My friend Sophie's dog Diva in an antique urn on opening day of the Antiquites Brocante at Place Saint-Sulpice, Paris. Like many divas, this one couldn't be coaxed into posing for the camera.
Sophie had to hold Diva so she would look at the camera lens. Check back later for more photos from the brocante.
Leave the white sneakers at home
We witnessed an incident in which an Australian tourist became distraught over something and argued loudly with an antiques dealer. She said, "You're only doing this because I speak English." And an audible collective gasp arose from all the French stall-holders nearby, who demurred, "No, Madam, not at all. We all speak English. You simply misunderstood about the price." But the tourist flounced off, shaking her head and muttering about how they were trying to take advantage of her.
She was wearing khaki trousers and pristine white sneakers/running shoes. A word of advice: leave the white sneakers at home when you come to Paris. They are unacceptable here, unless you're on court at Roland Garros. And if you don't understand something, don't shout at the proprietor!
Thank you, President Obama
I listened to the president's speech in Cairo and was impressed by his respect for other cultures and customs, as well as his evenhandedness in approaching the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I think his speech did much to begin restoring dignity for the United States and our reputation in the Middle East.
At the same time, I was thinking how the narrow-minded right-wingers in the US would have a field day, simply because President Obama quoted the Koran (he also quoted the Torah and the Bible) and spoke a few words of Arabic.
Update Friday, June 5: Add an Oklahoma senator to the list. He must have been listening to a different speech and living in a different reality the last few years, since he seems unclear about how war in Iraq began.
More revisionist history from the Cheneys
Will the Cheneys please stop lying - for that matter, just stop talking? Why is Dick Cheney sending his daughter out to rehash the same false claims and failed talking points??!! Why is the news media giving her a forum, without someone to refute the falsehoods she's spouting? Completely irresponsible journalism by MSNBC, not to mention deceitful behaviour by the publicity-mad Cheneys.
I have a thing about white socks. Call me crazy but I just don't trust anyone in white socks except tennis players maybe :)
Posted by: Di Overton | 09 June 2009 at 20:51
Could you ask Sophie if I could have Diva for a visit??? I'm totally smitten. I love pugs anyway. Awwwwwww.
I'm convinced Cheney is a sociopath. I wish the media would stop covering his unwelcome appearances repeating the same old lies. For the lying that goes on at Fox, see the June 8 Jon Stewart show.......unbelievable!
Thinking of you in London.
xoxoxox
Posted by: Colette | 09 June 2009 at 05:36
Your photos are great; I find dogs difficult to photograph. I love the pattern Sopie's striped sleeve made; at first I thought that Diva as sitting in a striped velvet satchel.
I thought Obama struck just the right note; he is so wise and is a master of words.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 08 June 2009 at 13:40
i enjoyed the speech too- i also learned some things- did you catch the part about thomas jefferson having a copy of the koran on his book shelf or that morrocco was the first muslim nation to recognize the us- there were some parts that made me hold my breath because i wasn't exactly sure where he was headed- like when he started to say "i believe the people of iraq are better off with out sadaam hussien.."
funny- because i had heard before the speech that it was well written and included the participation of world scholars in the research and preparation
i spent my childhood in saudi arabia- my father helped build saudia arabian airlines working on the TWA team- my memory of the atitude towards americans or westerners in general is a scary one- especially towards isreal-and makes me a little hesitant to have high hopes but but this is the most hope i have had in my lifetime
Posted by: elsa | 08 June 2009 at 09:44
Tara,
Thank you for explaining that. I've never been outside the U.S. We live within minutes of Disneyland & up until this year had annual passes. It was always amazing to go and people watch there. Kind of like watching a train wreck most of the time though. I try to stay away from profiling but it's really hard not too when it's as blatant as an English person with a bright red sunburn. On a side note; the other day we were in Trader Joe's and there was a man there in front of the cheese section on his cell speaking French. It was lovely to listen to. I thought of you immediately ;) and NO I did not notice his shoes. LOL Thank you again for taking the time to reply. If I ever do make it to France I'll be prepared. (& hopefully not fat!)
Posted by: Stacy | 08 June 2009 at 05:26
Stacy, the overweight middle-aged badly-dressed tourist (often American, Australian, British or Canadian or from NZ) has become a stereotyped cliche in Europe. White sneakers are considered very tacky throughout Europe, unless one is on a tennis court. If you wear white sneakers around town, you will be treated with less respect. It's simply a fact, particularly in France, where women tend to dress with more style. And they don't believe one has to sacrifice comfort for style; there are plenty of other kinds of sneakers, sandals or flat shoes that are considered perfectly acceptable. But white sneakers? Never! It's a bit like that taboo in the US about not wearing white shoes before Easter or after Labor Day - white shoes, in general, are frowned upon in Europe.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 07 June 2009 at 19:34
The woman's behviour was appalling I agree. Why are white sneakers unacceptable? Should one buy only colored ones? I too love converse but they have no support what-so-ever and if I were going to be doing a lot of walking, I'd want my feet comfie. Just curious.
Posted by: Stacy | 07 June 2009 at 19:16
Love the photos... I'm a sucker for diva doggies :)
Thanks for the advice about white sneakers. I will definitely remember that when I come to Paris!
The Cairo speech was good, wasn't it? But yes, the right wing is having a field day. Sigh.
Posted by: Becca | 07 June 2009 at 00:50
I have to say that it is CNN who is giving her serious airtime, not MSNBC. They give her a matter of seconds, usually so the commentator can laugh at her. I do agree with what you say about her comments, however. But she's shooting herself and her ideological compatriots in the foot on this, I promise -- she looks ridiculous and ignorant!
Posted by: Ann Markle | 06 June 2009 at 06:15
OMGoodness!! Diva is adorable! : ) I'm marking that down, no white kicks. I will bring only my, dark converse.
Yes, you know it's amazing to see us have a president who can speak the language of others, while respecting other cultures. I am proud! I am proud to have my children see a leader, who is educated and worldly. I'm hopeful.
Posted by: Christina | 06 June 2009 at 00:47
i know, i wish darth cheney would go back into his underground bunker. it's sickening. also because i half suspect he's been dead for years and is an embalmed lenin-like figure in a wheelchair with a recorder playing. he gives me the creeps just SEEING him, let alone hearing him. irresponsible is right.
i couldn't agree more on the obama speech yesterday. it's about time someone said out loud that isreal should stop with the settlements.
and i love the little doggie. if i were to get a dog, that's the kind i'd get. they're so cute.
Posted by: julochka | 05 June 2009 at 09:44
She's really a diva , love her attitude.You are right about sneakers .
Posted by: Mélanie Aussandon | 05 June 2009 at 09:29
tehe. a dead giveaway! so funny these styles. my french friends who have a place in southbeach just bought some white "running shoes" to fit in there! tehe. but there is never any room for rudeness. tut tut on her. you wonder why people like that ever leave home. blech. i haven't heard the speech yet but have heard it was wonderful. as usual. <3
Posted by: Rosa | 05 June 2009 at 05:57
Thanks for your perspective on President Obama's speech and the Cheneys. Also, thanks for the tip on white sneakers. I think I will wear red Converse.
Listening to NPR this afternoon they weren't as impressed with the speech; so I am glad to hear what you had to say.
Posted by: marilyn | 05 June 2009 at 05:48
I have to admit that Obama is doing more than I expected him to be able to do in the world. I am quietly hopeful that this man can bring about so many necessary changes ... let's see it.
Posted by: Di | 05 June 2009 at 05:34
How tacky of that woman and how disrespectful. I love Diva, so much character and cuteness. Hurray for Obama and shame on the Cheneys!
Posted by: Yoli | 05 June 2009 at 03:48
I am usually not a fan of pugs, but this one is too cute! And I cannot agree more with you about the Cheneys... Dear God!!! Obama is going to Ghana soon.... I am looking forward to that visit.
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | 05 June 2009 at 03:12
I've been begging my husband to give up his dreadful white sneakers!
He's generally very well dressed .. . and has plenty of good shoes.
There are just moments when he puts those things on and I ... . cringe.
Think I'll show him this post ... .
JJjj
Posted by: judith | 05 June 2009 at 01:19