
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!