Despite the rather inconvenient French transit strike, this package from Rochambeau arrived safely this morning! Isn't that silk brocade bag lovely? And Constance included more treats: little sachets tied up in beautiful patterned silks.
Many of you know I have a strong affinity for the Middle East. As a reporter, I have lived and traveled throughout the region - particularly Jordan. I love the flowery poetic language; the stunning Islamic architecture; the food; the music; the people and their wonderful hospitality; the desert; the mountains.
When Constance created an unusual belly-dancing puppet named Tara, she was destined to join me for further adventures.
Et voila! Tara makes her appearance in Paris. Jetlagged or not, almost immediately, she looked around for a mandolin. Then she started to play the tambourine, her gold bangle bracelets jangling to the music.
Obviously, she was relieved her long journey was finished! Of course many other journeys and mysteries await, as Tara's story continues to unfold.
The pretty pink package contains a scroll depicting Tara's life to date, as written by Constance:
"She was born in a colourful Gypsy wagon, under a magic tree in a mossy wood. Hers was an easy birth. They called her Tara because she was born on a starry night, during the full moon. She lived in a faraway land, where the sounds of perfectly-tuned mandolins filled the air with joy and wrapped their melodies around her heart like a warm winter blanket."And yes, there were exotic spices perfuming the air: cinnamon, caramon, anise star and nutmeg - infusing and awakening the senses, whetting her appetite for a life filled with adventure! Tara greew into a beautiful woman, bright like a shining star. She enjoyed life, keeping time with her tambourine, while swirling in a circle of colourful satin ribbons. As she danced, she shook her hips and moved to the soundtrack of life. One day she'd be belly-dancing alone; the next she'd be doing a cha-cha with the handsomest guy in the village.
"As she grew in years, so did the Persian carpet of her life. It seemed to become deeper, richer and more complete. Each stitch, beautifully woven together with light colours and dark ones too. In fact, she began to see it coming together as one beautiful expression, telling the stories and secrets of her life.
"Maybe one day you will meet Tara. And how will you know? Well, she happens to hold her dreams in a pretty blue pounch wrapped around her waist. If you're lucky, she might hold on to one of your dreams, too!"
At the moment, she's taking a nap after her tiring trans-Atlantic voyage. But this weekend, Tara and I will be practicing our belly-dancing. Would you like to join us?
P.S. After the belly-dancing, we'll be watching rugby. France plays Argentina tonight at Parc des Princes in a bid for third place in the 2007 Rugby World Cup. Allez les bleus! They need to redeem themselves for the opening game loss to Argentina. Update: Yet another disappointing game for France, as Argentina triumphed for the second time. Congratulations to the South American team, who played very well!
England and South Africa battle it out for the championship Saturday night at Stade de France. Along with my English husband, I'll be cheering on the underdogs (uh, that would be England).
She is divine!!
Posted by: Madeline | 25 October 2007 at 06:19
What an exquisite gift for an exquisite woman! xx, JP/deb
Posted by: JanePoe (aka Deborah) | 23 October 2007 at 03:34
I think BOTH Taras are beautiful!!!!!!! Vida x
Posted by: Vida | 20 October 2007 at 10:20
i admired the gypsy doll at constance's blog already. and yessss i will join you, dancing 'the thabkah' to the sound of fairouz, nipping mint tea, watching the arabian half moon laying on his back from our desert tents...
Posted by: marita | 20 October 2007 at 09:58
Now that... THAT is a gift to treasure. I loved the story, the pictures and all the little details. I bet this was such a treat. It was a treat to read about it. Princess Tara is most beautiful, she is aptly named.
Posted by: holli | 20 October 2007 at 09:02
What a pretty doll. I agree, there are so many things about middle-eastern culture/traditions that are fabulous. The baby should not be thrown out with the bathwater, that saying seems to fit how I feel.
Posted by: fleur | 20 October 2007 at 02:42
She's beautiful as are you! I would LOVE to hop on a plane and head to Paris to belly dance with you. What fun.
Posted by: awareness | 20 October 2007 at 02:16
Tara,
And little Tara, wow! Constance is so creative. I love that woman...such a thoughtful lady! Tara has such a nice outfit on, she looks ready to par-tay! You should bring her to the ghoul's party!
xo
Gillian
Posted by: Gillian @ Indigo Blue | 19 October 2007 at 22:57
Gorgeous!
Posted by: Jeanne | 19 October 2007 at 20:57
I remember seeing this gorgeous gypsy dancer on Constance's page, before she flew all the way across the Atlantic - and she looks just as fabulous now - if only we all could travel amd recuperate from jet lag so well!
I'll join you for the bellydancing - but I'll have to beg out of the Rugby match. Have fun!
Posted by: tinker | 19 October 2007 at 19:40
What a fabulous doll.She looks like you! I will forgive that comment about The Underdogs.
Posted by: Di Overton | 19 October 2007 at 18:58
Wow..WOW! What a gorgeous gypsy doll! Tara..you must be beyond thrilled! I keep going back at her and marvel at all the details.. her face is fabulous!
Posted by: p | 19 October 2007 at 17:56
OH SWOOOOOOOooooon!!! She sent her to you????? How wonderful!!!!! All those treasures, Golly MY OH MY!!! You deserve every morsel of goodness ever!!!!!!! xoxooxoxox
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 19 October 2007 at 17:37
She is a beauty!!
Posted by: bella | 19 October 2007 at 17:25
She's gorgeous! The colors and textures of the fabrics are wonderful.
Posted by: deirdre | 19 October 2007 at 17:07
Dear Tara,
Your little Tara looks VERY happy and sweet in your home. She already likes you very much! For starters, you unlatched the door to that dark battered Gypsy wagon and have given her a new home in the City of Lights! !!! Under that sweet smile she is giddy with delight! She does like to practice her belly dancing, and hopes you will teach her some new moves! Other than that,
at night she likes to gaze at the stars, so she can remember where she came from, then likes to sit down to a nice bowl of rose ice cream.
Your are the best!
Thank you for giving Tara
a great abode!
xox
Love,
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 19 October 2007 at 15:43
Constance is divine! She has sent you the most beautiful package of love...in gorgeous colours and fabrics...from her slice of France to your's. And your very own namesake, belly dancing gypsy. Of course I will go belly dancing with you and Princess Tara...I took lessons last year!!
Posted by: cherie | 19 October 2007 at 14:13
Wow! What a wonderful story and a beautiful and creative doll. Lucky you, Tara :)
Posted by: My Melange | 19 October 2007 at 13:26