Three cities

I had one chance to get this photo of a chandelier inside the entryway at Printemps, Paris. As I was taking the picture, out of the corner of my eye I could see the security guard headed my way. Before he said anything, I went on my way - thankfully, with a photo.

Tiny gold lights, giant snowflakes and silver glass ornaments adorn a doorway at Printemps.

Magasin du Printemps, a prime example of 19th-century French architecture.

An exterior view of Printemps, dressed in its holiday finery of tree branches, twinkling lights and snowflakes.

Holiday lights over the sidewalk alongside Printemps, one of the city's grand department stores. I am in London and will bring back photos of holiday windows.

For the Read, Write, Poem prompt "three:"

New York, London, Paris
I've lived in all three;
each speaks to different
aspects of my identity.

New York, the hustle,
the draw of the game;
the chance to make something,
perhaps to gain fame.

London, the history,
the new mixed with old;
stories just waiting:
there's more to be told.

Paris, the beauty,
the style and design;
the pleasures of life,
aesthetics combined.

Which is my favourite?
Impossible to say;
pieces of my heart
left all along the way.

If I had to choose one,
London would win;
much work still to woo:
intrigue without end.

Inspiration ever present
in these cities, all three;
they speak to my soul,
spark distant memories.

So the ideal location
is not one, for me;
but three, to travel,
more places to see!

Comments

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Makes me wish I was back in Europe!

[Madeline]

Such festive photos and I truly love your poetry!

[Tammy]

She's baaack! DSL is at my new home and I missed you terribly. How's your health? Kept you all close. ;)

LOVE
XXOO

[rel]

Tara,
Delicious; both photos and your poem!
rel

[UL]

Hey There, this is beautiful. I would choose London too, the only place I have lived over the three, just holidays in the rest, but London somehow speaks to me and love to relive memories. Paris would be next, as for NY, I dont know...

[tinker]

Beautiful! I've always wanted to visit all three - London and Paris, especially. Some day...
I'm sorry I haven't visited for a bit, Tara, since I had read you were away to London for a few days - but I should have known you would have a few posts tucked away. Thank you for these... Hope all is well~ xOx

[JanePoe (aka Deborah)]

I love this poem ... pieces of your heart scattered in places you love. Very eloquent and lovely. xx, JP/deb

[eb]

more glorious images

such delightful fantasy

and as for three

this is my number you see

xox - eb.

[A Fanciful Twist]

Oh gooooodness!! How dreamy!! We are so lucky to have you to steal photos and hightail it outta there so a security guard could tell you to stop !!! Oh divine!!! Youa re so lucky to have lived in so many places!!!! xoxoxox See you back sooN!!

[GoGo]

Nice poem. Very fun.

~gg

[Mona]

Hi, thanks for letting me get a good laugh in today, that must have been a funny sight you hurrying away with your picture. You have a lovely blog, I found it by searching for Cath items and your blog was listed with file boxes. I must get a bunch I like them much better than a bulky file cabinet and it makes work so pretty. I am going to build some if she doesnt get that U.S website going. Shipment is so high and with the dollar so low, I must spend at least a few hundred dollars first before I will consider buying things. Well ebay is my only outlet for now. I will be back

[robyn]

Fabulous :)

[Southern Heart]

Oh, wow! Christmas is pretty here, but I think it's even prettier where you are! :) It is fun to be able to see things through your eye (and camera, of course!).

I hope that everything is well with you. I so appreciated your sweet comments on my blog...your kindness was a great comfort.

xoxo

[paisley]

this was so much fun... i have never seen any of those cities,, and have little desire to... but you certainly made them sound jubilant in this piece.....

[Dorian Fletcher]

oh brother...I should have said "solar" system! Typing faster than my brain was working, I guess. The poem is lovely - how wonderful that you have lived in such different and dynamic cities.

[Dorian Fletcher]

These photos are wonderful. The chandelier is particularly stunning - rather like a
solor system on steroids!

[Claudia]

Oh THANK YOU for capturing the chandelier shot (and not getting arrested) it's STUNNNNNNNNNNNNNING!

[My Melange]

Great shots...love the poem too ;)

[studio wellspring]

oh tara ~ how you make me swoon so with your gorgeous photography & incredible poetry. thank you SO much for a little holiday sparkle. xo, a

[Kimberly Ann]

Great photos, great poem! Merci.

[jodi barone]

That was a delightful excursion. The first photo (printemps) reminds me of how I sometimes feel behind my eyes when I am having an ecstatically creative moment, chards of light, crystal, the flutter of wings. The lovely Rochambeau suggested we meet. I have visited your site before and always enjoy it. Keep writing and documenting!
jodi barone
www.wildvines.blogspot.com

[Di Overton]

This is just getting better and better and I adore the poem. Hope you and David are well

[Cre8Tiva]

love these images my sneaky photo journalist...but london surprises me...great work...blessings, rebecca

[Gillian]

Tara
Love these windows, lights...all spectacular!
Your poem, really well done. I'd have chosen Paris myself...but I wouldn't know. I'll take your word for it!
xo
Gillian

[Laura]

Just lovely! What a treat for the eyes. Thank you. Laura

[Christine]

Beautiful photos. Your poem is lighthearted and optimistic. It would be hard to choose, and your conclusion is the best. Have your cake and eat it too!

[rochambeau]

Beautiful thoughts about the fabric of you, and the energy you gave to make these cities who they are too.
THANK YOU again for stealing a shot of the chandelier at Printemps for us!!

Thinking of you!!!
xox
Constance

[Cherie]

Your poem is charming!!!!
I am soooo going to Printemps whenever I get to Paris...I love this architecture and I am so in love with that chandelier!!!!! I have this visual of a skulking Tara in a trench coat and beret, flashing out her camera and slithering away when the evil security guard makes his appearance!! You go "Intrepid"!! :)

[Jeanne]

So very lovely and beautiful is all that you share with us.
Blessings my beautiful friend.
I loved your poem!
Love Jeanne ^j^

[Jo]

I don't know, I think I'd pick Paris over London any day (but that's because I live here :) Those photos are gorgeous, Tara!

[Britt-Arnhild]

What a charing looking place.
I am glad you got your photo :-)

[marita]

lovely printemps decor... blue skies in paris??
the poem expresses the hectic cities of your life.
i wonder what would be your choice for a peacefull and calm surrounding tara??

[Passementerie]

Pretty pretty pretty! Maybe I'll ignore work for another day today and make my way across to Printemps... although I had pondered getting a Christmas tree today and that might not be the most practical place to head. I'm going to try Rue Mouffetard (unless you have any more useful suggestions for a girl who won't leave the city?).

Sarah

[gautami]

This took me on a journey!

[Merisi's Vienna]

Simply grand!

[Bibbi Forsman]

I'm thankful too!

[melinda]

Thankyou for your photos . I cannot be in Paris but I get to see the Christmas magic because you take the time and trouble. I really appreciate that!

[giggles]

Tara these photos are awe inspiring...I love them. So glad you are the impish photographer. Well worth the naughtiness! But you know what Santa thinks about naughty girls. The poetry is so much fun! I still love rhyme even though poets seldom incorporate it anymore. I adore this post; it's just full of spirit!

Hugs Sherrie

[maddie]

Your blog speaks to my soul ~ and
those pink Christmas balls:)