One of the Paris Parfait mastheads is based on this photo by Qingbo Sun.
Mais oui, c'est vrai! And 365 days and 575 posts ago, I would not have believed the dramatic impact blogging would have on my life. I could not have imagined the wonderful friendships formed with kindred spirits from this worldwide community of writers and artists.
I could not have predicted the exchange of ideas, information and art that has resulted from blogging. I could not have dreamed I would pick up the poetry pen again. And I certainly didn't think I'd write haiku for the first time since I was 12 or 13 - and discover it comes rather easily!
I wouldn't have expected that I'd wake up every morning and race to the computer to see what you've written while I was sleeping. And that still in my pyjamas I'd sit at my desk for hours, reading and writing, hating to wrench myself away from the blogosphere.
When I started Paris Parfait, I'd never seen any blogs other than political ones, which I began reading in the run-up to the 2004 American presidential election. I created this blog to force myself to write every day, but really had no specific direction in mind. I figured I'd sound off about issues of the day and post some articles and photos about living in Paris and buying antiques. I didn't dream that earlier this month the popular political blog Crooks & Liars would link one of my pieces and I'd be practically jumping up and down with excitement. As my husband wryly commented, "Why are you so thrilled to have your work included on a website called Crooks & Liars?
Within this year of blogging, I've had the pleasure to meet five fascinating women bloggers who came to Paris: Ali of From Austin to Africa, Brasil to the Bay; Laura of Laurelines; Susan of Soozphotoz; Nina of Milla on the Milky Way and Judy of Kats-in-Klompen. And in April, I'm expecting to meet Maryam of My Marrakesh, in September, Rel of Under the Microscope and sometime this year, Colette of A Bird in the Hand, among other bloggers traveling to Paris in 2007. And I'm hoping to meet bloggers in London during my next jaunt.
I've been touched by your many kind and encouraging comments, particularly about my pieces focused on social and political issues. I've been blessed and comforted by your warm words, cards and email while I was facing health problems. And I've been challenged and inspired by your powerful writing and your amazing art - but most of all, by your willingness to share your thoughts, talents and energies and truly engage in the world.
More than anything else, the blogging community reminds us that we face many of the same issues, no matter what part of the globe from which we hail. The collective power of the blogging community is a positive force in a planet fraught with negativity. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for embracing Paris Parfait and including it in your reading. Merci bien!
Wow, you've only been blogging a year?! Happy Blogiversary. (Sorry I'm so late getting here...like you said you've been, I've been way behind in reading posts.) Here's to another fabulous year!
Posted by: Marilyn | 12 February 2007 at 22:36
Bon Anniversaire! and many many more!!
Posted by: Willow Grace | 02 February 2007 at 10:26
Brava on year one!
Posted by: Richard | 01 February 2007 at 12:58
This blog is really a wonderful "books" (articles, photos, poetry, etc..)hundreds of wonderful books in one! Thank you so much Tara! and I will go to Paris sometime his year as well ! so maybe we can meet for a coffe or tea. Love
Posted by: Catalina | 01 February 2007 at 09:23
oxox
I am happy to know you.
;)
Posted by: Amber | 01 February 2007 at 02:58
Happy blogiversary! How exciting. It has been my pleasure meeting you. I hope one day to meet you on the fourth floor at Liberty's in London. I look forward to that.
Posted by: Rosa | 01 February 2007 at 00:49
Happy anniversary! I'm learning a lot from your blog.
Posted by: tut-tut | 31 January 2007 at 22:14
I remember soon after you started we talked...has it been a year already! Happy Birthday dear Tara's Blog!!
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 31 January 2007 at 20:42
I am late on this, Tara but congratulations!!! I have loved you ever since first finding you and I know that will continue for may years to come!
Posted by: Regina Clare Jane | 31 January 2007 at 20:37
Happy Anniversary! Wishing you all the best.
Posted by: mikim | 31 January 2007 at 20:28
Marbrouk, Congratulation, Mubarak!
I love this post, and I love that it has these echoes of the one I wrote last night (I could never have predicted... etc). I feel especially connected to you through those little echoes today.
I think I said this before - but you bring an unusual and wonderful combination of an eye for beauty, a gift for words and a sense of justice to this blog. It is a very special place to visit.
xx
Posted by: Frida | 31 January 2007 at 17:11
Happy Blogiversary! :) Your posts are a pleasure to read.
Posted by: Alina Popescu | 31 January 2007 at 16:01
Happy Anniversary! This site & its mistress are a true gift to us all. Blog Vegas just wouldn't be the same without you! Here's to many more years of Paris Parfait! *clink*
Posted by: Neasa | 31 January 2007 at 15:28
Congratulations on one year of blogging! It's amazing, the connections this allows us to create. I'm so glad to have found you, for your words and ideas inspire me :)
Posted by: Becca | 31 January 2007 at 15:03
Happy Happy entries.
May the journey continue for many years ahead.
Happy Blogiverary!
Love and hugs and congratulations.
Love Jeanne ^j^
Posted by: Jeanne | 31 January 2007 at 12:23
Have only recently started blogging myself and I know what you mean by the impact it has...I too have been in pyjamas, first thing in the morning and last thing at night checking to see if anyone has dropped on by and seeing what wonderful thoughts everyone has shared...congratulations on making it one year! Hope to see many more...Nel
Posted by: nel | 31 January 2007 at 11:18
phew, I thought I was the only one addicted to this thing we call blogging! I hope I can discover haiku as quickly as you did :)
happy, happy birthday PP xoxo
Posted by: miss*R | 31 January 2007 at 11:11
Happy Anniversary and nice to meet you, I am here through Deb (JP) I just seen the picture of us Lance has done it is amazing. It would be great if it were real :)
Posted by: Shaz Madden | 31 January 2007 at 09:33
Bon anniversaire Tara et Paris Parfait!! Tu es incroyable ma chere amie!!
I too never would have expected what has come out of blogging for me ... and like you, I am so grateful.
Here is to the next year my friend! Cheers!!! JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 31 January 2007 at 08:01
happy blogiversary! So glad you joined the world of blog. (that is an incredible photo)
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 31 January 2007 at 06:21
Oh, Happy Blogiversary to you!! Yes, it's an amazing gift to find a community that inspires and comforts. I, too, find myself sitting at the computer with my morning tea to catch up on what's happened while I slept. It's a good way to begin the day. Here's to another year! ;)
Posted by: deirdre | 31 January 2007 at 06:09
Tara! Happy Anniversary to you! You have written such engaging, beautiful, thoughtful, challenging, eye-opening, warm, and insightful posts all the year long. I cherish dearly the variety and diversity of your writing subjects, the photos (esp Christmas in Paris!), all your warm comments, and just you. Here's to the next year of great reading (for us!)...and I hope I will get to meet you too in the next couple years! My mom moved to France when she was 18 to study at Le Sorbonne (sp?) and I have always wanted to go there with her so who knows? Maybe it really will happen, esp since I have an upcoming overseas ticket! I hope so! xo
Posted by: Alexandra | 31 January 2007 at 06:01
Bon Anniversaire!! and many more!
Robin
Posted by: robin | 31 January 2007 at 04:02
Happy Birthday!!! Can't wait to see what is in store for the next year.
~BendingPeak
Posted by: BendingPeak | 31 January 2007 at 03:39
~*Happy Blogaversary Tara!*~ We your audience are the lucky ones in finding your blogspace.You inspire and remind us of many goings on globally.I enjoy my time here and love reading and learning haiku and all about antique markets in Paris.
I read ~EVERY~ one of your posts although I may not comment on every one.. know I am at a loss for words at times.Yours continues to be a favorite link for me.hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 31 January 2007 at 03:21
Happy Happy Blogobirthdayversary Tara! And I agree with Tammy...the pleasure is all ours!
Posted by: Jessie | 31 January 2007 at 03:05
Sana hey wa yagamine, or happy birthday, Tara dear. Yours is one of the truly special blogs and you should be so proud of what you have been able to create here.
Posted by: Maryam in Marrakech | 31 January 2007 at 02:42
from the bottom of my heart I thank you for writing to us each day... happy anniversary... hope to meet you one day. xoxo
Posted by: diana | 31 January 2007 at 01:59
I feel so blessed for discovering you, you take me back to Paris every day and I am so thankful for your gorgeous photography, particularly the Spain series. Many more, mon ami.
Posted by: Donna | 31 January 2007 at 01:35
Paris~ Thank you for visiting my blog. I'm glad to finally be catching up after missing a whole year of your writing ;) I'm excited to read more about you from now on and continue to connect on the year ahead. Yes! Please visit me in San Fran when you get a chance too...
Posted by: Alex aka Gypsy Girl | 31 January 2007 at 01:11
Tara,
Bon anniversaire! ma cherie. I truly feel fortunate to have found you. I commented on your blog on a whim, not expecting a reply. You, of course did and the rest is archived for all to see. Your encouragement has helped me find new avenues to explore. Thank you.
rel
Posted by: rel | 30 January 2007 at 23:40
Happy Anniversary to you! I'm so blessed to have found you. xo
Posted by: kristen | 30 January 2007 at 23:35
Happy Birthday Tara! Your blog enriches us all, encourages us to do better, and above all it allows us a moment to pause and think about all things.
xo
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen R | 30 January 2007 at 23:10
Happy Birthday Tara! Your blog enriches us all, encourages us to do better, and above all it allows us a moment to pause and think about all things.
xo
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen R | 30 January 2007 at 23:10
Happy Blogiversary, Tara - I love looking through this window on the world your Paris Parfait blog has opened up to me. Your insight, creativity, love of beauty and truth shines through, informing and illuminating my world. Thank you! Here's to many more wonderful Paris Parfait posts!!
xo~Bisous~xo
Posted by: tinker | 30 January 2007 at 22:51
Happy Anniversary! We of the blogsphere are blessed to have you. :)
Posted by: mardougrrl | 30 January 2007 at 22:26
Happy blogiversary, sweet Tara - next time you're in London we'll have to meet for a chocolat chaud :-) xo
Posted by: susannah | 30 January 2007 at 21:57
Happy blogbirthday Tara. What an amazing world we entered when we started writing. What genuine connections and friendships we have made. We have redefined the meaning of friendship. I am grateful to have met you.
Posted by: annieelf | 30 January 2007 at 21:12
Happy blogbirthday!! This is so exciting, your anniversary, your mention on Crooks and Liars, your words and ideas spreading all over the planet, your meeting several cyber co-conspirators ( and our meeting YOU!) and just all of it, the whole webby, bloggy, wonderful thing!
Much love and many, many congratulations!
Laura
PS So glad you're going to meet Maryam! I thought of you somehow when I first 'met' her on her blog.
Posted by: Laura | 30 January 2007 at 20:51
While I'm not a political blogger, I too would be pumped to have that link. That is amazing - but your passion shines through in EVERYTHING you write, Tara. EVERYTHING.
Not only the written words, but the photos, the poems.. it all comes together in what truly is a little piece of art on the web.
That photo is gorgeous - and to me it represents a beautiful beacon shining from far away.. and that beacon is you. I wish I could come that way and give you a hug!!
Happy one year anniversary.. and many more to come.
xoxo
Posted by: holli | 30 January 2007 at 20:31
I just happened here by chance, but I am pleased with my timing :). Your elation today is the reward of hard work, and you are inspired and inspiring.
Posted by: runliarun | 30 January 2007 at 20:26
A very happy first "birthday"! I'm facing my blog's second at the end of February and I can scarely believe it!
Hope you're celebrating with a little champagne... a fitting celebration for a French-themed blog!
Posted by: The Bold Soul | 30 January 2007 at 19:54
Happy first bloggiversary.
I hope to meet you one day, in Norway or in Paris.
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 30 January 2007 at 19:25
Happy Bloggeversary Tara. I enjoy all your posts and the variety of interests you have. My one year is in two weeks, and I am as thrilled as you are at my personal growth that blogging has fostered.
Posted by: Brian | 30 January 2007 at 19:16
Happy Blog-iversary! Thank you so much for all you share and helping to make the blogosphere such a happy place to be!
Posted by: Kamsin | 30 January 2007 at 18:47
Bon Anniversaire, Paris Parfait!
And many many many more.
Bisous.
Posted by: Colette | 30 January 2007 at 18:35
Tara! Happy Blogging Anniversary! You are such a sweet gal, and I've enjoyed coming over here, reading and gaining inspiration from your musings, thoughts, and art sharing.
And my darling, when I'm in the city of lights, I will let you know! (Hoping for a weekend this summer).
Posted by: bella | 30 January 2007 at 18:33
Bon anniversaire!
Posted by: Jeanne | 30 January 2007 at 18:24
HAPPY BIRTHDAY Dear PARIS PARFAIT! ~~~~ And MANNNNNNNNY MOREEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!! xoxoxoxoxoxo
Posted by: berrie | 30 January 2007 at 18:09
The pleasure is all ours! I'm so sad that I can't make it to Paris to hug you and tell you thank you in person. You are a class act and I'm honored to have met you. Happy first year of many! XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 30 January 2007 at 17:52