Early last year I dreamt of a sojourn in the south of France. I envisioned it as the ultimate writer's workshop. By May I was at the Cannes Film Festival with my press pass, settling in for a sweet adventure, immersing myself in the language, studying French and enjoying nearly every museum, gallery, and cultural venue along the Cote d'Azur. I interviewed film buffs, expats, and yachties, made discoveries and friends, and spent a week with wine-making monks on an angelic island. I shot over 2500 photos and tried to keep up with an ambitious blog. The adventure lit my creative fires. There were side trips to Italy, and jaunts into Provence, but mostly I lived along the dazzling coastline of the French Riviera. I wish everyone could visit this special part of the globe at some time, to experience its wonders, its charming people, and its enviable lifestyle."