Coffret de curiosités, Val d'Loire, France. Click photo to view detail.
Three years ago today, Paris Parfait was born. Now, 1,621 posts and hundreds of photographs later, it has evolved into something resembling a virtual curiosity cabinet. As a few readers have suggested, "I never know what I might find when I come here." To me, that's the highest of compliments; I like to mix things up - one minute writing about news and current events or showcasing travels in photo essays; the next, passionate about human rights or exulting over some quirky brocante find.
The statistics indicate Paris Parfait has received well over a million page views, from readers all over the world. But it's the friendships resulting from blogging that count. Not only have I had the opportunity to meet blogging buddies in person - in Paris, London, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Vancouver - several have become good friends. Further, the blog has rekindled my enthusiasm for photography; now I'm focusing on improving my skills.
In 2008, Paris Parfait served as a meeting place for many like-minded individuals working to help change the landscape of American politics. During a long, hard-fought presidential campaign, I openly expressed my views. My support for Barack Obama resulted in a few disgruntled readers falling by the wayside. One woman wrote something to the effect "I just hate it when I come to my favorite blogs expecting to see something nice and find someone giving their personal opinion." Needless to say, I suggested she look elsewhere for a place that's all sweetness and light.
Many readers were able to move past our political differences; others weren't so open-minded. No doubt, some international readers became weary of all the talk about the American presidential election. Still, they didn't give up on me, waiting patiently until my attention shifted to other topics.
In addition to the friendships, the greatest gift the blog has brought is the exchange of ideas. So many of you have provided inspiration with your unique, complicated stories and visionary art. It's a great joy to read and admire your sparkling reflections of truth and beauty, often viewed through laughter and tears. You've given me encouragement, support and solace when I needed it most. You've reminded me that speaking out is essential; every voice matters. You've made me believe possibilities are limited only by imagination.
To thank you for your unwavering support for Paris Parfait, I'll send a special Paris souvenir to three readers. Simply leave a comment about how blogging has affected you. Three winners will be drawn on February 3rd. Bon chance et merci bien!
Photographs of antiques and collectibles at a private chateau in the Loire Valley, France.
So sorry for missing the celebration, dear friend. Congratulations! Your blo has always been a "home' away from home for me. Like you, Paris Parfait is an eclectic box of lovely and charming surprises. You write always so passionately and eloquently that it makes it hard to resist! I am so happy that we met and I will always treasure our friendship. Can't wait to have you back here! xo
Posted by: GypsyGirl | 07 February 2009 at 11:52
happy Blogoversary, even if it's a LIL bit late :D dunno if you can call what you've got here just a blog... to me it's way more then that, but hey what do i know? i'm just passing by to say happy birthday since mine had it too a while ago :)
Posted by: Claudel | 06 February 2009 at 16:29
Oh, I am so sorry I am late friend. Hope you had a great birthday/blogaversary!!! Can't beleive it has been three years. Keep up the good work Tara :)
Posted by: My Melange | 05 February 2009 at 21:10
Happy THIRD birthday Tara!!
WOWZA
Can you believe????
I love when I come to visit your Paris Parfait, that it will be a surprise. You are an intelligent and well rounded person. I truly value your insight and opinions on current events and have found you out here in the world, a person that understands how I feel politically. Your photos are like dessert, especially I like window shopping with you too. You have a great eye for things that make me happy especially things like your puppet theater!
Must come back tomorrow to see more posts.
xox
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 05 February 2009 at 04:22
It is SO good to have you here! I have been unable to stay up with blogs lately and am glad to be catching up. LOOK at all your eye candy!
I admire your bravery and honesty. Congratulations and Happy Birthday to Paris Parfait!
Posted by: Chris | 04 February 2009 at 18:24
Hey Tara! I stumbled here from Maddie's blog. I'm endlessly fascinated by people and places and I blog only because it helps me connect to people and when I read about people, their stories and experiences it gives me faith that we're not as alone as we think ourselves to be.
Happy Blog-birthday! May there be many, many more :)
Posted by: Joylita | 04 February 2009 at 14:50
I am a relatively new Paris Parfait groupie but already a devoted reader. I appreciate your brave voice, even when met with opposition. I love what your eyes see through the lens of your camera on your wondrous travels.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 04 February 2009 at 04:16
A three year anniversary--wonderful! I wish you and us many more happy years of enjoying your blog! (I'm officially abstaining from entering this drawing since I just won something from you, but wanted to send my congratulations!)
Posted by: RD | 04 February 2009 at 00:41
Tara we are all blessed in reading your blog these past three years. Your wisdom your passion and your compassion expressed in all that you write.You are a most intelligent wise interesting being. I never ever thought that reading your posts and getting to know you through cyberspace that one day we'd meet face to face.For that I am forever grateful.I feel there is always a friend in Paris whom I can meet up with..and heh wouldn't that be grand if I do come back to Paris!
You and David had better be there! LOL
Blogging to me is my respite my place to go and unwind..decompress from the going ons in my life..posting my own photography and viewing others takes me away to another place. Nature particularly feeds my soul.In doing so I have met kindred spirits and made several wonderful friends..globally.I have experienced first hand how a caring community of bloggers is there surrounding me during my time of grief.
Keep blogging my friend keep inspiring us with your wisdom and your class.
love and light to you aNNa xo
Posted by: naturegirl | 03 February 2009 at 15:50
Ive been a fan of your blog now for almost a year and this is the first time Ive posted a comment. I am a lover of Paris and all things French. Ive come to find your blog very refreshing, especially in the long Wisconsin winters! Your eyes (photography) and voice (opinions) are absolutely breathtaking and I look forward to seeing what you bring each day.
Im drawn to the last picture of collectibles from a Chateau in the Loire Valley. I spent 2 weeks in that area last Christmas and it was a very memorable time. Thank you for taking such a beautiful picture and bringing back those heartwarming memories!
Posted by: Hollie | 03 February 2009 at 13:39
Comment via email and posted on Tammy's behalf, as she's having trouble leaving comments:
Three years and look at you! I personally fell for your gentle, loving spirit. The photos, poems and politics were just the icing on the cake. I'm so proud of you Tara. Happy three years! Love, your friend Tammy
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 03 February 2009 at 10:43
Happy 3rd blogday. I have enjoyed seeing the world through your camera lens. You really know how to capture one moment in time. I look forward to many more wonderful photo's and more of your wonderful writings. I truly enjoy my visits here.
Blogging has definitely opened a new world for me and has made my life a lot less lonely. It has become my lifeline to the world. It had given me a way to express myself like I have never been able to before. It has given me a chance to share my art, my family, and my life with whoever drops by for a visit. It means the world to me when someone I don't even know bothers leaves a comment. It has become so much a part of me, I couldn't imagine life without it.
Posted by: Kathy Mc | 03 February 2009 at 06:33
Hey Tara!
"What blogging has meant to me... " My first thought, my very first. Is that blogging has become an outlet for sharing that Inner Voice. Not the whiny, 'I don't want to get out of bed today' voice, but the creative expression - the dialogue of idealism and friendship - the voice that extends beyond walls, beyond borders, beyond cultures. It's a look into another world. A book that's written real-time. And an opportunity to be more, to see more, and to do more than we were yesterday. That's what blogging is to me.
Ciao!
Posted by: CMN | 03 February 2009 at 06:09
I started blogging just this past November. I love it. it feeds my writing (short stories, my travel book project) and my writing feeds my blogging. Just four years ago I was a complete (involuntary) Luddite, then started with a Mac iBook laptop, now on a MacBook. Anyone who only likes to see and read of nice things should NOT be reading in the blog world. This is the medium for expressing yourself in a rather personal, uncensored, way. I love that you live in Paris. My favourite city anywhere.
Posted by: stephanscharnberg@hotmail.com | 03 February 2009 at 00:51
yours were one of the first blogs I found Tara!and I was so happy! such an interesting an amazing world! Thank you to be there!
Blogging has been very important to me. New open windows to creativity, sharing, new friends, different ideas and languages, views, diversity and it is very interesting from a sociologically point of view as well :)
Posted by: Caty | 02 February 2009 at 22:43
OK imagine I am singing - Happy Birthday To You...... you know the words
3 years old, I have to say you do look a little bit older than that :)
Charlotte and your hat are still here. She can't get back for the snow. Trouble is she is in Newcastle and we are snowed in here. How frustrating is that?
The builders are coming back in March to fit a chimney and wood burning stove so we are escaping the mess and traveling to Paris. Do you know when the Ham Fair is on as I would love to come then and we could go together and eat great big Ham baguettes and rummage etc.
Posted by: Di Overton | 02 February 2009 at 17:10
Miss Tara,
Oh me - you know, how blogging has affected me? One sentence...
"I wouldn't have met you..."
I love your blog. It is like you, treasures and travels and stories and wit, and intelligent conversations abound... I am glad you speak your mind, and share all sorts of insights with us!!
Happy blogiversary, from the bottom of my heart!!! xoxoxo
Posted by: A Fanciful Twist | 02 February 2009 at 15:09
Before I started my blog (almost a year ago, now), I thought, "Why would I want to tell the world what is going on in my life?" My daughter got me involved, convinced that a "business blog" would give us a way to communicate our sense of style with others and enhance our antiques business. So I went along with the idea and started writing. Somewhere along the way, my daughter dropped out and the blog became mine alone. It evolved into more than just "business" and the world expanded wider even than it had been for me. In fact, because of the blog, I pretty much quit the antiques business (which I had worked at for 20 years), discovering that what I really wanted to do was to create, and I went back to what I went to college for, art. I started painting and making silver jewelry again.
With blogging, I could suddenly explore museum exhibits thousands of miles away, bake up a batch of goodies from a treasured recipe belonging to a Canadian who ice skates on frozen canals, explore French brocantes and Texas flea markets. Blogging has allowed me to "talk" to favorite authors and decorators, and discuss the finer points of making jewelry with an artist who has become a friend.
Blogging is just grand.
And one of the things I enjoy the very most about your blog, Tara, is that you have an opinion. Yes, your opinion, more often than not, jibes with my own way of looking at the world, but even if it didn't I would still treasure the differences and keep on reading.
Blogging exposes one to other's ideas, and that too is just grand.
All of which is a very verbose way of saying, "Blogging opens up the world."
Posted by: Sue | 02 February 2009 at 07:13
In one month, NuttersNotes will be celebrating it's third birthday. Congratulations from the youngster!
Posted by: nutster | 02 February 2009 at 05:26
Tara,
Happy third blogiversary! You've been delighting readers for so long. It was just this time last year that I discovered blogs and began imagining one of my own. Your question is especially timely for me. I could write an epic comment on what blogging has given me. I'll try, instead, to keep it brief. Blogging has affected me by making me feel understood and appreciated. You know. I'm talking about the mysterious way that your tribe somehow finds you. I find more encouragement from my blog readers than I ever receive in my "normal" life. Blogging has also prompted me to write more often (and hopefully better), notice more, think more, evolve into my own best self. It has also given me many blessed friendships. That is the best and most important part of blogging for me; the friendships. It stuns and humbles me that a stranger would write to tell me that something I said moved them to tears - or better - to action. It amazes me when I open a package from a blog reader - homemade truffles - just because. I've never felt I belonged in this place I currently call home. My blog gives me a place to belong.
Posted by: Relyn | 02 February 2009 at 04:51
Goodness! You don't look a day over three, and I am so happy to have found you some time ago, when I was thinking of Paris and missing Paris and longing for Paris and there you were. And you brought me to the Paris I knew, the one I love and with Maryam who did the same for Marrakesh you two became the "homes" away from my home here, to revisit beloved places, and dwell in the house of my memories without regrets but a bit of nostalgia.
True that you and I share many likewise ideas and hopes. As for those who come to a blog to read anything "but personal opinions" the suggestion would be to read the telephone book. A blog, when honest, represents who the writer is, warts and all, and like in life and love, in order to belong we must accept and share, respectfully disagree but always be open to see the world through someone else's eyes in order to have an educated opinion. So my dear, I am proud to know you, to be a part of your vocal group, and to tell you that the best present you could have given me is already here. I am grateful, very grateful for that. Happy anniversary dear Tara, and to many more to come.
Posted by: Allegra Smith | 02 February 2009 at 03:51
Tara, congratulations on three years of informative, thought provoking, artistic, and enlightening posts! You and I started blogging at about the same time, and it has been a journey of discovery for me in so many ways. Not only have I met people of disparate circumstance and ideology from all over the world, I have enlarged my own intellectual horizons with the creative effort blogging has inspired. I feel as if my mind and spirit have grown enormously,and wonderful writers and artists like you are no small part of that growth.
Thank you for all the postive energy you put into the blogosphere! And I wish you every success in your on(and off!)line endeavors!
Posted by: Becca | 02 February 2009 at 00:58
I found your delightful blog a few months ago - and just love it. It's a mix of inspiration, hope and reality! While I don't "blog" in the true sense of the word, I do try to create a positive corner of the internet through my "tumblr blog" ... with pictures that speak to my heart, quotes that stir my soul and music that calms my spirit. I greatly admire the people who, through blogs / tumblrs, show the beauty of our world. Blessings to you!
Posted by: Michele | 02 February 2009 at 00:22
That's a lot of writing! I've got close to 300, and have been at it 13 months. I tip my hat to you on staying so focused. And on expressing your beliefs and opinions and straying from just one theme. I actually like that in a blog. Mix it up some. I recently met a blog friend who lives about 90 miles away. We've become very close and talk nearly every day on the phone. Magical, what communicating with keystrokes can bring.
Brenda
Posted by: Brenda Kula | 02 February 2009 at 00:00
what I love about blogging is the confirmation I feel when I find bloggers who speak the same language as I do. One of caring deeply, sharing experience and an appreciation of beauty and intelligence. just as you are!~
Posted by: marilee pittman | 01 February 2009 at 23:45
Tara....congratulations. you have taken a great deal of time and effort to create a gathering place for bloggers....a place which is full of colour and passion. I always love reading your opinions, poetry, stories....and love to see how you've captured your world through the lens....beautiful and inspiring. When I began blogging a little over three years ago, I had no idea what I was getting into and how my life would be enhanced beyond the fact that I was personally finding my muse again. Initially I saw blogging as a place to archive my drafts, and a vehicle to help me incorporate writing back into my life. I had no concept that I would encounter kindreds globally, that I would learn from them, grow with them, thrive because of them....no idea! It is a big part of my life and learning. Blogging and connecting with others out there has affirmed me in ways I never knew existed. Sounds lofty, but there you go..... it is a wonderful way of connecting and reflecting.
Like you I have met some bloggers, and have become friends via email. These people have enhanced my life tremendously. I hope that one day our paths will cross....to sit and churn through the political stories of the day would be mighty fun wouldn't it??
love to you dear Tara.....and may this year of blogging ahead of you bring surprises and joy and all the good stirring emotions which feed both writing and photography...
Posted by: dana | 01 February 2009 at 22:37
I'll have to agree with you Tara. We start blogging for one reason or another and find ourselves in a whole different arena from day to day. Who would have known we could meet so many wonderful folks from around the world who share something in common. I send you my best wishes for a thousand more posts and I look forward to each and every one. Loveya!
Posted by: Rosa | 01 February 2009 at 21:39
I was so thrilled the day Judie passed on your link to moi ! I think you know what your blog means to me..! Paris! WOW! I feel so privileged to peek into your world. Your view on Politics keeps me on my toes. You are such a lovely person..so sweet and generous! Also...You always support me and that means everything. Merci for blogging! I could never have met all the fabulous friends throughout the land if not for blogging! Love and hugs..Pam and Spot!
Posted by: pam aries | 01 February 2009 at 21:37
Tara dear, congratulations on three years of inspiration and enlightenment!
Lots of love from sunny California!
xoxoBrenda
Posted by: Brenda Walton | 01 February 2009 at 20:04
Like Gillian, I stumbled across your blog 2 and a half years ago. There are various reasons why people come to your blog and that in itself speaks volumes. I come to learn. I am constantly fascinated by your depth of knowledge, your keen observations and humanity.
Why do I blog? Mine is the lamest answer, because it is fun.
Posted by: Yoli | 01 February 2009 at 19:27
For me, it is precisely in getting to know people through their "personal opinions"!!! (I refer to the strange quotation in your post, from a reader).
My eye went straight to that open book on the bottom shelf...what a treasure it must be! xxoo
Posted by: Colette Copeland | 01 February 2009 at 19:15
Happy Anniversary!
Blogging has reconnected me to my American roots and found me some American friends out here in this ex-pat world and I am so thankful for this.
Posted by: meredith | 01 February 2009 at 19:07
Congratulations on the anniversary, Tara! I look forward to my daily visits to your wonderfully eclectic and beautiful blog and really appreciate the time and energy you put into it.
Blogging has enriched my life in so many ways, particularly since I sometimes feel isolated, living and working in a rural environment. I’ve yet to meet any of my virtual friends in person, but I know I will eventually. In the meantime, I’m energized and stimulated and a bit amazed at the many fascinating and talented people who share their dreams, thoughts and passions with the world.
Exploring the blogosphere is a bit like taking a trip to NYC – the possibilities for the day are endless. Visit art galleries? Take in some good food, check out bookstores, attend a poetry reading, a political lecture, a photography exhibit, have a chance interaction with an interesting stranger?
Daily news stories illustrate how greedy, venal, and generally vile humans can be. The blogs I visit remind me instead of humanity’s capacity and desire for kindness and generosity, beauty, poetry, humor. Our need for creativity and connection (even virtual) is a wonderful thing! And the blogosphere is a great conduit for expressing it.
Posted by: Sharon | 01 February 2009 at 18:55
Tara,
Thank you for sharing your "eyes" and your thoughts with the world. Your love of beauty and your sense of justice are a tonic for the times. You are using the blog world in the right way...communicating isn't just verbal. We all need a shot of aesthetics and you provide not only brain matter but heart matter (any which way you wish to consider it.
Blogging has helped me to reconcile myself with myself; find new visions and voices; and provide ways to help others.
Happy 3rd and many more, we hope!
Posted by: Patricia | 01 February 2009 at 16:30
BRAVO and Joyeux anniversaire to Paris Parfait .
Blogging opened my world , it is a fantastic new way of sharing
Posted by: Mélanie Aussandon | 01 February 2009 at 16:20
today of all days i finally get over here to see you and by golly you are havin' a party! and giving out presents too!
tara i have only been a blogger myself for a short year and i can imagine like everything else in life we begin to find our voice, our own rhythm or style over time. you have one of the most unique blogs that i visit. today post is going to be a favorite of mine this year. i admire your determination to express yourself freely and fearlessly (or at least in spite of fear) you are one of my heroines..meaning someone i pay close attention to and try to emulate.
blogging...well i talk about the joy of blogging all the time on my own blog. let's just say it has changed my life and leave it at that :)
happy anniversary!!
Posted by: Robin Laws | 01 February 2009 at 06:00
Tara,
I honestly don't know how I found you....it was though one of those immediate attractions. I enjoyed following the campaign through your American in Paris eyes and to get a feeling for the world is thinking. Your photographs are always stunning...I can't tell you how many non blogging friends I have sent your way to see your fabulouse holiday windows.
3 years!!! Wow...good for you....good for us!!
x..x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 01 February 2009 at 05:46
Happy blogoversary. I've enjoyed your opinions and your photography and am glad to count you among my blog buddies.
Posted by: boliyou | 01 February 2009 at 05:01
I love all things French, Parisian, etc. Blogging has helped me explore my love of French culture. I have made a number of friends in both the French and ex-pat communities. I feel that I am a much better person for being more culturally rounded.
Posted by: Forest Green | 01 February 2009 at 01:08
Three years! Congrats, dear Thelma! I've loved, loved, loved getting to know you here and in real life. You and I think alike in so many ways, which means we're brilliant. I'm sure you'll agree ;D.
Blogging has opened up my world in a myriad of ways. I'd thought it was opened up already, of course, but it's now opened up in typefont size 36. I struggle to keep a balance between the solitude necessary for the creative life and the uber-stimulation streaming in from cyber-world.
Love being on the journey, uber- and cyber-, with you.
xoox,
Louise
Posted by: Laurelines | 01 February 2009 at 00:10
I've been lurking here for some time, as I do on many Paris blogs, sometimes commenting, but mostly enjoying reading about my favorite city (and the opinions of those living in it :-). Blogging overall has connected me with many wonderful people & artists all over the world. When you're an artist that works from a home studio you can feel rather isolated. Blogging ~ reading & writing ~ helps to feel connected with the outside world!
Posted by: BJ Lantz | 31 January 2009 at 23:57
Congrats on all the beautiful blogging...and thanks for sharing all the imagery and opinion with us. Your intellect is as beautiful as your eye.
Posted by: Maia | 31 January 2009 at 23:10
Congratulations, quite a feat to have made so many entries and all so interesting and inspiring. I'm glad you mix it up and I thoroughly enjoy dropping by.
Posted by: Carla | 31 January 2009 at 22:36
Your blog is one of my all time favorites. I look forward to reading it everyday. Congratulation! BTW I thoroughly enjoyed the book and plan to re-read it several times. We must all learn to soften the edges of our hearts to create peace in the world.
Blogging stimulates my mind and connects me with people like you all over the world. I became hooked about a year ago and then started my blog 8 months ago. I encourages me to write regularly and think about those things that are close to my heart.
Thanks so much for your contribution!
Posted by: Marilyn | 31 January 2009 at 22:34
What a joy it is to connect to a global sisterhood! People like you, Tara, sharing their love, compassion, and creativity, as they journey through life inspire me in so many ways. Blogging is my way to spread my wings in this world without borders. Thank you in so many ways.
Posted by: Barbara | 31 January 2009 at 21:16
Congratulations on your anniversary.
I find all blogging interesting. You learn a lot and realize there are a million different opinions out there. We spent 3 weeks on our honeymoon in Paris and love going to your blog to relive the times.
Barb
Posted by: barbro vigeant | 31 January 2009 at 21:08
Congratulations! You are a mighty force in the blog world and a soft breeze at the end of my day. I began blogging a year before you, and loved outpouring things I had never had a venue to share. On the journey, I began to find other people, like you, who opened my mind and heart to so many things I would never, ever had encountered - coccooned as I was in my house. My sweet world was turned over when some people I love found my blog and felt I had been unkind in some of my depictions. It broke my heart, I erased it all, and I couldn't get back into the honest, sharing part of blogging. Missing my friends so desparately, I began to read again - but not write - and this went on literally for a couple of years. I'm inching back slowly, realizing I have no hurtful motivation,and never did. I'm changed, and I'm at peace. I adore the blogging community - the incredible diversity, which challenges me constantly, and the sweet alliances that result as a complete surprise.
Posted by: Rebekah | 31 January 2009 at 20:37
Happy Anniversary and you go, girl!!!
Posted by: jzr | 31 January 2009 at 20:15
I've learned other viewpoints on issues and at times changed my opinion. How to speak a bit more French, appreciate the talents of others and that there are many shades of grey and white in home decor (thanks to Corey at Tongue in Cheek). The fascinating lives of others, be they Americans living in France, writers, people with ranches and cattle, fellow dog owners, home repair people, talented crafters, designers, antique experts or chefs. I've been riveted in reading about a FrancoAmerican family following the dream of buying a vineyard and making/selling their wine. You share another person's hopes, dreams and worries, their bad news and good news. I've learned that I could never be a good writer or learn to write shorter sentences. I do not want to live in Europe but enjoy reading about it. There are many people out there we may never meet in person but through their writing, stories and photographs we think of as very dear friends. Thank you!!
Posted by: martina | 31 January 2009 at 18:19
Tara -
The images you've chosen to illustrate this anniversary post are perfect examples of why I so love visiting your world. Each photo has a very high "Yum Factor" ... I just want to dive in and explore every nook & cranny - at so many levels. Perhaps they also point out what I've come to cherish about blogging: so many worlds/viewpoints to explore and in doing so , my world expands.
JJjjjjj
Posted by: judith | 31 January 2009 at 18:16