Pouvez-Vous le Lire?

Well to be honest, I really can't either. Oh I can pick out some words and perhaps get a sense of what it says, but I have to admit, I've not made much progress even with frequent travels to Paris over the last 3 years. It 's not from a lack of desire or numerous books on how to speak French better and in a record number of days. I have a number of excuses. Want to hear them?

1. Most people in Paris speak English and it's just easier to let them.

2. My friends speak French better than I do, so it's easier to let them.

3. My southern accent plus my poor French pronunciation skills are a deadly combination, and I'm frankly embarassed to even try most of the time.

Hopefully I've turned a corner of sorts. Yesterday was my first lesson with my new French tutor Mme. Dupree. I think she's just what I need. She's not going to let me slide by with my "southern French" and she's going to converse with me in French and insist that I do so as well.

Wish me bonne chance! I'll keep you posted.

Today's photographs are from a delightful day last summer spent at the Jardin d'Acclimatation in the Bois de Bologne. I shared some photos of the children last summer right here. It's a great little amusement park and the perfect spot to take children when you travel to Paris. The mural and all the signage were done by the same artist. I would love to purchase some prints if anyone knows a source.

Passage Vendôme

This charming old passage, built in 1827 can be found near Place de la République. ( I think we were spotted with our cameras, what do you think?)

La Croix

Today's Sunday Paris church series leads us to the 20 arrondissement. Last June, Mary and I found this small but well kept cemetery behind the Église Saint Germain de Charrone. We were disappointed to find the church closed but this pretty little cemetery was a special find.

Palais Royal Redux

Shortly before I took yesterday's dramatic shot, this is what was going down. The Singleton/Wilson kiddos were running pell mell down the arcade having a ball, with Melissa following behind. What a great evening we shared with good friends in this magical place.

Who's There?

Today I share a photograph that might just be one of my VERY favorites. Oh I know I say that a lot, but today I really mean it. As you know, the photos that I love the most are the ones that bring back very special memories of Paris. On second thought, they probably all do! Well, this photo is from a delightful late afternoon last summer when Melissa, Eva, Davis and I joined our dear Birmingham friends, the Wilsons, at the Palais Royal late one afternoon.

Tied Up in Paris

Well our clever blog friend Keith, from A Taste of Garlic, will have a field day with this post title! Actually, I've spent the better part of the last few days creating some new Paris calendars for 2011. I now have a color one for sale on Zazzle ( see the widget on the sidebar), but decided I'd try Red Bubble's calendar as well. There, I'm designing Paris en Noir et Blanc. I found some BW images I've not shared with you, so today we go back to the Bois de Boulogne. Nice memories of a Sunday afternoon spent wandering around the beautiful little lake last year. Enjoy.

Je Préfère Paris!

Richard and my chère amie Mary Gilbert - Hôtel Sully

AND, je préfère Eye Prefer Paris! Meet my Paris ami Richard Nahem. Richard hails from NYC but has made Paris his home for many years. If you want a walking, shopping or cooking tour of Paris, he's your man. He's also a lot of fun. This day he surprised us by popping over to the Place des Vosges and joining us for a drink.

Today I'm most flattered to be Richard's guest photographer on his EPP Blog! I hope you'll have a look.

le Musicien

This should put to rest, the question that I am often asked, "Virginia, why do you return to Paris over and over?" Ceci est ma réponse!

Fusion de Paris?

I love Paris when it sizzles ( and every other time of the year!). Most likely because it's much more pleasant than when Birmingham sizzles! Another delightful and creative Paris window. Enjoy!

Look Up - Notre Dame Cathedral

What would a Sunday Paris church series be without the beautiful Notre Dame! I liked this one of just the steeple and spires. Bon dimanche!

Paris Rouge XXXIII - Buy Your Red Children Right Here!

Oh I'm sure there's a *perfectly good reason to explain why this little street market has this interesting name, but it's more fun to speculate. And for the record, I didn't buy any red children that day (well a few scarves perhaps). Not enough room in my petite valise you know.

* But of course mon ami Richard Nahem has the answer right here!

I'm off to spend the weekend with my Kappa Delta sorority sisters from Auburn, most of whom I've not seen in........um....40+ years. I'll be commenting again on Sunday evening.

Un Repas Joyeux Sur La Seine?? - Paris Rouge XXXII

Ahhh the good life in Paris. You stroll along the quay, stop in the shade of the trees and have a little picnic beside the Seine. Imagine my horror when I peered over the wall and spotted this couple... manger un sac de McDonald's! The city of Paris should arrest these people! For what they paid (see prices below) they could have had some nice cheese, a warm baguette and shared a lovely bottle of wine. McDonald's à Paris, une honte!!!

Merci ma chère Eva pour ma photo profil!

( See my Birmingham blog)

FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS

My next series of five two hour classes will be starting again soon. For those in the Birmingham AL area, contact me for more details. These classes are designed for the amateur photographer who wants to improve their vacation and family photos!

DISCOVERING THE MAGIC

For the more experienced photographers out there, I have a new class starting in September that will focus on creative ways to photograph our city!

Remember, these prices are in euros!

Ma Petite Cour

My last trip I had a great little studio apartment on rue de la Cerisaie, just a few blocks from Place de la Bastille in the Marais. It was on the ground floor and my windows opened onto this sweet little courtyard. I share these nice memories with you today.

Le Beau Chapeau

On a Sunday last June I joined mes chère amies, Mary, Anne, Marie, Genie, Janet and Maya for a delicious lunch at la Bourgogne on rue Mouffetard. Can't you just hear all of our chatter and laughter?? I was taken by a young woman who came in with her friends wearing this lovely confection of a hat. I suspect they had been to church, most likely for a wedding. I wanted to take her picture wearing it, but she took it off and placed it on this shelf before I could. I setttled for this shot.

FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS

My next series of five two hour classes will be starting again soon. For those in the Birmingham AL area, contact me for more details. These classes are designed for the amateur photographer who wants to improve their vacation and family photos!

DISCOVERING THE MAGIC

For the more experienced photographers out there, I have a new class starting in September that will focus on creative ways to photograph our city!

Interdit!

It has taken me a while, but I'm learning to push doors in Paris. Sometimes those big double doors aren't locked and you can slip right in and have a little look around. Other times, if you're lucky, you can step right in behind a resident or even the postman. I haven't been quite that bold yet, but this day I waited outside after someone went in, and put my hand on the door to keep it from latching. Then, after a few minutes I wandered in and voilà! Unfortunately this gate was locked, but I enjoyed this cool, shady courtyard garden for a few minutes, then hurried on my way!

FROM SNAPSHOTS TO PHOTOGRAPHS

My next series of five two hour classes will be starting again soon. For those in the Birmingham AL area, contact me for more details. These classes are designed for the amateur photographer who wants to improve their vacation and family photos!

DISCOVERING THE MAGIC

For the more experienced photographers out there, I have a new class starting in September that will focus on creative ways to photograph our city!

Smoke Break

A very common sight in Paris. This Bofinger waiter in the Bastille, was grabbing a few quick drags. Paris has banned smoking inside but outside, it's business as usual!

Les Bougies

This Sunday we're going back to l'Église Saint Paul -Saint Louis, Marais

Societe du Gaz de Paris

Place des Vosges

La Refléxion

This was a delightful afternoon. We sat outside with our wine and watched the school children happily playing all around the Stravinsky Fountain at the Centre Pompidou. This lady was seated at the next table, but I took this shot of her reflection in the mirrored panel beside the doorway to the café.

S is for........

Tout Simplement Élégante

Simply elegant

Voyeuse?

Peut-être, but I restrained myself and did not stick my camera lens through her window!

Would you like to guess what was happening behind that curtain?

I will be short on comments for the next few days. I'm off spending time with dear friends.

I'll check in from time to time!

Le Chanteur de Rue

Oh the Place des Vosges. As you know I was so fortunate to stay near there this last trip. It's a very special neighborhood. I had some time alone there and one afternoon, as I strolled around I heard music and this marvelous soprano voice. Imagine my surprise. This man, Jean Do Cardi, was singing, but not with words really. There he was, with his bright blue scarf blowing in the breeze. Another Paris moment.

Par la Fenêtre

In June I revisited Shakespeare & Co. I finally made my way to the back of the shop and up the stairs. Oh, it's a sight to behold. I will share more photographs with you, but today a charming view from the upstairs window. This if for my loyal reader Gary who requested some photos for his 5th grade students! I am always happy to honor reader requests when I possibly can.

You'll love this: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2hLk11K9OPI

Le Plafond - Église Bray sur Seine

Today a trip back to Bray sur Seine. I thought these iron supports for the domed ceiling were interesting. This is a small but charming village church. It is obviously not as grand and ornate as many churches in Paris, but lovely nonetheless. I have posted photos of this church here and here.

Deux Chats

Thorigny sur Oreuse, France

La Dame Dans La Fenêtre

Place des Vosges

Boules

This was my favorite find at the Grande Brocante - Quartier Saint Blaise last month in the 20eme. Since I have often enjoyed photographing the pétanque players at Luxembourg and the Palais Royal gardens, I especially loved seeing this vintage set in its nicely worn case.

Merci Claudine pour cette vidéo!!

Rouge, Blanc et Noir

Just around the corner from Église Saint Severin

I'm sure you've guessed why I took this shot, not to mention the funky pattern on the tabletops. It's something I don't remembering seeing in a Paris café before. Add the rouge serviettes de table, and voilà!

Field Trip, Paris Style

While poking around the shops at Village St. Paul, I spotted this schoolboy at the end of this corridor. He and his friends were giggling and playing, so I walked through to see what they were up to. I found this gaggle of students with their teacher, just leaving the Academie de Magie, balloon animals and all! Shown here previously.

100 French Strangers Challenge - L'artiste

French Stranger #68

The Village St. Paul in the Marais is not only a treasure trove of interesting shops, but I found several "strangers" as well. Meet Olivia Clétienne, an artist who does original and restorative work. Today two photographs that caught my eye when I approached her studio. That red bucket on the old paint spattered chair caught my eye as well as the fact that she was standing in the doorway painting. She heard the click of my shutter and turned, so I walked up and talked with her for a few minutes. I have another photograph that I liked of her as well. I'll share it another day.

Église St. François de Sales

Today another church in Paris that I had not visited previously. As Marie, Genie and I walked back to our Métro from lunch in the 17eme, we passed this church, and I asked if we could stop in for just a few minutes. I'm always surprised and delighted at every church I've visited in Paris and in the countryside. They are all special in their own way.