Paris Through My Lens

Paris Rouge LXXX - Bibliothèque nationale de France Richelieu

2012-01-27T00:01:00.001-06:00

Merci Peter, for steering me into this lovely place my first afternoon in Paris. By this time I was in a jet lag haze, but the sight of this beautiful stairway with the red wall, and later the reading room perked me right up.

5 rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris

My, What Big Hands You Have!

2012-01-26T00:01:00.003-06:00

This massive piece of modern sculpture, L'Écoute, by Henri Miller was placed beside Saint Eustache in 1986. Mon amie Mary, posed to give you an idea of the enormity of this piece. I think it's also a hit with the younger set as I will share another time.

Lanterne Belle

2012-01-25T00:01:00.001-06:00

Palais Royal...bien sûr!

Paris Rouge LXXIX - Une mitaine rouge

2012-01-24T00:01:00.001-06:00

Playing in the white powdery dirt in Paris seems to have universal appeal for children. My Eva and Davis did a lot of it when we visited in 2009. I captured this petit garçon with the obligatory stick at the Luxembourg Gardens last week. And would you look... a ROUGE mitten!

Closing Time

2012-01-23T00:01:00.002-06:00

As we walked back to the Métro from a party late one evening, I took a quick shot of the chairs all lined up and as luck would have it...... a waiter walked out! I think this might be one of my favorites from this trip.

This Time Last Sunday...

2012-01-22T00:01:00.001-06:00

... I had spent about an hour and a half talking with the dancers at rue Mouffetard and sharing some photographs I have taken of them for the last 3 years. Genie, Holly, Mary and our sweet Paris friend Anne, then adjourned to a café across the street, and as we sat upstairs having lunch, I took a peek out of the window and decided to try a long shot through the glass. I love the movement and seeing it all from a new perspective.

You might recognize one of my favorite dancers that I posted here.

Samedi Signes - Le Chat Noir

2012-01-21T00:01:00.005-06:00

Everywhere I turned in Paris, I found images that reminded me of my sweet Meeps. As we took the bus last Tuesday, I shot this through the window. My dear chat noir was very glad to see me when I returned home! She and I have chatted and we both think we need to move to Paris!!!

Today begins a series I'm calling Samedi Signes. This trip I had fun capturing old and new signs in Paris. I'll feature them from time to time.

Un dernier regard

2012-01-20T00:01:00.008-06:00

Our last afternoon in Paris on Tuesday, Mary took me to the rooftop of Galeries Lafayette. What a spectacular way to end our week in Paris. It was almost sunset and the view took my breath.

Paris Rouge LXXVIII - L'accordéoniste

2012-01-19T00:01:00.002-06:00

I'm home after a very very long day of travel. Too tired to load all of my 10GBs so I just pulled out one card, loaded it and chose this adorable boy who brought his own accordion to rue Mouffetard last Sunday for the singing and dancing. The fact that it was ROUGE made my heart sing.

Thank you all for your visits and comments here and on Facebook while I was gone. It was a jam packed week of fun, friends and many photographs. I can't wait to share more in the days to come.

Mon Palais Royal

2012-01-16T16:53:00.000-06:00

What better photo to end my stay in Paris than one from my first day in Paris last Wednesday. Peter laughingly calls the Palais Royal "mine" because I never seem to tire of it. We stopped at this fountain, put our feet up and relaxed for a few minutes that afternoon. I was grateful for a little rest as I'd been awake for 24+ hours. It's hard to say goodbye to Paris but as always, I'm grateful for the precious time here. Mary and I will fly home Wednesday.....le sigh!

Café avec amis

2012-01-16T03:02:00.000-06:00

Saturday afternoon, after walking all over the Marais, Peter and I met my sweet friend and fabulous photographer Carla Coulson for coffee at Le Voltiguer on rue Frances Bourgeois. We enjoyed hearing about new book, Chasing the Dream, and her travels to Italy and Australia this year as well as some exciting ideas she's working on. The only downside was that husband Francesco could not join us! (If you've seen him on her blog you'll understand,) Mary joined us before we parted and I was able to get this cute photo of the group.

Today, Genie (Paris and Beyond), Holly, Peter (Peter's Paris) and Owen ( Magic Lantern Show) and I are touring Saint-Denis , and Mary is "doing" the Louvre. The weather is still gorgeous. Sunday it was colder but blue skies are still shining on Paris!

Le Ciel est bleu à Paris!

2012-01-13T12:20:00.001-06:00

Live update from Paris!
We landed Wednesday morning and hit the ground running despite the fact that Mary and I didn't sleep the entire flight even though we were upgraded to Business! After lunch with Peter, Genie and daughter Holly, we wandered around the 1eme. Peter and I wound up the day with our feet up at the fountain in the Palais Royal gardens. Yesterday the Sempé exhibit at the Hotel de Ville and lunch at Reminet. Then Peter, Mary and I walked our feet off in the 5eme in search of some shops I had on my list. Today the Pet Cemetery and lunch with Richard Nahem and Zabie Johnson. We're on our way to Eric Tenin's for a party of bloggers and many of his Paris friends. A computer/French Google snafu has caused a delay in reporting. I hope to put up another post in a day or two.

Merci pour les souvenirs!

2012-01-10T00:01:00.005-06:00

"To inhale Paris preserves the soul"

Victor Hugo

While I'm in Paris this week, I leave you will some very sweet memories from each visit I've made. I hope you won't go far and will be here when I return. I promise to have many images to share with each of you. À bientôt!!!

V

PS Check the comments, I hope to say hello there every day!

My Bags Are Packed

2012-01-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

Zoe's Consignment Shop

Forest Park

and I'm off with mon amie Mary today. I've packed 10GB's, so SURELY that will be enough to capture Paris for all of us! While in Paris, we'll be joined by Genie ( Paris and Beyond), her daughter Holly, and many, many dear Paris friends. I promise to share all my memories upon my return. À bientôt!

Printemps ...élégante!

2012-01-08T00:01:00.002-06:00

Need I say more?

Mystery Solved, Five Years Later

2012-01-07T00:01:00.000-06:00

My first visit to Paris was March, 2007 with daughter Melissa and granddaughter Eva. One thing I'd put on my To Do list was the Musée Picasso in the Marais. Melissa was our navigator, and as we came up from the Métro, all I remember is we were thrilled to see our first street market. We enjoyed a quick run through and began our search for the museum which with many helpful strangers, led us up and down and around until......voilà! There we were. Now that I look back on the photos from that day, I see many familiar sights. I've always wondered where the market was. Last night I found this shot and recognized the NOW familiar statue at Bastille. Mystery solved. Marché Bastille! I've shopped there several times since.

May I add that the museum has been closed for some renovations but is now open. Put it on your list!

With a Fine Toothed Comb!

2012-01-06T00:01:00.001-06:00

Ahhh, the French attention to detail. While enjoying the lovely Jardin des Plantes we found this employee hard at work scrubbing this piece with what appeared to be a toothbrush!

La petite tour

2012-01-05T00:01:00.002-06:00

Even in January, the windows are still decked out. This sweet little ET was so festive with the snow and purple lights!

Not All Parisians....

2012-01-04T00:01:00.000-06:00

are trés chic. This gentleman was taking a smoke break on the balcony of the Comédie- Française at Place Colette. I love these photo ops in Paris!

Une journée dans le parc avec maman

2012-01-03T00:01:00.013-06:00

Square du Temple, across from the city hall in the 3eme, is a charming little park that is obviously a place for the younger crowd to meet and greet!

Tuileries From Above - Jumping Puddles

2012-01-02T00:01:00.005-06:00

Last January as Peter and I went round and round on the grand roue at Place de la Concorde, I captured this view of Tuileries and the Louvre in the background. It was a chilly and drizzly day as you can see from all the puddles scattered along the way.

Congratulations to Magdariana for being my 600th Follower! Thank you all for your faithful visits to this blog!!!

Bonjour 2012 !

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

Bonne année !

2011-12-31T00:01:00.000-06:00

Nuit sur le quai

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-06:00

L'artiste - Place des Vosges

2011-12-29T00:01:00.001-06:00

This sidewalk artist at Place des Vosges, actually had some nice work for sale. Our friend Marie bought a little print and I took his photograph for her. He seemed a little skeptical!

Les Orchidées

2011-12-28T00:01:00.001-06:00

Today a charming flower shop that displayed these beautiful orchids in their window. Sometimes, the simple windows are a nice change from all the holiday hoopla!

Un autre café

2011-12-27T00:01:00.005-06:00

"Let's stop here!" I say that a lot in Paris, followed by, " I'm tired and I think I need a glass of wine."

Eiffel Tower Tower

2011-12-26T00:01:00.008-06:00

On Christmas Eve, my Davis erected a tower that I think Monsieur Eiffel would love. He took most of my ET collection and made his own. The header photograph is another creation that he and sister Eva devised. "Mumsie, the towers in descending order." Parfait!

Yesterday, my blog friend in Paris, Karin Bates Prescott, sent me a message that Living France Magazine had given me a nice review in their December issue here on page 55. What a thrill!

La Crèche

2011-12-25T00:01:00.009-06:00

The Église de la Sainte-Trinité, is now one of my favorite churches in Paris. Last January I featured the beautiful papier maché angel here. Today I share the entire manger scene. Note the wooden crates stacked all around. These were also used on the altar. A very rustic touch in this magnificent place of worship.

A favorite French carol for you here.

Bienvenue Père Nöel!

2011-12-24T00:01:00.008-06:00

I'm sure you expected a glorious shot of Paris at Christmas, but I've been saving this for almost a year for this night. C'est la veille de Nöel!

Galeries Lafayette........magnifique!

2011-12-23T00:01:00.001-06:00

I adore the way Galeries Layfayette drapes herself in these fabulous lights every Christmas. For me it's the Paris show stopper of the season!

Channeling Chanel

2011-12-22T00:01:00.002-06:00

My dear and faithful blog friend Véronique, French Girl in Seattle, is my inspiration today. My French Life featured some of my Christmas windows this week, and she commented that tlast year there were some delightful windows at Printemps with little Coco Chanel dolls. As luck would have it.........voilá!!! I'd been saving this adorable window for just the right time. Ma chère Véronique... pour toi!

Paris Through My Lens 2012 by VKJONES
Begin selling my art online at zazzle.

Le pot d'or grands!

2011-12-21T00:01:00.004-06:00

Oh I made fun of the big gold pot when it was proudly displayed on the plaza outside of the Centre Pompidou a while back. Then it was taken away but alors, it has found a new home up on the roof joined by a smart little red flocked tree. Say what you will, I still think some artist is laughing all the way to la banque over that one.

My newest wall calendar, PARIS THROUGH MY LENS 2012 is now available HERE on Zazzle!

Simple et festive!

2011-12-20T00:01:00.003-06:00

The trees in front of the Panthéon, adorned with simple bows and streamers

Paris Through My Lens 2012 by VKJONES
Join Zazzle.com's artist affiliate program

Lèche - vitrines

2011-12-19T00:01:00.000-06:00

Window shopping in Paris is one of my favorite pastimes , but during the holiday season it's even more spectacular. Even the smallest shops, like this on in Galerie Vivienne, is a delight. My friends Mary and Mary couldn't resist.

Sunday Church Series - La Sainte Famille

2011-12-18T00:01:00.004-06:00

The Église Saint- Roch was just across the narrow street from our apartment last January. This day, there was a service in progress so I took this photograph of the Holy Family from behind.

Place de la Concorde en noir et blanc

2011-12-17T00:01:00.007-06:00

Paris Through My Lens en colour et noir en blanc weekly planners are now ready for sale on BLURB.
Also available, Paris Rouge Through My Lens.

Noir et Blanc

2011-12-16T00:01:00.001-06:00

I've been designing my newest weekly planner calendars on Blurb this week. I"ve already published my PTML color and now I'm almost finished with my black and white one. I found this shot of Daniel Buren's Les Deux Plateaux at the Palais Royal. Taken last January on a rainy day, quelle surprise, I still find them graphic and fun to photograph. You either love them or you hate them. I've grown quite attached.

This weekend I've joined Jame's Weekend Reflections......at last!!!

Le Tour de Macarons - Printemps

2011-12-15T00:01:00.007-06:00

Macarons verts. Pistache peut-être? Pour toi Peter!

As magical as most of the windows are, designed to bring a smile to the faces of les petits enfants, some of Printemps windows made our jaws drop! This tower of macarons is just one fine example. I have more.

For my macaron aficionados, here's a link to Paris Pâtisseries' blog that you will enjoy!

My new Paris Through My Lens 2012 Weekly Planner is now available on Blurb!

Printemps - Les Belles Vitrines

2011-12-14T00:01:00.003-06:00

Printemps window displays thrilled the adults as much as the delighted children who lined up on the raised platforms so that they could get the best view. More tomorrow!

Merci My French Life. org for featuring some of my Christmas in Paris photographs on your site right here!

Plus ROSE au Printemps

2011-12-13T00:01:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I showed your the hot pink lights that adorned the outside of Printemps. Today more rose as we see the glitz that hung from the arcades all around it. What a magical way to set off the wonderful Christmas windows that we will have a peek at tomorrow!

Printemps dans la couleur de la saison...ROSE!

2011-12-12T00:01:00.001-06:00

Last year Printemps decked herself out in hot pink decorations and added these festive lights. Could anything be more PARIS??

Sunday Church Series - Cathèdrale Notre Dame de Paris

2011-12-11T00:01:00.000-06:00

Le Mur Vegetal

2011-12-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

The Musée du Quai Branly is an impressive museum in its own right, but Patrick Blanc's vertical garden on the exterior is not to be missed. Measuring 200m wide and 12m tall, even in with icicles in January it was alive and well. Click the link here to see more photographs that were obviously taken in warmer months.

Now fast forward to the latest news that the French company Ginger is proposing to cover la Tour Eiffel with bags of dirt and zillions of live plants and turn the whole thing into what is being dubbed as "
"The Green Giant". Read more here about this harebrained idea!

The Waiter

2011-12-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

I recognized this handsome waiter at Nemours from another trip to Paris. That sunny afternoon he served us champagne outside. This rainy January day, we had a cozy lunch inside. I'm amazed at how many photographs I snapped from my seat that last day in Paris.

Crème glacée au chocolat.........MIAM MIAM!!

2011-12-08T00:01:00.006-06:00

Eva and I fell in love with French chocolate ice cream our first trip to Paris in 2007. The summer of 2009, she picked right up where we left off!

Le Playlist:
I've added a few songs for your listening pleasure. This is a FREE playlist so I'm limited in my French selections.

Regarder

2011-12-07T00:01:00.008-06:00

As I peruse my growing archives of Paris photographs, I realize that I've captured quite a few Parisians from their windows. I'm guessing that in a busy city, the comings and goings down below can be quite entertaining! And if you don't look up.... you miss it.

Yesterday I introduced you to my newest blog friend Natalie at Jewel Yet to Find. So many of you paid her a visit and left such delightful comments. I thank you for welcoming her to blogworld and all the friendships we have found here.

L'arbre dans la fenêtre

2011-12-06T00:01:00.001-06:00

Hôtel de Ville

Today, I am pleased to introduce you all to a new blog friend, Natalie. She has just launched her new blog

Jewel Yet to Find. Natalie is a traveler ( but adores Paris), so she starts with the south of France with an armload of divine photos, but who knows where she'll take us next with her wonderful eye!

I hope all of you will stop by for a visit and follow her blog. Isn't it so much fun to make new friends here?

Only In Paris!

2011-12-05T00:13:00.000-06:00

Place Colette

Paris Rouge LXXVII - Les Belles Portes

2011-12-04T00:01:00.001-06:00

IF I had a flat in Paris, THESE would be my doors!

I Heart Paris Christmas Tree

2011-12-03T00:01:00.001-06:00

One thing I've learned, all Paris decorations are not necessarily "over the top". This charming little tree, standing proudly in the courtyard at leMoulin de la Galette in Montmartre, stole my heart. The déjeuner that followed with friends, was delightful as well.

Trois amis

2011-12-02T00:01:00.001-06:00

These boys were walking hand in hand, home for their lunchtime break. Lucky for me that I was walking behind them and was just able to get one shot!

Noël est arrivé !

2011-12-01T00:01:00.001-06:00

It's official, Christmas in Paris has arrived on this blog. I can't promise it will appear here every day but we'll sprinkle the photographs around. Today, one of the beautiful trees that flanked the front of the Hôtel de Ville last year.

La boutique de bonbons

2011-11-30T00:01:00.005-06:00

La Cure Gourmande is chain with six shops around Paris and also Spain and Belgium. They specialize in biscuits, chocolats, and confiseries. I think their logo and packaging is trop mignon and did I mention they always have tasty treats to sample? I'll admit I've never shopped there, because I'm too busy snapping away. Maybe this photography thing is helping me refrain from a FEW of the delights to be found in Paris.

WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!

M, who lives in Katy, Texas will receive a set of Paris Walking Tour cards

Martine- Alison , Martinelison, who lives in France will receive one of my 8x10 photographs.

Thank you all for entering and for all of your wonderful comments this week and for the past three years.

Deux oiseaux

2011-11-29T00:01:00.004-06:00

Ma Bourgogne is a café I frequented during my stay in Paris the summer of 2010. I felt comfortable there and the waiters were delightful and took good care of me. Late one summer afternoon, as I sat outside with a glass of wine, I had fun snapping photos from a prime seat at the Place des Vosges. The lanterns will be unmistakable for you Paris lovers.

WE HAVE OUR WINNERS!
M, who lives in Katy, Texas will receive a set of Paris Walking Tour cards
Martine- Alison , Martinelison, who lives in France will receive one of my 8x10 photographs.
Thank you all for entering and for all of your wonderful comments this week and for the past three years.

Quarante-deux

2011-11-28T00:01:00.004-06:00

Tellement Paris!

Yesterday markedParis Through My Lens' third anniversary. Scroll down for the details. There's a little giveaway. It's not too late to enter!

And what is a birthday party without presents ??? To celebrate this occasion, I have un petit cadeau pour toi. Actually I have deux, one for my faithful followers in the US /Canada and another for those that live on the rest of the planet. Leave me a comment and please add your whereabouts and your name that will go in the hat for the drawings on Tuesday. Bon chance! :)

This Is How It All Started

2011-11-27T00:01:00.002-06:00

As most of you know by now, I fell in love with Paris in March, 2007. Daughter Melissa, who was already in love, took granddaughter Eva and me for a week in Paris that changed my life. Photographing the City of Light was the start of what has become a "magnificent obsession." In November 2008, I returned to Paris with my friend Karen. After that trip, my blog friends encouraged me to start another blog so I could share my Paris photographs. Today marks the the third anniversary of Paris Through My Lens. I have posted almost daily since and often blogged from Paris while there. Nothing pleases me more than sharing my memories and my photographs with all of you who love Paris as much as I do. Here's to many more trips, photographs, and memories shared!!

And what is a birthday party without presents ??? To celebrate this occasion, I have un petit cadeau pour toi. Actually I have deux, one for my faithful followers in the US /Canada and another for those that live on the rest of the planet. Leave me a comment and please add your whereabouts and your name that will go in the hat for the drawings on Tuesday. Bon chance! :)

Bienvenue à Ladurée!

2011-11-26T00:01:00.001-06:00

I hear from friends Daryl and Conrad in NYC that Ladurée has opened a small shop there, and the crowds are still wrapping around the block eager to have a taste of the Parisian delight.... le macaron. Like most things Parisian, I think they're best tasted right there in Paris. Today, Ladurée -16 rue Royale.

Yesterday I had a little puzzle for you and the winner is..........Veronique ( French Girl in Seattle), who correctly guessed that I was sitting on the steps of the Panthéon when I took the photograph. Thank you all for joining in the fun. Wayne so kindly pointed out that there seemed to be no prize and I gently reminded him that the personal satisfaction of winning was worth far more than un petit cadeau!

All Aflutter

2011-11-25T00:01:00.002-06:00

I thought we'd have little challenge today, although I'm sure my sharp readers won't miss a beat. We'll give it a go anyway. Do you know WHERE I was when I shot this??

Thanksgiving Paris

2011-11-24T00:01:00.001-06:00

If you are an American living in Paris, there are probably certain food items that you must crave from time to time and would pay many euros to get your hands on. Thanksgiving, is just the place, specializing in American groceries that are difficult to duplicate in Paris.

Wishing Americans in Paris a Happy Thanksgiving, and I hope you have a reasonable facsimile of your favorite back home feast!

Thanksgiving

20 rue Saint - Paul

Paris 75004

And for your reading pleasure, I present this Art Buchwald column, " How To Explain Thanksgiving To The French" featured on Polly-Vous Français.

Une grande entrée

2011-11-23T00:01:00.006-06:00

The entrance to Parc Monceau is pretty snazzy for a semi-public park don't you think? For all the formality of the gated entrances and the rotunda, it's actually considered more informal in the English style, with curved walkways and randomly placed statuary, unlike the more formal French gardens.

An interesting fact I learned is that the 9 entries are monitored by a 5th generation park watchman who lives above the royal rotunda on the north entrance. Now I'd like to meet him one day!

I'm pleased to announce that Belle Inspiration Magazine has featured some of my Nöel à Paris photographs. Please have a look !

Keep Your Eye on the Ball

2011-11-22T00:01:00.001-06:00

I fret. I fret a lot over my blogs. I worry about the quality of my photographs, or if I'm boring my dear readers when I post too many photographs on the same subject/theme ...... like pétanque. This is what I've decided ( for the moment). When I'm lucky enough to get to Paris, I photograph what pleases my eye, makes me laugh or stand in awe, or evokes a memory I don't ever want to forget. Getting to know and photograph the pétanque players at Luxembourg Gardens continues to be an experience I want to revisit each trip. Watching the diverse group of players and spectators, never ceases to delight. For me as a bystander ( not to mention a foreigner) watching these men doing what they love everyday, is like being invited into the "inner circle" of Parisian life. I hope you understand.

Paris Rouge LXXVI - le Métro

2011-11-21T00:01:00.000-06:00

Forgive the tourist shot today, but I loved the vine covered wall behind the Métro sign.

Saint- Germain- des- Pres

Les Ombres

2011-11-20T00:01:00.002-06:00

Cimetière Passy

Le kiosque à journaux II

2011-11-19T00:01:00.001-06:00

So very Paris.
Place Monge

À travers les branches

2011-11-18T00:01:00.000-06:00

Novembre à Paris!

2011-11-17T00:01:00.000-06:00

70e Anniversaire de l'appel du Général de Gaulle

This enormous banner was hung on the facade of the Hôtel de Ville in June, 2010. From a distance it is obviously a portrait of Gen. de Gaulle. Take a closer look, it's fascinating. The banner says:

Ce portrait a été réalisé à partir de l'affiche diffusée à Londres en 1940 et des photographies de 1016 femmes et hommes Compagnons de la Libération

* "70th anniversary of General de Gaulle’s call.

This portrait is based on the poster which was published in London in 1940 and on photos of 1016 women and men, Companions of the Liberation."

*Merci Peter for the translation and for this link.

Les Lumières à l'Hôtel de Ville

2011-11-16T00:01:00.002-06:00

For me, the Hôtel de Ville is stunning, jour et nuit, hiver ou d'été.

Paris Rouge LXXV - Quelle heure est-il ?

2011-11-15T00:01:00.000-06:00

While photographing this gentleman in the Marais one afternoon, I turned and noticed the clock behind me. I'd love to know the story behind it.

Où sont les frites??

2011-11-14T00:01:00.002-06:00

Moules, one of my favorites.

Un escalier - le musée du Louvre

2011-11-13T00:01:00.000-06:00

Le Louvre meshes old and new seamlessly.

100 Layers of Paint on the Door...

2011-11-12T00:01:00.004-06:00

I have to wonder how long it's taken to get to the bare wood. Perhaps he's been working nuit et jour!

(In clean white pants and shirt!)

Paris Rouge LXXIV - L'echarpe rouge

2011-11-11T00:01:00.004-06:00

Last January you will remember that Mary, Peter and I visited Shauna von Giesbrecht's beautiful jewelry and textile shop in Montmartre. In addition to her original jewelry that she handcrafts, she also offers some gorgeous handwoven textile designs. This red scarf in the window was almost more than I could resist. I'm hoping that one day I'll have this, or a similar one wrapped around my neck in Paris!

Musique Improvisée

2011-11-10T00:01:00.001-06:00

Le Pied a Terre on rue Mouffetard is a favorite of mine. The street dining is limited to two tiny tables perched precariously on the uneven sidewalk. While enjoying a nice café, this gentleman serenaded his companion and the delighted passersby.

Paris, Je t'aime!

2011-11-09T00:01:00.000-06:00

My two Paris loving amies, Mary and Genie are both in Paris today, so I decided to drag out a photograph that brings back some wonderful memories.

Frank Sinatra says it all right here.

Paris Rose I - What Are The Chances...???

2011-11-08T00:01:00.005-06:00

Sometimes, if you just sit, wait, and watch, a shot likes this just falls in your lap!
( It helps if you're in Paris of course)

Le Cigare

2011-11-07T00:01:00.001-06:00

Pétanque at the Jardin du Luxembourg is serious business. Here Monsieur concentrates before the throw.

Well Coiffed

2011-11-06T00:01:00.005-05:00

Since most of my trips to Paris have been in the late fall and winter, I have been able to observe the trees in the gardens and along the Champs Elysées sans feuilles. I've always been fascinated by the time consuming trimming that it must take to keep them all in shape. Here in Tuileries late on a January afternoon, you can see the effects of pollarding. One day I hope to catch the tree trimming crew in action and see exactly how the do it. Merci to my blog friend Karin Bugge, who also happens to be a docent at the Huntington Gardens in Pasadena. She knew the term off the top of her head. Trés impressed.

Paris Rouge LXXIII- Bonjour Mouseketeers!

2011-11-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Jef Aerosol is one creative guy. Who would expect to find one of the Mouseketeers immortalized on a building in Paris? How many of you remember this original cast member's name???

Matin au marché

2011-11-04T00:01:00.001-05:00

Unlike many of Paris' street markets, this one on rue Mouffetard, is open almost every day. We stayed close by in 2009 and crossed this street at least twice a day going to and from the Censier-Daubenton métro. We loved shopping here and often stopped after for a glass of wine at a café to watch the shoppers and gain our strength to climb rue Claude Bernard to our flat. Eva and Davis usually got a euro each to spend at the candy vendor's. The highlight of their day!

Un poème sur le mur

2011-11-03T00:01:00.003-05:00

No matter how often I walk familiar streets in Paris, I always seem to find new delights such as this poem with artwork on the side of this building as we neared the Panthéon.

UPDATE: Merci to Clever Pup who provided the street...rue Décartes. She also posted this wall on her great blog Smartypants Goes to France !

Un petit trésor à Paris

2011-11-02T00:01:00.005-05:00

Rarissime, fondee en 1658, translates to "extremely rare". Across the street from our flat last January, it is tucked under the Église Saint-Roch. Not much bigger than my walk-in closet, it buys and sells antiques, old linens, and all manner of interesting collectibles. Un trésor.

Paris Rouge LXXII - Chez Marianne

2011-11-01T00:01:00.004-05:00

Chez Marianne in the Marais is a place I've photographed more than once. I've never dined here. I checked the ratings and found it serves Kosher and Middle Eastern cuisine. Mixed reviews on the service. That said, it's a great photo op in any season.

2 rue Hospitalières St. Gervais

75004 Paris

Métro Saint-Paul

Le dame en or

2011-10-31T00:01:00.002-05:00

The series of statues here overlooking la Tour Eiffel is lovely but this time, the golden light in the window caught my eye. The reflection was the bonus.

Palais de Chaillot

Trocadéro

Métro: Trocadéro

La brouette de jardin

2011-10-30T00:01:00.003-05:00

This beautifully handpainted (inside and out) cart is used to carry watering cans and other tools to the graves at Cimetière de Passy. The French always seem to find a way to turn function into art!

La vie imite l'art

2011-10-29T00:01:00.011-05:00

Les Américains fou

Our first trip to Paris, we entered Tuileries and immediately these enthusiastic tourists caught my eye and my Eva's as well. She seemed a bit puzzled as to why grown men would pose with a statue such as this. I decided to pass on that explanation! A while later she picked her own statue and asked me to take her picture with it. Peter has done extensive posting of all the statues in the gardens here and if you look closely you will find our Eva on his blog as well !

"L'addition s'il vous plaît"

2011-10-28T00:01:00.002-05:00

These days Paris waiters don't leave a small handwritten tab on your table, although I'd love to find some that still do. Sadly, now it's a computerized ticket they've printed out. Here at Le Petit Marcel, it seems our handsome waiter, with the red suspenders, was actually logging it all in on a computer! Quel dommage.

Le Petit Marcel

65 rue Rambuteau

75004 Paris

Réflexion au plafond

2011-10-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Last January Mary, Peter and I met Laurent for dinner in a nice little resto near the Pompidou. While waiting I noticed the mirrored ceiling and the nice reflection.

La pharmacie

2011-10-26T00:01:00.001-05:00

If you've traveled to Paris, you've probably had to locate la pharmacie a time or two. Oh I've had to stop in for band-aids for my toes many times, but the most fun is strolling the aisles pouring over the cosmetics, cremes and soaps..... Paris pharmacies are well known for this and Pharmacie Place Monge is said to be the largest and busiest one in Paris. Mary and I stopped in for a few things and the line to see the pharmacists was quite long, but there were friendly salespeople there to help us with over the counter items. Just look for the neon green cross!

Keeping Watch

2011-10-25T00:01:00.001-05:00

Madame lives on a busy street in the Marais. Perhaps the noise is not so pleasant or maybe she's just having a look at what is going on below?

Paris Rouge LXXI - Hôtel du Louvre

2011-10-24T00:01:00.002-05:00

Question: Is the Hôtel du Louvre always bathed in red or just this evening especially pour moi?

Place André Malraux

75001 Paris

Mètro: Palais Royal Musée du Louvre

Leaving Stones

2011-10-23T00:01:00.001-05:00

Cimetière du Montparnasse

In keeping with the Jewish tradition of leaving a stone on the gravestone as a way to honor that person with their visit.

La voiture pour moi!

2011-10-22T00:01:00.000-05:00

And if I could land a job with le Centre Monuments aux Nationale, I could drive one!

Centre des Monuments Nationaux

Hôtel de Sully

rue Saint-Antoine

Le couturier II

2011-10-21T00:01:00.001-05:00

You have met Alexis several times here on this blog, as I've photographed his studio at Place des Vosges as often as I can find it open. Today another view of one of his gowns with the designer himself in the background. Alexis was gracious enough to allow me to stop in and photograph his creations on several occasions but remained a bit in the background. I think this photos illustrates that.

La boutique des petits gâteaux

2011-10-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

I don't know that I've ever found a patisserie that offered only cookies. Too bad they were closed. I spotted several I would have liked to taste.

Merci to my faithful reader Harriet and blogger Richard Moisan for the tricky translation!

Trop Mignon!

2011-10-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

For the little Emperor in your family. We all have at least one!

I'm leaving today for Los Angeles and a wonderful blog gathering. I won't be able to leave as many comments while I'm gone. I look forward to your comments and visiting your blogs when I return.

100 French Strangers - Monsieur Feldman

2011-10-18T00:01:00.003-05:00

French Stranger #77

M. Marc Feldman, propriétaire

Au Passe Partout

rue Saint- Paul

As I wandered near my apartment in the Marais one afternoon, I spotted this man hard at work at his desk just inside the doorway. I stepped in and asked if I could take some photos. After all, the place was dripping with old keys and tire bouchons! He spoke a little English so I asked if I could take his photograph as well. He consented but asked to share the book he had written, Des Clefs et des Hommes.
Of course I agreed. I have a few more photos of his interesting shop for you later.I'm one lucky photographer.

Timeless

2011-10-17T00:01:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the well dressed patrons, this photograph could have been snapped decades ago.

Spring Cleaning la Pyramide

2011-10-16T00:01:00.003-05:00

Oh I can hear what you're saying, "Why on earth is Virginia posting this shot? Every tourist on the planet has taken this one!". Well I have a little Louvre trivia pour toi aujourd'hui. Ever wonder how they clean all that glass? ( Paris is full of pigeons you know.) I'm sure I.M. Pei never gave that a thought when he designed it. Well it's obviously a job too big for a Frenchman with a squeegee! Look closely and you will see the little robot that does it effortlessly. You just never know what you'll learn on PTML!

Supersize My Macaron!

2011-10-15T00:01:00.002-05:00

Yes, even in Paris, you can supersize even this normally petit confection. These macarons were almost as large as our southern Moon Pie!