1920s Guignol puppet theatre, Paris.
"Funny, it seems like just yesterday, we were in Paris."
"What are you talking about? We were in Paris. We flew, remember? The airline charged us excess baggage for the theatre, after trying to make us ride in the cargo hold with all that horrid luggage! Now we're in Tucson."
"Where is that?"
"It's in Arizona, you moron. You know - desert, mountains, heat?"
"Ah, oui the heat. I have heard about this phenomenon. We are in the Wild West, non? But being a Parisien, it is my first experience with this, how you call it, countryside? C'est vrai."
"Don't worry, you can have some of Mademoiselle Vanessa's tea and you'll feel better."
"Ah, oui, c'est magnifique! It reminds me of the days of Prohibition when they were forced to pour vodka in their little teacups..."
"How do you know about Prohibition? You were in Paris, where anything goes! Remember the jazz?"
"Oui, bien sur, but I read about their problems in le journal. Those poor Americans, always brewing une petite tempest in a teacup..."
"Well it's not the '20s anymore. It's 2008! And Vanessa has prepared a beautiful feast for our enjoyment."
"Mais oui, she is quite the hostess. Perhaps we shall persuade her to accompany us to Paris. She could join us for tea and macaroons at Laduree."
"She doesn't have time to come to Paris. She's too busy hosting parties and creating art. She's famous, you know. I mean, just look at how many people have come to this party!"
"Certainly they came to see us perform?"
"What an ego you have! They're not even paying attention. They're having too much fun sampling the cakes and sweets."
"Why just last week, I was telling Ollie about the crowds, everywhere we go... Mon dieu! Wait a minute! Where do those girls think they are, the Folies Bergere? What are they doing with those little bird masks? I think they are confused. This is a tea party, not a masquerade party! They should go back to Paris!"
"Stop being rude. They're invited guests."
"C' est impossible! Who invited them? Were they on the same plane? We are the featured performers, after all. Ca suffit."
"Yes and they're here for Vanessa's tea and to watch our show. So shut up and sing!"
"Mon dieu - the nerve! Does anyone have manners in this country?"
"Of course they do. And they have been waiting patiently for our performance to begin..."
One-of-a-kind art dolls by Christine Alvarado.
Won't you join us for Vanessa's Mad-as-a-Hatter tea party at A Fanciful Twist?
Who knew a comedy act would be the main feature at tHe TeA?? This was a hysterical post!! I hope you enjoyed tHe MaD time at Vanessa's- I think we all did!!!
D.
Posted by: Donna O. | 01 July 2008 at 16:57
Guignol and his friend Gnafron are from my home town (Lyon)... so I am pleased to see that old theatre there!
Enjoying this post !!!
Posted by: Marie-Noëlle | 01 July 2008 at 08:54
I just went over to that Tea Party and it was crazy brilliant! This post is just so much fun!
Posted by: tangobaby | 30 June 2008 at 18:40
Oooh! I love Christine's dolls, they're so beautiful... and you have so many ~ how wonderful!! I'm so glad I got to visit your blog ~ it's MaD tEa PaRtY perfect!!!
Anna
Posted by: Anna | 30 June 2008 at 08:19
Wonderfully elegant ladies all in a row...this post was wonderful :) I'm so glad I came by your blog for the party!
Posted by: Bethany | 30 June 2008 at 04:35
Bravo!!! Oncore!
Posted by: Yoli | 30 June 2008 at 04:25
OOHH, do you think I could do a dress like the tangerine dream in crepe paper! How fabulous and superb blog!
Thank you,
~Ann-Denise
Posted by: Ann-Denise | 29 June 2008 at 21:58
O! I am late too! Wonderful art dolls and the little traveling puppet theatre!!! How whimsical and enchanting!!! Love the tangerine Dream of Sean's! It would be a nightmare on me! LOL
Posted by: Cinda Rae Oliverio | 29 June 2008 at 19:28
Really fun, love your puppets. I must have just missed you at the tea....Although I'll admit I brought a mickey of gin...no prohibition for me! Not much of a drinker I did find the large crowd very intimidating!! But it was such a blast....can't wait till the next!
Happy Hatter day!
Hugs Giggles
Posted by: giggles | 29 June 2008 at 13:45
Oh my - a traveling show! What delightful characters you meet there in Paris, Tara! Such lovely mademoiselles in the audience too.
Thank you so much for treating us to the theater! If you have time after the show, stop by for some tea and a cat - I mean chat :-)
~XOXO
Posted by: tinker | 29 June 2008 at 06:32
So much to enjoy and think about from your latest posts, Tara! I heard of the vote delay with much relief. And that glass chandelier! Reminds me of the work of a Colorado artist whose shop we once visited near Vail. Amazing! K.
Posted by: Karen DeGroot Carter | 29 June 2008 at 04:56
Clapping!!!!
Bravo!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I loved this. Wonderful contribution to the party. Alas I'm late as usual. But there are cinnamon rolls and tea waiting for you at my blog.
So glad we are at this very cool party together!
xoxo (Clever girl!)
Posted by: Gillian | 29 June 2008 at 04:29
Lovely, lovely! I am hoping the "ambassadors" I sent to Vanessa's party are having a great time with yours. Please stop by when you get a chance; I am giving away a party banner!
Posted by: Lisa | 29 June 2008 at 02:42
The vintage puppet theatre and puppets are absolutely beautiful! Breathtaking! How on earth did you ever come by it?
I love the horsing around and the dialogue between the characters.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful piece of history with us...and for making us laugh!
Posted by: Paula Clare | 29 June 2008 at 02:38
Love the humor in this post...made me chuckle! :-)
Happy Tea Party Day to you!!
Hugs!
Michelle
Posted by: Michelle | 29 June 2008 at 02:06
oh my Tara - this is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!!!!!
love every bit - come dance with me...
oooooooooooo la la la la...
xox - eb.
Posted by: eb | 29 June 2008 at 00:19
Wonderful dolls and delightful dialogue :)
Posted by: devil mood | 28 June 2008 at 22:56
The puppet theatre is absolutely stunning! Stop by for some tea if you get a chance. Your blog is absolutely lovely. Thank you for having me and wonderful to meet you!
Posted by: Lissette | 28 June 2008 at 22:54
I hope that you and your lovelies can make it to my tea party. I have party hats, baubles, and moondancing.
Posted by: Kathryn | 28 June 2008 at 22:19
What a delightful post! Perfect light fare for today's tea party!
Posted by: Becca | 28 June 2008 at 22:06
What an Enchanted post and a beautiful puppet theater, not to mention refined audience! This is the best Tea party ever! A toast to Vanessa and a toast to you too Tara!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 28 June 2008 at 21:09
What a treasure! Thank you for a lovely post.
Posted by: Elizabeth | 28 June 2008 at 20:20
Lovely dollies and what sweet little masks in their hands. Let's go get tea at Vanessa's!
c
Posted by: cindy | 28 June 2008 at 19:19
How fun!
Thank you for letting us listen in on the conversation!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | 28 June 2008 at 19:07
That is too funny..haha! I think I've met those men before..anyhow, wonderful post and thanks for posting my dolls! See you around at the Tea Party:)
Posted by: Du Buh Du Designs | 28 June 2008 at 18:39
What a WONDERFUL theatre!!!! Very lovely dolls!!!
Nice to meet you!~
Posted by: Carrie West | 28 June 2008 at 18:35
Oh Marvelous!!! Let's see, what can I give you for the theatre?? My first born?? My dollhouse??? My Mr. Lovee???? Will trade anything!! Heeeeeeeeeeeee!!! Oh the puppets made me laugh out loud, I still have a smile on my face as I type this!! I LOVE THEM LOVE THEM LOVE THEM!! Lots of love my friend!! xoxoxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 28 June 2008 at 17:17
ah, Quel guignol! C'est formidable n'est-ce pas? Though your puppets should learn a little more manners, no not all of them, but you know who! Perhaps you should consult Ms. Christine...
While I'm here I have to admit that I'm lurking your blog for quite some time now, sneeking in and out, and who has to say anything about manners???
I want to thank you for some hours of pleasure or thinking, I like it very much when you show us beautiful pictures but I like it as well when you talk about politics, a combination that isn't so easy to find here in blogland (well brains & beauty isn't a combination that one finds everywhere not only in blogland).
Have fun today at all 100+ parties! Thanks LiLi
Posted by: LiLi M. | 28 June 2008 at 16:48
I enjoyed this performance love the dolls!
Posted by: naturegirl | 28 June 2008 at 16:17
Hello,
Wonderful photos!
~ Gabriela ~
Posted by: Gabriela Delworth | 28 June 2008 at 15:42
LOL!! Tara, you knew this puppet theatre was to be "yours" for a reason!! This is perfect for Vanessa's party -- absolutely delightful -- the dialogue makes me laugh -- and your beautiful ladies are sitting so prettily and daintily.
I'll see you at ViVi's!! I'm a little under the weather but I'll be there (check me out on my art blog!).
Posted by: sherry | 28 June 2008 at 14:14