Saturday, July 31, 2010

A Charming Courtyard - Village St. Paul


This last trip was the first time that I've had the opportunity to just stroll my neighborhood by myself and explore the little nooks and crannies that make Paris so very special. Don't get me wrong, I dearly love experiencing Paris with my Paris loving family and friends. I think Paris is best shared with others, but it's also fun once and while to just strike out on your own and see what you can find.

There is an area of the Marais called the Village - St. Paul. It's a series of charming little shops and cafes, often tucked into tiny courtyards, that hold some wonderful surprises. When I wandered in this lovely place, I found this interesting chair and a table that looked as if an artist had just left. Along the wall were these colorful photographs. I might have bought one, but alas, noone was around. I made myself at home of course!

Friday, July 30, 2010

The Conversation


Seldom have I crossed the beautiful courtyard of the old Hôtel de Sully, now the Centre des Monuments Nationaux, at the Place des Vosges and not seen young people sitting in these doorways have a quiet chat. I thought this young couple especially charming.

Thursday, July 29, 2010

Trompe L'oeil - Le Marais


It's little things like this nice artwork on the side of a building that makes Paris not only a moveable feast, but a feast for the eyes as well.

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

La Harpiste de la Rue


Of the many things I love about Paris, the street musicians most certainly are at the top of my list. What a delight to wander across a bridge, through the Louvre late at night or down into the Mètro and hear the sounds of a saxophone, the lovely voice of a singer or the jaunty tune of an accordian. Since I spent a lot of time in and around the Place des Vosges this last trip, I was fortunate to find some interesting and unusual musicians. Today, the harpist. I stood and listened for quite a while. He was very talented. It made for yet another Paris moment that makes me smile when I remember....

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Paris Rouge XXXII - Clés


One of several key shops on and near rue Mouffetard. It seems to me that there are many key shops found all over Paris. Perhaps that's because so many places still use the wonderful old keys , just like this one. My apartment key was a big , brass one like this. I loved it!

Monday, July 26, 2010

Yak and Yeti



Today my Eva ( who has been my Paris buddy on two trips) picked the photo that she liked best. She chose a photo from one of my very favorite shops in the Marais, Yak and Yeti. It is a Nepalese shop that specializes in the most delightful and colorful items, handmade by the women in Nepal. My blog friend Bob Crowe and wife Carolyn have shared their commitment to an orphanage in Nepal, so when I first stopped in here, I felt it was a business I needed to support. ( How's that for rationalizing a spending spree!) My favorites are the bright colored felted wool pins, purses, bags and so much more. I'll bring you a few more photos in days to come.

This very special little shop has no outside signage. It is very close to the St. Paul Church and on this corner!


Sunday, July 25, 2010

Un Dimanche Très Spécial á Paris - The American Cathedral


This charming balcony overlooks the courtyard
American Cathedral in Paris

This last trip to Paris I once again attended Sunday services at the beautiful American Cathedral in Paris. You might recall that I worshipped there in January as well. This day was a special one for me as I was able to hear Canon Jon Huyck give his last sermon. He and his wife and adorable baby son will be returning to the states as he will be the new Rector at Grace Church in Providence, RI. We met Canon Huyck last January after the service, and what a warm and friendly young man he was! That wasn't the only highlight that morning. The Lector for the service was revered American actress Olivia de Havilland, who now lives in Paris. She is still a beautiful, elegant woman, and her deep rich voice still strong as she read the Scripture. Un dimanche très spécial á Paris!

Canon Jon Huyck taken last January.

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Paris Rouge XXXI- Have a Seat...On The Street

Near Place des Vosges

Well almost! Be careful of the bikers whizzing by!

Friday, July 23, 2010

Tending the Window Boxes


As I approached the Place des Vosges on the afternoon I arrived in Paris, this man appeared from his top floor apartment to tend his flowers. This is the type of photograph that I feel captures the essence of Paris for me.

I have a closer, horizontal shot that I debated over. I think I"ll share it as a header photo one day .

Thursday, July 22, 2010

Dimanche Sur Rue Mouffetard IV - La Grande Dame



This lovely lady is in her 90's and from what I was told, she is there every Sunday rain or shine, year round. I photographed her last summer right here. This day she was doing a French line dance and having a swing with the dancer I featured yesterday. I think she is just ......grande!

I will be offering another 5 week series of photography classes, here in Birmingham, on Monday, July 26 from 1-3pm.
These classes are designed for amateur photographers that want to take better family and vacation photos. Contact me if you are interested.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Dimanche Sur Rue Mouffetard III - La Madame en Rouge



Today, a lady that I just loved photographing. Joie de vivre!

I will be offering another 5 week series of photography classes, here in Birmingham, on Monday, July 26 from 1-3pm.
These classes are designed for amateur photographers that want to take better family and vacation photos. Contact me if you are interested.

Monday, July 19, 2010

Dimanche Sur Rue Mouffetard I - Madame



Today we begin a little series here at PTML. I have been holding onto a fistful of photographs that I took on my last trip in June. Sunday on rue Mouffetard is one of the best things you can enjoy while in Paris. Melissa, the children, and I stumbled on it last summer on our way to the Jardin des Plantes. The locals gather rain or shine and there's music and singing of French chansons and then the dancers. Oh my. You've seen some of my photos here and here and here.

Well this last trip I organized a gathering of friends to share the experience with me. Mary, Genie, Marie, Maya and Janet met me there, and we were joined by our dear Parisian amie, Anne. I think they all enjoyed it as much as I did. I have so many to share that I thought I'd do a little mini-series for a few days.

Today a lady that I photographed last year. I found her very exotic looking and was thrilled to see her again this visit.


Sunday, July 18, 2010

La Madeleine


Today's Sunday Churches of Paris is the beautiful Église de la Madeleine, named in honor of St. Mary Magdalene. We were fortunate to be in Paris during the Fête de la Musique. Genie, Marie and I attended a choral concert of classical music there in the evening. Hearing the voices of sixteen young women in this exquisite setting was a night I will never forget. I took this photograph shortly before the concert began.

Saturday, July 17, 2010

Les Tabourets


Place des Vosges

I'll admit that once my toes touch Paris soil, I just feel the vibes of Cartier-Bresson, Doisneau, Brassai and many others and start to look at everything differently. They are an inspiration for me. These stools in the late afternoon sunlight, casting long shadows, stopped me in my tracks.

Friday, July 16, 2010

Nice Curves


I was going through my archives recently selecting photographs for my RedBubble site and found this shot of a staircase at the Louvre.

Thursday, July 15, 2010

New Kid on the Blog

BFF
( Blog Friends Forever)

One of the joys of blogging for me, has been the many, many, dear friends I've made along the way. About two months ago I received an email from Genie, a blog follower ( and certifiable Francophile) from Mobile, AL. We arranged a meeting here in Birmingham at my home and talked nonstop about Paris etc. for 6 hours! ( Twins separated at birth is an understatement). Mid June found us together again, this time in the city we adore, Paris. We had a BALL trying to photograph everything we possibly could!

This past Tuesday, Genie drove up from Mobile and stayed with me overnight. We put our heads together and wrestled ... (fought tooth and nail) with Blogger, most of the afternoon and evening. Wednesday morning we awoke and in our nightgowns........ and after about 12 hours of hard labor..........Genie birthed her new photoblog........Paris and Beyond! As the "midwife" I can tell you that Blogger's new and "improved?" templates made it impossible to use an old classic template but we went to Plan B. I think her new blog is just parfait! It's colorful and full of fun.... just like Genie. I hope you will all visit often and leave her some of your encouraging comments!

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

le quatorze juillet!


Bastille Day in France est une occasion du célébrer. This flag atop the Opèra Garnier seemed perfect for this day.

Paris Jaune IV - Le Sac


I've been inspired by Nichole Robertson at Little Brown Pen here and here!
We are most definitely kindred spirits! :)

Monday, July 12, 2010

Le Chien Boutique


This adorable pup was standing watching at the shop door. He wasn't so sure about me. He barked in French!

Sunday, July 11, 2010

Paris Rouge XXX - Afternoon Light


Today, another church in Paris, the lovely Église St. Paul- St. Louis in the Marais. I've been fortunate to photograph this church on several visits. This is a side entrance. The afternoon sun on the door and tiles was nice I thought.

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Madame et le Chien

French Stranger # 67

Peter and I happened upon this lovely lady with her precious pup in the basket of her bicycle in a small park in the Marais. She was so kind to pose for photos.

(For those of you that have followed my comments regarding the unusual summer clothing in Paris, I rest my case.)

"Toto, I think we've landed in Paris!"

Friday, July 9, 2010

Paris Rouge XXIX- Une Fleur Rouge


Le Cimetière St. Germain de Charonne
20 eme

I think this might be one of my favorite photographs from my last trip.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Qui Est Cette Dame Folle?


C'est moi! Well I have probably been accused of being crazy more than once in Paris!! I just loved these three gentlemen enjoying the afternoon together in a small park in the Marais.

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Paris Rouge XXVIII- La Réflexion


Just steps from my apartment, I can't believe I never wandered inside this boulangerie. I hit a few others, don't you worry!

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

"The Look"


I'm often asked , "What do the Parisian women wear?" I think this photo sums it up. Slim legged pants/jeans, flat shoes (oui, especially the Repetto ballet flats). A fitted jacket and of course the obligatory scarf wound round and round, even in the summer. Bon chance trying to replicate "the look". I've failed miserably!

Blogger seems to be eating your comments today on both of my blogs. I'm receiving them via email but they are not showing up here. I have to idea why.

Monday, July 5, 2010

A Family Friend


While in Tuileries on this last visit, I had to show my friends my family's favorite piece of sculpture. "L'ami de personne" (Nobody's Friend) by Swedish artist Eric Deitman (1992) was a piece that we found so delightful on our first visit to Paris in March, 2007. My Eva posed in the little chair here. She was even featured on Peter's Paris blog here! Last summer, Eva and Davis sat in his outstretched hand here. I decided to have my photo taken with him as well! When we first met him we named him "The Troll. Now he's just a part of the family!

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Gloria - Sunday Paris Churches Series


Temple Sainte-Marie on rue St. Antoine in the Marais.

Mary and I ducked in here one afternoon as it was the first time I had seen the huge red doors of this church open! There was a gospel group rehearsing so we sat in the back and listened for a while. I fell in love with the lovely cherubs that graced each window. As I was trying not to intrude, I snapped this one from my seat. As it turned out, the angle was pleasing to me.

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Le Autobus de Tournée


I took this photo initially for my dear, dear reader Eiffel Tower Suzy. She has used this fabulous Galeries Lafayette ad as her profile photo, and I've always loved it. As I was posting the photo I looked at the tourist on the top of the bus and lo and behold I really think that guy is the same one I posted *here! What do you think?

* This photo was taken on our way to the the Musée d'Orsay , where the other photo was taken. Small world , eh??

Friday, July 2, 2010

As Time Goes By

Place des Vosges

I guess at some point couples go from gazing into each other's eyes, to gazing into their iPhone. I'd like to think that's not always the case. I'm a hopeless romantic!!

Thursday, July 1, 2010

The Pose


At first I muttered something under my breath when this obvious touriste stepped into my shot. After seeing it again on my computer.............I had to laugh!!!