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byWinter in Paris…Unanticipated Joy
Spending a part of winter in Paris was how I decided to end 2016. To begin the new year in my beloved “Other” home was a Christmas gift to self. Spending a quiet post holiday experience while it was winter in Paris, would provide the right atmosphere to just be still. Anytime of the year is a good time to consider Paris. Winter in Paris lends itself to moments of unanticipated joy.
This day,in particular, was quite magical. The cool air graced my face and a gentle rain fell. My first stop was at the base of the Basilica Sacre Couer. Like a sugar sculpture standing guard at the top of the hill, the view is one that is quite memorable. One could walk up the steep steps (well worth it on the right day) or take the Funicular – which is like a lift of sorts. This was not part of my mission on this rainy day. I used the Sare Couer as a place to get my bearings. I was on a quest to find beautiful fabrics to bring back home and create a memory.
To coin a phrase, a funny thing happened on the way to the fabric district. The fabric and notion stores are found adjacent to Anvers Metro. I wanted to explore a little and disembarked at Barbes-Rochechouart Metro. It all looked familiar at first. Merchants with everything from clothing to shoes to trinkets lined the streets. Having spare time I wandered aimlessly seeking familiar landmarks. On this day, the familiar landmarks were nowhere to be found. My walking carried me further away from where I wanted to be. I happened upon flowers in front of a store that whispered for me to take a peek. It was such a welcome sight, especially since it was winter in Paris.I needed to pause, so I gingerly turned the door knob and entered.
I was greeted in unison with “Bon Jour Mademoiselle” by the young man who was moving boxes and a sweet voice diligently wrapping a bouquet. I nodded as I embraced the sweet smells, the tasteful vases, and unique Christmas ornaments. It was just enough holiday decor to not overwhelm and more than enough single stems as well as bunches of flowers enticing me to linger.
My French needs a lot of work – seriously – but this gentle young woman worked with me to find what I was looking for. The perfect ornament for a very dear friend.
The smiling Proprietress of Ipomea assisted me graciously. Retrieving my ornament from the window, wrapping it in tissue, and finding the perfect box that would travel well. I explained that I was a gardener writer from America and that her shop was the bright spot on this damp winter day. Even with a small language barrier, we chatted for quite some time about flowers. Her name was Eva Boutolleau and it was a pleasure to meet and spend time with her.
I had to end my visit after getting directions on how to actually get to Anvers and the fabric stores. I cannot think of a better distraction during winter in Paris, than a flower shop like Ipomea. We exchanged business cards and I promised to work on my French before I returned. Turning the wrong way, even with directions, I mentally floated on the memories of my visit to a French flower shop. I like to think that the language of flowers is international. The opportunity to chat with a florist who understood this passion was simply amazing. If you are ever in Paris, Ipomea is worth the wander. Should you choose to wander, be sure to tell Eva I sent you or visit her Facebook page @27CuistineParis18
Twenty minutes later, I finally found what I was looking for….fabrics.
More fabrics….there were, even more, fabrics that made the long journey worth it! The opportunity to touch and feel fabrics that come from some of the better-known design houses is an experience. To afford a remnant is priceless. This year’s bounty included a slice of cashmere, a bit of mohair and a few notions.Each time I go to Paris there are a few things that I just cannot pass up. Fresh flowers to enhance my daily joy, fabric store excursions, The House of Chanel (I just gaze through the window and dream, each and every time)
and the Eiffel Tower. One day I will muster up the courage to actually enter the House of Chanel and ask to touch the staircase. A dream of my youth that will one day become a reality. Coco Chanel was a designer that I admired as I dreamt of becoming a fashion designer. Coco seemed to have chutzpah and a wonderful sense of style. It was my mission to find the apartment of the infamous Coco Chanel. No matter the season, in Paris, dreams can come true. You must be willing to wander and allow Paris to happen to you. During this past winter in Paris, I allowed unanticipated joy to happen.
Winter in Paris is just as exciting as any other season…you just have to be willing to wander. A chosen tour allowed me to wander even more….
(I will be posting several delayed posts. When I returned from Paris, I lost my Best Friend and Garden Buddy. I had to pause as I embraced this life change, however life goes on. Honoring my Father through my words….)
byWhy GWA?
I wanted to take a pause to say Thank You to an organization that I joined two years ago. I have to tell you that I have been smiling ever since.
WHY GWA?
G – GROWTHGreat resources that allow one to grow as a garden communicator. From regional meet ups to newsletter articles that inspire one to travel near and far, cultivating a deeper relationship with the garden. GWA grows better communicators.
W – WISDOMWonderful connections to writers, teachers, researchers, nursery owners and fellow garden wanderers who speak the same language. After all, the garden is never finished, so you have to return again and again and again.GWA encourages learning.
A – ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance of skills and expertise, whether you are a novice, an accomplished author or a person who communicates about the earth and the gardens we create on it.Advice freely shared to help each other collectively. GWA cultivates friendships.
There are not many organizations that I have come across where ideas are freely exchanged and you just feel like family….from day one. Every year there are regional events that encourage fellowshipping with local members. Even if you do not attend all of them, attending even just one is a real eye opener. Last year the Annual Meeting was held in Atlanta Georgia and it was sincerely a terrific time had by all!!! This year we are embarking upon Buffalo, New York and I am sincerely excited about this inspirational journey. To see how others interpret beauty in the garden is always exciting as well as educational.
I LOVE MY GWA and can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2017….Come on August!
byMusee d’Orsay……A Evening with Monet…
On a cold December evening, I had the opportunity to enjoy a long overdue date. A date I had never found time for in past visits, but one I longed to enjoy. I love art that depicts peace and oneness with nature. I think that is how I fell in love with the works of Monet. Yes, there are other great Masters but Claude Monet’s art simply stole my heart many, many years ago. So I stood in 28-degree weather, in the evening and waited for our date to begin.
One would think that the cold would minimize the lines, but oh the French, as well as the tourists, do love their art. With the swirl of many languages around me, the smell of roasted peanuts and chestnuts piercing the evening air, and the Seine River behind me, waiting did not seem long at all. At the thirty minute mark, I refreshed my lipstick and adjusted my hat. This would be an evening to remember, I was simply certain of it. I had visited Giverny twice, touched the soil and breathed in the air. That alone was an experience to remember. However now, I was going to see the originals of the work from this man I admired so. Here in the Musee d’Orsay, there are many works from Art Masters displayed and viewed by many. Musee d’Orsay is a former railway station, that at one time housed a hotel and a huge reception area. A pausing point for travelers near and far, this building served it’s purpose around the time of the World’s Fair. When times changed, the French Government thought it best to use this building as a museum. In 1986, the Musee d’Orsay was opened. The works of art contained within these walls date from 1848 to 1914. One can find the works of Degas, Van Gogh, C’ezanne, Delacroix and of course…Monet. I was pleasantly surprised that since it was after 6:00, my entry fee was only 9 euro. I was simply overjoyed when I saw the great reception hall filled with such beautifully cared for sculptures and paintings….I saw the works of Rodin…a little Van Gogh…and of course the works of Monet…and more Monet….It was time for the best part of my date with Monet. I was simply not ready emotionally to see what I had longed to see in person. One lady in her wonderful accent asked if I was okay as my eyes glistened and eventually overflowed with tears of joy. I am sure we were quietly crying together. My world is ever changed. My date with Claude Monet and his works are forever etched in my mind. Savoring the moments, I slowly walked away ready to dream of revisiting Giverny in a warmer season….perhaps later this year as I continue to discover Paris…
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