Another view of San Francisco, photographed May 22 through the glass at Coit Tower, Telegraph Hill.
Where to begin? I am bursting with exciting news of meeting amazing people at BlogHer and beyond and of intriguing new opportunities with wings. My daughter Jordana arrived yesterday and got off the plane to learn that she's been hired by a certain cutting-edge company and is moving to Philadelphia! Hooray!
As you might imagine, I've been taking many photographs. I will post those, along with details about the conference and fascinating people I've been spending time with, once I return to Paris. Just one funny note for now: Tuesday morning I took a pair of trousers that have traveled with me from London to Paris to Savannah to San Francisco to Vancouver, then back to Paris and again to San Francisco - in the search for a tailor to alter the length - and finally found one near Union Square. (That's the thing about having a talented designer daughter - she never has time to sew for her mom).
Two Ukrainian women had me stand on a very high rickety pedestal, wearing heels that didn't fit. It seemed to be taking a long time for them to pin the trousers and I started to feel dizzy. I turned my head and the dizziness seemed to subside, then it returned in waves. I grabbed the tailor's shoulder, just as I quite literally started to topple off the pedestal.
I had to laugh, as the incident reminded me that years ago when I lived in San Francisco, my ex-boyfriend placed me on a pedestal so high, I couldn't help but fall off (not being perfect, after all). Plus ca meme, plus ca meme chose. (The more things change, the more they remain they same).
Inside the arches at the top of Coit Tower, May 2008.
1930s light fixtures at Coit Tower.
Mural above the elevator that goes to the top of Coit Tower.
no more dizzy for you, missus. i always say, if he puts you on the pedestal he'll get kicked on your way down. congrats to your daughter on her new job! very exciting time you've had!
Posted by: kelly snelling | 02 August 2008 at 06:29
So exciting for your daughter! I bet she is bursting with happiness! And it looks like you are having a most Wonderful time! Enjoy and be safe!
Sandra Evertson
Posted by: sandra evertson | 01 August 2008 at 16:22
Lovely photos and enjoyed your tale and glad you didn't hurt your tail. :) How I wished I could be there in SF for Blogher. I've been to SF once and LOVED it but this would have been extra special to meet so many women I've blogged with....next yr... I hope.
Looking forward to your write ups of the conf.Congrads to your talented daughter! I've lived in Philly, but not for several yrs.
Posted by: GeL (Emerald Eyes) | 01 August 2008 at 07:46
I really love San Francisco. I'd love to live there for a while so I could really get to know it.
Posted by: Linda | 31 July 2008 at 19:12
Kudos to you and your daughter!!! I'm not sure which is worse, standing on a physical pedestal or being put on a metaphorical one.
Posted by: debra | 31 July 2008 at 17:27
Well.......I'm thrilled. For you, that you had what seems like an amazing time and can't wait to hear more. For Jordana, FINALLY. Wow, what exciting news. For us. I hope that we can at least share a cup of coffee one of these days.
If you or Jordana need any help at all with area info, please do not hesitate to ask. I would be happy to help out in any way I can.
Posted by: karen Cole | 30 July 2008 at 13:43
Just discovered your blog and enjoying lots of reading. Bostonian (that used to live in SF!!). I am headed to Paris in 2 weeks with family. Scouring your posts for brocantes and shops.......merci.
Posted by: Annmarie | 30 July 2008 at 05:51
These photos are beautiful!
Posted by: thrilled by the thought | 29 July 2008 at 16:41
We are likely closer now than we have been Tara. I am in L.A. and you are in San Fran.
Hoping your holiday is going swimmingly. For me now it's Hawaii or bust!
xo
Posted by: Gillian ~ Indigo Blue | 29 July 2008 at 00:27
Congrats to Jordana! How exciting. Not so about the toppling over. I get vertigo from time to time, and yuk. I feel your dizziness!
Posted by: Rosa | 28 July 2008 at 23:50
Wow I'm thrilled to have caught up on your fabulous news ... keep having the very best time of your life ... eagerly awaiting the more installments. xo
Posted by: Redness | 28 July 2008 at 15:47
What beautiful news about your daughter! I have to say, I think I have been on a similar pedestal your bf put you on. I don't think it would surprise anyone to know I fell off, really quick! LOL
Look forward to hearing about your adventure : )
Posted by: Christina | 28 July 2008 at 04:26
Tara wonderful photos today! Wow the first is amazing I've never seen this view of San Fran.! I had better bring my needle and thread when I travel to Europe soon! Just in case!
See you soon..it will be wonderful to hear your stories first hand! hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 28 July 2008 at 04:26
I wish I had a chance to go to Coit Tower during this visit; but alas, your awesome pictures will have to suffice.
What a harrowing trip to the tailors! I hope you and Jordana are having a wonderful time together ... what great news about the job!!
Life is a bit crazy up here; will email soon and update. xx, deb
Posted by: JP/deb | 27 July 2008 at 08:13
Wonderful news for Jordana!! I'm sure she's going to skyrocket -- and you, be careful on those rickety pedestals!!
Posted by: sherry | 27 July 2008 at 00:08
Congratulations Jordana!!!
Yey!
Becky
Posted by: Wonders Never Cease | 26 July 2008 at 21:01
Hi Tara,
Congrats to Jordana!! I adore Philadelphia. It is an exciting city with lots of history and ethnic diversity.
Karen of artsortments lives near!!!
So glad you had a great Blogher adventure.
Now, If your gonna fall, that's the right sort of
pedestal to fall from! ;-) Glad you're with your D now!!
Hugs!
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 26 July 2008 at 20:18
It sounds like you are having the anticipated great time in SF...possibly even better than expected. THEN, Jordana gets the news of the job while she is right there with you. Life is good, isn't it?
As far as the tailor goes, you'll have to explain to me why this has become The Story of the UnHemmed Travelling Pants. I have to think there was a tailor in one of those glamorous towns. For goodness sakes, I actually have a great European tailor lady right here outside of Sacramento. You are in Paris, girlfriend. While it isn't Italy, I know there are tailors there. There must be more to the story to be shared.
Smiles,
Nutster
Posted by: nutster | 26 July 2008 at 20:15
oh duh.. this is the most recent post :) i will take this moment then to congratulate jordana. it is not a bit surprising to you though is it tara :) she is talented!
did you ever get your trousers hemmed?
Posted by: robin bird | 26 July 2008 at 16:12
when i saw the title of the post i could not not read this! the literalness of this last experience is surely going to make it less likey it will happen figuratively again. one can hope :)
i have been awaiting your return and would love, love a full report on your time at blogher and the amazing people you met, and those potential wings....how intriguing :) i just decided i must meet you for myself. it just has to be possible :) and the photographic practice :) very good. i want to see it all! i'm all over the place in my comment i know. i just woke up... yawn. time for coffee and to see your latest post.
Posted by: robin bird | 26 July 2008 at 16:07
Oh I do hope you are alright, and having a blast in San Fran.
Love your photos as usual. xo
Oh! I am on TypePad now...yipppeeee!
Posted by: Gillian | 26 July 2008 at 07:50
Great photos and in one of my favorite cities!
Did you know Coit Tower is said to be in the shape of a fire hose nozzle? Apparently, the lady that commissioned it was in love with a fire fighter, but her family disapproved. I can't really remember the whole story....
I hope all is well with you and that you are having a splendid time on your travels.
shirley
Posted by: shirley | 25 July 2008 at 17:52
....and there I was in Paris,...and you NOT there...wanted to meet up with you...catching up on all the posts that I missed...lovely lovely one`s....Chamara
Posted by: Gypsy Purple | 25 July 2008 at 12:13
I hope you weren't hurt falling off that pedestal...either time. Lovely pictures. And congrats to your daughter. You must be so proud.
Posted by: Carla | 25 July 2008 at 01:31
Congratulations to Jordana! You must be so proud, Tara.
Love the photos!
I'm glad you found someone to finally alter those trousers for you - and that you didn't really topple all the way off that pedestal -- how alarming! Take care, and enjoy the rest of your visit~xOx
Posted by: tinker | 24 July 2008 at 23:18
So great you made it to a computer and I can't wait to hear all of your news! And to meet Jordana, too. Lucky me.
xoxo
Posted by: tangobaby | 24 July 2008 at 22:02
I'm so excited I got ONE good picture of the three of us (even though Faith isn't in it). And I know it was making you crazy - but we would have looked awful with flash!! It was so wonderful to see you - and Faith is still talking about you.. and her lovely gifts. It will be way too long until I get to see you again.
Posted by: holli | 24 July 2008 at 21:45
Gorgeous photographs!! So lovely to meet you!! xoxo
Posted by: Christine Mason Miller | 24 July 2008 at 20:41
Big news for Jordana!! Congratulations to her (and her proud mama!). VERY funny story, Tara. So glad you enjoyed BlogHer so much. All I've heard are wonderful stories from bloggers on the connections and memories made. Some day I'll get there! K.
Posted by: Karen DeGroot Carter | 24 July 2008 at 16:54
FUnny story, falling off your pedestal....glad you were not hurt.
I can imagine ALL your are getting from blogher...looking forward to details.
x...x
p.s.
CONGRATS! to Jordana
Posted by: stephanie | 24 July 2008 at 16:38
Today is my birthday and you are cordially invited to my party down by the river. Wear loose fitting clothes and don't drive due to the excessive amounts of food and champagne that is on offer.
Di at Designers Block
xo
Posted by: Di Overton | 24 July 2008 at 14:02
Congrats to Jordana!!!! Funny story Tara. Glad you werent hurt!!!
Posted by: My Mélange | 24 July 2008 at 13:38
Congratulations to Jordana! Such grand adventures await her :)
I loved these photos - we took some great shots from the top of the Coit Tower when we were in SF.
Enjoy the conference - I can't wait to hear more about it!
Posted by: Becca | 24 July 2008 at 04:32
Tara,
Love your posts about San Francisco. I lived there for about 10 years. Funny but my bf had me on a pedestal at that time also!:-)The pix inside Coit tower are wonderful. There is great energy there. Love it!
Posted by: gemma | 24 July 2008 at 02:04
oh the vagueries, the dangers, the disappointments of a pedestal - both the being on one and the putting someone on one. wonderful photos of the city, and hope you are continuing to have a wonderful time... so wonderful to have met you this weekend.
Posted by: Liz | 24 July 2008 at 00:02
I am glad you enjoyed yourself and I loved your photos.
Posted by: yolanda | 23 July 2008 at 23:40
I am glad you enjoyed yourself and I loved your photos.
Posted by: yolanda | 23 July 2008 at 23:39
I've enjoyed all your pictures Tara but I'm anxiously awaiting stories of this trip. ;) You're teasing me! lol Yay for Jordana! Enjoy! XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 23 July 2008 at 22:35
I've heard of the blogher and like it so far. I'll have to join it one day soon. Time, you know.
Posted by: Mary T. | 23 July 2008 at 22:34