"No cord or cable can so forcibly draw, or hold so fast, as love can do with a twined thread." - Robert Burton, 1577-1640; photo, spools of thread from a 1920s French sewing cabinet.
The mystery man
Thanks to all the readers who tried to guess the identity of the mystery man. Alas, the answers are incorrect. When I saw that handsome man walking down the street towards me, my first thought was "Brad Pitt!" This was certainly possible, as Brad and his partner Angelina Jolie have been in France recently; some time ago I saw Angelina walking in the same area. Then I decided he was too short to be Pitt, but he looked very familiar. So I turned my camera towards the window, to get his photo in the reflection, as he walked past. I think he's a French rugby player, but don't know his name. The Rugby World Cup begins next month in Paris, so perhaps I'll discover his identity then. Thanks for playing along.
Changes in France
This being August, hundreds of thousands of Parisiens have vacated the city for seaside retreats. Many businesses are closed for renovation, as the store owners receive government tax breaks for physical improvements to their property. On the first day of August, I walked into the pharmacy we've frequented for the past six-and-a-half years to discover the owner had retired, the place had been bought and everything was in a different place! Just two days before, I 'd been in to see the previous pharmacist , Monsieur Altobelli and he'd made no mention of his intentions. This seems to be the norm in France; major changes are made with little fanfare or interruption of service. No chance to say "au revoir" to the old and "felicitations" to the new.
Meanwhile at the post office, I took several packages to mail to a woman in Texas. I am a "picker" for antiques and collectibles for her store. The clerk spent several minutes at his computer keyboard, looking puzzled. Finally he called over a colleague to help, but neither could find a reference to "Les Etats Unis" in the computer. His colleague joked in French, "Maybe Bush has blocked all mail from France now." At last they discovered La Poste's computer listing for the United States is now "Les Etats Unis de Amerique" - yet another bureaucratic change made without warning. When I returned this week to La Poste , the same clerk smiled and said, "We are still allowed to send mail to America - this week. Who knows about next week?" Since Bush and French President Nicolas Sarkozy had lunch Saturday at the Bush family home in Maine, it's probably safe to assume mail services will remain intact.
Intellectual property and copyright issues
As internet usage becomes more widespread, copyright and intellectual property issues continue to arise. Recently, several of my photographs have been used on other websites. While my work is copyrighted, I have agreed to "share and share alike usage" as long as attribution is provided and my work is not reproduced for profit. But in these instances, the only way I knew my photographs were used in other websites was through Technorati links. People who use someone else's photographs or words are required to include written attribution somewhere in their piece - readers should not have to click on photographs to determine their original source.
Further, I have noticed some bloggers - who certainly know better - use photographs from unknown sources, without any attribution whatsoever. This is unfair to the original photographer. If you see instances such as this, ask the blogger to give credit where credit is due. We work hard to produce original content; reprinting it without attribution is not only rude, it's intellectual property theft.
Summer daze
My dear fanciful friend Vanessa has named me as one of five "bathing beauty wonders of the day" on her blog. Best to take a peek now; it's the last time you'll ever see me in a swimsuit - and a crown. Did you notice those delightful paintings? The Mime's Protege soon will be jetting off to Miss Valencia's Paris galerie.
Speaking of travel, we're off on holiday. It will seem strange being away from the computer for two weeks, but I'll return with lots of stories and photos. Will catch up with your blogs and email at the end of August. Hope you enjoy the remainder of the summer. Vivre l'ete!
Your photos are always amazing. And I had no idea your day job was so much fun.
Have fun.
Posted by: ren.kat | 23 August 2007 at 18:45
I think people who don't want their internet photos spread to other sites should spend the time learning how to put a watermark with their name on them.
The whole idea of the internet before Bill Gates decided its purpose was to make him wealthy, was the free flow of information. Code was shared, knowledge was shared, photos were shared.
The entire structure of the internet supports the free sharing of files, photos and information. Tara, I think you should be glad people are sometimes using your photos, either with a link back to your blog or not...how else would your blog get publicity? How else would you sell anything from your blog?
Lighten up.
Tara responds:
Karen, I have the Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo XI and can easily put an identifying mark on my photos - but I don't like the look of the photos with such a mark; it's distracting. However I may be forced to place an identifying mark on my photos if usage of them without attribution continues.
As my article above indicates, my work is copyrighted and I support the "share and share alike" usage of my work, which means it cannot be used for profit, but can be used with attribution. I would not use someone else's original work without giving them credit; nor would I expect anyone else to use mine without providing credit.
Posted by: Karen | 23 August 2007 at 17:59
I happened to find your blog today. WOW!!! I plan to check back later to read your post... but wanted to tell you that I was taken back by your beautiful photography. Had to check your bio to see... "and accidental photographer",.. I have to differ.:0)Just beautiful! I look forward to checking back soon.
Lisa
Posted by: Lisa Palombo | 22 August 2007 at 20:54
Missing your posts! Hope you're having a fantastic holiday. ~ Robyn
Posted by: robyn | 22 August 2007 at 06:58
Missing your posts! Hope you're having a fantastic holiday. ~ Robyn
Posted by: robyn | 22 August 2007 at 06:57
Sorry to here about the copyright issue I have noticed myself that I have lots of views attributed to google images and have wondered if the images are then being used. Certainly noone has approahed me to request usage, but then at the moment I haven't got a Copyright notice on the blog, something else I need to attend to.
Posted by: cd&m | 21 August 2007 at 17:01
Hope you are having a wonderful holiday.
This blogging world is wonderful. We are putting ourselves "out there" for all to see. Everyone I have come in contact with so far has been delightful and has made me feel so much more positive about our world. However, the unfortunate reality of life is that there are still a small group out there that can put a negative spin on things. I'm not sure how to copyright anything. Until I do I'll just have to trust in my fellow blogger.
Posted by: Karen Cole | 20 August 2007 at 20:29
enjoy the break.....love that photograph.....looking forward to the world cup very much.....insightful stuff as ever....
Posted by: paul | 20 August 2007 at 11:17
Have a great time away.
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 19 August 2007 at 09:35
I know the photos in my blog lay there open for anyone to use, and this disturbes me. But what can we do?????
Posted by: Britt-Arnhild | 17 August 2007 at 16:46
You looked pretty good in that swimsuit!
Posted by: Neil | 17 August 2007 at 07:57
mystery man? IS ME!
Posted by: simon | 17 August 2007 at 06:25
Haha, you made me look! My, my what a figure! Women looked like women. Nice.
Have fun!
:)
Posted by: Amber | 16 August 2007 at 21:53
My goodness what a change, I haven't been to your blog in such a long time, the vibe is still so lovely and inspiring. I will catch up soon on what you've been up to. I've added you to my list of favorites. Stay blessed.
Posted by: cathy | 16 August 2007 at 15:35
Hello sister bathing beauty - a little slow here due to next door parents and approaching Art Hop - so much to do...
love those spools - I have 2 like that - yours look so lovely in that happy little crowd.
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | 16 August 2007 at 15:32
I am glad that I discovered your blog. Can't wait to see interesting posts on your blog. Meanwhile happy holidays!
Posted by: designflute | 16 August 2007 at 11:34
I totally agree - I have found several of my pictures on other blogs.. what drives me nuts are the "splogs" that replicate my entire posts on spam blogs.. and there is no way to contact them as they have their registration private. I did find a website that told you what to do when you found one - but I have since lost it.
Have a wonderful trip!
Posted by: holli | 15 August 2007 at 21:57
A gift for you here...
(cut and paste)
http://bluestindigo.blogspot.com/2007/08/awards-time.html
With love,
Blue
xo
Posted by: Blue | 15 August 2007 at 05:12
Your blog is looks so good these days (the benefits of typepad)- and I had no idea you were a "picker" - a dream side job with your pousette at the flea markets early in the morning I am sure!
Posted by: parisiennefarmgirl | 13 August 2007 at 20:59
Tara I applaude you in writing about the copyright issues I feel taking images from magazines and posting are a risky practise also.
You have such an hour glass figure..oo.la.la that waistline!!
~au revoir~ happy safe travels..see you when you return.hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 13 August 2007 at 18:08
Blessings to you my lovely friend.
As always I come away enchanted.
Thanks for your visits and kind words always.
Love Jeanne
Posted by: Jeanne | 13 August 2007 at 15:44
Very thought provoking post. So so intersting, thanks. Love the twine etc - amazing photo.
Posted by: JUDY WILKENFELD | 13 August 2007 at 15:21
have a wonderful holiday...thanks for sharing about copyright...give one a lot to think about on this blogging...blessings, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 13 August 2007 at 14:59
I'd love to get my hands on those spools of thread! Being a picker must be wonderful, but sometimes it must be hard to let those goods slip away . . .
Posted by: tut-tut | 12 August 2007 at 23:04
Selfishly..I am going to miss you! waaa! ..However..PLEASE have a great time..a lovely vacation! Take lots of pictures and if you happen upon a lonely,nice and nice-looking Frenchman on your travels..feel free to give him my email address! hahahahah!
Posted by: Pam Aries | 12 August 2007 at 21:44
Being a typical American, I have say, "Wow! What a rack!" That was so cute.
I love the box of threads and the quote, too!
Posted by: Mary T. | 12 August 2007 at 20:52
vivre l'été...oh how i would love to. already enjoyed my early summer feelings last may while visiting the southern provence with my daughter. nostalgy!
have a great holiday, tara!! see you again in two weeks.
Posted by: marita | 12 August 2007 at 09:46
Relax, unwind, enjoy - and take lots of photos! :)
Have a lovely vacation, Tara~xox
Posted by: tinker | 12 August 2007 at 08:17
Have a wonderful vacay...relax, unwind...shop!
Have fun.
xoxo
Blue
Can't wait til you return with photos!
Posted by: Blue | 12 August 2007 at 05:24
Enjoy your vacation and WOW, lucky, lucky your to have that Fanciful piece winging it's way to you!!
Posted by: Stephanie | 12 August 2007 at 04:36
Tara, you look enchanting in your crown and swimsuit, a magical photo... thanks for sharing... V xxx
Posted by: Vida | 12 August 2007 at 01:58
You darling bathing beauty!!! Yes yes and yes. Everytime I use a google image, I work hard to figure out where it came from... Even if I just quote the site I saw it at, I do so, if it is all I can find... I think with the huge constant growing growing growing of the internet, all this is getting harder and harder to manage, isn't it? So much information. SO many things to protect... As you well know from our little experiences with the copycat artist. Anywho, lots of love to you. Oh and here, places just disappear completely.
Oh, and I have a tear streaked face. As they were over the top mean to me at La Post du Fed-ex. So I walked out and went somehwere new, and they were nice. I love my little local plain US post office. They are so normal. xxoxoxox
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 11 August 2007 at 23:52
I mean...vacation.
Posted by: Phyllis | 11 August 2007 at 21:04
Tara~you were smashing in your bathing suit. L'ete is lasting far too long here...we are basically roasting! Have a wonderful vaction :)
Posted by: Phyllis | 11 August 2007 at 21:04
Nice swim costume!
You know, it never even occurs to me that someone might be using my photos. I have a copyright note on Flickr but not my blog. Thanks for the nudge, I will be changing this.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday filled with adventure, relaxation and lots of sunshine :)
Bon voyage,
Kerstin
Posted by: Kerstin | 11 August 2007 at 19:30
I did enjoy my first visit to your blog. Nice work.
Abraham Lincoln
Brookville Daily Photo
Posted by: Abraham Lincoln | 11 August 2007 at 19:18
You look smashing in your bathing costume and Crown in Fanciland!
Such an attractive group of bathing beauties!
Yesterday I was in Wegman's a beautiful Grocery store. I was in the International section looking for France. THEY REMOVED THE FRENCH SECTION!
Weird! Disappointing!
Posted by: rochambeau | 11 August 2007 at 18:44
Have a great VA KA!! Will wait like a well trained pup, for your return.
Posted by: wendy | 11 August 2007 at 18:08
Tara, I am sorry to hear about some of your photos being copied. It certainly isn't fair, and it is frustrating to find out that this is happening.
I agree with you, that those who take photos from the web should say where they borrowed the photo from, by sharing a link back to it. Many bloggers take photos of magazines, or use photos from books to get there point across, or by showing others interesting design and or artists. Unfortunately, the photo goes unlabled, the photographer unreconzied. Thank you for bringing up and expressing this concern. I hope your work is honored, and not just copied without reference.
Posted by: tongue in cheek | 11 August 2007 at 17:31
Tara,
Ohh you look so sexy in that bathing suit. I am wondering of course, where you found such a lovely vintage suit? You need to work on your tan, girlfriend ;)
Posted by: Melange | 11 August 2007 at 17:15
Have a wonderful and safe holiday and come back full of energy and purpose.
Love the picture of you in your bathing suit. ;)
Posted by: Brian | 11 August 2007 at 17:12
Hello! It's "nice to meet" my fellow bathing beauty. And yes, I agree this will be the only time you or anyone else sees me sans clothes. Those days are LONG over.
Glad to have found you- I'll be back for sure. Have a wonderful holiday!!
Donna
Posted by: Donna O | 11 August 2007 at 16:34