After a dentist's appointment with bad news, I bought bright orange and yellow ranucule to cheer myself up. In a similar vein, recently I found a black-and-cream linen "new hat" to update an old lamp. It reminds me of a mod '60s Courreges dress - the kind that Audrey Hepburn might have worn in Two for the Road. Or perhaps something the Mad Hatter adopted in Alice in Wonderland! Notice a pattern here: when feeling miserable, shopping might help.
I came home to find that Joan at Rivanna River Days has been feted with a well-deserved Thinking Blogger Award. In turn, she has honoured me with another Thinking Blogger Award! Her warm words definitely helped dispel any lingering gloom.
What amazing connections the Internet allows! I received a lovely, encouraging email from an American woman who'd stumbled across my blog when searching Google images.
Earlier this week I had a message from an academic in Paris who was hunting for old typeface letters as an anniversary gift. He needed them in a hurry and neither I nor my friend who owns an antique shop could think of any place in town that sells them, other than the flea markets - which don't open until the weekend. So I offered to part with some typeface letters purchased recently at Chatou.
Late yesterday afternoon, he came over to choose the ones he wanted. It is hoped the intended recipient will be as pleased as the buyer and the seller were!
Les visiteurs
Have you seen the hilarious French film Les Visiteurs? If not, I recommend renting it for a good laugh. All the actors are superb, particularly Jean Reno and Valerie Lemercier.
At the moment, we are beseiged with les visiteurs! Ah, April in Paris... Three friends are in town from other countries and we have guests staying with us from now until April 20th. These are the last of our "B&B" overseas guests, as indicated in my post Weekends Only. In between these groups of old friends, David and I have the special treat of hosting another blogger, Di Mackey and her husband Gert, briefly visiting from Belgium. I'm so excited to meet them; Di and I have been communicating via email for months and commiserating about politics and some of the bureaucratic woes of living in countries not our own. Originally from New Zealand, Di is a fantastic photographer. Check out Woman Wandering to view her work.
Besides playing hostess, I have writing deadlines and dental appointments. But I intend to keep posting at least one piece per day. I will try my best to read and comment on your blogs as usual - although don't be surprised if comments are left at odd hours, like 2 a.m.!
Love that lamp. Wouldn't go amiss amidst my Ghost Furniture. Hope you have a fabulous time with all your guests.
Posted by: Di Overton | 30 March 2007 at 20:28
I am the delighted recipient of your typefaces and I wanted to thank you for your generosity; I was thrilled to receive them and even more so when I heard the story behind them. Rest assured they'll hold a treasured place over my desk.
Posted by: Linz | 30 March 2007 at 16:32
Sorry to hear about the dental news, especially on the heals of your back not feeling well :((( Sending you a gentle, healing hug from across the pond. xx, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 30 March 2007 at 16:01
ugh dental news:( you surely did the right thing with getting yourself those blooms! Have I told ya lately that your blog is one of my all time favorites? It is always so filled with useful information and the right amount of personal and loads of creativity too* you deserve all the recognition you receive:) xoxoxoxo enjoy those guests..we're getting lots and lots of rain here too..of course in preperation for all those glorious blooms in May! :)
Posted by: berrie | 30 March 2007 at 15:50
Gorgeous flowers. I think Ranunculus are one of my absolute favourites, the colours are pure candy. And what a stunning lampshade. Very Audrey H indeed.
Spring has left us in the lurch, today it's raining buckets and very cold. Hope it's better in Paris.
Posted by: waspgoddess | 30 March 2007 at 13:58
You and Di have a fantastique time together - a real choice time, in fact (Di will know what that means!)
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 30 March 2007 at 13:55
You are so right. Both internet and blogging are broadening my world every day.
By the way, I have a bouqet of colourful ranucles near my computer right now :-)
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 30 March 2007 at 11:05
The flowers are beautiful! And the lampshade is so fun - I can see the Audrey Hepburn resemblance :)
I'm so sorry about the bad news from the dentist (mine doesn't have much good to say lately, either). Take good care of you at your B&B, too. :-) Hope you're able to find some peace and quiet this spring! XOXO
Posted by: tinker | 30 March 2007 at 08:23
Oh, you are a busy one too! Living the life of your movie....and, yes, I am glad you give me something to want to watch! Oh, swoon, April in Paris....Anyday in Paris..How did I end up in this bizarre Arizona? I am sure you will be a delightful hostess, dental visits and all! That reminds me... I do believe I have a looming cavity....Must make that apptmt. xxo,Vanessa
Posted by: Vanessa | 30 March 2007 at 07:22
You have a very full and exciting life!
Ranunculus are one of my favorite flowers.
Posted by: Willow Grace | 30 March 2007 at 01:07
I'm sorry friend, about the dental woes and yes, shopping does in fact help.
You are good to share your flea market finds....your treasures are truly lovely and I remember you showing us those typeface letters recently.
Have fun with your guests!!
Posted by: Kristen | 29 March 2007 at 21:14
My teeth betray me all the time...arggghh!I need some further explanation on the hat...perhaps model it for us....They have novacain in france..right?
Tara responds:
Thank you! Wendy the "new hat" is a euphenism for the lampshade, pictured in this post.
Posted by: wendy | 29 March 2007 at 20:08
Hope your dental traumas will soon be over!!
Posted by: jzr | 29 March 2007 at 19:21
What lovely flowers!
Posted by: Kamsin | 29 March 2007 at 18:08
Hey thank you :)
Sorry to read of the dentist but you were wise in seeking the shopping-cure. And goodness, I am so looking forward to catching up with the wise woman I read here and to photographing who ever I am allowed to photograph while visiting.
Take care of yourself and enjoy the flowers. xo
Posted by: Di | 29 March 2007 at 18:02
Oh I am sorry to hear it went badly at the Dentist. You so deserve the flowers and more my friend. Here is my HUGE hug to you! You touch me with your generosity!
XO
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen Robinson | 29 March 2007 at 17:55
What a lucky dog he is to get your amazing typeface. I am hoping to see them in person!!!!! Are you free from 7-9 next Wed? I am in town.....How about a cocktail?
Tara responds:
Maryam, have emailed you about meeting - that time doesn't work, but I hope we can find an alternative!
Posted by: Maryam in Marrakech | 29 March 2007 at 17:53
Sorry to hear about your bad news at the dentist. I love the yellow and orange flowers, very beautiful. It's so nice to have guests over, i can't wait when my sister visits in June.
Posted by: cathy | 29 March 2007 at 17:43
Tara, this post is a big part of why we love you! Your style and upbeat attitude not to mention generosity. Giving that man some of you treasures did not surprise me in the least. XXOO
P.S. I posted my first video of TK walking, not bad for a shaky gramy ;)
Posted by: Tammy | 29 March 2007 at 16:49