Buddha statue, North Beach, San Francisco.
My friend Tina is returning to the United States next week, after a six-month secondment in Paris. I am sad to see her go. Today we had our last "outing" - shopping at Tresors de Chine, a renowned Asian antiques shop on rue Marcadet near Montmartre and lunch at a perfectly-delightful Art Nouveau-style brasserie. Comme d'habitude as of late, I managed to create quite the spectacle - as we were leaving, my totebag hit the edge of a waitress's tray, causing it to topple and scatter coins all over the floor. Of course she was very kind and said "It's not important," in response to my apologies. I was relieved it happened as we were departing, rather than as we entered.
Guess it was my day for minor mishaps. Early this morning, my husband arrived from Washington and went straight to sleep. As I was leaving the apartment, I tripped over his luggage, my foot got caught in his briefcase strap and I landed hard on my knee, with my head slamming into a wooden chest. After inspecting the damage, I sorted myself out and limped to the metro to meet Tina at Sevres-Babylon. Despite my late arrival, she was patiently waiting and we had a lovely shopping expedition and lunch. I bought a 19th-century hand-painted wooden sewing box. Tina admired the unusual pieces on offer, but decided nothing else could fit in her luggage.
Originally from Texas, Tina is bright and beautiful, with a wicked sense of humor. She tells wonderfully-entertaining stories of her varied travels and her life. And she's a good listener, who always seems to know exactly what advice to dispense, when needed. She's one of my few friends who truly appreciates my collections and asks questions about the background and provenance of everything. She's always up for exploring something or someplace new. And she's become a faithful reader of my blog, so this is for you, dear Tina. Wish we'd had more time together in Paris. I'll miss you, but will see you in Washington!
Scroll down the page for another post today.
This is the United States weighing in and it is high time you sent Tina back please! Seriously, we are happy you got to enjoy her antics, I mean attributes. Come and visit! All bests...
Posted by: Carole Ann | 25 February 2009 at 01:05
Wow, what a bummer about the fall! I know I'm late, but I hope it's not sore any more! Do you think you need an x-ray?! (my mom talking) Anyway, it's sad to be away from a friend like Tina! Being able to have such relaxed good times with someone you love is a precious thing.
Posted by: Chris | 24 February 2009 at 20:34
Did you wake him up and tell him off for leaving it lying around? I WOULD :)
Posted by: Di Overton | 24 February 2009 at 19:32
Oh take care. I am so behind on your blog :( It's lovely to sit down and catch up tonight. xo
Posted by: Di | 23 February 2009 at 22:21
I hate when that happens! What a bittersweet day out Tara. XXOO
Posted by: Tammy | 23 February 2009 at 21:35
Ouch!!!.......that sounds like a nasty fall you had there Tara....I am left wondering whather hubby awoke from his slumbers to mop your brow.....or was he a typical man...checked out the commotion..... turned over and went back to sleep!.....after seeing that fabulous rose....I reckon he mopped your brow!
The colours in your pics are always so amazing...what an eagle eye you have to spot such beautiful images!....Sandra.
Posted by: Sandra | 23 February 2009 at 12:35
What sweet comments about your friend - isn't friends moving one of the hardest aspects of expat life? One year in Paris I "lost" 11 friends consecutively and though at the time I wasn't the one who was moving it felt like I had moved with them as my Paris changed as a result!
Posted by: The Antiques Diva | 23 February 2009 at 09:35
OUCH, sweetie. Hope your knee is feeling better soon. And no use blushing over a few spilt coins...we all do it one time/one way or another :-)
So you're going to be in Washington the state or n DC?
Posted by: susan | 22 February 2009 at 11:45
Thank God your head was clear to do some shopping. I'd love to see the sewing box...i'm so predictable...thanks for your beautiful blog and sharing so much.
Posted by: Susan Elliott | 22 February 2009 at 11:41
Hi
Very beautiful Buddha :))))
Very nice blogsite you have, my compliments !!
I accidentally came to your blog :))
I have a cat fun blog and a little about myself.
greetings from Anya and =^.^=
Posted by: Anya | 22 February 2009 at 08:12
So sad to say "good bye" to friends isn't it? Fortunately, the marvels of technology will keep you connected.
Hope your owies heal soon. Here's some kisses to make them feel better: ((xxxxx))
Posted by: dutchbaby | 22 February 2009 at 07:39
Oh no!! Hope you are feeling better. As to Tina, she sounds wonderful. I am with Gillian, I hope she has a blog or is starting one. Take good care and please don't go out tomorrow...LOL. I cannot have you tripping on Oscar night.
Posted by: Yoli | 22 February 2009 at 06:21
Oh, I'm sorry about your fall! I would never wish a fall on ANYONE, but this and Gillian's comments make me feel I am in good company in my recent propensity to topple. In October, I traveled to New Mexico to sing at a conference. Pumped up on the pleasure of the day and the lovely responses I received, I stepped off the plane in Dallas. It was early evening when commuters were returning home, and a fast-walking young woman stepped out of the flow of foot traffic and around me on the right, taking an immediate left in front of me. I lunged over the bag she wheeled behind her, landing on both knees. No breaks, but severe soft tissue injury laid me up for several days. The very day I rose, I attended a concert with a friend. It was a small venue, and as I walked down the risers toward our seats, my knee gave out and down I went again. The fact I was holding the railing kept me from launching forward right into the orchestra pit. All that to say, I got quite a reputation and had to hear suggestions that I might want to use a HoverRound or walker! I'm happy to report, I have not had another incident, but I'm cautious - very cautious!!
Posted by: Rebekah | 22 February 2009 at 04:40
I hope your head feels better! Sounds like a good last visit though.
Posted by: elizabeth | 22 February 2009 at 03:28
I've had days like that, especially in a restaurant environment. : )
Happy traveling, Tina! : ) I can tell you will be missed.
Love this buddha.
Posted by: Christina | 22 February 2009 at 00:59
She sounds lovely Tara, but like attracts like so no wonder.
Convince her to start a blog if she hasn't already, wouldn't that be fun?
Hope your head feels better, and your knee. My husband leaves his luggage just around the corner where you don't see it and wham you are scrambling to not fall flat on your face. He does it with shoes too. I've clocked myself more times than I care to admit. Last week I fell straight down because the girls mopped and didn't put the sign up so I nearly completely brained myself. I've fallen so much in fact, I'm scared to move to fast now, lest some flippin obstacle should be in my way.
In my long winded way I'm sayin, I relate to you my friend.
Sending you a virtual cold pack for your forehead and some hugs to go with...xoxo
Posted by: Gillian daSilva | 22 February 2009 at 00:00