A 19th-century mannequin found at the Antiquities Brocante at Bastille, Paris. As he's currently adorned with my husband's ties and a candybox beret, we refer to him as "Tie-boy." He lives in the hallway, next to a cheery yellow bookcase containing design books and magazines.
Thank you all for your kind, sympathetic comments on Tuesday. I'm at a stage of my book where as Norman Mailer says, one must dig deep within to write the truth. This process of excavating memories can prove painful - hence my melancholy and every trivial, yet annoying little thing adding to my stress level.
You might be amused to learn that Bernard Delanoe, the mayor of Paris, launched a "charm offensive" this week to combat the image of the French capital as rude. A survey by the Global Market Institute ranked Paris as the most visited city in the world, but also one of the rudest. In terms of hospitality, Paris was ranked 52nd out of 60 cities represented.
Paris residents are being asked to "take the time to give information to visitors" and "make use of foreign language skills to reply to them in their language." In return, tourists are being asked to try French products, "respect the city and use public transport."
Meanwhile, two plumbers spent four hours today removing the old hot water tank and installing a new one! Finally, a dry carpet in the hallway. The next step is to write the building owner to provide paperwork needed to file an insurance claim. The carpet needs replacing and damage to the wall repaired. And of course, a separate letter to the building owner is required, concerning our upstairs neighbour's leak that's damaging our bathroom ceiling. It's always something!
On a brighter note, remember the fabulous Vanessa Valencia's Strange Beautiful Lady and her rather eventful trip to Paris? Now the artist's filmmaker brother Adam - who has quite a few talents of his own - has composed a wonderful, haunting melody, inspired by the Lady. Listen to it here.
The Strange Beautiful Lady has danced around the room to Adam's music until she's dizzy. She's a bit giddy and flustered, but very honoured to have such a gorgeous tune dedicated to her and her new owner. What a fantastic surprise!
A necklace and earrings handmade by Ali of Ali to Africa, Brazil to the Bay, photographed atop 19th-century French documents. See her Alexandra Amaro designs at Etsy.
Summer fun - a Cath Kidston notebook for scribbling ideas and inspiration while gadding about in comfy turquoise sneakers!
Soothing Italian botantical soaps from Liberty of London. Even the packaging is charming.
An American 19th-century industrial bobbin threader, found in France by Julie Isore at Agape. Someday it will be in my daughter Jordana's atelier, along with other quirky antique sewing paraphanelia we've found here.
Well, as you can tell I'm still a few days behind on your posts, but I'm glad to read that you're feeling a little less blue since your encounters on the 10th. I hope that the mayor's request won't be taken with stubborness and an "I'll show them what it's really like to be rude." attitude. I shouldn't talk since I've never been, but I will rise to the defense of a friend. :)
Posted by: Willow Grace | 18 July 2007 at 05:10
Bombard them with kindness Tara!!
Love the pics.......documents and necklace and the cute shoes. but, I must say that when I was scrolling down and caught the legs and shoes of the mannequin with my eyes, I was a wee bit creeped out.......kind of Hitchcockian or something...eeeek.
Posted by: awareness | 14 July 2007 at 00:22
Didn't this charm offensive happen in Paris in the 90s? I seem to remember Parisians becoming a little nicer at the time.
Beautiful collection Tara.
Tara responds:
Di, thank you! You're right about the charm offensive in the '90s. But since then the Paris residents have reverted to their normal behaviour - which is reserved and on occasion may be viewed as rude. And sometimes they are rude, just like people everywhere in the world.
Posted by: Di Overton | 13 July 2007 at 17:48
I just love the jewels also....Ahhh the colors... Digging a delving. Pain indeed, but I am sure your excavations will lead to a tremendous book!!! Perhaps the song helped a bit??? xxxxoooooo (LOVE, no I mean LLOOVVEE the mannequin holding the accessories LOVE)
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 13 July 2007 at 00:43
Glad to hear you're making progress with your plumbing issues!
I love the jewelry - gorgeous colors and design. I may be doing some shopping there :)
Posted by: Becca | 12 July 2007 at 22:49
I'm glad things are moving forward. I'm in love with tie guy! His legs are too perfect. LOL
French rude? Never heard that one. LOL
HUGS
Posted by: Tammy | 12 July 2007 at 21:42
Hi Tara-so glad you have got the plumbing issue sorted out, hopefully once and for all!! Speaking as a person who has spent a lot of time in France, I know only too well how long certain seemingly simple matters can take to get sorted...
Posted by: Sophiehoneysuckle | 12 July 2007 at 17:39
Love and hugs and a bundle of happy wishes.
Love Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 12 July 2007 at 13:10
I love your tie-boy!
Posted by: mandy | 12 July 2007 at 11:42
What fun! The necktie photo, the gorgeous jewelry - then comfy, fun sneakers, and lovely, ethereal music to accompany your Strange Beautiful Lady painting. Good news, too on the the water heater, and no more wet carpet. Best of all, though, Tara - you're feeling happier! Hope your summer just gets better and better! XOXO
(and Paris becoming more friendly is pretty good, too!)
Posted by: tinker | 12 July 2007 at 11:33
Wow. I wish I could photograph my jewelry every day in your house. Nothing like a beautiful backdrop of antiques to really show off a piece.
Thanks for the lovely showcase, and I hope you are enjoying your necklace and earrings.
As for Paris being a rude city...I suppose more time spent there is in order before I form an opinion. After all, I've only been in Paris for a whopping 9 hours. :)
Posted by: ali la loca | 12 July 2007 at 10:02
Happy pictures Tara filled with humor and history amd heart (that's for Ali's pretty necklace). It always strikes me as odd to hear of someone finding an American antique in Europe.
Posted by: AnnieElf | 12 July 2007 at 08:59
So happy that you're feeling better, I love the pics today and so enjoy your stories, yesterday I read the Amy Tan one aloud for my husband who has been using props...hehehe Thank you
for these wonderful posts.
Posted by: robyn | 12 July 2007 at 07:06
Tara...I just LOVE "Tieboy"...stunning!!!!!
Posted by: Gypsy Purple | 12 July 2007 at 05:26
I cannot make a comment on the rudeness of Paris residents.. since I have never been ! ha! I have 'heard' though! ..Trust me..as I have told you before..Charleston gets some of the rudist TOURISTS ever...so anything the Parisians hand out would be cake icing! ha! I am so loving the Cath Kidson tennies! and and ..love that you have Strange Beautiful Lady and her accompanying music!
Posted by: pam aries | 12 July 2007 at 02:11
well, les parisiens have to walk a long way towards (finaly) becoming friendly. i visit the city regularly (not too far from where i live)and although i speak the language i usually end up in some 'word fight'during my stay. and always promising myself to leave paris for what it is.
your 'tieboy' looks almost real, at least concerning his legs. what a gorgeous necklace, tara, and those ancient documents. wishing you beaucoup de courage et du succes with the owner, neighbour and insurance. tough!!
Posted by: marita | 12 July 2007 at 00:51