The Paris metro map at the Kleber station. I am mad about the Art Nouveau design. The Victoria & Albert Museum in London borrowed these metro gates for an exhibition a couple of years ago.
Bicycles are leaned against the corner of the wrought iron entrance gates.
A close-up of the Art Nouveau motif. Maybe I got a little carried away with all these photos. But can you blame me? I mean, really we don't see something like this everyday, right?
Aren't the tall tulip-like "fleurs" towering over the entranceway gorgeous?
Have you seen Ocean's 13? I am a big fan of the Renaissance man George Clooney. What's not to admire: brains, charm, wit and looks, plus he's an activist. Am seeing the film later this week.
It seems I've done this meme before. But here's another eight random things, by request of my poetic friend Rob Kistner:
1. I am mad about Art Nouveau and Arts and Crafts design (in case you couldn't tell by all the photos above). I could look at it for hours without getting bored. The organic swirls and patterns of Art Nouveau and the simple yet sophisticated lines of Arts and Crafts and William Morris patterns delight me. If I suddenly came into lots of money, I'd have an Arts and Crafts style house, with a room or two full of French furniture. As it is, I'm lucky to have a few pieces of both styles - but no permanent abode. Then again, is anything really permanent? Lately I have been struck by just how fragile antique pieces of furniture can be, as I applied woodworm killer to yet another wooden cabinet.
2. I have a near-phobia of going to the dentist or periodontist. It isn't helped by the fact that as I have a minor heart problem, I must take two antibiotics one hour before arriving at my appointment. This means I start anticipating pain well before the appointment and feel ill all the way there. I had a periodontist visit today - he is like a sweet but eccentric mad scientist, who laughs and jokes as he digs into one's gums, without anesthesia. I felt like one of those cartoon cats that is upside down, clinging to the ceiling, digging its claws in to hold on (as I gripped the arms of my chair, to keep from leaping out of it).
Afterwards, I went to get sushi for lunch and discovered Douglas Kennedy was at the local branch of FNAC, signing his new book, The Woman in the Fifth. Recently I bought the English version and didn't want to buy another copy in French, just to get him to sign it. Plus the line to meet him was long and I didn't feel like standing there for an hour.
3. I love to travel, although I dislike the actual flights and the incredible hassles involved in reaching a destination. There was a time in my life when I took planes the way many people hail cabs, but no more. If at all possible, I take a train or a short flight.
4. I wish a piano would fit in our bijoux Paris apartment, as I miss playing it, particularly the blues. At one point I could play well, but am woefully out of practice. My daughter showed early talent for the violin, but schoolwork took precedence. As a senior at the American School of Paris, Jordana and her friend Bridgette, who plays guitar, sang in some Paris pubs and bars. In Savannah, Jordana recorded a song with the band Passafire.
5. Champagne is my favourite drink; I despise beer. You know the old saying "champagne tastes and beer pocketbook?"- the story of my life. Recently at an antiques fair a dealer showed me five Italian silver prayer ornaments from the 19th-century. I collect these, along with crosses and other religious artifacts and icons, so was thrilled to see such choices. When I pointed to the one I wanted, the guy smiled and said, "You've picked the most expensive one." "Of course I have!" I responded.
Once in New York I was preparing for a long assignment in the Middle East. In an optician's, I was looking for glasses frames that would clear my high cheekbones and suit my round face. After trying on probably 100 pairs - no kidding - I finally found the perfect frames. The assistant said, "These are the most expensive pair in the store!" My mother says when I was a child I would choose the most pricey dress or pair of shoes. I never looked at the price tags, but I recognised quality when I saw it (although if something is expensive, it doesn't mean it's necessarily the best).
6. When I am "on a roll" writing, hours will pass without me realising it.
7. I have traveled so much and moved so often, I cannot imagine finding one place and staying there the rest of my life. I used to joke that I had suitcases and belongings scattered all over the world and that if I ever got everything in one place, there'd probably be a fire. Despite my appreciation for art and antiques, I try not to become attached to things. It's only in the last seven years that I've started to "nest" and accumulate collections. Prior to that, I was always moving and couldn't carry much with me, other than a few favourite books, CDs and photographs and a collection of stones from wherever I traveled. Then those stones became an airline security issue, so I stopped. Things can be replaced; people can't. It's better to collect friends.
8. My philosophy about life is probably best summed up by the quote "Two things stand like stone: kindness in another's troubles; courage in your own."
So the meme's "rules," are that I tag eight people. But I'm a rebel at heart, so will suggest that anyone who wants to participate in this meme do so on their own blog. Merci bien!
oh my gosh, Tara, I just enjoyed your latest post as I finished a morning latte at home here in San Francisco! The sun is shining and the city has that feel of everyone has already left for vacation. Do you remember when you lived here how the parking gradually eased up as summer unfolded? Anyway, I adore your philosophy about friends and plan to spell it out in old letters for the wall. I will try and send you a photo next week. Your writing inspires and delights me! And you remind me that there are good, thoughtful, aware people with courage having their say in places like blogs. Bravo! Bravo! And merci beaucoup for brightening my day already! Enjoy your weekend. Oh how I would love to be in Paris for a few days right now! Your fan, Joan
Posted by: Joan O'Connor | 23 June 2007 at 21:07
I loved reading about you in the eight random facts. Now i've got to come up with eight of my own as I've been tagged! (I'm pleased to say, you've inspired me!)
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 23 June 2007 at 14:17
Art Nouveau is my favorite! Though I think I would put it in a little Victorian - a painted lady in yellow and purple; or green and orange...
From one dental phobic to another.
(check out that map of visitors - you go gurl!)
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 22 June 2007 at 19:49
I'm with you on the hassle of travelling. And I also hate flying. Now, if I could walk or drive to Lesotho...
Thanks for accepting my request.
Posted by: Rethabile | 22 June 2007 at 10:50
This was such a treat Tara - thank you for indulging us - I have a dentist phobia as well - wish that I could play the piano - love those swirls and lose myself in any creative endeavor - loved the poem in post above - as if you were reading the runes of my soul -
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | 21 June 2007 at 23:57
Love the photos and the meme. I'm a champagne girl,too. And when I'm in a writing "zone" the hours do slip by.
So nice getting to know you a little better, Tara.
Posted by: January | 21 June 2007 at 20:43
I love reading these sort of things about people. I think I maust take after my grandmother who was so nosey she once got her nose trapped in a door when caught eaves dropping.
Posted by: Di Overton | 21 June 2007 at 19:41
It's always fun learning more about our friends...I'm glad you shared these. I keep meaning to do this one, and somehow never had. That's definitely one of my eight things...I'm a terrible procrastinator!
Posted by: Becca | 21 June 2007 at 15:03
It's always fun reading these memes and this one is no exception! I especially like your philosophical statement in number 8. I'd like to have a stone with that carved on it to remind me :)
It feels so good to get caught back up with you! (A new ethernet cable seems to be helping - though it still took quite awhile for the page to load).
The photos are lovely!
XOXO
Posted by: tinker | 21 June 2007 at 13:32
Lovely and fun! And yes, you are a so amazing woman! I am happy that you started a blog! I did this meme in spanish... so.....maybe you can read it Tara!
A big hug!
Posted by: Caty | 21 June 2007 at 09:02
Love learning more bits about you ... I'll do this one soon! (Promise!) xx, JP
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 21 June 2007 at 08:58
Tara stop teasing me with these sights of Paris!! Sept./08 is a long way off!Champagne did you say champagne!!! I loved #7..I agree things can be replaced hearts and souls cannot. Loved the quote in #8. Merci NG...(better practise my French!)
Posted by: naturegirl | 21 June 2007 at 05:43
I love champaigne too - even I can't spell it:)
i thought you might like this fellow...
http://karmicmusings.blogspot.com/2007/06/sometimes-pictures-say-it-like-nothing.html
hugs!
Posted by: madelyn | 21 June 2007 at 05:01
You play the piano? Very cool and I can picture it. :) I have caviar taste on a tuna fish budget thanks to my mom. lol Airports...argh!
HUGS
Posted by: Tammy | 21 June 2007 at 03:17
Arts and crafts style homes are my very very favorite and would be my dream home. An artist friend has a modest craftsman home in Berkeley and it is a dream.
Your photos are fantastic and again, I hope a visit there will be a reality rather than a dream.
Posted by: Willow Grace | 21 June 2007 at 01:53
I have a photo of me somewhere emerging from that station. Oh, what memories!
xox
Posted by: Colette | 20 June 2007 at 21:12
What? We love the same things and do the same things!! I have those phots in black in white, by the way... Metropolitan and such. Commercial ones.. But still.. I look at them every day. I play piano. And I have three. Yikes. I love champagne & hate beer. Only it gives me a headache... And I hate the mouth people. See. we are twins. xxo
Posted by: Vanessa V | 20 June 2007 at 17:34
I always love to read a good meme and especially one like this. I wish we could fit a piano in our home as well. I love the nouveau stations around Paris - I've got a few photos from different trips to Paris of the same.
Posted by: kristen | 20 June 2007 at 15:57