Paris Parfait

Amour, lumière et paix en 2009

Chandelier fragments suspended in a holiday vitrine, Printemps, Paris.

May your new year be bright and sparkling with light! Let's turn the page and begin a fresh new chapter, filling our own stories with more love, grace and imagination. Of course, any story worth creating - and living - needs a healthy dose of courage,a dash of magic aided by persistence and heaps of adventure. Let's get started! Here's hoping that in 2009, good fortune shines on you and all your heartfelt endeavors.

My witty friend Leau linked this amazing short video that I promise will make you think and make you smile - what better way to end one year and begin another?

Love, light and peace in 2009.

Gaza

Tiled wall, Northern Liberties, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

"The mother said:
I did not see him walking in his blood
I did not see the purple flower on his foot
he was leaning against the wall
and in his hand
a cup of chamomile
he was thinking of his tomorrow..."

~~~~~

"This seige will extend until the gods
at Olympus are done pruning the Iliad Immortal."

~~~~~

"A boy is about to be born, here and now,
in the street of death...at one o'clock."

The three poems above are from the late Palestinian poet Mahmoud Darwish's book The Butterfly's Burden.

Read the tragic story of a growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as 4 Israelis and nearly 400 Palestinians are killed in the standoff between Israel and Hamas:

UN-Truth (This blog is written by my longtime friend Marian Houk, currently in Jerusalem. I urge you to check back regularly for some excellent no-frills reporting).
In Gaza
Free Gaza
The Guardian
BBC
Jerusalem Post
Al Jazeera

Glitter and glamour

Glitter and glamour in vitrines at Printemps, Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

Marché aux Puces on a winter's day

"Colonial" holiday display. The small covered cafe au lait is from Morocco in its days as a French colony. It is rare to find a cafe au lait bowl complete with lid. The candlesticks are modern French and the metal urn (with lid suspended from a chain) is American. A hand-embroidered cloth from a French church covers the Spanish chest.

Today my friend Lee and I braved the biting cold to visit the Marché aux Puces at Clignacourt. We saw plenty of explorer relics from colonial days in North Africa and Africa, including life-size stuffed lions, zebras, an oryx, a giraffe and peacocks. Lee and I agreed those were a bit creepy, but the setting was interesting, complete with animal skin rugs and throws, hardwood furniture pieces and accessories appropriate while on safari (well, maybe one of those scrumptious Ralph Lauren-styled faux safaris).

This being Paris, we opted for some local treasures. I brought home two petit chocolate moulds - fish and bells for Easter - for my collection, as well as five 18th-century paperback books with aqua blue covers (the dealer had 28, but where would I put them)? Lee got a fabulously chic and warm scarf and supplies she might use in her next art piece. Many Clignacourt stalls were closed for the holidays, but we found plenty of unusual sights to keep us entertained. And when the cold became too much, we stopped for a lovely lunch and hot tea.

Wine bottles suspended from the ceiling at Marché Vernaison.

The Marché aux Puces at Saint-Ouen is Paris's largest and most famous flea market. It has over 2,500 stalls, spread over 15 acres! The market is open Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays year-round. Take Metro Line 4 to Porte de Clignacourt, then exit the metro to your left and walk past the crowds of stalls selling cheap knock-offs from Africa and China. Cross the street and walk underneath the overpass and turn left, again past a few stalls selling cheap goods. Take the first street to your right past these stands and you'll see the beginnings of the antiquities market.

My favourites are Marché Vernaison, Marché Dauphine and Marché Paul Bert. Stop by Stall 241 at the latter and say hello to the charming and elegant Laurence Lenglare. Her exquisite taste combined with beautiful finds from the Loire Valley are show-stopping. Both Laurence's shop and her stunning home have been featured in various French and American magazines. Laurence is also a talented sculptor. Early in the new year, you'll see photos of her work on Paris Parfait.

Contributions from The Stencil Project at Marché Paul Bert.

Art tiles at Marché Dauphine. Photos above by Lee Renninger.

Adventure bears

Holiday vitrines, Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

About three years ago, I read about a primary school teacher in Northern California who deliberately left a stuffed bear on an airport shuttle bus. She attached a note asking the finder to take "Adventure Bear" on their travels and photograph him, then send news to her classroom. A few people complied, accompanying the bear to several US cities. Over the course of a few months, David and I sent postcards to the classroom purporting to be from "Adventure Bear" in London or Paris.

The cards described Adventure Bear's experiences flying across the Atlantic; visiting the Tower of London and wearing bright yellow wellies while riding the London Eye with his new friend Paddington Bear. Other cards talked about Adventure Bear's Eurostar ride to Paris; his efforts to learn French; his fondness for red berets and sampling French miel (honey). We wrote about Adventure Bear's visit to the top of the Eiffel Tower, his boat ride along the Seine (in which he was admonished for getting honey on the seats) and art lessons at Montmartre. It is hoped the children in that Northern California classroom were pleasantly surprised to receive Adventure Bear's occasional postcards from France and England.

Bears on an underwater mission.

A children gazes in wonder at the floating bears.

Exploring sea life.

More curious children observe the bears' antics.

Stupidity is not an asset

Contrary to what certain Republicans would have you believe, stupidity is not an asset. For some excellent points every American (and Brit) should ponder, read Bob Herbert's spot-on piece in The New York Times.

As my friend Lee commented this week, we have become a nation concerned primarily with what material things we have, rather than who we are and what we believe. Change is long overdue!

Scroll down the page for two additional posts today.

The Paris Ferris Wheel

The Paris Ferris Wheel, Place de la Concorde, December, 2008. Photos by Lee Renninger.

Scroll down the page for an additional post today.

Seasonal sparkle

Exterior lighting enhances the city's grand magasins along Boulevard Hausmann.

A sparkling storefront.

Individual chandelier fragments, suspended from the ceiling of a department store vitrine.

Faux jewel-encrusted hanging light fixtures.

A line of decorative overhead lights extend along Galeries Lafayette.

The Seine by night

The River Seine on Christmas Eve 2008 by Lee Renninger.

Filtered light

A glimmer of light, Christmas, 2008, Paris.

Christmas blessings

Madonna and Child, Cathedral de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

"For unto us a child is born; unto us a son is given and the government shall be upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace." - Isaiah 9:6

Sculptural relief of Joseph, Mary and the Baby Jesus traveling by donkey, Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada de Familia, Barcelona.

Merry Christmas. Joyeux Noël. Feliz Navidad.

Dreaming of a white Christmas...

Since delighting in snow falling in Philadelphia, I've been dreaming of a "White Christmas." ...of snow-covered plants and shrubs...

...and trees with branches laden with neige blanc.

But it's all an illusion. This faux winter wonderland was created at Les Passages in my neighbourhood.

Glittering lights and ornaments suspended from skylights.

No matter the weather, wherever you are, wishing you a joyous Christmas!

Remembrance

Statue of the Virgin Mary, Prayer Chapel, Cathedral de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.

"Whatever else be lost among the years, let us keep Christmas still a shining thing: Whatever doubts assail us, or what fears, let us hold close one day, remembering its poignant meaning for the hearts of men. Let us get back our childlike faith again." - Grace Noll Crowell

Christmas in Philadelphia

Buildings reflected in ornaments on the Christmas tree at City Hall, Philadelphia.

The giant tree at City Hall.

German Christmas ornaments in a heated tent at City Hall's outdoor Christmas Village.

Handmade wooden nutcrackers from Germany.

Nutcracker soldiers.

Wooden painted Santas at the Christmas village.

Feathered and glittery bird ornaments - definitely an improvement over the "made in China" cheap tat found in most holiday sales.

A toyshop in a miniature village display photographed through the window of a Philadelphia building.

A florist's shop.

A clothing store for dolls.

Snow falling in Philadelphia, viewed while walking towards City Hall.

Echoes of disco at Printemps

Mystery man reflected in vitrine at Printemps, Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

The hairdresser on the ladder in the woods

No, not the murder plot of the mystery game "Clue," but an actual hairdresser standing on the ladder in a fairy woodland. She is tending the golden tresses of this forest beauty, accenting her updo with butterflies fashioned from white birch wood shavings.

Holiday vitrine, Galeries Lafayette, Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

Details of the fabulous evening gown.

The lovely Diana of Diana Muse has honoured me with an "I love your blog" award. Merci bien, Diana! I am supposed to bestow that title on seven blogs of my choice. In the spirit of the season, I'd say that any blog on my blogroll (see my About page) deserves special recognition. And I am discovering other wonderful blogs all the time.

So many creative, imaginative writers, photographers and artists who are lighting up the blogosphere. Aren't we lucky to share our thoughts, ideas and finds this way??!!

Sleighbells ring for the birthday girl

Christmas sleigh, corporate headquarters for Urban Outfitters, Free People and Anthropologie, Naval dockyards, Philadelphia.

Giant windchimes.

Christmas lights strung above a mini art gallery.

Decorative lights and a fabric-covered wall at the entranceway.

A knitted holiday tree of sorts.

My daughter Jordana, the birthday girl. It is her first birthday that we're apart, although we did get to celebrate together earlier this month. Happy birthday, Jordana!

Reception area, Anthropologie headquarters.

A wall of clocks, Anthropologie offices.

Anthropologie store in historic building, downtown Philadelphia.

An array of Christmas stockings at Anthropologie, Philadelphia.

A profusion of Christmas baubles similar to ornaments at Anthropologie's Rockeller Center New York store.

A New York state of mind

An Albino peacock and ornate silver, Fifth Avenue, New York.

Ode to René Lalique, French glassmaker (1860-1945) at Tiffany's, Fifth Avenue.

Ice storm, Saks Fifth Avenue.

Carmen Miranda at the Disney Store, Fifth Avenue.

Ice skating at Wollman Rink, Central Park.

Ice hockey at the Wollman Rink, Central Park.

Taxis and giant red Christmas balls, Sixth Avenue.

The red ornaments in front of 1251 Avenue of the Americas.

Mural, Sixth Avenue entrance, Rockefeller Center.

Angels blowing trumpets, Rockefeller Center.

Christmas tree, Rockefeller Center.

Anthropologie with the Rockefeller Center tree and flags reflected in the glass.

Anthropologie, Rockefeller Center. I bought a fabulous and warm teal blue beret.

Tapestries, Anthropologie.

Artful display, Anthropologie.

19th-century lights, The Plaza.

Oasis of calm near Museum of Modern Art (MOMA).

Abstract knit pattern and neon lights, MOMA window. The reflection of the building across the street makes it appear piles of knitted goods rest on top of the building and are cascading down the front, like an unruly scarf.

Highland fling, Fifth Avenue. Yes, that's a miniature castle on that mannequin's head.

Butterflies are free

Wood shavings in the shape of butterflies adorn this mannequin's hair in a forest scene in a Paris vitrine. Click photo to enlarge and view detail. Check back later for more holiday displays from Paris, New York and Philadelphia.

Barack Obama is Person of the Year

Our next president: Time magazine's Person of the Year. Hear, hear! The cover image is by Shepard Fairey, who created several iconic campaign images of Barack Obama, including this one, post-victory:

A shock for Paris shoppers

Sparkling holiday lights over the heads of throngs of shoppers on Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

Visitors to one of Paris's premiere department stores received quite a shock today. Explosives sans detonators were planted in washrooms on several floors at Printemps on Boulevard Hausmann. French police say all explosives were found and made safe. Printemps, which was packed with holiday shoppers, was evacuated and traffic directed away from the area.

Agence France Presse received a letter signed by a group calling itself the Afghan Revolutionary Front, warning of "several bombs" placed in the store.

At a news conference in the European Parliament, French President Nicolas Sarkozy urged caution in reacting to the incident. "All we can do is to be prudent and moderate," Sarkozy said. "My belief has not changed since 2002 that vigilance in the face of terrorism is the only possible line to take."

The BBC's Hugh Schofield in Paris said the incident is a warning and reminder that the French people are not immune to the scourge of terrorism, despite there being no significant attack on French soil for more than ten years.

Police said the explosives - sticks of dynamite tied together with cord - were first located by sniffer dogs."Based on what we know, it was not a device that was set to explode. We are going to carry out an investigation to find the perpetrators," AFP quoted Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie at the scene.

The Afghan Revolutionary Front's letter reportedly said "If you do not send someone to intervene before Wednesday December 17, they will explode. Send the message to your president that he must withdraw his troops from our country before the end of February 2009 or else we will take action in your capitalist department stores and this time, without warning."

France has about 2,600 troops serving with NATO in Afghanistan, after reinforcements were sent earlier this year. Ten French troops died and 21 more were injured in August in an ambush east of Kabul. In a video broadcast last November, a Taleban military leader warned that "our reaction will be heard in Paris" if French troops are not withdrawn.

Underwater exploration

Girls in quilted Chanel-like outfits embark on an underwater exploration mission amongst giant sea anemones. The whimsical vitrine is part of les grande magasins de Paris annual holiday celebration on Boulevard Hausmann. Click photos to view detail of the Printemps magic.

Dressing for a soiree

Preparing an ostrich for a holiday party, department store vitrine, Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

A team of mice work to bring out the bird's natural beauty.

The makeup artists and hairdressers work their magic.

Finishing touches.

A white rabbit pops in to ask what's taking so long - the ball is about to begin!

Dressing for the festivities.

A curious child peers in through the window at the Folies Bergere-inspired tulle and satin ribbon-trimmed dress.

Scroll down the page for Chanel's resort wear.

Winter resort wear

Hoping to escape the cold weather by traveling to warmer climes this winter? You may appreciate the holiday resort wear accented with platform shoes at Chanel on rue Cambon, Paris. In the background is a model for Chanel's new line of watches.

Holiday glamour at Chanel

Glittery holiday fashion, Chanel, Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

Scroll down the page for another post today.

Mining for gemstones

Jewel-toned robots mining for gemstones in a whimsical department store vitrine on Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

A rose-quartz city.

Icicles hang from the mining shaft.

Amethysts and other gems are gathered in little buckets linked by a series of ropes and pulleys.

Have you read Newsweek's powerful cover story about marriage, gay and otherwise? Definitely worth reading and contemplating, no matter your philosophy.

And it turns out those Southern Republicans opposing government assistance for the American auto industry are looking out for their own special interests - foreign car production facilities in their own backyards. Read the sad, sordid story in Salon.

Twilight in the city

Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

Printemps, Paris.

Scroll down the page for photos of holiday vitrines.

Lost in space

"Lost in space" vitrines, Nov. 25, 2008, Printemps, Paris.

Floating through space. Speaking of space, the US space program's administrator isn't cooperating with the Obama transition team. Wonder if he expects to keep his job?

Moon-walking.

A Baccarat black crystal chandelier over a sparkly holiday table setting.

New York stories

Evening gowns and party frocks at Saks Fifth Avenue, New York.

This emerald green number reminds me of a Flamenco dress.

Old-style Hollywood glamour, with halter gowns and fur.

What shall I tell you about New York? Maybe you'd like to hear about an unexpected and romantic wedding, then toasting the newlyweds with champagne at the Plaza? Magic Obama flags. Browsing at Tiffany's. Visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral. Rockefeller Center, both before and after the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony. Visiting the Henry Darger exhibition at the Museum of American Folk Art. The Museum of Modern Art. A walk in Central Park. Dinner in Soho. Shopping at Bloomingdale's. And the incomparable Gillian, of course - the reason for the whirlwind trip to New York.

So many New York (and Philadelphia) stories to tell: please forgive me for making you wait a day or two to hear them. I've brought the flu home from Philadelphia and am feeling too awful to write. Back soon.

Scroll down the page for an additional post today.

Happy birthday to Vanessa!

Image and original painting by Tucson-based artist Vanessa Valencia.

The painting The Siren Finds her Passion is a recent painting by my talented friend Vanessa Valencia. This wonderful painting has just arrived in Paris, joining my growing collection of Vanessa's art. I like the flamenco feel to the Siren's dress.

Please stop by A Fanciful Twist today and wish the lovely Vanessa a Happy Birthday. No doubt she'll have a raucous party in full swing!

Look in the mirror

The figure-eight mirror on the papyrus-strewn floor of a Paris department store holiday vitrine...

...reflects a tulle-wearing mannequin suspended from the ceiling.

Tea for two?

Tea for two: An Alice in Wonderland-themed holiday vitrine on Boulevard Hausmann, Paris.

Check back soon for more images of holiday vitrines in Paris and New York, as well as some only-in-New York (and Philadelphia) stories. At the moment I have extremely limited computer access and am unable to respond to your email and comments until I return to Paris.

Meanwhile, the lovely Christine Reed interviewed me for "BlissChick." Visit Christine's inspiring blog and read the interview here. Merci bien, Christine!

Philadelphia and New York

Holiday vitrine, Paris.

Am off to Philadelphia and New York. Will catch up with you soon!

Scroll down the page for an additional post today.

Paris bicycle

A sleek Italian bicycle with a bag labeled "postino" leans against a post on the corner of rue du Mont Fabor and rue Cambon, Paris. For a wonderful photo of a contrasting scene - also featuring a bicycle - visit Christina at Soul Aperture.