every corner.

Pictured above is one of the historical Venetian homes located on the Grand Canal. I was in awe of the craftsmanship and skill level required to build these magnificent structures. All countries had their schools of training but Paris, France was the epicenter for teaching the trade of stone work in Europe until the turn of the century. To reach the level of master it took fifteen years of apprenticeship. I once attended a seminar at the Portland Art Museum in Oregon, which covered this fascinating topic.

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What is a window box if it is not overflowing with eye catching flowers? I am a fan of red geraniums which I use on my back deck every summer. You can have a look by viewing my Misty Morning post to see what I have done.

Only in Italy does hanging laundry look so appealing!

Venice is surrounded by several smaller islands, Murano is famous for its blown glass factories and Burano, pictured here is known as the lace making island. Burano is quiet and provincial, definitely worth the side trip to see its colorful and quaint homes.

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Such a pretty combination of soft pinks and purples.

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The English version.

This was taken in Germany, besides the colorful window boxes, I love the "wall words". I don't know what the translation is, but what a great look!