france beckons, et toi?

Ooh la la: after months of debating dates and researching international travel with le pug (= not easy), we have secured our tickets for six weeks in France this summer. It's my first summer in a few years sans summer school and I'll be leading two 10-day retreats in Paris and Provence so we're over the moon for an extended stay.

As I muddle through marketing plans, writing deadlines, budgets, and administrative issues, this will be the sparkly dangling carrot to keep me focused on the big picture.

There are six spots left in our June 7-16 Paris + Provence art + yoga retreat. Here's the skinny:

Savor a 10-day extravaganza to Paris and Provence, France while spending your days indulging your creative spark. The journey begins with two decadent days spent exploring the City of Lights as your heart desires - tiptoeing through the Tuileries, browsing vintage shops and bookstores, walking along the Seine, enjoying a macaron at Ladurée, or sipping a cup of café au lait at one of the countless sidewalk cafés.

Each day in Provence will begin with a leisurely breakfast, sun salutations and a creative yoga flow, followed by led art journaling. The afternoons are yours for exploring, swimming, hiking, biking, shopping, or making more art. Evenings will include a 3-course vegetarian meal, an optional gathering for meditation plus show and tell from the day's adventures.

$2295 includes 2 nights double lodging in Paris with private bath, 7 nights double lodging in Provence with private bath, train transport to and from Provence as a group, breakfasts, yoga, an endless supply of bread, cheese, and fruit, plus 3-course veggie dinners in Provence, art workshops, meditation, an art ephemera packet, tranquility-filled goody bag, and sensory surprises.

Retreat participants will also receive exclusive access to a special podcast series for you with tips on Paris, packing, french phrases, and more. Reserve your spot with a $500 nonrefundable deposit. The balance is due April 1, 2012. Airfare is additional.