One thousand posts and wings to fly

You might not notice this crumpled napkin on the cobblestones outside a pub (in York, England). I see a bird with wings to fly.

1,000 posts. 125 poems. Nearly 500,000 visitors. These are the stats, but the benefits of beginning this blog nearly 21 months ago? Absolutely priceless. I've rediscovered forgotten skills; gained some new ones and perhaps most importantly, renewed confidence thanks to the encouragement and support of several kindred spirits. I've made many wonderful new friends, including a few I've had the privilege of meeting in person.

I started Paris Parfait as a way to force myself to write every day. I found it difficult writing in the dark, so to speak, with only an editor in London to critique my latest efforts. I was starting to lose perspective about my own work, so I decided to shake things up a bit.

For many years I was a journalist, which often meant rushing out to breaking news events, reporting on-the-spot. I enjoyed the interaction with sources, other journalists and photographers. In San Francisco, I worked in software development, technical and business writing, also involving much social interaction. As a writer working from an apartment in Paris, all that chatty comraderie is lost. But Paris Parfait has given me welcome interaction with other writers and artists and creative thinkers. You've provided me with more emotional ballast and support than I ever could have imagined. Whenever I begin to grow weary of producing blog content on a daily basis (in addition to working on my book), a reader - perhaps a friend or even a stranger - unwittingly sends me a message, saying the very thing I need to keep going.

One of my proudest moments was when a young woman sent email saying she'd "always known there were single mothers out there, who managed to work and travel overseas." Until she read my story, she'd never known of a specific example. At the time, she was at university, surrounded by well-meaning naysayers insistent that she and her child should remain in the relative safety of their community. I wrote her an encouraging note; a few months later, she emailed me from another country, where she was working on her master's degree and loving every minute!

Another unexpected delight was when a publisher in Budapest asked to use my photos in an English-language book about Paris. Last week, a theatre company in Belgium asked to project my photos onscreen in an upcoming production. Meanwhile, several writing projects have come my way, thanks to exposure via this blog.

On the down side, a woman emailed me asking for various tips about visiting Paris. After I responded, she thanked me. A few days later, I received spam featuring a product sold by her family! In another email, a guy asked if I had Marie-Antoinette's marriage documents!

As every writer can attest, sometimes one stares at the blank screen at a loss for words. Other times, the words tumble out faster than I can type. That is when I am in the moment, focused, sure "...I am doing the thing I was meant to do," as Anne Sexton said.

Amidst the solitude of writing, I am aware of symbolism and meaning; of signs and portents along the way. I am superstitious about talking about a work-in-progress and won't let anyone other than my editor read my work. Like an artist creating a painting, I want to keep it under wraps until it's finished.

I can see my childhood dream of writing fiction coming to fruition. In the not-too-distant future, the book will become more than some abstract notion of edited pages, but a reality. My wings are unfolding slowly - stretching - getting ready to take flight in 2008. Thank you for encouraging me to fly.

The photo of a vintage birdcage with an open door was a gift from my dear friend, the talented photographer Madelyn Mulvaney.

Comments

[dorian]

This is my first time visiting your blog. I'm an American in one of the other French lands, Quebec. Congratulations on your success! You write beautifully. Have a beautiful day!

Dorian

[awareness]

Tara........I have been absent trying to keep up with life around here..........and I have missed your beautiful writing and your beautiful photos.

1000 posts!! Amazing! Your reason for starting up a blog is exactly the same as mine. To describe the thrills and gifts received from others in blogland........to attempt to encapsulate the warmth and comraderie found through blogs to someone unfamiliar to it is very difficult. But it's all there.........

Know that you are an inspiration Tara. What a gift you are.

[melissa @ the inspired room]

Hello! This is my very very first visit here! I am in awe! Such a beautiful blog and inspiring words! And 1,000 posts? Me oh my that is an achievement! I just celebrated my 100th post, I'm just a baby blogger! I cannot wait to read more of your posts! Congratulations on your tremendous success and achievement!

Melissa

[JanePoe (aka Deborah)]

I read your words and connect with them ... this blogging journey has been an amazing one for me too. I thrill at knowing what it has done for you ... merveilleux mon amie! Bisous, JP/deb

[Barbara Torris]

I loved this post because, it seems, with blogging we hide from each other. Much love and encouragement is coming your way...write that book so I can read it. I want to be one of the first.

[Deb L]

1000 posts! Your blog is one of my first reads in the morning that inspires throughout the day. You have such a lovely style of writing, have fabulous photos and many people who adore you. How very fortunate you are!! xox Deb

[tongue in cheek]

Wonderful, generous, thoughtful, giving, encouraging YOU!!

Congratulations and thanks for your blog that you share with us.

[deirdre]

I'm in awe. 1,000 posts! Congratulations. And thank you - for making me think and see when it was easier not to let too much of the world in.

This blogging community is an amazing thing; the connections I've found here are surprising, rich with grace and kindness and inspiration. Thank you for being part of this gift.

[Madeline]

You've poured your heart out onto your Paris Parfait pages and I am so much richer by reading and knowing you and loving you. Thank you so much and congratulations on your 1000th post! Here's to thousands more.

[Pam Aries]

1,000 posts! 1,000 !!!! I am so glad you started your blog! As I have often stated, your posts ,especially the ones about Paris,of course, have such a special meaning to me! Your poems, your stories, reports of current events in the world, iincredible photos...are THE BEST Parfait I have ever tasted! I'll have more, sil vous plait! MERCI!

[tinker]

Congratulations, Tara - what an amazing achievement! A thousand posts, in much less than a thousand days - that's better than Scheherezade, I think.
I have enjoyed reading your blog so much, you bring so much beauty and inspiration into the blogworld, dear Tara, and I look forward to reading your 1,000,000th post! XOXO

[Joan]

Tara,
I am so happy that I ambled over to your blog tonight. (It is nearly 9 p.m. in San Francisco as I write.) It is ALWAYS a treat to remember to drop by. And my cat, Aengus, is sitting right beside my keyboard as I tap out this note, and he reminds me to say that you are brilliant, funny, disarming, passionate and much more. Thanks for all you do -- knowingly and unknowingly-- to brighten so many lives. I love the bird-- I saw what you saw. I love to see images in obscure formations. Do keep us posted on the progress of your book. I am eager to read whatever you write. BTW, did you see the new book about Paris that the NY Times featured in Sunday's Book Review? I bought it at Browser Books on Fillmore last evening as a pre-knee surgery gift for my husband. He says it is fabulous! (perhaps I can borrow it while he sleeps!) Anyway, thanks for all you do. Be well and happy. Your fan, Joan

[eb]

YAY YAY YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tara!

xox - eb.

[Rosa]

Congrats Tara! That's quite the accomplishment! I truly love visiting you and reading about all your journeys and seeing all your lovely photos. It has been a joy finding you. I hope you continue to engage us in your thoughts, feelings and ideas. Thank you. xo

[Donna]

One thousand posts, what an amazing accomplishment! I adore you and your blog, you do more than entertain and enlighten, you invite us in, like old friends, for a chat or a canal boat ride or a trip to the market. Thanks for doing what you do.

[marita]

congratularions tara!!! happy to have found you here, so close! reading all your inspiring stories and news, the amazing images and the history behind them!
you're right about the napkin, to me it looks like a pigeon free at last! ;)

[cheeky]

You inspire me. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I, too, feel the same encouragement and camaraderie from the friendships forged through blogging.
I love what you share and am so happy that things are coming to fruition for you. You are an amazingly talented, passionate woman with a penchant for writing. thanks for writing and continuing to share your photos and words.
xo

[cheeky]

You inspire me. I'm sure I'm not alone in saying that I, too, feel the same encouragement and camaraderie from the friendships forged through blogging.
I love what you share and am so happy that things are coming to fruition for you. You are an amazingly talented, passionate woman with a penchant for writing. thanks for writing and continuing to share your photos and words.
xo

[UL]

I usually stop by to read your responses to prompts, but today I just did on a whim. And I am glad I did, you do draw the reader in. Would love to read your book when it comes out in 2008..keep us posted. You write beautifully.

[Karen DeGroot Carter]

I agree entirely with tut-tut, Tara!

"I have faith and confidence that this book will do what it's supposed to do and be what it's supposed to be." This is a quote from Carleen Brice over at Pajama Gardener. To follow that within minutes with your reference to Anne Sexton's quote is inspirational beyond belief. And I LOVE the grad student story. Kudos to you! K.

[tut-tut]

I love how all-encompassing your blog is, sometimes political, sometimes travelogue, poetry. You are so free-wheeling in your approach to what you write about. Congrats on your 1000 post; keep going!

[Marilyn]

Congratulations on reaching 1000 posts! It's a beautiful blog...written by a beautiful (inside and out) lady.

[Catalina]

And it arrived Tara! my prize!!!! sooooooooooo beautiful!!!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

I will post it on my blog one of these days.

What a gift! You are awesome!
Besos

[Catalina]

Congratulations Tara!!!! You are so a smart, interesting, astonishing, deep and wonderful writer!!!! So talented for different types of writing! each one as beautifully done as the other.

Happy to have "found" you.

Continue please!

[Brenda Walton]

Tara Dear!

Congratulations on one thousand beautiful, engaging, thought-provoking, poignant posts. It must be very touching to see evidence of all the good you are doing. Your blog is a true work of art that inspires and enlightens, and we look forward to it every day.

We feel so fortunate to have met you! xoxo Brenda & Doug

[Amber]

I think you are amazing and inspiring. I am so, SO happy to know you, Tara. And if it were not for the blogs, it wouldn't be.

I can't wait to read your fiction. I know it will be just as wonderful and deep as your blog posts. ;)

These pictures are great. I so saw the bird in the napkin! Right away.

:)

[marja]

That's absolutely great Tara. I am proud of you living your dream. You are a very talented and compassionate woman and I am happy to have found your wonderful blog. Good luck.

[maia]

Good for you. I am looking forward to reading your work in print.
And the imagery is beautiful. I love to see creative people spreading their wings and working in different media. There are "purists" out there who think differently, but I've always been a multi-media person and at times I've felt like I needed to apologize for that. But in the end, I can't give any of it up. There is a limited amount of time in a life to hone ones skills in different areas, and that's frustrating sometimes - but I think there is merit to being a "renaissance woman", so to speak.

[Jacqueline]

Congratulations on reaching one thousand posts, Tara!

Reading your blog is always inspiring and I love seeing Paris and everywhere through your eyes - all I can say is thanks and here's to a thousand more!

[Gillian]

And fly you do! Very well might I add. I adore your blog. If Kahlil Gibran wrote in the Prophet "On Writing" (he didn't) we would have likened it to his writing "On Children"....
Children being the labour of your love Tara...writing.

"For life goes not backward nor tarries with yesterday.

You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.

The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with His might that His arrows may go swift and far."

I hope that makes sense to you, I'm not the writer of the two of us you see! But happy ONE THOUSAND POSTS....may your arrows go swift and far my friend! Many congratulations!!!

xoxo
Gillian

[Anrosh]

You sound like the writer Joyce Carol Oates in the book, The faith of a writer - Life, craft and art in the last but one para.
After being at FIAF, I have enjoyed my trip to Paris with you. Never seen Paris closer.

[mgm]

You're quite an amazing girl! I am forever glad I came to find Paris Parfait and you! Thanks for all of your "eye opening" posts & deeply moving thought provoking poems and most of all for being REAL* Congratulations & Best Wishes on your future endeavors! xoxoxo!

[Vida]

I think I had better write you a private email as I am far too emotionally right now to expose myself in a comment. You move me... Vida x

[A Fanciful Twist]

Not only are you encouraged, but your are embraced by clouds filled with love and magic, as you soar... You are an inspiration to so many. You are an amazing woman Tara, and loved from afar!!! xoxoxoo

[Becca]

Congratulations on 1,000 posts! Your words and photos provide insight, inspiration, enlightenmnet, encouragement, and entertainment. I'm blessed to be part of your extended network :)

And, I can't wait to hold your book in my hands!

[robyn]

That's brilliant! Congratulations on your many talents and accomplishments. I so enjoy your writings. :) Best~Robyn

[chiefbiscuit]

Congratulations - my blogging world is complete with you in it. :)

[jzr]

You go girl!! You're doing a fabulous job!! Here's to many more posts, friends, and contacts!!!

[Colette]

Well said! Bravo. Here's to another thousand, and to your fondest wishes coming true. xoxo

[rochambeau]

Dear Tara,
ONE THOUSAND CONGRATULATION ON ONE THOUSAND insightful, fun, beautiful, and often thought provoking POSTS! This is a gigantic achievement!

Many of the feeling of gratitude that you have expressed I can relate to, even just after six months of posting.

The best gift is the reward of having the chance to meet special people like you!

[meredith]

Congratulations on #1000! Let us know when your fiction takes flight.

[Stephanie]

Just know that you are so appreciated! So wonderful to hear great things are 'winging' their way to you via your beautiful blog.

It's astounding to me the power, inspiration and support this medium provides!!

thanks for being here!
x...x
steph

[Cherie]

What makes you so special Tara is that you write from your heart. You make it look effortless and you speak in the language that we all appreciate and understand. You are universal.

You take the good with the bad in this world, that is true of blogging into cyber space. But from what you've said, there has been more good than bad.

Your statistics are staggeringly impressive. I know that I feel blessed to have fallen into Paris Parfait and to have met you.

I wish you much, much, much success with your work of fiction...having a life long dream realized can only be bliss. I know it will be something that will be a fantastic addition to this universe!

[phyllis]

So glad to be here on a celebration day! Congrats on every milestone. Blogging is a great treasure I believe.

[Di Overton]

I agree with every sentiment on blogging support. It has been so wonderful getting to know you and your support for my new venture has kept me going through some very unsure times. So thank you dear Tara.
Can't wait to read that book!

[M erisi's Vienna]

'Tis the gift to be simple,
'Tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be ...

Congratulations, Tara,
and thank you for all the love and work
you put into your posts,
it's a great pleasure to come over here to visit
and read and linger.

[Cre8Tiva]

i enjoy ever word you write...every thought...every photo...and i so see the bird...you are an inspiration to many...and a delight to me...blessings, rebecca

[gemma]

I love this blog. Your writing and poetry are awesome and love the photos.I see the bird too!
:-)

[fleur]

This is a beautiful place to visit! Many thanks.