The red Japanese bridge at Parc de Boulogne - Edmond de Rothschild at 3, rue des Victoires.
The bridge and its Impressionist watery reflection.
A boat, reflection of trees in the water and blocks of ice on the pond's surface.
A confabulation of Mallard ducks.
Soccer games in the park. In the background is the ruins of the Rothschild family chateau. The park was part of their private property, until they bequeathed it to the city.
This lovely woman extends a helping hand to her husband. As always, click photos to enlarge for detail.
Love the last photo : the perfect image of bonheur and amour
Posted by: Mélanie Aussandon | 18 February 2009 at 09:48
Hello Tara.....that is so funny! You misunderstood me!!!...what I meant to say was, that I paid a visit to your blog three times....and three times I couldn't put into words how I felt about that last picture!!!!!That image will stay with me for ever, it was heart wrenching.
The actual message went off to you no problem...I think I need to brush up on my PC skills!.....Sandra.
Posted by: Sandra | 16 February 2009 at 21:11
Your photos are reminscent of Monet, very lovely. And the last photo did touch my heart.
Posted by: marilyn | 16 February 2009 at 19:03
That graffitti on the Rothschild estate fascinates me. I guess I'm surprised it's there but in its way, I like it.
Posted by: tangobaby | 16 February 2009 at 16:48
Yes, the first time the sun has shone here in awhile! Merci!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 16:20
Sandra, sorry you've had such trouble leaving comments. I've reported the problem to Typepad. Thanks for not giving up! And I appreciate the kind words about the photos.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 16:20
Merci bien, mon ami!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 16:19
Thank you, Kay. I was happy to see any colour at all, considering the grey, gloomy winter we've been having. The sun has faded the red bridge to more of a dark orange; hopefully, they'll repaint it in the spring.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 16:19
I did get your email, Rebekah. Sorry I haven't had a chance to respond yet. So glad the package arrived safely and the contents were a hit! As for the lovely couple, you're so right - my sentiments, exactly.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 16:18
Something to hope for, right? When we lived in London, there was a couple like that who lived nearby. We'd always see them walking arm-in-arm and he was always wearing a tie and cardigan (or coat in winter). Very sweet and very English! :)
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 16:17
Thanks so much for sending me again to France. What a pretty day you had.
Posted by: Chris | 16 February 2009 at 15:25
........if at first you don't succeed...this is the third time this morning I have attempted to leave a comment about your lovely snapshots.But that last image has left me completely speechless! May they have many more years together!
So pleased you decided to venture out with your trusty camera at the ready! Keep on snapping!!!.....Sandra.
Posted by: Sandra Black | 16 February 2009 at 11:41
Let me join in the chorus and say that the last photo is a true gem!
Posted by: dutchbaby | 16 February 2009 at 08:08
I love all the photos. The colours are very taking. The red Japanese bridge, the green boat, the brown ducks ... all so beautiful. Thanks Tara!
Posted by: Kay | 16 February 2009 at 07:53
Such a beautiful Sunday in Paris, and in our part of the world as well. The couple is lovely. It all boils down to that: all the goodness and angst of all the years of life together culminating in sweet moments in old age. I can see us now. I really can - and that is such a comfort! I adore the picture! Did you get my e-mail? Receiving the package from you has made this the best weekend! I've left the box with French words and markings on the counter to show everyone who came by. Thank you again. Everything is LOVELY!
Posted by: Rebekah | 16 February 2009 at 06:15
Happy tears for your last photograph. I want to always remember this picture. : )
Posted by: Christina | 16 February 2009 at 02:11
Barbara, love your mallard couples story! Thanks for sharing it. I think the chateau falling into disrepair is because of some family legal issue. Hard to say, but sometimes these things drag on for generations in France!
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 00:32
Isn't it just? Such a wonderful sight. When I walked past them, they were speaking English. I almost stopped to talk to them, but felt I would be intruding.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 00:31
That last photo got me too, Helen. Such a lovely couple, obviously caring for each other.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 00:30
I was thinking the same thing. Isn't it wonderful to see a couple so solicitous of each other? I was thrilled to snap the photo, just as she helped him up. xoxox
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 16 February 2009 at 00:29
All lovely photos --- but the last one is truly a joy!
Posted by: Helen | 15 February 2009 at 23:38
All beautiful images, but that last one...may we all be so lucky...
x..x
steph
Posted by: stephanie | 15 February 2009 at 23:12
That last picture is a perfect picture of love. Happy Valentine's Day weekend.
Posted by: Relyn | 15 February 2009 at 22:05
Hard to believe the city would let such a beautiful building fall into ruins! Hard to imagine the gymnastics of the graffiti artists as they sprayed their 'signatures' for view!
The trio of mallard couples is very sweet. TRUE STORY: years ago we had a mama mallard lay her eggs under a mature azalea to the side of our front stoop. Papa mallard would land on the street in front of our house every evening and they would fly off, for dinner I presume. Once the eggs hatched, I was fortunate to see her lead all eleven ducklings down my sidewalk, across the street, and down the steps to the lake. Over that summer I kept an eye on the 'fowl' family - she and her mate kept alive all but one of the brood!
Posted by: Barbara | 15 February 2009 at 22:03