Paris Focus

Thanksgiving Sunshine!

2011-11-24T19:58:00.003+01:00

Paris does not have much sunshine in November while Las Vegas always seems to shine, but nothing seems brighter than my favorite little bundle of Sunshine! My 2nd Niece, who now calls me "Florence", as she hears her mother call me.

Hannah

I have no title of "Aunt Florence" with her, but today I give her the title of Thanksgiving Day Sunshine.

Hope you all have a Thanksgiving filled with just as much sunshine in your lives.

Home for the Holidays (and my sister's Birthday) at the Last Minute

2011-11-22T23:30:00.002+01:00

Since my sister is not going to go anywhere or do anything special for her 50th birthday this year, I’ve decided last minute, to bring Paris to Las Vegas and share a few of my favorite Parisian things with her.
Luckily a friend, (like an Angel) helped me book a last minute flight.

If my life were a movie, The scene begins as I board the Delta flight. The attendant looks at my boarding pass and points to a seat in the First Class section. "She must be mistaken." I think to myself as I show her my boarding pass again. She kindly points with a smile to the seat in First Class. It wasn’t a mistake. "Maybe my friend who booked the ticket really is an Angel?" hmm.

As I moved the neatly folded small duvet, full sized pillow, travel kit (which included socks, a toothbrush, toothpaste, a sleeping mask and other goodies), and stereo headsets from the seat to settled in, a second flight attendant offered one of six glasses of champagne she held on a silver tray. “Uh, No Thanks.” I replied.

This was all beginning to feel like a dream, as I was still in a daze at how I managed to actually make it on the plane in the first place, after oversleeping, showering and dressing in 10 minutes and catching a taxi that flew like a bat out of hell to get to the airport. The movie continues...

Delta Airlines First Class, any movie I choose and Warm nuts for starters....mmmm!

Shortly after takeoff, the flight levels off; linen covers are placed on the tray tables, warm nuts, champagne, wine, water, sodas are kindly offered. I have to pinch myself as my dream of flying First Class 11 hours International is being realized. Dinner was served on china with silverware.

Dessert Tray-"Am I dreaming?"

A few hours after dinner, I was awaken by a the warm sweet smell of chocolate cookies that were baked in flight, filling the cabin with a wonderful aroma. The cookies were served on china with a glass of milk. I pinched myself again. Eleven hours later, the wonderful dream ended as we arrived in the States.

A few favorite things from Paris arrived at my sister's dining room table.

Nearly midnight, I arrived at my sisters house to wish her a Happy 50th Birthday and to share a bag of "Paris" with her. Although the intention for the last minute trip was to surprise for my sister for her Birthday, I was just as surprised by the journey that seemed like a wonderful dream.

The journey continues as I plan to spend the next few months with my family.

I Hope your Holidays are just as wonderful!

Thankful for a Carte de Sejour (Resident Permit) in Paris!

2011-11-17T23:36:00.003+01:00

The morning started with a taxi ride to the local "Prefecture" (local authorities) where the last process of "Renewal of authorisation to stay" in France began.

Taxi Ride to renew Visa

almost there...

Although I had an appointed time of 12 noon, arriving 45 minutes early was enough extra time to calm my nerves and realize that my French was "good enough" to get through the reception and sign-in process.

Twenty-five minutes after signing in and sitting in the large modern waiting room, the announcement: "Mademoiselle Florence, guichet dix (window 10)." was understood perfectly.

At window 10 I presented the following 5 Items: Copies of my Passport Photo and Visa pages, 4 Black and White head shot photos, a copy of my electric bill, a bank statement, birth certificate and translation.

In just under 2 hours, the process was successfully completed with the woman at window 10 explaining in broken English, the actual resident permit card would be ready for pick up near the end of January 2012.
Voila! Success!

Temporary French Resident Permit


"It's beginning to look alot like Christmas"

To make the afternoon even better, more signs of Christmas was a nice surprise at the end of my walk to La Defense. I will be sure to return when this Christmas village open! I can hardly wait.

To top it all off, it was nice to take a break and make a toast with a friend among swanky Parisian surroundings.

A Wonderful Day!

Ah, a new life begins again in Paris...

Can you guess what I'll be thankful for on Thanksgiving, next week?

A Random Night Connecting in Paris

2011-11-15T23:47:00.034+01:00

"This better be worth missing a Bikram Yoga session." I think to myself as I head out the door to meet my French friend Florence, for an International networking session hosted by Alicia Summer of Let's Connect in Paris.

Le Optician

The venue was at an Obstetrician (yes!), with eye glasses and frames everywhere.
Thanks to Alica's effortless ability to successfully make connections and generate a crowd mix from age "24 to 60" (per her invitation), the night was more than worth missing one Bikram Yoga session.

Connecting in Paris

Networking...

Mixing...

The atmosphere was perfect for professional networking while there were also several opportunities for personal networking for singles with the availability of single men...for rent! (Networking with a twist).

"Rent a Man" a difficult choice.

Music was provided by a "real cutie-pie" (as described by a woman attending), LiPO. Watch 1 minute video below.

LiPO

Watch one random minute with Florence, LiPO, and Florence

Although this was a typical random night in Paris, my BFF-NYC reminded me, that these are events that others want to read about.

Networking amongst a moose in Paris.


The Music Man LiPO

Ballet

Lastly, the comfy sofa was moved away, and the night was topped off with a ballet performance. Let's Connect in Paris didn't leave anything out this night. Get on the guest list to attend the next event if you're in Paris.

Random night outs are easy to create, just select a local event or accept any invitation to one, call a local BFF (1 or 2 day last-minuteish) and GO!

Share your random night out with others in a comment or link below.

Looking Like Christmas.

2011-11-11T22:35:00.001+01:00

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas on this 11-11-11 day, although this was the only light on the street so far.

ah Christmas!

The song below keep playing in my mind as all the holiday lights are starting to glow!
I love this time of year. I love the lights, the fresh chilly air, the Christmas trees, chestnuts roasting on the street vendors grills, and everything in the video.

Bikram Yoga in Paris--Awesome!

2011-11-08T23:43:00.002+01:00

My younger sister swears by Bikram Yoga in Las Vegas, my friend Kristen is a Hot Yoga instructor, and Roger has been praising Bikram Yoga since I met him 2 years ago.

Just before his last day in Paris, I joined him for my first ever Bikram yoga session. Now I understand what all the praise is about. Everything I read about Bikram yoga on the internet totally turned me against it. I had images of stinky, sweaty people in a crowded dark, damp, steamy room. No Thanks!

Those horrible images actually made my first experience that much better, since the room was indeed hot, but it was neither stinky, dark, damp nor crowded. The studio was actually very clean and brightly lit. (it's dark only in the beginning to relax before the session begins, then in the end to relax once more).

I only have two words for Bikram Yoga in Paris: "I'm Addicted!"

My 10 days unlimited session ended yesterday and I just purchased my first month membership. I would have gladly bought the 3 month session, but I will be in Las Vegas for the holidays.

Hopefully Holiday photos will show a more healthy physique.
I'm already slightly more flexible and I've skipped a few days of taking multivitamins and don't miss them at all! So far-so good.

Lunch with Author Genevieve Paulson and Friends

2011-10-27T16:10:00.013+02:00

Although Ana's friend and author Genevieve was only in Paris for a whirlwind week, while Sharon and Roger were in Paris for a whirlwind 2 weeks, we were all literally blessed to have shared an afternoon of conversation and insights with Genevieve at La Gazzetta Restaurant.

Sharon, Genevieve, Ana and Roger

Roger, me and "Belle mom".

For a taste of our conversation, check out Books by Genevieve!

Midnight in Paris Location at Noon

2011-10-24T22:52:00.003+02:00

"Are you two going to wait there until midnight?" a couple from South Carolina asked Roger and I as we sat on the church steps discussing the Woody Allen film, 'Midnight in Paris'.

We were trying to capture just the right angle for a photo where "Gil" (the movie character waited till midnight).

"No, just until we get the right photo." Roger replied as he snapped my picture.

Noon in Paris

Scene from Midnight in Paris, When the "magic" happens.

Waiting for the magic.

One of many beautiful locations of the movie.

Midnight in Paris Movie Trailer

Midnight in Paris: One of my favorite movies of the year!

Roger's Birthday(s) in Paris.

2011-10-22T23:49:00.072+02:00

"Where shall we meet?", I asked Roger who has returned to Paris with his mother and sister in tow, to help celebrate his 50th birthday.

"Pont Nuef." he replied confidently, as if he knew the most beautiful sunset would be waiting to backdrop our nearly 1 year reunion. (Has it been that long?)

"Okay, I'll be there. I'm looking forward to seeing your beautiful mom again and meeting your sister." I said at the end of dinner planning conversation.


Sunset View from Pont Neuf

(This view has motivated me to purchase a new camera to fully capture the true beauty of Paris.)

Christie, Roger, Belle mom (Sharon) and me.

Christie and Sharon


mmm...Roger's post Birthday dinner. Mexican in Paris!

Roger's birthday was actually on the 20th (two days ago), but I have a feeling he will be celebrating it every day for the next week they will be in Paris. Why not?

Drawing Addict in Paris

2011-10-19T16:59:00.000+02:00

It was another bustling Friday night when my friend asked me, "What are you going to do tonight?"
"I'm going to draw a leaf!" I replied.
I'm almost afraid to check the blog to see what I was doing around this same time last year, but somehow I think it may have been something a little more...(exciting?).

However, I absolutely love life right now. Drawing has become therapeutic and tranquil which is a nice surprise this new hobby offers. Who knew?

The week began with more drawing lessons at Madame Claude's studio, (click here for details).

Drawing lessons at Claude's Studio

Just following the lines--Drawing the picture upside down, is an interesting technique we learned.


My drawing addiction has begun.

Madame Claude kindly reminds me to focus on techniques first, as I am preparing for my first gallery exhibition. Okay, maybe I will do a mini-exhibit blog post. Stay tuned art fans!

Tripping Over the Trois Mousquetaires

2011-10-09T19:53:00.016+02:00

...and just when I thought life doesn't get any better than this, I trip over a blind man. Yes, seriously. I can't believe it's true, but I actually tripped over a blind man.

In amazement I still wonder, Who trips over blind people!?

Fashion Week in Paris is partly to blame, followed by the French advertisement systems. My fateful "trip" begins as Fashion Week just ended. I was inspired by seeing the tall, graceful models walking down the street, shopping, or just sitting at the cafes. They all seemed to wear high heels which made them appear even more graceful and elegant. This is where I blame them for the inspiration to wear 5 inch (13mm) heels to a lunch date I had on the Champs Elysees.

Exhibit A - 5 Inch Heels to appear "Graceful and Elegant"

As I hurried through the metro in my Fashion Week inspired heels, I will now blame the French advertising system, as the almost 3D looking poster of The Three Muskateers caught my eye with Mathew MacFadden's sword looking like it was actually coming out of the photo.

Exhibit B - An Attractive Poster

But it was the second photo of "Milady" that held my attention as I wondered who the woman was in the Three Musketeers. (why couldn't the French just post one poster?!)

Exhibit C - Who is the woman in the poster?

Looking back at the photos, it seemed like both characters watched me as I thought, "hmm, I didn't know there was a woman in the Trois Mousq........" next, everything seemed to move in slow motion as I looked forward; I saw in the bottom peripheral of my eye a thin white stick just about to touch across my left ankle, as my right foot was coming forward. At the exact moment I realized it was a blind mans stick at my feet, I attempted to jump; but somehow trying to jump over a blind mans cane in 5 inch heels when one foot is already in the air makes things worst. Just before the jump, my ankle decided to twist to the right, while my body was in the middle of the attempted jump. Still in slow motion, I could either fall on the ground to the right or grab the closest object (which was the blind man) to break the fall.

I chose the blind man, as my arms flailed across his head and shoulders, I grabbed his arm to prevent my fall. No longer in slow motion, I frantically dusted him off as if he were the one who fell, I apologized in English and French simultaneously. In a flash I was hot and angry (I thought I was the tripped victim), but everyone was looking at me, like it was all my fault. I walked quickly around a corner; humiliated. As the man silently continued on his way, I realized that it really was all my fault. I suppose even if he had a seeing eye dog, I would have probably tripped over the dog too. ($#%& Three Musketeers poster!)

When I shared the humiliating story during lunch, I expected a little sympathy from an understanding friend, but instead I watched as she nearly fell off her chair laughing.

I won't dare ask if life gets better than this, but I sure hope so.
Am the only one in the world to create such an awkward moment?

Drawing Paris. Does Life Get Better?

2011-10-06T21:41:00.001+02:00

It's true, my "real life" seems to be completely unmanageable, falling apart and going absolutely nowhere. (there, I said it. Now I wonder if admitting it will actually make it any better? hmm...) Meanwhile, my blog life in Paris still remains an absolute dream.

This week my friend inspired me to join a Paris WICE Cultural Drawing class (click for info) What could possibly be a more relaxing and enjoyable way to let go of bothersome real-world thoughts than drawing the beauty of Paris on a random weekday afternoon on the Ile St Louie? (the small island in the center of Paris).

I am definitely not a creative artist (yet), but inside the relaxing almost meditative state one gets drawn into while concentrating on the object being drawn anything seems possible. The instructor, Madame Pollack has an intuitive way of encouraging each student to bring out their creative streak which is both inspiring and motivating.

Instructor, Claude Pollack comments on each Masterpiece at the end of the session.

The "Subjects" of my morning masterpiece (now completely rearranged).

The view, while gazing up from drawing. "Ah, what fabulous morning."

The Tabletop Exhibit of the students work.

There's a unique Master Artist in each student.

An early morning drawing class in the center of Paris, is a relaxing way to de-stress at the start of the day, week, month or season. As always, I have to ask, "Does life get any better?"

Paris Fashion Week

2011-10-04T16:28:00.000+02:00

It's fashion week in Paris, and all I can manage to do this year, between French lessons, Coaching in English, and trying to get my own business up and running is snap a few photos of the department store windows at Galeries La fayette as I rush home.

This is as good as it gets for my fashion week.

New York

London

Milan

Paris

These all seem to be the "everyday style" of the Parisians. Yet another reason to love this city!

Over the Counter Drugs and a Great Friend

2011-09-22T18:30:00.002+02:00

"What can I bring you? I've got Tylenol, Aleve, Benadryl...." my friend Ana offered, concerned about my laryngitus voice over the phone.
It's true, I absolutely love Paris, but a few things that can really cloud up my rose colored love affair with this city:

1. Being sick and single in Paris.
2. Not being able to go to Walgreens, CVS or even Wal-mart to pick up a few over the counter drugs.

Oh, how I miss American drugs. Why don't the French have over the counter drugs? Why don't they have the good stuff, like Tylenol, Robitussin or anything cold and flu?

Thank God for good friends in Paris

...and thank God for wonderful Parisian desserts! (all of them)

Just last week Ana and I were laughing and talking over her home-made pizza and wonderful French pasteries.

One week later, I was sick with a cold. Thank God for American friends in Paris who bring a few extra over the counter drugs back with them. I'm almost over the mysterious cold, no thanks to French meds or a French man.

A Social Mixer in Paris

2011-09-17T16:30:00.003+02:00

I have to admit, sometimes my blog life has a hard time keeping up with my real life. And there's a big huge difference in the two.

In my real life here in Paris, I am working towards keep my life balanced, between friends, family, health, fitness,creating a business, accomplishing personal goals, managing finances, becoming fluent in french, and creating and keeping a strong spiritual foundation.

In my blog life, I am focused on "Just Living, while doing my own something in the present moment." Those present moment are captured in the photos shared.

This post is from a moment of living last week at: The Controversial Manual's Social Mixer held at Le China.

Instead of writing about the event myself, I will simply link to Paris Insights, the blog of Monique and Tom. (the couple who invited me to the social mixer) where you can read more about last weeks event.


meeting Florence at the Metro

"I thought smoking was not allowed in the metro stations." I asked my French Friend Florence, the night we met For the Controversial Manual Social Mixer.
"It's not permitted", she replied in French, "It's strictly forbidden." she mumbled with a cigarette dangling from her mouth.
"Hold on. Stand still." I said, as I snapped her photo. "This is appropriate for a controversial evening." I thought to myself.

Inside Le China where the Social Mixer was hosted

Florence, Florence and Monique

Sarah and Courtney

Florence and Florence (I love having a Parisian friend with the same name!)

A corner of The Social Mixer

A Social Mixer

This was just another night spent with a few good friends in Paris and another reason J'aime Paris!

We Will Never Forget - Moving Forward in Peace 10 Years Later

2011-09-11T20:03:00.006+02:00

The 10 year anniversary of September 11th 2001 was remembered in France as well as the U.S.

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

President Obama reads Psalms 46 at Ground Zero.

meanwhile, The American Church of Paris hosted a memorial ceremony at the Statue of Liberty in Paris.

Statue of Liberty, Paris 11 Sept 2011 (she intentionally faces New York City) We will never forget.

We came from all walks of Life to remember today.

The Progrem (double click photo to enlarge)

U.S. Ambassador Charles Rivkin

Peace from Paris.

Pastor Scott Herr, American Church in Paris

His Excellency Ambassador Rivkin lays the wreath for victims and heros.

An earlier ceremony took place at Place du Trocadéro

No matter where we are, we will never forget in moving forward towards peace.

Heavy Winds and Rain on a Saturday night Dream.

2011-09-03T23:49:00.003+02:00

Heavy rains and high winds on Saturday night reminded me of Hurricane Irene as we enjoyed a few cocktails and dinner at a cozy corner cafe. "I have a feeling, nobody's going anywhere, any time soon." my friend leaned over and whispered to me, just as our other friend got up to snap a few photos.
"Ah, yes. I agree, nobody's leaving right now." I replied as I pulled out my camera to capture the photos from where I was sitting.

There's nothing like sharing a comfort food dinner (Roasted Chicken and beer), great conversation (Paris Goals, Success Stories, and Blessings), and laughter with a few friends on a Saturday night in a corner Parisian cafe while a cool "tropical" breeze blows past.

We're all going to be here for a while....

As the tropical storm rains pour down outside.

Walking home, after the storm, chestnut trees show signs of the battering rain and wind as chestnuts and leaves covered the sidewalk.


The Seine shares a cool fresh breeze as I cross the bridge on the way home.

Even with heavy rain and high winds, the evening was still perfect. (this is still my dream in Paris after all).

French Visa Renewal -- First Appointment, So Far So Good.

2011-08-31T23:57:00.003+02:00

This afternoon was a clear reminder of my status in Paris. "Immigrant". For some reason I like the term "foreigner" much better, but today I was clearly an Official Immigrant as I followed the stream of non-Parisians through the prison like enclosure and security of the immigration office. My one-year visa expires in a few months and it was recommended to start the renewal process early.

I was pleasantly surprised (once again) of the efficiency of the French immigration process. The office was located in a modern building and the processing system was set up very similar to the DMV system in the states, only an almost modern luxury interior with state of the art numbering system and modern design wooden seating. Very clean, very impressive.

Within 20 minutes of passing through the security entry, I was given a number, called to Window 4, processed and on my way back out the door. Done!

Granted, this was my initial renewal visit, so I was only registered and given a second appointment date to return with a list of documents. My only concern is that the return appointment is one week prior to my actual Visa expiration date. (I'm going to trust the "system") The required documents are basically the same requirements as the initial visa: Photocopies of Passport pages, Bank Statements, Proof of Living arrangements in Paris, copy of the initial visa, and the one exception (now needed) is a translated copy of my Birth Certificate.

The only part of this renewal process (so far) that annoys me, is the birth certificate translation requirement. However, it's only a minor document to take care of, and I'm keeping my fingers crossed that the actual renewal process will go smoothly in a few months. So far, so good. On my way back home, I decided to snap a few photos of the area to share with those who's lives don't involve a visit to the immigration office.

The immigration office was just around the corner from a very modern "Paris".

My Immigration office (based on where I live) is very close to La Defense.

Yes, this is Paris...well, actually this is the La Defense Area, just above the 17th Arrondissment.


La Defense.

Once again, my experience with the French Immigration was a pleasant surprise, since I have only heard horror stories of crowds, long waiting periods, and rude administration. For this initial renewal appointment, I was in and out the door in less than 30 minutes. (I decided to arrive at 3:30 in the afternoon...so maybe I missed the morning rush?). Today was just one more day to add to my reasons for absolutely lovin' life in Paris!

A Place of Yes and a Margarita in Paris.

2011-08-26T23:18:00.004+02:00

My younger sister's enthusiasm for this book (look left) has rubbed off on me as I watch her blazing through exciting goals and accomplishments in her own life in Las Vegas. She's fueled by her new BFF, Bethenny Franklel's book "A Place of Yes".

I bought the book. I'm inspired! From my own place of yes, I've decided to change my personal motto from "Just Live." to:

"Do your own "something" in the now."

Martini and Croque Monsieur meets (almost) Skinnygirl Margarita

Bethenny Frankel also created the Skinnygirl Margarita , a product which I don't think has made it to Paris. Inspired by her anyway, I ordered the margarita and a croque monsieure to celebrate, discovering my "Place of Yes", the last few days of summer and the beginning of a new season in Paris.

Walking Home, just a random photo of Eglise de las Sainte-Trinte

...still walking, no matter how many times, I see the sparkling tower in the evening, it takes my breath away.

My place of yes, is still someplace in Paris...(to be continued).

The End of Summer.

2011-08-22T23:00:00.001+02:00

On a random Monday summer afternoon, I decided to hop on the bus to capture a few more summer photos. Summer is coming to an end and the reminders are all around the city.

Traffic becomes more lively as the summer ends.

The "Paris Beach" begins it's depart.

The Summer is ending, the cars will be back soon.

Parisians are slowly returning to the city for "Rentree", who knows what changes the next season will bring? I'm looking forward to them all.
Although I love all four seasons, Fall and Spring are the best times of year in Paris with a few days in Winter (when the Christmas Lights come out) and a few mild days in Summer for bike rides and picnics.

Here's to changing seasons!

Summer Dancing on the Seine

2011-08-13T14:03:00.026+02:00

Summer in Paris. Dancing on the Seine. What could be better?

On the way to meet a few friends along the Seine, I couldn't help capturing the summer cloudy sky.

Look like rain, but who cares? It's Paris rain!

"Uh on second thought. I will not be dancing. I decide to watch."

Tango in Paris.

The tempo of Paris never get's dull as I enjoy another Summer in Paris.

Single American Woman's Love of Paris

2011-08-11T21:05:00.000+02:00

"Ah, you must like Paris because you are a single African-American women living over there right?" I was asked via email the other day.

"Wrong." I repied, in more or less words.

If a picture's worth 1,000 words, here are another few thousand more words to share just a few of the things I love about Paris. (double click the photos to enlarge)

First thing I love, the tower...of course!

Second thing, the outdoor cafe's and all the people that come with them.

I love the outdoor fresh fruit markets.

....and vegetables. The French have a way of making everything so beautiful.

I'll admit, I hardly eat enough fresh fruits and veggies, but it's nice to know they're here.

I love the narrow streets that all look the same, but are all so different. And the artful cobblestone streets.

The old buildings, architecture, and history of Paris is amazing.


and, of course the pastries, on every corner, which I have eaten my fair share.

There's so much more about this city to love, but hopefully you get the picture; being a single American woman has absloutly nothing to do with my love for this city.

A Night I Almost Forgot

2011-08-07T21:50:00.001+02:00

[Conversation with Friend 1]:
"No, you didn't see me last night, it was the night before." a friend explained to me.
"Ah yes, it was two nights ago." I remember.

[Conversation with Friend 2]:
"I saw you when you finished working, yesterday. Remember" I told another friend.
"Oh no, it wasn't yesterday, it was the night before." my friend corrected me.

[Conclusion]:
I thought for a while longer. "Ah yes, of course it wasn't yesterday, I was out with a few friends yesterday."

Yesterday is the day I almost forgot about, luckily I did have a few photos in my camera to remind me, that we must have had fun!

Party (Inside)

A Few New Friends

Party (Outside)

More New French Friends

Internationals Host Benoit

...and still a few more friends.

Excellent Food

Actually, I (almost) clearly remember the laughter, excellent food, good conversations and new friends at the Quartier Latin Ristorante-Bar-Pizzeria.(1 rue Mouetard, 75005)
There was also wonderful pizza and pasta (not pictured) all night long!

Sometimes We Hold on Too Long

2011-08-04T23:44:00.002+02:00

"You go your way, and I'll go mine." I'm too afraid to say outloud.

It's Healing Time.

Life and Music at Marche Aux Puces

2011-07-31T16:20:00.038+02:00

"It's interesting that two men would want to go to the flea market on the weekend, isn't it?" I ask my friend Ana-Maria as we get out of the car and follow Jean and Jacques down the alley leading towards the market.
"Yes, isn't it wonderful?" Ana replies.

"They're attractive, and they're not gay." I add, "I think it's just because they are French." Why else would two straight men have plans of going to the flea market on a Sunday afternoon? It must be because they're French. My mind tries to rests with that thought.

"What did you want to buy here?" I ask Jean, still curious about why we are here.
"Oh, eats because I think Jacques wants to buy some-sing." he replies in English with the French accent I love.
"What does Jacques want to buy here?" I whisper to Ana-Maria.
"Oh, I think we are here because Jean wanted to come." She replies.

Sometimes in life, the reasons don't really matter, and the point is to enjoy the moment, I remind myself.

The thought reminds me of this video: Life and Music

Enjoying Life and Music in the sunshine at Marche Aux Puces

Marche Aux Puces , Paris

Life and Music with Jean

In Life we are supposed to dance! Even if it's in the middle of a flea market.

Jean and Ana-Maria


Who care's why we're here. The day was perfect. (Ana, Jean and Jacques)

Florence and Ana-Maria


Just Dance!

Another wonderful Sunday afternoon in Paris. I'm beginning to wonder how long my rose-colored Parisian glasses are going to last. For now, lets just keep dancing.

Saying A Revoir to Mike

2011-07-30T22:35:00.002+02:00

"You remember Mike?" my French friend Florence tells me in a phone conversation early this morning.
"Hmm, Mike, Michel?, Michael?, Mike? uh No." I reply.
"Mike from a few Sundays ago? Remember?" she asks as if I can remember a few Sundays back, which I cannot.
"No." I reply.
"Ah, oh la-la!? Well, anyway he's leaving and he's having a party. We want you to come! There will be mostly French people, and a few Americans, but you must practice your French!" She says in perfect English with her usual French accent.

"Alright, I'll be there, I'm sure I'm going to miss him when he leaves. What shall I bring?", I ask.
"Ah, just a bottle of wine, if you like.", she replied.

The party was an interesting mix of all the wonderful people you find in Paris, each with unique backgrounds, cultures, occupations, hobbies and experiences to share.

Florence and Florence


Mike (seated) and Didier

"Ah, yes. I remember Mike"

Mike, (his French friend), Florence and her boyfriend

Mike's Guests: French, American, German, and African.

The View: Modern Parisian Rooftops

A Few New Friends

French girl eats, and doesn't get fat!

French girl drinks and still doesn't get fat.

Watching the Sunset over the horizon

Another wonderful evening in Paris

Florence and Florence

Eventually I remembered Mike, and he will be missed, but he'll be back as usual, for his 11th year, next year.

Just Dessert

2011-07-29T22:50:00.001+02:00

How could I forget to post the most important photos of any breakfast, lunch or dinner in Paris?
Dessert of Course.

(Hmm, I wonder if it would be a worthy project to sample, photograph and blog about just desserts of Paris. It would take a lifetime, but could be a worth project.

From last week, here's our photos of Dessert at Bar du Central, which is always a treat on a Sunday afternoon or any day for that matter.

Creme Brulee

Cafe Gourmand

Bar du Central in the 7th Arrondissement, is one of my favorite little cozy places at 99 rue St Dominique. The wait staff are super friendly, portions are (in my opinion) pretty large, and every dish I've had so far, which is nearly every Sunday, has been wonderful.

Bon Appite, if you ever go!

A Confession

2011-07-27T14:08:00.005+02:00

"Eat's Im-pos-e-blah, that you don't have a lover in your life!?" my friend exclaims as if I made a confession I was raised in a Cambodian orphanage.

I've wasted time on Love, I confessed, and I lie. I lie to myself about the illusions of Love that come my way.
Today I've decided to post my confession.

My confession is: I lie.

I only lied to myself this time...

"People don't believe lies because they have to,
but because they want to." - a quote

I wanted to, at the time.

Now I realize, the worst lies are the lies we tell ourselves.

This song is dedicated to my lies.

My Best Kept Secret -- Bar du Central

2011-07-24T21:22:00.044+02:00

Almost every Sunday after church, (it's become somewhat of a ritual) we get together to talk about our life issues, goals, hopes, dreams, (men) and plans for the future. One of our favorite places to eat is Bar du Central (Just around the corner from the American Church in Paris...and always open for a late lunch after the 1:30 Service).

We're still counting down Chef Robbin's last few days (2) remaining in Paris.

"Cheers, to Beginning a New Chapter Soon!"

Florence and Chef Robbin

One of my Favorite things to do in Paris, and Bar du Central is one of the best places to do it.

I was craving chicken. This was better than I expected.

"Delicious!" said Chef Robbin.

Bar du Central is one of my "Best Kept Secrets" of a Sunday Afternoon.

A Floating Island and Mousse au Chocolate

2011-07-22T15:48:00.003+02:00

"You have to try it." Chef Robbin insisted, before taking a spoonful of her dessert.
"What is it?", I asked having no idea if it were ice cream, whipped cream, or a lump of frosting.

"It's Ile Flottante, also called Floating Island." Robbin explained with a smile of amusement that I had never heard of this French dessert made from whipped egg whites.

"I can never get past Mousse au Chocolate", when I see it on the dessert menu, I confessed.

Chef Robbin (as I like to call her) and Dessert

Mousse au Chocolate and Ile Flottante

Me (my hand is still bandaged from falling, but I can still hold a spoon) and Dessert

After returning home, I researched the recipe and found this one to share, just in case you can't come to Paris and try this wonderful dessert for yourself:

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/ile-flottante-recipe/index.html

If you're like me and cannot resist Mousse au Chocolate, here's the perfect recipe:

http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2008/05/perfect-chocola/

Counting down the days until Robbin returns to the States next Tuesday, what better way to spend the afternoon than over dessert?

Twenty Minutes with BFF in Paris.

2011-07-18T21:30:00.001+02:00

My cell phone rings as it sits next to my laptop.
“Girl!”, I hear as I finish my “Hello?”

I’ve known her since we were both 11 years old, so maybe that why from hearing just one word, I knew something was going on that she wasn’t happy about. I could almost hear “WTF?!”, although she didn’t say it. In the brief pause, I knew she was about to say something unexpected.

“Why didn’t you call me back? Didn’t you get my message? Where have you been? I’ve been trying to get in touch with you! We’re in Paris! We’re leaving tonight. I’ve been trying to call you all morning. Where are you? We’re on our way to London. I wanted to see you girl!” she said in one long sentence.

“Did she just say she’s in Paris?” I thought to myself, wondering where I was this morning. Did I have a hangover? No, that was the night before. Why was my body aching? Oh, yeah, I tripped and fell down when I went running last night. I was in so much pain this morning, I took a few pain pills, called my French teach to cancel our lessons and crawled back into bed to recuperate.

“Did you just say we’re in Paris?” my mind cleared as I asked her. “Yes!” she said. “We’re on the Champs Elysees!”

“You’re 10 minutes away from me. I’m coming to see you!” I told her as I grabbed a scarf to tie over my tangled hair from sleeping on it all afternoon; after getting directions rushed out the door to meet her.

Me and BFF, Marilena from the 6th Grade

Marilena, me and "Little-Girl" Victoria

Marilena, Mr E, and Victoria
(the Professional Traveling Family)

Marilena and Victoria

"Okay, you can take a picture of me, but don't put it on your blog!", Victoria insists.

"Okay, I will." I reply.

(she's so adorable)

Gare de Nord, Paris

20 minutes is about all the time we had to spend together at Gare de Nord (North Train Station of the Eurostar). In a flash they were in Paris, and just as quickly they were gone. We promised to meet again in NYC on Halloween.

A Party on the Seine Tonight

2011-07-16T23:46:00.027+02:00

“Florence, come and enjoy Paris from the Seine River with a nice Cruise? ;-) You’re invited to our Summer cruise and live concert party on the River King Houseboat.”, Benoit’s email said to me.
The only reason I had the courage to show up solo, after my Parisian friend Florence couldn’t make it at the last minute, was because I knew Benoit would be there. Sure enough, when I arrived, he was standing at the entrance of his Houseboat International Party.

“I’m alone tonight.” I said almost apologizing when as we greeted with a kiss on both cheeks.
“Good! You only need somebody to help you put on this wristband, and I am going to do that for you.” He replied as he fastened a bright orange band around my wrist then holding my hand leading me to a group of his French friends for introductions.

The drinks were two for one, the food was a mix of Italian pasta, French and American appitizers, the band was French, the DJ music was all American, and the crowd was all interesting and international. We danced and laughed the night away.

Me and Benoit (the perfect host)

New International Friends

French, American, Canadian, Indian

Houseboat top Deck with a View.

Me and Julie (a new French friend)

Benoit doing what he always does during the night for his website.

Another beautiful evening in Paris.

Sometimes I want to pinch myself on evenings like tonight. Maybe it's all just another wonderful dream.

Bastille Day

2011-07-14T23:14:00.003+02:00

"Everybody knows La Fete Nationale is every July 14th." my friend explains to me as I thought it was the same weekend as our U.S. 4th of July, I told him as I strolled along the Champs Elysees watching bleacher and flags being set up a few days prior to the celebrations.

Bastille Day (referred to as La Fête de la Bastille or La Fête Nationale in French), is a French holiday which marks the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 and the first major event of the French Revolution.

The day begins early with the oldest and largest military parade in Europe, on the Champs Elysees.

The French Revolution

At the Place de la Bastille where the French Revolution began on July 14, 1789 a huge concert takes place. (There's only a small plaque on a wall just outside the metro Bastille that marks the prison location.)

In the evening, the Paris Fire Brigade (Fire Fighters) hold their traditional Bastille Day ball.

My First French Video.

2011-07-13T11:10:00.000+02:00

My French is still not so good, but I am improving every day. Today, I made my first French video for the world to see.

Enjoy!

A Farewell Lunch

2011-07-07T21:28:00.002+02:00

After spending a few years in Paris, our good friend "Chef Robbin" as I like to call her will be returning to the States to start another adventure in life.

We're going to miss her nuttyness. (she really is a hilarious nut case), She's also one of the most creative people I've met in Paris. She's a chef, a painter/artist, jewelry maker, master knitter, photographer and an instructor. Possibilities are endless when she returns to the states.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed, that she'll be back in Paris to continue her dream soon.

Florence, Robbin, Ana-Maria

Paris Tea House - Je' the Aime

Entrees (Starter) of Ana Maria

Entrees (Starter) of Florence

Entrees (Starter) of Robbin

Another wonderful afternoon of laughter, good converstaion and friends who's personallities are as creative as their choice of starters at this fabalous restaurant. The 1,001 thing I love about Paris (actually I've lost count).

George Washington and Lafayette at The American Church in Paris

2011-07-03T20:08:00.006+02:00

Stained Glass Window - The American Church in Paris

One of my favorite places to be on a Sunday afternoon is sitting under the beautiful stained glassed windows at the American Church in Paris, (1:30 Service) listening to inspiring music and a positive message in English. The messages shared by the pastor are always uplifting and positive (as opposed to condemning, preachy, boring), resulting in a feeling of renewal and strength when leaving the service to do more of “just livin” in Paris.

Today, on this day before the 4th of July, our pastor once again pointed our attention to one of the breathtaking stain glass windows.
“How many churches can say they have Lafayette and George Washington in a stain glassed window?” he asked the congregation, in appreciation of the historical beauty.

I’ll admit my mind was wondering on barbecue ribs, cole slaw, corn on the cob, potato salad, baked beans, hamburgers and an apple pie…, however looking at the widows made me appreciate details of our American history even more

During the American Revolution, Lafayette who was a French aristocrat, served as a major-general in the Continental Army under George Washington. They were such BFF’s, George Washington (since he had no children) considered Lafayette as his son, and additionally Lafayette named his son George Washington Lafayette.

I’ve seen the two together in a few paintings, and now after a brief explanation during the church service, I understand why. Small details shared about the church history and beauty are a bonus to the Sunday blessings, even when my mind wanders off to a barbecue on the 4th of July.

People Watching in Paris

2011-07-03T12:05:00.000+02:00

One of my favorite things to do in Paris is to just sit around at a cafe, drinking coffee and doing nothing.

Today was spent doing just that with a friend as we sat, drank and people watched.

This is what the Parisians do.

Young, old, and everyone in between.

Watching people stroll past.

Doing Nothing.

Typical Paris Cafes

As a beautiful young French woman strolls past, I admired her straight dark brown hair with golden highlights. "I could rock that hairstyle, if I straighten my curls." I told my friend,as I noticed he was also admiring the young woman.
"uh, mumble, la, mumble, mumble." he replies, still gazing at the woman.

Mmm, "He must not have heard me." I thought as I repeated a little louder, "I said, I could wear my hair like that. What did you said?"
"I said, uh I could hit that." he mumbled a bit clearer.
I wonder if he even notice her hair as she disappeared around the corner? I didn't dare ask.

We enjoyed the evening of drinks, conversation and people watching.

Happy Birthday to Me.

2011-06-30T23:50:00.002+02:00

Another year older in the City of Light.

"What did you do for your birthday?" everyone asks.
"Nothing Special this year." I reply, "Just lunch with a few friends at a cafe near the Champs Elysees."

Another year to stop and smell the flowers.

Another year of saying "Cheese" in my favorite place to be.


Another year of moderation.

There were no candles to blow out this birthday, yet I couldn't have wished for a better place to be in Life.
Thanks to everyone for all the warm Birthday wishes.

Gay Pride Parade Paris 2011

2011-06-25T22:08:00.000+02:00

This is has become a "must see" event of Paris, as my friend and I enjoyed the sights. We were definitely outnumbered as a male-female couple, but I don't think anyone really cared. These photos, speak for themselves.

Beautiful Parisian buildings stand in the background of it all.

The Crowd.

The perfect view.

Sights and Sound Video ( press > to start )

Spyce Indeed!

The End.

Until next year, we'll never see this many "happy" people in one place. The weather was perferct as we kick off another Summer in Paris.

Just Living...again.

2011-06-24T14:44:00.002+02:00

Every year in the Luxembourg Gardens it's the same thing that I love. My motto: "Just Live". Doing nothing sometimes is the best thing to do.

Even the grass gets a chance to "Just Live" (for this week...until the sign changes)

Just Live. (and have a picnic while you're at it)

Just Live

The best time of the year.

Taking a Chance

2011-06-23T03:18:00.003+02:00

Tonight, while having drinks, I've decided to take a chance on him...(again).
then we shared a wonderful dinner at Le Fumoir.

Cozy wonderful cafe restaurant

Steak Tartare (Raw Filet Mignon)

On this night of taking chances, we were served Steak tartare as the chef's amuse brouche. It would be considered rude to send back the raw steak or not to eat it, so for the first time, we both experienced the taste of steak tartare with a small piece of toast and a tiny sliver of lettuce...the best way to take a chance on this delicacy.

Falling in love with Paris all over again.

Priceless Words

2011-06-22T21:53:00.004+02:00

If a picture is worth 1,000 words, I wonder if a few words from my girl friends are priceless?
As I struggle with a decision, today I opened two separate emails from my best girlfriends here in Paris.
I can't resist sharing the opening line of each email, as they shared heartfelt advice,

From Friend 1: "You are gorgeous and intelligent period."

From Friend 2: "First of all let me tell you how much I love you and value you as a friend."

Friend 2 Robbin and Friend1 Ana

Girl friends are priceless and make living in Paris that much more special.

I forgot to add, the advice they shared was exact polar opposites, leaving me to still wonder on my decision.

Fête de la Musique 2011

2011-06-22T01:33:00.003+02:00

"Oh I don't wanna to be the 5th wheel tonight." I told my friend Ana Maria. "Don't worry, my French friend knows a thousand people! You won't be alone." she assured me.
So with that promise, I agreed to go out and celebrate Fete de le Music tonight with 2 girlfriends and their guy friends.

Ten minutes later, my cell phone rings. "Florence! It's Florence! what are you doing tonight!?! When did you get back? Oh my gosh, my day has been so crazy...I'm on the metro now...." it's my French friend Florence who's always enthusiastic.
"Meet me at Palais Royal at 9:00 for Fête de la Musique. I'm meeting a few other friends." I told her.
"Okay!" she agreed.

I always believe everything happens for a reason, and for some reason, Florence and I couldn't mange to find my other friends. (is there such a thing as the 5th and 6th wheel?) We did manage to meet several friendly strangers while enjoying Fête de la Musique 2011, the celebration of the beginning of Summer!

Florence and Florence lost in the crowd

The crowd

The best band of the night. Music from the French territory of Martinique

Sounds of the night

Florence and Florence

(I'm still happy to have a friend with the same name!)

It's just past midnight, reminding me of the movie I saw last night, "Midnight in Paris"

Me and my favorite boots, waiting for the metro home

Fête de la Musique 2011, the beginning of another wonderful Summer in Paris!

A Movie and the Bus.

2011-06-20T22:59:00.000+02:00

This is one of those days where there's not much to blog about. Especially since I just got back after being gone for so long! I still have jet lag and have not unpacked completely. Instead of doing anything productive, went to see the Woody Allen movie: "Midnight in Paris" with my friend the Chef (as I like to call her) Chef Robbin. Of course I loved the movie since it was filmed in Paris and made me realize all over again why I love this amazing city.

After the matinee movie and drinks, I took the bus home and decided to share a few photos from the ride.

Bus Billboard

The gold flame memorial (now for Princess Diana) in the background

The Arc (an almost daily site)

Riding past rows of Haussmanien Buildings

A random tree lined boulevard

Riding the bus in Paris is sometimes a refreshing change to taking the metro.

a Day in Spain

2011-06-16T23:25:00.001+02:00

Our trip back to Paris include a stop in Spain where sunshine and bright sunflowers greeted our arrival at Moron Air Base.

Lodging in Spain for a day.

Fields of Sunflowers

A quiet, calm, peaceful and relaxing place to be.

View from my room.

Note: Spain has very attractive and friendly men.

(Just a slight observation after landing on this military base, clearing customs, catching the shuttle, and checking into the hotel. Sorry, photos would have been awkward to take, but just imagine, nice smiles, fit bodies and long hair pulled back in a pony tail or just hanging down all surrounded by a laid back super cool casual attitude. Ah, the men of Spain. First they speak Spanish then quickly switch over to English when looking in your eyes.)

Delayed by Air Force One

2011-06-13T23:00:00.001+02:00

Heading back to Paris, our flight is delayed. (I decided to travel back to Paris, via a military flight)
"Is that the real Air Force One?" I asked the young man in uniform.
"Yes." he answered.

I wanted to know more.
"Can we fly on it?" since I was waiting for the next available flight, it seemed like a good question.
"You most likely do not have the clearance required to get on that plane." he replied.

That was the end of our friendly conversation as we waited for the President to board and take off to somewhere down south.

Waiting outside for Air Force One to take off.

The President Arrives.

President Obama running up the stairs of Air Force One.

The President at the top of the stairs.

And here's where I could kick myself, as he turned to wave at the crowd, I dropped my camera to wave back. When would I ever get the chance to wave to President Obama?! I waved and waved and gave him two thumbs up. By the time I thought to snap a photo, he had disappeared into the plane.

So this is my best photo. (I'm not perfect)

The Presidential Helicopter departing after the President boards his plane.

The delay was well worth the wait for a glimpse of President Obama.

an Afternoon at Mt Charlston, Las Vegas

2011-06-04T22:36:00.001+02:00

One day after retirement, we spend the afternoon with mom at Mt Charlston, Las Vegas. A cool place to be on a June afternoon in Las Vegas.

Mt Charlston, Las Vegas

A nice place for mom to relax after retirement.

I have a feeling she's going to enjoy not working.

Mom's Retirement Ceremony in Las Vegas

2011-06-03T22:12:00.001+02:00

June came quickly and it seems suddenly I've left Paris to return to LasVegas once again to be among friends and family.

Totally unplanned me, my aunt and my sister decided to wear black and white on this special day.

Mom's Retirement Ceremony after working 35 years for the Federal Government.

3 June 2011

A Special Letter from President Obama!

Dad get's recognition too.

Not Perfect.

2011-04-15T21:49:00.000+02:00

Somewhere between my last few blog post and this one, I got an idea that this blog should be "Perfect", or at least somewhere close to it. Other blogs I read seemed so perfect. Other people's lives also seems so perfect; or at least so much better than mine.

Ah, that's what happens when I compare. I freeze up and do nothing. Along the way, while comparing myself to others, I found this phrase:

"When I compare I despair."

My life will never be "Perfect", my blog will never be perfect. With that...I will continue to blog as best I can...

a Not Perfect Girl

Cooking with Sophie.

2011-04-07T13:55:00.054+02:00

"What did I miss?" I asked Ana-M as she rushed downstairs to let me into Sophie's sunny and spacious Paris apartment.
I was 20 minutes late, even after leaving my morning French lessons early.
"Oh we just put the lamb in the oven. It's covered in hay, and it's wonderful!" Ana explained as we entered the apartment.
"Hay?! Did she just say hay?", I asked a woman standing in the living room, staring at my blank expression.
"Yes, but don't worry, she got it from the pet store, it's in a sealed bag, so its fresh!" Ana-M added with even more excitement.

In Paris, I've learned to keep an open mind about new experiences, especially in cuisine. I opened my mind even wider when another women explained the white asparagus were somewhat of a swamp vegetation.
Hmm, lamb cooked in hay, with a side of swamp vegetation?! "Okay." is the only thing my open mind could think as the surprisingly fresh herby aroma of hay and lamb filled the room.

"Gigot d'agneau au foin" is the name of the dish, Sophie explained in French with her soft French accent it just sounds so much more delicious.

"Did you go to cooking school?" I asked Sophie. "No, I learned everything from my Grandmama." she explained as she flipped the thinly sliced potatoes in a skillet with a quick flick of her wrist.

Sophie

Carving the Lamb

Samples

A Simple Delicious Dessert

After a few more cooking tips, demonstrations, questions and answers, a sampling of a Traditional French dinner: Gigot d'agneau au foin (Leg of Lamb in Hay) was served.

The American Church in Paris makes a Wonderful Afternoon.

2011-04-03T21:03:00.000+02:00

After checking morning emails, my reading glasses get caught in my hair and the left side breaks in half as I remove them. Snap! "$#&*!" I reply, as the morning begins.

Brushing my teeth in a hurry for church, "Crack!" says my toothbrush handle as I scrub my back teeth. "You're kidding me?!" I say to the brush as I lay it on the sink.

Rushing to church; It's rainy and cold as I stand shivering at the ATM machine, waiting to get my monthly cash allowance. "Billet ne sont pas disponibles." Bills are not available...is the message I get. No Cash. I can only smile and walk away.

Arriving at the train station, ah alas, the train is scheduled to be on time. My luck has changed so, I decide to buy a bottle of water to relax and enjoy on the ride to church. Standing in front of the machine, pushing buttons, I hear a voice beside me, "Madam, that machine is not working." a woman explains to me in English.

Why was I not surprised?

This was the morning I explained to my friend Ana-Maria as we met for coffee and lunch after church.

"Oh, you should write about your morning in your blog!" she replied enthusiastically.

Finally making it to church. Today's Program, resting in my lap.

I arrived late. This is the view from the balcony.

First Sunday of the month there was communion and special presentations.

(There's my friend Ana-Maria down there.)

I couldn't resist capturing the beauty of the main window as the pastor pointed out Jesus in red and the stars above His head.

Even on a rainy overcast day, the windows are still so beautiful.

The refreshing April Showers and the inspiring church service cancelled out the morning craziness, and started the beginning of another wonderful afternoon in Paris.

Spring is in the Air - 2011

2011-03-24T21:21:00.000+01:00

Getting back into blogging has been a slow process this year. My life still feels the same with only a few changes, such as no longer assisting Adrian, but instead working on a business of my own, while still trying to build a life in Paris. I'm either too crazy to give up and return to the U.S. to find a "real job", or too courageous to give up on my dream of making a life in Paris.

Who knows where this new adventure and new year will take me, but for now, the beauty of Paris still fascinates me, so I captured a few photos taken after church last Sunday. The sun was shining, the air was crisp, at my favorite place to be in Paris.

Walking to "My Favorite Place to Be in Paris"

Ah, Spring, under Le Tour Eiffel.

Spring fills the air.

Beauty.

Spring is definitely in the air in Paris, and of course it's absolutlely beautiful as always.

Back in Paris...finally!

2011-03-14T11:13:00.006+01:00

Leaving Washington D.C. heading back to Paris!

February 2011

Welcome back. Sorry for shutting everyone out. Keeping up a blog takes time that I didn't have while spending time with family and friends back home.

If you're still interested in Paris Focus, (my life in Paris). Post a comment and let me know you're still out there!

There's No Place Like Home...Las Vegas!

2010-11-24T16:30:00.001+01:00

"Florence! Flooooorence!" I hear my name yelled across McCarren International Airport in Las Vegas, just past security.

It's my older sister, followed by my younger sister, baby niece, then mom, then dad...
Paris is absolutely wonderful, but there's no place like home...just in time for Thanksgiving!

"My family - Girl Power"

....until I return to Paris, I'll be, in Las Vegas surrounded by family.

Good Friends, Good Food, continues...

2010-11-19T23:09:00.001+01:00

"Helloooo Florence, it's 10 AM, what are you doing still asleep?" my French friend Florence wants to know as I answer her call with a 'just rolled out of bed' voice.

"The Beaujolais Nouveau party was last night. Too much wine. I thought you were in the Caribbeans with your father?" I replied to her laughter on the other end of the phone.

"Nooooo, non, we don't leave until December, but you're leaving on Monday so we have to go out and celebrate!" she said with too much enthusiasm for a Friday morning hangover.

"Sure. What's going on?" I wanted to know....

Still in my pajamas at 10am, we made plans for a "Girls Night Out" in Montmartre where tonight until Sunday, the local artist association open their studios to the public.

Florence inside an Artist workshop.

Florence inside an Artist Workshop.
(Florence and the Artist in back)

Ceramics Artist workshop.

New and Interesting Art.

Private workshops open to the public for only 3 days.

Inside a Photographer's workshop.

La Mascotta Restaurant's Fresh seafood.
Eva, Florence and me.

another wonderful evening in Paris.

After meeting local artists, discovering new talents in hidden private workshops, and admiring unique pieces of art, we headed for one of Eva and Florence's favorite restaurants, La Mascotta. An authentic Parisian bar and a brasserie, that's been around for over 120 years.

Good friends, good food, fun and laughter.

Beaujolais Nouveau with Nouveau Friends.

2010-11-18T23:56:00.003+01:00

Celebrating Beaujolais Nouveau with The Internationals at La Baraque is just another reason to love Paris!
"You have your Thanksgiving, and we have our Beaujolais!" a French man at the party said to me.

Beaujolais Nouveau (Bo-zho-LAY New-VOH) is a red wine made from Gamay grapes produced in the Beaujolais region of France. Beaujolais is the most popular "vin de primeur", fermented for only a few weeks then officially released for sale, in a Celebration on the third Thursday of November.

We celebrated the new wine downstairs at La Baraque, an eclectic restaurant with a cozy design.

The First to arrive.

The New Wine!
Me and Benoit (the Host)
New wine and New Friends.
The Celebration.
A French man...and me.
La Baraque.
More Celebration.

More Nouveau Friends.
Benoit and me.

A wonderful way to start of the Holiday Season of Celebrations.

A Song from my Sister.

2010-11-15T16:25:00.008+01:00

"How can you be unhappy in Paris? Your life is fabulous!" my friend wants to know.
I agree, my life in Paris is Wonderful almost every single day, and I am truly happy, but I can't be happy all the time.

Sometimes, it's all I can do to "Just Live."

"It's normal to be unhappy sometimes.", my friend B assures me every time my emotions cascade.

Trying to establish a life in Paris, organize my own international business, pay rent, mortgages, car payments, taxes, cell phone bills, evict tenants long distance, manage property managers, renovate and repair homes in Florida, job interviews and finding love...sits heavy on my shoulders and causes me to fall sometimes. Love is supposed to pick me up, but he stands too far away to notice, preoccupied, not strong enough, weak, it makes me cry.

My friends tell me to get up with loving and supportive words, but for some reason, only my sisters can actually pick me up. (with a loving kick in the butt...my friends wouldn't dare.) My sisters pick me up through daily emails, family love, and support. I'm grateful for my sisters and my friends.

My younger sister sends me a song...

I'm standing now, walking, ready to run again, thanks to the support of my friends and my sisters. I'm standing now and running towards home. Running towards Las Vegas, to be with my family for the holidays.

When I return to Paris after Thanksgiving and Christmas, things will be different.
Beautiful flowers always bloom.

Golden Friendship - Last Night in Paris

2010-11-14T23:39:00.001+01:00

"Ah, I remember this street in you blog!" my friend Marilena said as we walked through the Latin Quarters on the way to Patricia's Paris Soiree Dinner.
Now she's a page on my blog as I capture the moment of her last night in Paris (for now)
but I'm sure she'll be back.

Marilena in the Latin Quarter.

Capturing the moment.

Day Three, Drinks - Golden Friendship.

2010-11-13T19:38:00.002+01:00

Eat, drink, laugh, and talk....

Marilena and Me.
Sitting under the Autumn Heat lamps at a Paris cafe.

She drinks hot tea, I drink a glass of wine...we've always been so different, but somehow the same.

Dinner at Robert and Louise.

2010-11-12T22:48:00.001+01:00

"I want a really good steak in a French atmosphere. Where can we go?" Marilena asked Adrian Leeds. as we sat during lunch.

"Robert and Louise., but you'll need reservations." Adrian replied confidently.

That evening, Marilena and I headed off to Robert & Louise (last minute with no reservations). Luckily, there were two places set at the bar, seemly waiting for us.

"This is by far, the BEST dinner I've have in Paris, during all my visits!" Marilena said after our absolutely fantastic steak dinner.

Outside Robert & Louise Restaurant.

Inside the cozy restaurant.

Florence and Marilena, Two seats at the bar.

Steaks are cooked perfectly over a wood fire in the back of the Restaurant.

Yum!

Walking off a great dinner.

There's so much to love about Paris, a Perfect Steak dinner is just one of many.

Golden Friendship in Paris.

2010-11-11T13:24:00.005+01:00

Paris is a special place, I say it again and again, but it's even more special when a childhood friend comes to visit for 4 days.

We met in Elementary School when our parents (we both have Air Force Fathers) were stationed in Athens, Greece. We've kept in touch ever since. It's a Golden Friendship sure to continue until we ourselves become "Golden Girls".

Marilena and Me.

She was always better at taking these "self photos" even when we were in our 20's.

Immediately after her arrival at Opera, on the Roissy Charles De Gaulle Airport shuttle, we found a little cafe. Inside a cozy corner of the typical Paris Brasserie, we laughed, talked, caught up on our lives and discussed future plans of having wonderful Transatlantic lives in Europe and the U.S.

Marilena's younger sister, Victoria is never far from our conversations, even if she is via cellphone.

Friends since 10years old. We haven't changed a bit!

U.S. Government in a Nutshell.

2010-11-10T11:28:00.013+01:00

"I don't fully understand your government structure..." my European friend confesses.
"Here's our government structure in a nutshell." I explain,

Back in the 1800's when our country broke away from the British rule and the king, we decided (well, actually the founding fathers decided, since my "people" were still slaves) anyway, they decided that after the "Declaration of Independence", they would create a government where "the people" of the country ruled so that NOT just one person would have ALL the power, like the king had before.

So they created 3 Branches of Government to rule the United States. The Executive Branch, Legislative Branch and The Judaical Branch, which is what we have today.

1. The Executive Branch - lives in the White House and consists of the President and his next door neighbor the Vice-President.

White House

Our President does not make his decisions solo, he always has a Cabinet, yes, like a "kitchen Cabinet" full of 15 members to help a brotha out in making decisions.

The President's Cabinet

The President basically makes sure everyone follows the Law made up by the Legislative Branch. Which brings us to the Legislative Branch where all the voting commotion took place last week.

2. The Legislative Branch - is the LAW MAKING MACHINE of the U.S.A. called CONGRESS. They branch live in the U.S. Capital Building (for a little while), you know that beautiful building with the big Dome on top?

The Capital Building Under Construction

Our Congress Lives Here - Senate and House of Reps.

Our CONGRESS is divided into 2 Sections, groups, houses or whatever called:
The House of Representative and the Senate. We "the people" just voted on who sits in both houses of congress.

The big news is that now the Republicans also called the Good ol' Boys...uh, I mean the "Grand ol' Party" (GOP) have the majority of people sitting in the House of Representatives. There are 435 Representatives in that home under the dome, and again, most (but not all) are Republicans. They are not the same party as our President who is Democrat. This should NOT be a big deal if everyone's ego and prejudices were put aside.

Why do we have 435 people representing only 50 States? It's based on how many districts are in each state.

When our government was formed, it was decided that each state in America would have a Representative in the House of Representatives. But since some states have a larger population than others, some states get to have more "homeboys" to represent in congress. My state, Nevada has only 3 representative. Texas has 30.

The Senate part of Congress (remember, the legislative Branch has 2 parts..and this is one of them) The Senate has 2 people from each state represented in congress. It is not like the House of Representatives. There are only 100 Senators in Congress.
And right now the majority of the senators are from the Democratic Party.

So our congress is now divided. House of Representatives ruled by majority Republicans and the Senate ruled by the majority Democrats. That's the way America Voted last week. Now, somehow this group of men and women have to agree on the making (or re-making) of laws for America. Some news reports that the Republicans in Congress want to focus on making sure President Obama is not successful in getting elected for a second term as President. They also want to get rid of the Health Care Program that President Obama succeeded in his uphill battle!

Either way, their laws will have to be passed to the President for approval. It will be interesting to see how all these boys and girls will get along.

Our Congress only meets together once a year, that's when we say, "Congress is in session." The meeting is from 3 January (my brothers birthday) until 31 July, but sometimes Congress meets longer...if they have "issues".

3. The Third branch is the Judicial Branch - This branch is made up of all our courts, the highest court in the U.S. is the Supreme Court which is where this branch lives with it's 9 Judges.

Supreme Court

The Judaical Branch of courts make the final decision when everyone else is unsure of a law or other stuff. ahh, the Supreme Court. That's where Anna Nicole Smith went to ask for money from her Billionaire deceased husband...remember?

Lastly, everyone meets in Washington D.C., the District of Colombia (D.C.)named after our 1st President George Washington and the Italian Spanish explorer named Christopher Columbus.

That's our government in nutshell...or blog post.

Philosophy Cafe in Paris

2010-11-03T23:56:00.002+01:00

My apartment phone rings. It's an annoying European ring tone, that I've never really liked, so I don't give my apartment phone number to many people.

"Florence, lets go to the Philosophy Cafe tonight!", my French friend Florence calls to say.
Florence is Parisian and loves Paris with as much passion as me.
She's one of those people that exudes excitement over the smallest things in life.

"Sure! What time?" I reply with equal enthusiasm.

"It starts at 7PM, but lets meet early!" she says.
And that begins an evening of Philosophy at the Cafe de Flore in central Paris.

"The Paris Philosophy Cafe in English" is a meetup group that meets once a month in the Latin Quarter, at Cafe de Flore.

Florence and Florence

(I love writing that, since I've never had a friend with the same name!)
Beautiful Cafe de Flore on an Autumn night.
The host speaks.
We listen.
"Philosophers"?.....Non!

Tonight, the topic voted on to discuss was: "How do we measure progress?"

Discussions ranged from, If the Good ol' Days were the best of times, then are we really making progress at all? to debates about Hegel (German philosopher who revolutionized European philosophy) and The Absolute Mind.

Meanwhile, The President's Philosophy for Today was: "Let's Find Those Areas Where We Can Agree"

Are we making progress? Americans don't all agree, The Philosophers did not find a resoloution, and I wonder if the question can really be answered, "How do we measure progress?"

"Rally to Restore Sanity" and "Keep Fear Alive" in Paris.

2010-10-30T23:55:00.001+02:00

The actual "Rally to Restore Sanity" and "Keep Fear Alive" was hosted by Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert (from the Daily Show, of Comedy Central), on Oct 30th from 12pm-3pm in Washington, DC on the Capital Mall grounds.

Those of us in Paris who could not be in D.C. were rallying at The Thistle Pub via live satellite on several large screen T.V.s. The rally was organized by a meet-up group and hosted happy hour prices all evening.

"Rally to Restore Sanity" and "Keep Fear Alive", Paris

The rally included a benediction by Father Guido Sarducci, where he asked God for a sign of the "Right" religion...a rainbow? flock of doves? etc.

Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear

Father Guido Sarducci - Rally Benediction

http://www.comedycentral.com/

Rally to Restore Sainty and/or Fear

The Daily Show

The Colbert Report

The rally was an energized and humorous event in Paris. As we were leaving, a woman was shouting at random Americans, "IF YOU DIDN'T VOTE, THEN SHUT UP!!"

Hopefully if you are American, you won't keep your mouth shut...Go out and Vote!

Money Bags October Luck For October 2010.

2010-10-30T11:11:00.003+02:00

An interesting fact about October 2010:

This October has 5 Fridays, 5 Saturdays, and 5 Sundays, all in one month!
It happens once in 823 years.
These are called money bags.
Pass them to 8 good people and money will appear in 4 days.

Based on Chinese Feng Shui.

Hope it brings luck!

.....actually, I just found out that "Money Bags" also happens in 2021, 2027, 2032, etc. It happens all the time not every 823 years.

Still wishing EVERYONE a Money Bags Month!!

Customer Service with a French Man - Part 2 of 2.

2010-10-27T12:41:00.007+02:00

"We want to know what happened when you went back to get your wood." my friend calls to remind me, a blog post was left hanging (from 13 October).
"Oh, yeah. I went back to get the wood and my shelf is now built."

There was silence from my friend.
"I built the shelf myself!" I added, somehow knowing my friend wanted to know more.

So here's the end of a long story of simply picking up some scrap wood, cut by an attractive French carpenter:

After having my wood pieces and measurement taken from my hands and refused customer service (promised only if I returned the next day), I left the store amazed at how smoothly the French carpenter convinced me to return to him the next day.

Walking home that evening, the fantasy of having the carpenter in my kitchen building a shelf and kitchen cabinets faded. I could clearly see his manipulation. Looking at the tools left near the sink with no wood project for the evening, I felt angry. "I could be building a shelf right now, but instead, it has to wait until tomorrow just because the carpenter would not cut the wood!"; "I'll show him. I won't return! I'll go to another store!" I fumed.

Not one to stay angry very long, the next afternoon, I headed back to the corner of the hardware store to pick up my wood pieces. Two new carpenters were standing behind the counter looking in my direction. Neither of them were the attractive carpenter from the night before.

Approaching the counter, I could see he was not there. The two men looked at me with friendly expressions, but not smiling. "Bonjour! Can I help you?" the one closest to the front asked me in French. I wondered how was I going to explain, in French, that a man who was there last night, cut some wood for me and I would like to pick it up?

So I began in broken French, "Bonjour, the man last night, here..." I said in French, "Uh..." my mind was blank as I tried to figure out how to perform impromptu charades.

"E has your vood from last night... and you vant to pick eat up." he finished my sentence in English!
They both looked at me and smiled as if they had just performed a flawless mind-reading trick.

"Yes!" I said shocked that he completed my sentence so precisely. How did he know? I wondered.

"His name is Sergio, he's upstairs." the man continued in English.

"I have to go upstairs?" I asked.

"Yes, you will find him upstairs." he replied.

As I walked up the stairs, I thought to myself, "Not only did the smooth carpenter get me to return, now he has me chasing him all over the store!"

There he was, upstairs, standing on a ladder explaining to an older man and an older woman the difference between a piece of equipment he was holding and another one on the top shelf. The man and woman were looking up at him, with their mouths open as if he were a God. I joined them as I looked first at his dirty shoes, wrinkled blue jeans, well defined thighs (my eyes almost stopped there), but I had to keep looking up further, to his bright red working jacket, then his arms, then his neck, his lips, nose and eyes. Eyes that were watching me.

"Sergio?" I asked, wanting him to know I knew his name.

He immediately came down the latter, finished his conversation quickly, almost shoving the small box into the older mans arms as the couple looked at me, smiled then quickly departed.

"Ah, You! Come with me." he said in English, as he folded the ladder, put it in a corner and walked downstairs.

Once again, I followed him.

Sergio?

French men flirt. Alot. He flirted, as he prepare to give me the wood pieces. He's friendly, but makes me uncomfortable, since I know I will return to the hardware store often. I don't want it to appear as if I am returning only to see Sergio rather than needing a mop head or screwdriver. (if I am returning just for a glimpse of Sergio, it will be my secret).

Cradling the wood in his arms, as if it were a newborn, he gently lays them in my arms, smiles and looks as if he wants to kiss me... right then and there. (or maybe it's just my imagination). I take the baby-uh, I mean wood pieces, look away quickly, and leave as I say Thank you!... in English.

Entrée to Black Paris™--Black History after WWII Tour and Bonus Books.

2010-10-21T20:31:00.008+02:00

The dynamic duo, Monique Wells and her husband Tom Reeves decided to rechristen their Paris business Discover Paris! with the name “Entrée to Black Paris™”, and invited a few bloggers on a Thursday afternoon to experience Black Paris after World War II” – one of Discover Paris!’ most popular private, guided walking tours.

Additionally, Monique recently launched a blog: http://entreetoblackparis.blogspot.com/ and Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/EntreetoBlackParis called “Entrée to Black Paris™.” she says: “My goal in doing so is to increase awareness of Paris’ black heritage among all people – particularly those who already know and love Paris, and are seeking new avenues of exploration to enrich their cultural appreciation of the city.” I am one of those people.

So there we were, a few Paris bloggers (and one Rock Star) on a Thursday afternoon, following Monique as she led us through the streets of Paris, walking the same path and visiting the same Parisian cafes as writers Richard Wright, James Baldwin, and Chester Himes did years before.

Entrée to Black Paris™--Black History after WWII Walking Tour

One of many interesting stops along the way...

Monique shared the facts, stories of the past with photos, and contemporary aspects of black life in Paris. Without imposing her own opinions to slant our views of controversial facts, she leaves us to contemplate Black Paris, post WW2. She watches our expressions as she smiles. She knows so much about Paris, it’s people, history, struggles, successes, it’s impossible to hear it all in 2 hours.

'If I told you everything, I’d have to shoot you.' is an expression used in my Military career.
If she told me everything she knew, I wonder all that I would know?
Her tour makes me more curious to know more, learn more, read more, ask questions, find facts...

Entrée to Black Paris™--Monique Shares Facts.

The tour concluded at Café Tournon where Monique shared more insights of African-Americans who frequented the café years ago. As Kim Bingham (aka my Rock Star friend “Mudgirl”) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Bingham and I leave for coffee at the Tournon, Monique casually suggests, “Ask to see the photo of Duke Ellington and Beauford Delaney at the Café when you get there.”

Monique, me and "Mudgirl".

Sure enough when we arrived and asked to see the photo, the waiter gladly pulled it from the side of a curio cabinet, stored in a place we would have surely missed if it weren't for Monique's suggestion. The French waiter seemed as fascinated by the photo as we were.
Gazing at the old faded black and white photo, I yearned to know even more about Black Paris.

Books by Monique Wells and Tom Reeves :

"Food for the Soul."

Before the tour, Monique signed a copy of her cookbook that's more than just a cookbook: “Food for the Soul: A Texas Expatriate Nurtures Her Culinary Roots in Paris”-Monique Y. Wells. She has purposefully published recipes for expats (and even Parisians) longing the comforts of Soul Food in Paris. She even explains where some of the ingredients can be found in local Paris markets. I’ve already made my French grocery list to prepare Smothered Chicken (Monique’s simple recipe of only 6 ingredients!), Jambalaya, and Chili….each recipe is perfect for these cool Paris Autumn days!

Additionally, After the tour, Tom introduced me to his book: “Paris Insights-An Anthology”. – Tom Reeves. I have to confess I love the idea of a book named Paris Insights. Sounds interesting and peaks my curiosity, but “An Anthology”?! my first thought was “An Anthology"- definition: a collection of literary works (to me ='s boring)…Zzzz.

I was wrong. Once I got home and reviewed the book, I was amazed; NOT BORED!! Little did I know, that Tom placed in my hands a collection of fascinating, delicious, bite sized insightful (1 to 2 page) nuggets of facts and photos of all things interesting and fascinating about Paris. He writes about Americans in Paris,(some I didn’t know), fascinating facts about Paris Churches and Cathedrals, Wine Pairings…and (my favorite section of the anthology), Tasty Treats, which includes Hot Chocolate in Paris(and so much more).
The book holds answers to intriguing questions that would take me hours to research individually or online. To hold the book in your hands, visit:

Paris Insights-The book: http://www.discoverparis.net/premium.html

Entrée to Black Paris™ on Thursday afternoon was a wonderful Entrée to Black Paris.

Sharing French Chic

2010-10-15T11:34:00.001+02:00

"American women have harsh and determined attitudes, their style is not feminine..." an American women tells me in a conversation. "What are the attitudes of French women?" she asks.
"The average French women are definitely not like the average American women..." I try to explain, but this French girl explains it so much better:

Create Your Style:
Secrets Of Style: French Chic

Customer Service with a French Man.

2010-10-13T19:09:00.008+02:00

A spontaneous decision to build a shelf for my microwave oven lands me at the hardware store to buy 3 pieces of wood.

No, I did not know there would be an attractive French carpenter working in the little back room of the hardware store with piles of scrap wood and lots of big heavy machines surrounding. But I watched as he effortlessly worked with a scary looking dangerous table saw..."hmm, how brave." I thought admiring his entire profile. Sensing my presence, he turned to look, stopped working and asked me something in French.

"Uh, (still the first word out of my mouth before I think about speaking French) Bonjour. I'm looking for a small piece of wood to make a table for my microwave." I explained in simple French, pointing to the measurements I wrote on a small piece of paper.

He looked into my eyes, (I should have looked away, but I couldn't) as I held out the paper. In one smooth move, he took the paper from my hand, smiled, look at my lips, hips and breast, saying "follow me", all at the same time.
I followed him...

"You will find the wood here." he points to exactly what I needed. "I will cut it for you. For free." He says in a way, with an expression that I'm not sure if he's doing me a favor or if "For Free" is the store policy.
He gives me back my piece of paper to continue his work.

After finding the wood I wanted, I wait 10 minutes behind one customer ahead, as the French carpenter chats with the customer while glancing at me while I waited.

They finish talking, signed some papers and finally it was my turn. Before I handed over my three pieces of wood, "Bam!" right there in front of me, the carpenter slams on the counter a "Do Not Enter" sign painted on a wooden board.

"Closed! I'm sorry. I am closed now." he says to me, in English with a French accent that I love.

I wanted to laugh, but he was serious.
"No!?" I said. But was really asking.

"Yes. I'm sorry. I close at 7 and I have all these papers I must finish." he explains in French now as he lifts a few slips of paper off the counter.

"But, I was standing here before 7." I say in English, too shocked to think in French.

"I tell you what..." he says softly in English with a French accent that makes even standing in the dusty back corner of a hardware store seem romantic. The way he's looking at me, my mind immediately imagines him in my kitchen building the microwave shelf for me.

He walks around the counter (as I fantasize about his wood working skills) and stands so close to me, that my right boob is almost touching his arm as he finishes his sentence, while taking the paper and wood pieces from my hands again "....why don't you give these measurements to me..." he suggests looking down at me and my measurements, "...leave them here with me tonight. Tomorrow you come back and I will have them ready for you."

The American in me, wanted to protest. Instead, I walked away, without my wood, without my measurements, only a smile, and wondering why I wasn't angry...

Fall.

2010-10-08T11:11:00.002+02:00

Fall is in the air. I just took 2 pictures of nothing really....it's just Fall.

Walking down the sidewalk on a Fall morning in Paris. The book vendor is just opening up his sidewalk display to start his day.

The Tour Eiffel in the background...maybe I should have used the zoom...

This is the beginning of Fall in Paris.

A View from the RER-C

2010-10-08T10:54:00.004+02:00

I love taking the C - Train home from the city. Feeling like a tourist each time my favorite view appears. I can resist taking a few pictures, no matter how many times I've done it before.

So here goes again...

Watching the stations go by...

Gazing at the Right Bank.

Ah, This is "It".

My favorite View from the C-train, going home.

No matter what the weather is like this will always be a beautiful view.

Last Day of Paris Fashion Week at Paul & Joe

2010-10-06T09:46:00.003+02:00

Waiting in line with the rest of the crowd, I began to wonder what the heck I was doing out in the crowded madness, then I remembered, this is the last day of Paris Fashion week. I had to be here.

My heart skipped a beat as the security guard put his hand on my arm saying: "Okay Madam. Go!". I ran inside the Paul & Joe Show like a 7 year old running outside for recess. Ah, I love Paris, and I love Fashion...

"Okay, Madam. Go!" are wonderful words to hear, when standing outside in the "Standing Room Only" line of PFW.

Once inside, the next best thing we could possibly be told was, "Okay, we need you all to fill in the seats. The show is starting now."

The Fashion Paparazzi.

The show begins quickly.

End of the Show, the designer takes a bow.

A short video.

Each time I'm surrounded by the beauty of Paris Fashion Week, I want to throw away my blue jeans, put on a dress and some makeup and mascara. But then I remember that my blue jeans are what makes me feel "American", so maybe I'll keep them and just wear a little mascara.

Just in case you missed a few fashion week shows, they can all be view at: Style.Com

Paris Fashion Week at Dior.

2010-10-01T22:19:00.007+02:00

No, I did not get inside the show, although I'm sure I would have easily passed security if only I moved forward when trapped inside Kate Moss's paparazzi mob. Instead, I pushed my way sideways, outside the mob and outside the entry barrier.

Still somehow, I think being on the outside was more entertaining.

"Amy, sweetheart. Listen. I'm with Vogue UK . I know I'm not on your list, but I am supposed to be inside, front row." the strange man standing next to me pleads to Amy as she stands on the inside of the Dior barrier.
"I'm sorry." Amy replies nicely.
"Amy, listen darling. You know we only have 5 hours to get the video posted online for Vogue. I really need to be in there on the video podium." he begs.
"Is it front row or video?" Amy asks.
"Video." he replies.
"I'm sorry. The video podium is full." Amy explains.
"I'm shooting for Mr. blah, blah." the man changes his story.
"Do you know how many people have arrived saying they're shooting for Mr. blah, blah?" she asks, almost laughing.
"Yes, there are 5 of us, I know." he still pleads.
"I'm sorry." Amy replies.

The music from the tent starts to boom and ends just before the rain begins to sprinkle the "outsiders".

Heading to Dior.

Kate Moss and the Paparazzi mob.

A coveted Invitation.

An "Outsider"

Rain falls after the show.

Dior Model.

Rachel Bilson.

I wondered if the models take the metro.

Dior models waiting for...

Not the metro.

More Dior models...long legs.

Legs....

More legs...

Maybe next week, my legs will get inside a Paris Fashion Week show. Until then, I'll watch the show like the man standing next to me on the outside at Vogue U.K.

Mixed Messages.

2010-09-30T21:56:00.009+02:00

"I think you have a boyfriend and you're just not telling me. So let's be honest." he says to me.
"I don't have a boyfriend and I don't know what I want." I reply.

I am surrounded and supported by 6 intriguing men who share the words below...as I reply:

"You're very special to me, you're my best friend and yes, I still live with my girlfriend." "You're special to me too and yes, I can't live without you. " I reply.

"I love you. You're intelligent, Beautiful and You're Stupid." "I believe you." I think to myself.

"You're smokin' hot, I'm attracted to you. Go away.", he says. "Leave me alone but Don't ever leave me. I reply.

"Je t'aime et tu es ma petite amie." he says sincerely. "I don't understand." I say.

"All I want are ears to hear and eyes to see." he repeats. "You can't see who I am and you don't understand." I think to myself.

"I want you back with me and I will wait." he promises. "I'll be back, but don't wait for me." I never tell him.

Relationships on the foundation of mixed messages are a reflection of who I am.

LIMI feu Paris Fashion Week 2010.

2010-09-29T16:59:00.006+02:00

"Don't get your hopes up. Invitations are very difficult to get at Paris Fashion Week." several friends have told me for the past few days.

"Sorry, only fashion journalist and fashion photographers can get into the Paris Fashion Week runway shows." my news journalist friend told me in an email.

"Forget it. It's impossible to get inside those shows." another friend explained.

Still, I "Believed" it would be possible to see a show this week during Paris Fashion Week and without giving up and listening to my well meaning friends, today, I attended the LIMI feu Spring/Summer 2011 Fashion Show.

I don't know the designer, but the collection was "comfortable sexy", and the models were of course tall, thin, gracious and beautiful.

The Impossible Invitation

LIMI feu Spring Summer 2011 Show
Not exactly front row.

2011 Design.

Sexy.

Comfortable.

LIMI feu is a design any woman can wear.

A small sample of The Sights and Sounds of Paris Fashion Week.

I wonder if I can consider myself a fashion journalist, photographer and videographer? Maybe not.

Another Reason to Love Paris.

2010-09-28T22:52:00.000+02:00

Beautiful music fills the air. Just one more random reason to love Paris.

A small crowd forms on a beautiful day.

Unexpected Fine Music on a corner.

How many more reasons can I come up with for loving Paris?

Understanding What I Love.

2010-09-27T18:20:00.002+02:00

"I don't understand how you can give up your car , your house, your job and everything else to live in a tiny apartment in Paris." my mother complains.

I try to explain:
"I love the corner cafe where I go to have coffee, lunch, read a book, and people watch. The guys who work there are so friendly." I explain.

"I love the fresh fruit and vegetable market around the corner..."

"and the men in the orange aprons seem to understand my French a little better each month, although they still laugh as they correct me." I add to my explanation. I've never touched the fresh fish, but it's nice to know it's there if I ever decide to try it!
"I love the smell of fresh roasted chickens, and the friendly butcher who's always very patient with my French."

I try to explain how comforting it is to know the young man at the Fromagerie knows me as "The American girl who likes Cheddar Cheese." He assures me with a friendly smile, the cheese will always be there waiting for me when I return. I even love the temptation of the boulangerie...and now they have cookies!

Still, she doesn't understand what I love and I can't explain it and better.

Dinner with Roger and "Mom"

2010-09-20T23:18:00.004+02:00

Saint Germain

"Hello Florence, do you feel like going out to dinner tonight?" Roger called wanting to know.
"I'm really not feeling well. I'm sorry." I explained, adding "...and I have a project that I'm working on."
"Oh, that's too bad. Mom is here, she's coming along and we're going to Fajitas for Mexican. It's my last night in Paris, ya know? Would you like to speak to mom?" he casually suggested in one breath, my favorite restaurant in Paris, adding his mother to the equation (the best mother-in-law I've never had), and his last night in Paris, knowing there would be no possible way for me to resist.
"Oh, Sure. Yes, okay. I'll go." I replied as he gave his mom the phone.

Although Fajitas Mexican restaurant was closed on Monday, Sharon "mom" scouted out a great "comfort food" restaurant in Saint Germain where we all shared a wonderful dinner, dessert and another great evening in Paris...until they return again next year.

Roger, Me and Sharon

Dessert of course.

Until we do it again next year, dinner with Roger and his mother will always be a warm "comfort food" memory.

Just Live.

2010-09-19T22:06:00.000+02:00

An evening dessert with a friend. Something as simple as enjoying a slice of rich, but not too sweet cheesecake, a nice glass of wine, good conversation, beautiful atmosphere, at a side walk cafe in Paris, fits the definition of my motto: "Just Live".

"....but do something." my friend Roger adds.

"Just Live."

I wonder if he's right? Maybe it is time for me to "Do Something."

Bad Times and Good Friends.

2010-09-18T23:52:00.005+02:00

No one sees them and you don't feel a thing, they're like the "invisible" mosquitoes. You only know you've been bitten, when it's too late to slap them away."Pick-pockets"

"In the interest of security, keep an eye on your belongs and beware of pick-pockets." The phrase plays over and over on the metro audio system in three different languages, every day, all day.

I took a sip of diet coke, dropped the bottle back into my purse just before entering the metro car. On this day, in the interest of security, I did not keep an eye on my belongings, nor was I aware of pickpockets. No one saw a thing, the doors opened, people moved, the doors closed. My wallet disappeared somewhere in the crowd.

The metro.

No one sees a thing.

Walking down the street with an empty purse, I felt angry, confused, vulnerable, and stupid. "Hey You!" I heard walking past a cafe. "Hey, Florence!" I heard my name, wondering who knew me. It was the perfect moment to bump into a few friends who were just hanging out having a drink. (Paris feels more and more like home, when I randomly meet friends on the street.) "What's the matter?" they asked immediately knowing I was in a fog. "My wallet was just pick-pocketed on the metro." I told them.

"Oh, we're so sorry." They said simultaneously, telling me not to worry or beat myself up. They told me to cancel all my cards, file a report, take a deep breath, be thankful I still had my purse, keys, passport and ID card, everything would be alright. They even offered me money. "Sit with us for a while, have a drink, relax. You'll will be alright." they insisted.

Mike and Alain

Everything will be alright.

Sometimes its strange how good I feel when bad things happen when good friends are around to support me. Alain and Mike cheered me up, with positive support, comfort stories, good wine and laughter. Even when bad things happen in Paris, good friends make everything alright.

Waiting to see Taylor-Something to Blog About.

2010-09-17T01:36:00.008+02:00

After sharing a great pizza dinner with "A Very Nice Man" my friend Roger, visiting from Florida, we decided to go for a walk. Just ahead we noticed a crowd of young girls, reporters, camera crews, security, velvet ropes, black limos and a large display of a young blonde girl.

"Excuse me." I said (in French)to a teenage girl standing in the crowd, "What's is this? Who is that girl?" I wanted to know.
"That's Taylor Momsen, she is inside for a commercial and she will come out soon." she explained excitedly.
Looking at my friend Roger to see if he knew Taylor Momsen. His look was just as puzzled as mine.
"Ah, she's French?" I asked the girl in the crowd.
"Oh, no! She's American." she said laughing and surprised that we did not know Taylor.
Roger shrugged his shoulders, still not knowing who the American girl was drawing a large crowd of spectators.

Feeling sorry for the middle-aged Americans standing in the crowd of teenagers, the young girl explained further. "Taylor Momsen is an actress in the American T.V. Show Gossip Girl!"

"Oh, Gossip Girl! My younger sister loves that show!" I replied, still not knowing who Taylor Momsen was. Roger and I waited as long as two middle-aged adults could possibly stand to wait among a crowd of teenage girls, but finally we had to leave before the starlet appeared.

Hmm, What's Going on?

"Excuse me, Who is that girl?"

Taylor Momsen

Filming the Crowd.

Interviewing Spectators.

T.V. crews Interviewing a Taylor Look-Alike?

A Google Photo of the real "mystery girl".

Leaving Before Taylor appears. We can't wait any longer.

"Too bad she took so long to come outside", I said to Roger. "This would have been something interesting to blog about."

Resisting McDo?

2010-09-09T18:02:00.002+02:00

Part of the rules of having Google Ads all over a site is NOT to click on the ads myself, nor am I supposed to write about or promote any of the ads.

Randomly the ad below pops up on my blog and woe is me. Is this really an ad offering a coupon for 90% OFF my beloved "McDo"? (sounds like McDough) as the French pronounce it. I can't resist writing about it, but so far I have resisted clicking on the link.

Temptation is everywhere in Paris...and now "he's" on my blog! (everything in French has a gender)

Who can resist McDonald's?

How can I resist such an ad?

Every now and then I just can't resist.

Thread of a Text Message.

2010-09-06T23:28:00.005+02:00

Walking down a random street in Paris, my phone chimes with a text message.

A Random Street in Paris.

I look down at the message: "I think I want you back." he says.
"I think I want you to go to hell." I think back, but don't text in return as I hit the delete key.

Rhianna's duet lyrics of 'I Love the Way You Lie' play through my mind:

("You don't get another chance. Life is no Nintendo game.")

Still the thought of being with him again, pulls on my strength like a loose thread unraveling a hole in a favorite sweater. The strength to never call, never text, never think of him again, weakens with one message from him.

I blog and write to pull it all together with matching thread to close the hole; now almost unnoticeable to the naked eye. Almost never seen, like a deleted text message.

Rentree Party at Parler Parlor

2010-09-04T14:30:00.003+02:00

Every year after the French return from the August vacation, Adrian and Elisabeth celebrate "Rentree" at Parler Parlor. This year the theme was "Free Sandwiches".

I somehow managed to over compress the photos of a delicious rentree, but the food was plentiful.

Fruits and Cookies.
Sandwiches...
Adrian and Me.

...and more sandwiches, all made by Elisabeth.

A wonderful way to celebrate rentree (Return from Vacation).

"Action!" at Place de Voges.

2010-09-03T15:30:00.010+02:00

Today was another one of those perfect sunny days in Paris, where I walked around admiring the beauty of the city with a smile on my face that comes only from "Just Livin'" in Paris.
Suddenly, in the blink of an eye everything in the surrounding area was magically transformed back to the year 1950 or maybe earlier. Old fancy cars were parked along the streets and a few went racing down the narrow alley. The Parisian even seem to blend in with the change of time.

With my head in the clouds, I must have missed seeing the "Rue Barree" (Street Closed) sign as I actually wandered upon a live film set, in the middle of filming! at the Place de Voges.

As quickly as the action started, everything stopped.
The people on the streets and sidewalks were actors. All of them, except me.

As the action stopped, the 1950's actors, crew and extras only looked at me. (admiring my 2010 fashion maybe? or did they assume I was merely a lost American tourist?)
My mind began to process the reality of not quite fitting in as an "extra" in this particular film as I quickly wandered off the set and back into reality.

Surprisingly, no one yelled or chased me off the set. The director only waited patiently, then quickly clicked together the film board yelling "Action!".

Street Closed.

Old Cars fit right in with the backdrop of Place de Voges...(and me).

Magically Back in Time.

Magically Back to Reality.

The "original" version of this film features an African-American woman crossing the pedestrian cross walk just between the two white cars. (click on photo to enlarge)

The "Sound Man" recording the sounds of laughter and conversation in the park. I silently walked past, resisting the temptation to greet him with a cheerful American "Bone-J'your! "

Another beautiful day at Place de Voges.

Action on this beautiful late summer day was everywhere.