At the first sign of Spring this year I planted a jasmine bush at the foot of the boat’s bridge so that each time I step out I get a lovely waft of jasmine to send me on my way, and the same when I return.

It enhances my every day.

Today, I picked a little flower and have it close by so I can smell sweet sweet jasmine as I write.

It’s sweet subtle scent takes me home.

How are you feeling today?

I feel good. Life feels like it is moving a little too fast though. It’s already 3pm. It’s already the middle of June. It’s already 2009. What happened to 2008, 2007, 2006? They feel like yesterdays, not yester-years.

I took these photos this morning. Do you like them? I had some guests early this morning too…

The other day, Lee Tran Lam – chief sub-editor of Australia’s fabulous Inside Out magazine – interviewed me. This is one of my most in-depth interviews to date. I loved Lee Tran’s questions and had alot of fun answering all of them. Click here to read the interview on the magazine’s blog which includes a collection of new exclusive pics from my book. Lee Tran also included heaps of great links to various Paris artisans which I mention throughout the interview. I really think you are gonna love it. Thank you Lee Tran!

I’ve been hoping to gather some spare moments lately to share some of my new adventures, discoveries, creations and inspirations with all of you. This week I’m going to attempt to spill all, working my way backwards from this weekend just past, to the one prior.

Starting with this weekend just past: It was an ‘open studio’ weekend in the north of amsterdam which means that many private art studios are open to the public for two days only. Just like Paris, Amsterdam is filled with artists. The open studio weekends are a great way to see a part of Amsterdam in more intricate detail, meet well-known and upcoming dutch artists, and get a glimpse of what goes on behind closed doors… and you all know how much I love peeking into artist’s studios!

So, on Sunday I went with Yvette to visit her sister Sophie who is a wonderful artist and illustrator and who was part of this particular open studio weekend. Little Marie (remember our photoshoot helper?) tucked herself up against my leg in the car and then once outside, showed us the way to her aunty’s beautiful studio …

Marie led us over bridges, past quaint dutch houses, and down a beautiful cobblestoned pathway…

…straight to Sophie’s studio, filled with incredible illustrations and portraits. I was mesmerized, not only by her stunning work but also her beautiful home…

On saturday, dear friend Zoë, French Boy and I went to more of the ateliers, catching a ferry from centraal station and working our way around with the aid of a map made just for the occassion, as well as following little signs and flags. We met lots of wonderful artists, and discovered a whole part of Amsterdam that we didn’t know existed…

…including a beautiful forest lined with little private gardens. We were able to walk along the pathway and take a peak inside the gorgeous plots with their tiny tucked away sheds and glass houses…

I was in heaven – can you imagine how giddy I was after a weekend filled with inspirational artists, a peek inside their private studios, a wander through private gardens, and a stroll through nature?

Amsterdam, oh how I love you so!

The sun has set on ol’ Amsterdam, casting beautiful shades of blue across all that I see. I made a little patchwork for you…

If the trees were instruments they would be playing this song for me tonight. I have poured myself a cup of fresh camomile tea and I am ready to crawl into my netted bed. Goodnight, mes chers amis…

There is always romance in the air in Paris, but in Spring, romance and love seems to envelope the whole city more than ever. I adore Paris in the Spring time – I moved to Paris in the Spring, I fell in love in the Spring, and it seems I keep coming back in the Spring. Perhaps I’m addicted to the romance…

So for this final soundscape for the series, its all about Spring love in Paris – a collection of photos taken while wandering the streets of the city in Spring, along with a soundscape captured while strolling at dusk with French Boy through St Germain the other Saturday night, stopping in at Taschen (which was still open at 10pm!), and then wandering around the corner, hand in hand, to find an old dude singing I can’t believe you’re in love with me, dressed in berret and suspenders. so. ro. man. tic.

The sound quality of this one is very poor unfortunately, but I rather like the 1920’s feel of it, and I hope you will still enjoy it. So, please take it away, monsieur…

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Thanks for lending me your ears for my series 4 soundscape. Click here to be whisked back to series 1 (in Amsterdam), series 2 (in Paris), series 3 (in Sydney).