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Thursday 14 February 2013

14th February - Is That A Special Day?! ......

I thought the following piece was quite appropriate, with my family living just outside Paris.  What a wonderful idea.  Some of the stamps are truly a miniature work of art in themselves.




Every year, for Valentines day, La Poste (the French postal service) issues postage stamps designed by the greatest names in the French fashion industry such as Hermes, Chanel and Cacharel. These Valentine day stamps are heart shaped and come in various denominations and presentations, They are gorgeous tiny pieces of art, and can make a cheap affordable collection.
















They are stunning, aren't they? Imagine receiving a Valentine in the post, decorated with one of these beautiful stamps.  But, there you are, that's the French for you = the most romantic of people, and Paris, of course, has always been considered to be the City of Love.  Apart from the very first image, I think my other favourite is the last one.

Here are a few more designs that have featured over the years.



Here we have the 2013 design by Hermes.  The design was created by one of their scarf designers, Zoe Pauwels.  A treat for the eyes, and much cheaper to buy than the actual Hermes scarf!

I would like to thank my friend Anne from the blog Anne in Oxfordshire for giving me the idea for this item.  Thank you Anne!


"All you need is love - but a little chocolate every now and then also helps"
Charles M Schulz.

"I want a man who is kind and understanding.  Is that too much to ask of a millionaire??"

Zsa Zsa Gabor.




Going back to Paris, the above is a photo of the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens. The gardens surrounding the palace have long been a hotbed of romance for centuries.  Famous couples - including Napoleon and Josephine have frequented the garden.  Today, lovers still stroll among the beautiful statues, fountains and flowerbeds.    The Palace is situated near the famous Latin Quarter of Paris.


Located in Paris' 18th arrondissement, the above Wall of "I Love You's" has always been a meeting place for lovers of love. " I love you" is written in over 250 languages!



The above photo was taken in Monmartre, which is set on a hill in Northern Paris.  This is one of my favourite haunts in Paris, with wonderful views of the city.  Artists such as Claude Monet, Salvador Dali, Pablo Picasso and Vincent van Gogh either had studios here,  or worked in this wonderful part of Paris.


WISHING ALL MY FRIENDS NEAR AND FAR A VERY HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Sweet Valentines heart box by Cerri Campbell!









11 comments:

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post, and those stamps are adorable. Haven't seen anything like it before. I'd love to go back to Paris again,...one day. Happy Valentine's day to you too!!

Shelly said...

Those stamps are truly gorgeous! I did not know at all they had those available- maybe next year at this time I will be able to get some.

And Paris- ahhhh. Nothing like it. Thank you for sharing such lovely things about the city of love with us today. My mind shall not be far from Paris all day now, I fear. Have a wonderful Valentine's Day, you and your love!

Shady Del Knight said...

Hallo, dear Thisisme! This was a wonderful post for Valentine's Day. I would swoon if I received a Valentine with stamps as intricate and ornate as those. The designs are beautiful and I thank you for sharing. When I looked at the image of the Luxembourg Palace and Gardens in Paris I couldn't help thinking about our old friend Desiree and wondering how she's doing these days. The wall of "I love you's" reminded me of the 2010 motion picture Letters to Juliet. Have you seen it? Your picture of the Paris art district reminded me of the 2011 Woody Allen movie Midnight in Paris. Have you seen it? Dear Thisisme, I hope you are in good health and good spirits and having a delightful Valentine's day with your special someone. Toodles, cheers, hugs and smooches!

Linda O'Connell said...

These splendid photos of the gradens are breathtaking. Thanks for sharing the artwork, too. Happy Valentuine's Day!

Unknown said...

I used to collect stamps as a young girl, and would have treasured these! What a wonderful way to share the spirit of the day by giving us a bit of France. I have been to Paris and loved every single moment. I especially loved seeing the wall with I Love You written in different languages. Happy Valentine's Day!

Lyndylou said...

Wow gorgeous stamps. what a lovely idea. I have not been to Paris but it is on my to do list. Happy Valentine's Day x

Lyndylou said...

Wow gorgeous stamps. what a lovely idea. I have not been to Paris but it is on my to do list. Happy Valentine's Day x

Anne in Oxfordshire said...

J'adore Paris, c'est un poste merveilleux :-) ......

I adore Paris as you know... They do fabulous things for celebrations, and how adorable is this :-) ..

Loving them all ..and thanks for the mention xx

Suzanne said...

Wow! What gorgeous stamps, I've never seen anything like them. They are too beautiful Thisisme. I would have to keep them if I ever received a piece of mail with one on it.

Wonderful pictures of France, and, such a beautiful post! You did it up so fabulously!

Happy Wonderful Valentine, to the most romantic Valentine ever! Hugs!♥

P.S. How did you get your blog on its own page on your facebook? I saw it, and it's great, but I can't figure out how to do it...agh!!!

Chatty Crone said...

Happy Belated Valentine's Day! ♥

Unknown said...

OMG I love them!