This morning, there is a touch of spring in the air.  I'd read about the warmer spring days in Paris that happened in April but missed them as we soaked up sunshine on the other side of the world.   

When it came time to return to France, it was difficult enough saying goodbye to loved family and friends, but arriving back to cold, grey May drizzle in France only made me miss Australia even more.  Wrapping up in coats and scarves,  all the chocolate that was intended to last weeks was devoured in a short five days. 

Yesterday there was a tease of spring.  And, finally, today the sun shines.  The market had a little buzz about it, all the places filled up on the terrace at the local café and no-one budged to vacate their seats, myself included. 

Spotting the paeonie's in the market helped lift the spirits too.  They are like a wake up reminder that spring is here.  Just like Paeon was saved from the wrath of his jealous teacher Asclepius when Zeus turned him into a flower, the arrival at the market of the paeony announces winter is over.  Ready to embrace and enjoy the seasonal change and put away the coats for a few months feels like a saving gift from the gods.