Paris Parfait

Photography and a copyright victory

1930s WPA mural, Coit Tower, San Francisco.


On April 15th I wrote about Nikken Europe using my copyrighted photo for advertising and publicity. The company now has accepted that it used my photo without permission, apologised and paid the token compensation fee I requested. Nikken EU also has closed its Pinterest account.

I don't think this matter would have been resolved so readily, if not for the power of the pen (magnified via the internet) and the oxygen of publicity my article received via Twitter, Facebook, Etsy and various photography forums. Thank you for helping spread the word.

This is just one example of an ongoing battle photographers, writers, artists and content creators face to protect our original work. Personally I despise the watermark that defaces my photos (along with another watermark, embedded within the images). But as long as people carelessly cling to the delusion that anything they see on the internet is free for the taking, such (semi)protective measures must remain.

Due to a current Typepad problem of excessive spam, comments are closed beginning May 1st.

An elusive spring and more copyright issues

One of the 19 windmills at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Molens van Kinderdijk, Zuid-Holland. Click photo to view details.

One minute it's grey and cloudy; the next semi-warm and sunny - followed by wind and rain! It's April 16th and the central heating is still on...

Of course there are a few hints of spring in our garden ...

...and orchids have arrived to brighten the gloom.

 

Meanwhile, I'm still battling copyright violations, the latest on Tumblr. I've issued a DMCA takedown notice for my copyrighted photo, which has been posted and reblogged more than 10,000 times - without permission and without credit! I really don't understand this attitude of entitlement that so many people seem to adopt while using the internet. How many times do internet users have to be told that photographs, artwork and articles are not gratis to use however they like??!!

Today a package arrived from Paris, containing the latest addition to my black-and-white photography collection. It's a 1958 photograph by Christian Lemaire; an identical silver nitrate print recently sold at auction for €1,200. Yes, there's a price to be paid for copyrighted photos!

Pinterest encourages its users to take photos from anywhere and everywhere, with its latest initiative: "Did you know you can pin from anywhere on the web, even if you don’t see a Pin It button on the site?" its latest blog post asks. It's no wonder Pinterest users seem confused about copyright, with such mixed messages.

But internet etiquette and copyright law are easy to follow. It's good manners 101: ask permission before using someone else's work. Don't be lazy and grab something you like, without consulting the source and content creator. Otherwise, you may find yourself with multiple copyright infringement strikes against you - or even worse - a lawsuit! Haven't we all learned by now that nothing in life is free??!!

Boston

Thinking of all those affected by the dreadful bomb attacks Monday at the Boston Marathon. Such violence and extremism has no place in society, yet keeps rearing its ugly head in unlikely places. As always, it's the innocents who suffer. So many tragic, heart-breaking stories...

As for those politicians and hucksters trying to push their own agenda via vulnerable victims and their pain - shame on you! And this moron and his insane ramblings ought to be taken off the air, Rupert Murdoch!

This photo is not free: Nikken EU & copyright infringement

One would expect a big multi-national company like Nikken Europe to respect copyright. But when confronted over unauthorised use of my photo in a March 2012 product launch and advertising/publicity campaign, their "head of legal" in Milton Keynes, England was defiant. She claimed that the photo Nikken EU appropriated via Pinterest was ripe for the taking.

Basically, her argument blamed the so-called "original pinner," insisting that if other people grabbed the photo, Nikken EU could too. She claimed to be "unaware of any copyright restrictions related to the use of this photo..." Further, she advised that Nikken EU "strongly deny any copyright infringement and recommend that you contact the person who first posted the photo and availed it to all Pinterest users."

In other words, from Nikken EU's point of view, the photo was free! So why not use it for  advertising and publicity in their Product Launch 14 March 2012 and Nikken Launches 2012 campaigns??!!

As their legal representative seemed remarkably uninformed about copyright law - and Pinterest's Terms of Service - I wrote a second letter. An excerpt:

"...it appears that your argument is if one person appropriates a photo, everyone else can too! You are mistaken in your assertions. My photo is copyrighted and when I discovered it was “pinned” on Pinterest, I immediately issued a take-down notice. Pinterest removed the photo and sent copyright infringement notices to those people who had “pinned” the photo without permission, including Nikken EU.

"...Pinterest’s terms of use clearly specify each individual user is responsible for determining the source of each photo and securing permission to post it. If one person violates Pinterest’s terms of use, this does not give others free rein to follow suit. Nikken EU made no attempt to contact me, prior to grabbing my photo for its own purposes. Under no circumstances would I have given permission for commercial use of my photo, without payment."

The company's response? Nothing. Nada. Zip. A third letter also was ignored.

In a nutshell, Nikken EU denied my request for a token payment of £350 for commercial use of my photo. Even more annoying, Nikken EU refused to apologise for using my copyrighted photo for advertising and publicity. I wonder how Nikken EU - a company engaged in providing "wellness products" in several countries - would react if someone violated their intellectual property or copyright?

By the way, the photo causing the kerfuffle was never intended for publication, other than on my blog. It was a personal photo I took while visiting Utrecht, the Netherlands. It seems such considerations matter little to Nikken EU - just as long as the photo's free!

P.S. Yes, this post is missing that photo - I don't want to give Nikken Europe any more free publicity!

About Pinterest: An open letter to my readers

It's not you; it's Pinterest. I've written a few posts about Pinterest, photography and copyright infringement. I've written about why I don't want even one of my photos on Pinterest. Yet few people seem to be paying attention. Within the past 18 hours, I've had to issue Digital Millennium Copyright Act (copyright infringement) notices for each and every photo which appear in the 19 screen shots (below) and more. This tedious process required hours of my time and effort.

While linking to each instance of my copyrighted photos - used without permission - I discovered that in numerous cases, credit for my work was claimed by naturaldetails.tumblr.com and midnightcurls.tumblr.com.  Other Tumblr accounts also claimed credit for my work. In other instances, no source was provided. In still another example, a photograph of lit candles in Nepal erroneously was referred to as India and repinned over 150 times! (I had to provide each of those 150+ links that I could find to Pinterest, to have them removed). (And on Tumblr itself, this image has been reblogged over 10,000 times, with no credit to me).

One of my copyrighted photos pinned without permission was taken from a book already published. Two other copyrighted photos which are appearing in books later this year also were "pinned. And photos taken from a book that I publicized on my blog were listed under my name.

I am not interested in negatively impacting Pinterest's business. I am trying to prevent my original work from losing its value by being pinned (and uncredited) numerous times on multiple Pinterest boards, amidst groupings of dubious quality and origin. Pinterest is a big company with massive funding and I am one small business owner, simply trying to protect my livelihood. I receive no benefit whatsoever from my photography appearing on Pinterest. Quite the contrary: it costs me time and money trying to combat hundreds of copyright violations!

I've deleted my Flickr, Tumblr and 500 px accounts to stop my photos from being pinned on Pinterest. After seven years of blogging, must I stop that too?

I urge all you Pinterest fans to act responsibly and seek permission from the photo source before you pin. Would you want someone else appropriating your work without permission??!!

Click to view screenshots in detail.

Further reading:

Picture this

Has it come to this??!!

The continuing saga of keeping my photos off Pinterest

Has it come to this??!!

Nearly every day I find numerous instances of my copyrighted photos "pinned" on Pinterest without permission. One photo had been "repinned" 43 times! Even worse, numerous images that have nothing to do with me are erroneously listed under my blog's domain name. And a British company hijacked my photograph found on Pinterest - therefore in their perception, free - for an advertising/promotional campaign.

I installed the "do not pin" code on my website and deleted my 500px and Tumblr accounts because I couldn't stop photo theft. And in a series of conversations, I've asked Pinterest to block all incoming images linked to my domain names and do a better job informing its users of copyright issues. At the top of my blog's sidebar I specifically request that my photos not be copied or "pinned." I've written several blog posts about why I do not want even a single photo on Pinterest, a site for which I receive no benefit whatsoever. Yet still this problem persists. Am I going to have to plaster every photo with "Do not pin" and/or a copyright notice??!!

Not that you'd notice with all the annoying "Do not pin" reminders, but this is a photo of a 19th-century door with a copper Arts & Crafts letterplate in Sevilla, Spain.

Somewhere it's spring...

...but not here and not now. Bone-chilling winds still rattle the windows, blow open the letter flap in our front door and snap branches off trees. But at least we don't have snow at the moment...

I'm tired of winter; tired of hospitals and doctors' offices and exhausted from stress. I'm increasingly exasperated at the amount of time and effort required to address multiple instances of copyright infringement and photo theft. As though it's not enough that every week dozens of my photographs continue to be "pinned" on Pinterest against my wishes, a British company has used my photo in an advertising/promotional campaign! Such thoughtless behaviour and lack of respect for other people's work is trying my patience and good will. Consequently, I'm finding it difficult to remain enthusiastic about blogging or social media.

No doubt my usual optimism will prevail, as the ice melts and spring blossoms appear. Meanwhile, I've filled our salon with cymbidium orchids and odd plants. I'm reading Linda Gordon's book Dorothea Lange: A Life beyond Limits and planning household renovations. I'm also working on a photo project and mapping out travel later this year. So the moody blues soon will be banished!

Wherever you are, hope you find some signs of seasonal renewal to brighten your day.

Photo of a shepherd tending his flock in Madaba, Jordan, © Tara Bradford.

The continuing saga of keeping photos off Pinterest

Once again, there are dozens and dozens of my photographs on Pinterest, all pinned without permission. What part of "DO NOT PIN" do people not understand??!! On this blog and on Twitter, I've written several pieces/tweets about why I do not want my work on Pinterest. It is annoying - not to mention time-consuming - to provide individual links for every single photo pinned without permission, so that Pinterest will remove them.

I realise that most people probably "pin" my photos with the best of intentions; they don't realise they're violating photo copyright (although as I've said before, Pinterest needs to do a better job of educating its users about copyright). But one photo I found today on Pinterest proved an exception to the "pin without malice" theory. The woman who pinned this particular photo knew full well she did not have my permission - but she did it anyway.

This woman is neither a photographer nor a lawyer, yet seems to consider herself an expert on copyright issues. I don't "follow" her on Twitter, but a few weeks ago, she started sending me messages about photography copyright. (Why she singled me out, I have no idea). She was remarkably ill-informed and over the course of a few days, I tried to have a polite and civil exchange with her. Finally I had to block her, as she wasn't interested in reason or actual facts about copyright.

Today I discovered this woman defiantly "pinned" one of my Paris photos (see screenshot below), knowing she had no right. Beneath my photograph, her caption read, "The photographer who took this photograph does not OWN this street or any of the buildings on it." Uh, no, but I DO own the copyright to the photo. And you, Ms. So-and-So (I'm too polite to publicly shame you) are violating copyright law!

I have reported her to Pinterest. And I'm confident that Pinterest will remove that copyrighted photo, as well as all the others pinned without permission.

But please, please, please, all you fans of Pinterest, think before you "pin." If you don't know the original source of the photo, don't use it! Ask permission before using someone else's work. Wouldn't you expect the same courtesy if someone wished to post your work on a free-for-all public site??

Scroll down the page for another post today.

Snow days

Unlike the crazy snow last month, so far in February we've had only light dustings of snow.

It's been snowing all day, but not much is sticking.



A little snow doesn't slow the trains.



"Our" canal - viewed from my office balcony - is only partially frozen. All photographs © Tara Bradford.

 

Thinking of everyone living in the Northeastern United States, where heavy snow and blizzard conditions are presenting numerous challenges! Bundle up! Hope you're warm and safe.

Interesting reading - snowbound or not!:

Remembrance of snows past

How the Post Office made America

Guidelines for internships and volunteer work (written by my uncle!)

Social media etiquette

The Life and Afterlife of Aaron Schwartz

Five Broken Cameras

I hope you have the opportunity to see the Oscar-nominated documentary Five Broken Cameras. I've mentioned it before, but it bears repeating. Five Broken Cameras truly is an extraordinary account of peaceful resistance against Israeli settlements encroaching on Palestinian land. This is a story close to my heart as a journalist, having lived and worked in the region for years.

The film was made by Palestinian Emad Burnat and Israeli Guy Davidi. It won the World Cinema Directing Award: Documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. Five Broken Cameras is an unembellished chronicle of family life and how children are affected by conflict.

Vintage photographs

I collect black-and-white vintage photographs and am lucky to have an Henri Cartier-Bresson original, as well as original photographs by Christian Lemaire, Dorothea Lange, Samuel Gottscho and an Edward Curtis portrait (plus some more modern signed photographs by Peter Turnley). This site presents some fascinating  images from the Indian Sub-Continent. And have you seen Photographium? I could spent hours looking at these historical photographs.

Picture this!

 

Why I don't want my photos "pinned" on Pinterest  

Screenshots taken Wednesday. All these photos are mine, "pinned" without permission.

Many of you are fans of Pinterest and maintain numerous boards containing "pinned" photos you find on the web. But I don't want even one of my photos on Pinterest. Until Wednesday night, there were about 100 of my photos and probably more on Pinterest, all pinned without permission (and a few without credit). Pinterest removed the images after several email exchanges, in which I provided specific links to each individual photo.

Over-exposure is bad for business

I receive no benefit whatsoever from having my photos displayed on Pinterest boards. Contrary to popular belief, Pinterest doesn't drive traffic to my blog or to my website. And I firmly believe that too much exposure is bad for business. If you see the same image 50 times in random places, it begins to lose its impact and financial value.

The internet rapidly is becoming over-saturated with images, making the unusual and exotic seem unremarkable and commonplace. I want to choose the places and publications where my photos appear; I don't want them "pinned" randomly on glorified community bulletin boards, alongside dozens of other images of varying quality.

Section 107 of the Digital Millenium Copyright Act (DMCA) includes this passage examining a factor in determining "fair use" of an individual's work: "...The effect of the use upon the potential market for, or value of, the copyrighted work." Accordingly, copyright law provides that the copyright holder decides who uses their images and any fee to be charged.

Yet Pinterest is - by its very nature - undermining respect for copyright protection. And online infringement of copyrighted images appears endemic. This "theft by stealth" undermines the market for legally-licensed images and undercuts fees for professional photography. While Pinterest continues to grow, develop its business model and secure more funding, it needs to do a better job of communicating copyright issues to its (reportedly) 28 million users. And Pinterest users should take heed of its Terms of Service!

Efforts to protect copyright

For over a year I've tried to stop my photos from being "pinned." I reluctantly put Pinterest's "do not pin" code on my blog (akin to locking my door to prevent burglary). I've wasted hours of my time and energy compiling links to every individual photo I can find and providing said links to Pinterest staff, asking the images be removed.

Last weekend I was forced to delete my 500px photography account, as there seemed no foolproof way to stop those images being grabbed for Pinterest. It is unreasonable that I have to spend so much time and effort - and delete a separate showcase for my work - because of multiple instances of copyright infringement on Pinterest.

Since writing my first piece in December, 2011 about copyright issues with Pinterest, the over-use of images on Pinterest, Indulgy and the like prompted my decision to prevent my photos from being used anywhere without permission. Whether you like it or not, pilfering a photo is the same principle as swiping a record or grabbing someone's manuscript. It's my original work - not yours - and you don't get to decide what to do with it.

I wouldn't presume to visit your office (virtual or real) and remove something from your desk for my personal use. I wouldn't take the play you've written or the dress you've designed and use them however I like. That would be stealing! So why do so many people stubbornly cling to the misguided notion that if a photograph is posted on the internet, it's free??!!

Google aggregation of images

Of course it's not just Pinterest at fault for pushing photographers to be ever-vigilant about unfair use of images. Despite lawsuits by photographers' groups, Google's search engine grabs images from blogs in scaled down "thumbnail" size, then links to them full size, with the tiny disclaimer tagline "Image may be subject to copyright."

In the Perfect 10, Inc. vs Amazon.com, Inc. and Perfect 10, Inc., vs. Google cases, the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit ruled that scaled/thumbnail images used in a Google Image search engine constituted fair use. The court said that Google transformed the images from "a use of entertainment and artistic expression to one of retrieving information," citing the similar case Kelly v. Arriba Soft Corporation. 

Unlike Pinterest, Google lacks ability to scrutinize its content. Pinterest's control over its own content makes it responsible for monitoring copyright infringement - particularly as photos  copied are a "mirror image" of the original copyrighted photographs. Under the Digital Millenium Copyright Act, this is not considered fair use!

"Copyright law protects the fruits of creative efforts, called "original works of authorship" in legal terminology. A copyright owner enjoys the exclusive right to reproduce the work, distribute it, display or perform it and to create derivative works from it, as well as the ability to transfer any or all of these rights. Copyright protection generally lasts for 70 years beyond the death of the original author. Copyright's purpose is to stimulate the production of creative works by giving authors a financial incentive to create new works. Examples of copyrightable works include blog posts, photographs, videos, podcasts, news articles, musical compositions and computer software." - The Citizen Media Law Project

Every time I search - here on a Paris board - I find more of my photos.  

My Marie-Antoinette-related photos were "pinned" on at least three Pinterest boards.

Some images "pinned" from my 500px account; sadly, I was forced to delete it, due to rampant Pinterest "pins."

This "pinner" gave someone else credit, even though my watermark is clearly visible on the photo. Ask permission before you "pin" someone else's photo. It's a small courtesy that can save all concerned from future legal problems.

Perspective

Today I had to disappoint a publisher's assistant, who asked me to read a novel the company is about to publish. To put it politely, the book seems meant for those with a romanticised view of Paris, who seldom - if ever - travel. Probably the book will be released to reasonable success, but only to a limited audience, in my view. In good conscience, I couldn't recommend the book, but telling her that made me feel bad. It's my Southern upbringing and focus on good manners: "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

Speaking of manners, for purchases made from my online shop, I always include a little gift. I've noticed that less than five percent of recipients even bother to acknowledge this little extra, much less thank me. Seems good manners are falling by the wayside in a world of increasingly short attention spans.

When clearing out books in my office, I came across a hefty volume on Middle East peace, given to me when I first started out as a reporter at the United Nations. The book is signed by most of the principal players in the conflict. Sadly, all but one are now dead, without seeing their dream realised. And it seems the peace process is dead as well. So in disgust, I threw the book in the recycle bin.

I felt upset, as today has proved to be one quiet disappointment after another. I started looking through my photo files, hoping to find something to lift my mood. And I came across these examples of exquisite craftsmanship at Reales Alcázares de Sevilla. Centuries ago, artists took the trouble to create extraordinarily beautiful works of art, often in obscure places that few people bothered to look (i.e. the ceiling in a corridor, above).

Hand-painted intricate tiles (top photo) were applied to a wood base that's today riddled with woodworm. But the room is still standing, despite the centuries that have passed and the ever-changing occupants of the palace. As a World Heritage site, it just needs a little maintenance and no doubt will last for more centuries yet.

So maybe the Middle East peace process isn't dead, but temporarily stalled. Maybe I'm wrong about that publisher's book and it will entertain many readers and bring both author and publisher success.

(And maybe, just maybe I will stop obsessing over things that I can't control. One can only hope)!

Little Treasures Made by Hand

Have you heard about my friend Pia Jane Bijkerk's latest book project Little Treasures Made by Hand? Learn how you can participate here.  I own three of Pia's books; all are beautifully-photographed and packed full of information and delightful stories. If you're not familiar with Pia's lovely books or her fabulous blog, you're in for a treat!

As always, click photos to view detail.

The seven-year itch

Image of silver screen icon Marilyn Monroe - who starred in the 1955 Billy Wilder film "The Seven Year Itch" - from fanpop.com.

No, it's not what you think. Today I'm celebrating seven years of blogging: 2,365 posts! That's a lot of words and images. Along the way I've made some wonderful friends. Blogging also reignited my work as a photographer, after years of focusing solely on writing.

Blogging has changed tremendously in the seven years since I began Paris Parfait. Within the past couple of years, I've noticed more and more "copycat" or sponsored articles and less original content - which defeats the whole purpose of blogging, in my view.

I am a rebel: I don't want to follow trends; host gimmicky giveaways or publish someone else's articles promoting a product or event. To me, that's advertising. And the only ads you'll see on my blog are restricted to the sidebar. Those few ads bring in just about enough revenue to cover annual blog-hosting fees.

Readers may come and go, but this space will remain my original work (with the rare exception, i.e. the photo above). I'll continue to tell stories, whether through words, images or both. I'll keep writing about people, places and things that interest me. I'll continue to post my own photographs and voice my opinions on issues that matter.

I'll continue to welcome your comments, exchanges of ideas and constructive criticism. But I won't try to be something I'm not, no matter how an increasingly profit-driven blogosphere may evolve. I believe that in the long run, individuality, creativity and critical thinking always triumph over flash-in-a-pan fads.

Thank you for your loyal readership and support these past seven years. You've made such a positive impact on my life, for which I will be forever grateful. I hope you'll continue to be entertained, informed and/or challenged when visiting here.

 

Terms of service: Why we should pay attention

Aventurine stones, an antique French iron door knocker and glass negatives circa 1906 on my office windowsill. Aventurines are said to be lucky talismans for travelers and who am I to argue?!


Terms of service: that annoying, but oh so important fine print that we agree to with all social media usage. Yet how many of us don't bother even reading the TOS? One of my partners-in-vigilance when it comes to copyright and other intellectual property rights is Alexandra of Alexandra Wrote. She contacted me last year when I wrote about copyright issues on Pinterest (whose staff addressed my concerns).*  So I was delighted to see Alexandra's take on Vine, the new six-second blink-and-you'll-miss-it video service.

Alexandra points out that by agreeing to Vine's TOS, you're basically relinquishing all rights to your own videos. Read her excellent post here. And check out Alexandra's informative If Emily Posted series on intellectual property.

A king for the Netherlands

Here in the Netherlands, the media's buzzing with news that Queen Beatrix is abdicating the throne in favour of her son, Crown Prince Willem-Alexander. The prince officially will become king on Queen's Day, April 30th. Years ago when living in New York, I met the prince - who was then just 14 - at a summer house party in Connecticut. He was accompanying family friends, who owned property on New York's Madison Avenue. At the time, I never dreamed I'd be living in the Netherlands when Willem becomes king!

*That being said, I just found multiple instances of my photographs being pinned on Pinterest without permission. I have again contacted Pinterest asking for that my images - often uncredited - be removed. 

Icons

Images of iconic musicians painted on a doorway in Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

 

If you're interested in American history or photography, you probably are aware of Edward S. Curtis's astonishing images of Native American tribes. His compelling photographic odyssey captured a rapidly-vanishing way of life for Indian tribes in the late 19th and early 20th-centuries. Many Indians referred to Curtis (1868 - 1952) as "the Shadow Catcher."

His vast body of work was lauded by President Teddy Roosevelt and financially supported by JP Morgan. Curtis's photographs are enshrined in the Library of Congress archives, as well as the Smithsonian and other museums, universities and private collections around the world. More than 60 years after his death, Edward Curtis's remarkable photographs continue to educate and enthrall.

Recently, I had the pleasure to become accquainted with James, author of the delightful blog The Cavender Diary. We share an enthusiasm for Edward Curtis's photographs. When James found out an Edward Curtis self-portrait was up for grabs, the quest was on... Read more at The Cavender Diary about how you, too can own an Edward Curtis photograph. And check out James and Jamie's stylish home!

You also may enjoy reading Short Nights of the Shadow Catcher by Timothy Egan.

P.S. Have you seen the fascinating documentary Five Broken Cameras? It's nominated for an Oscar and if you want to know more about the Palesinian-Israeli confict from the perspective of both sides (it's an Israeli/Palestinian co-production) Five Broken Cameras is enlightening.

Christina Rosalie: A Field Guide to Now

"What art means to me" by Christina Rosalie.

Years ago along the blogging trail, I discovered Christina Rosalie's beautiful writing via her initial blog My Topography. Christina's honest and raw appraisals of the challenges of sustaining creativity - while juggling raising children, working and studying for a post-graduate degree - resonated with readers.

Christina's poetic turn-of-phrase in describing even the simplest events is elevating and inspiring. Compelling illustrations and photographs also are strong components woven through the tapestry of her work.

Christina has a rare gift for finding magic in ordinary moments. Her new book A Field Guide to Now: Notes on Mindfulness and Life in the Present Tense is a bold call to action. For all those too busy or distracted to notice creative instincts begging to emerge, A Field Guide to Now is for you. Christina's thoughtful essays and evocative illustrations help shine a light on how to celebrate passion and ideas and fulfill your promise.

"I want you to know that this is the way things almost always begin: innocuous and small; a note jotted down on a napkin; a phrase that circles in your head for days; a feeling you cannot ignore. This is when you must pay attention. This is when you must do whatever you can to begin."

In this post, Christina kindly shares some thoughts on her creative process:

"I was inspired to write A Field Guide To Now  because I could feel how, in the midst of uncertainty, the only thing that was for sure was the moment at hand. I was also navigating life with a newborn and a four-year-old—and found myself amidst all the  restlessness and repetitiveness and busyness that that entails, often just trying to live out the day to be done with it. The book began then as a question: what might happen if I showed up for my life with intention, arriving in the present tense with wholehearted wonder and attention and focus?

"It is my hope that this book is both an invitation for readers to do the same—and also proof, that this work of artful intention and mindful focus, beginning with the ordinary moment at hand, can be a springboard for creativity and grace.

Photo by Thea Coughlin.

"The best part of the process? Starting the book---and finishing it. Really. It felt rather epic to have an inkling of an idea—and to leap towards the unknown with it clutched to my heart like a parachute. I guess I expected that it would unfold and hold the weight of my dream, but I had never done anything so big before, so I wasn’t entirely sure.

"The truth is, I am someone who has always learned through doing—and in many ways I really did leap into the process of writing (and illustrating) this book without any idea what I was doing. It was helpful that my editor, Mary Noris, pushed for a proposal that became a roadmap for what I would write. Though the book evolved so much from what I originally proposed, as I found what I needed to say and my voice emerged from within the stories.

"I think the best thing about the process was that the answers emerged from the act of living the questions: from being in the moment, asking, observing, doing and taking note.

"The worst part? Finishing it. When the book was the inkling of a dream on Kickstarter, I didn’t have any idea that I’d be in graduate school when I would actually write it. But there I was, in the summer semester between my first and second year of an MFA program in Emerging Media, writing a book, while also learning to program Flash, edit videos and create digital stories, but there I was—with two young boys under foot as well.

"I couldn’t have done it without my husband, who is the most wonderful co-pilot. Every weekend and every spare hour was spent writing that summer and I was so utterly exhausted when I finished and shipped the manuscript off, that it didn’t set in for several months after that I’d actually gone and lived one of my biggest dreams and written a book."

Books in Christina's studio.

You can order your own copy of A Field Guide to Now here, here, here or here. It is published by Skirt!, an imprint of Globe Pequot Press.

The book's appealing combination of wonderful writing and original illustrations make it an uplifting read and indeed, an encouraging field guide to help bring your own dreams and purpose to the forefront.

 

Author photograph by Thea Coughlin. All other photographs except where indicated are by Christina Rosalie.

Christina Rosalie is a writer, mixed-media artist and creative consultant whose award winning work and been featured in print and online. Most recently she has written for Kinfolk, Milk and Ink and the Los Angeles Review. Her mixed media artwork has been included in shows at Burlington City Arts gallery and SEBA gallery. Christina has an MFA in Emergent Media from Champlain College and lives with her husband and sons at the end of a long dirt road in northern Vermont. You can find her online at christinarosalie.com where she writes about the art of living intentionally and the hilarity and wonder that results from the convergence of curiosity, creativity and life with little boys.

Strange days

Tree of clogs, Sunday, Oct. 7th, Marken, Noord Holland. This quaint little fishing peninsula is located in the area known as Waterland.


My apologies for not blogging much lately; simply juggling too many things at once. I have so much to say, yet no time to say it! Beginning this weekend I hope to kickstart this blog back into action. Thanks for staying the course!

An idyllic scene - fake cow and all. Click to enlarge and check out the gorgeous canal-side garden!

The charming courtyard of a painted wooden cottage for sale in Marken.

What else, but wheels of cheese?!

Echoes of summer.

Off to Paris

My poor neglected bicycle, leaning against a garden wall.

I'm surprised ivy isn't covering my bicycle! It's been months since I could ride, thanks to these crazy dizzy spells. Living in the Netherlands, surely it's the law or something that you must ride a bicycle.

Am off to Paris for more tests to help sort out the vertigo. It is hoped I'll soon be riding my bike! Meanwhile, at Red Room I've written a piece about lost letters that may interest you. À bientôt!
 

Still...

Still blooming, more than two weeks after putting this lily stem in a Nambe vase.

 

Still aggravating:

Still unfair and absurd

Still waffling: health care as a right or a privilege?

Still trying to control elections in Florida

Still incredibly annoying

 

Still gifts to the world:

Still one of the most courageous men I've ever met

Still one of the world's best storytellers (with a new book!)

Still touching

Still speaking out for human rights

 

And still amusing; still entertaining; still innovative.

And P.S. Still rock stars!

Attention to detail

Oak door of a private residence, Delft, Zuid-Holland. I love how the bronze letter slot has similar lines to the wrought iron trim.

 

I've spent my entire life paying attention to detail. This focus has served me in good stead, both as a writer and a photographer.

While living in London and particularly during ten years in Paris, I collected many, many beautiful antiques and vintage items for our home. I never imagined that moving to a canal house in the Netherlands would mean my tastes would change dramatically. While retaining an appreciation for all I've collected, I have a strong desire for a different aesthetic.

It began with admiring lights (old and new) by Danish designers Louis Poulsen, Louise Campbell and Cecilie Manz. The interest grew into obsession, fueled by watching Danish political thriller Borgen (I & II) and crime dramas The Killing and The Bridge. I began reading Scandanavian design books, magazines and blogs.

The Danish and Swedish designs perfectly suit the clean, modern lines of our house. They also reflect the more relaxed way we're living in the Netherlands. Slowly, many of the French antiques are being replaced with design classics, which blend well with my favourite pieces collected during years of travel and living abroad.

Relaunch of a Swedish design icon

Thanks to reading Scandanavian design blogs, I was excited to learn about the revival of the iconic Swedish Triplex lights. It's a true labour of love for these talented creators. I have reserved a lamp from their first production, due later this summer. It will be a welcome addition to my office! To request your own Triplex lamp, contact Ulrikka Kullenberg.

New design magazine

My friend and interior designer extraordinaire Francoise Murat and her colleagues Kate Thompson and Sam McArthur have started a new digital magazine, STUFF UNCOVERED. They bill it as "a celebration of the unusual, the eclectic and the downright daft." I especially like Francoise's account of the Mid-Century Design Show in Dulwich, London and Kate's round-up of Britain's summer festivities. Read the premiere issue of STUFF UNCOVERED here.

Paris Parfait on etsy

P.S. What am I doing with all the French antiques and vintage collectibles I don't plan to keep? Smaller items are for sale on etsy, while larger treasures and furniture will be sold to an Amsterdam antiques dealer. If you don't see something you fancy, stay tuned...many more items are yet to be listed!

Igor Josif and a shared design obsession

It started with this feature on photographer Stella Harasek's lovely home that both Igor Josif and I saw - unbeknownst to each other - on a couple of Scandanavian design blogs. When I saw Igor's post, I sent him a message that I was mad about the City Sunday magazine rack and had ordered two from Finland for my home office. Igor responded, "You mean it's possible to buy something like that?" And ten minutes later, he'd ordered one too.

Here are the magazine racks at first blush. No doubt the contents will evolve on a regular basis. And follow Igor's Happy Interior blog for his version of the City Sunday magazine racks. If you fancy your own magazine racks, they're available at Finnish Design Shop.

In my magazine racks: (top) French enamel sign; French francs price tag from a Paris shop; David Burke's Writers in Paris; a photograph of a Paris milliner's salon in 1944 by Lee Miller; the book Thinking in Type and a small poster for Linotype: the Film, for which I am happy to be a backer. (Bottom): Invisible Cities by Italo Calvino, one of my all-time favourite books; a photograph of Afghan children given to me by Marianne Elliot; a Christies auction catalogue featuring mementoes of adventurers and explorers, including T.E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia); the latest issue of News Photographer magazine; Mary Oliver's poetry book Evidence; an art piece by my friend Christine Mason Miller and a notebook.

Friday fun

An outdoor display at a store in Delft, Zuid-Holland.

 

At long last it's Friday! And here are some fun links found while browsing blogs and media:

Marrakesh by Design and a tiny little film

A short film featuring Dior at Versailles

Est magazine's first birthday issue

A Frenchwoman attempts to understand Brooklyn hipsters

Anna Della Russo at home

Bon weekend, les tous!

Hello, May!

Miniature windmills at Kinderdijk, Zuid-Holland.

Fresh fruit and vegetables in Delft.

An arrangement of antique glassware on a windowsill in Edam.

 

It's the merry month of May - hooray! - and I'll be back shortly with more photos and posts.

Meanwhile, if you live in one of the cities in Maryam's book tour  - now underway in the US - don't miss a chance to meet her! Maryam is as charming and clever in real life as one might expect from reading her lovely blog My Marrakesh. Feast your eyes on her stylish book Marrakesh by Design, availble from various booksellers.

The art of display

Artful displays at Sophie Pretelat's antiques shop in the Loire Valley, France.

Sophie - who lives in a magnificent chateau filled with fantastic and rare collections - has a real talent for arranging seemingly disparate objects into intriguing tableaus. I am lucky to have purchased some treasures from Sophie's antique shop, as well as her stands at brocantes at Bastille and Saint-Sulpice.

One of the eye candy books waiting in my "must read soon" pile is Creative Display by Geraldine James. The book is packed with ideas to mix it up a bit, with items both precious and sentimental.

Another book in my mailbox this week is blogger Nichole Robertson's Paris in Color. It is filled with whimsical themed photographs that will make you long to wander the city's streets at leisure, soaking up every beautiful detail.

John Baxter's The Most Beautiful Walk in the World: A Pedestrian in Paris is also awaiting my attention. More about this book later; I'm hoping to catch up with all these delightful echoes of Paris soon.

Pinning Pinterest: Copyright protection for photographers

 

In 2009, I took the above photograph in my Paris apartment, using my Sony A900. I posted the photograph on my blog Paris Parfait. But the image you see on today's post didn't come from my photo files; instead I downloaded it from Pinterest.

How did it get there? Someone "pinned" it, giving another photographer credit. That photographer is Lara Rossignol, who happens to be a brilliant photographer and author of the lovely blog Piewacket. Lara owns a pink Royal typewriter exactly like this one. But she didn't take the photo; I did (and Lara has no direct role in this comedy of errors). Yet on Pinterest, the photo source is listed as "From Google.com" and the credit given to "Lara Rossignol."

This is just one example of erroneous photo credit on Pinterest.com. In a Pinterest search I found hundreds of my photos displayed under Paris Parfait and Tara Bradford. I don't have time to check every photograph; a quick run-through suggests most images have proper photo credit listed. But I noticed a few "pinners" list Google as the source and no direct attribution is provided. Obviously, Google is not a photographer and doesn't take photographs (other than for Google Maps).

Some people argue that having one's photos used on Pinterest is good publicity. Maybe, but only if proper photo accreditation is provided. I found several Pinterest examples where another photographer's work is listed under my name! For instance, photographs from the divine Fifi O'Neill's book Romantic Prairie Style - used in my blog piece, with permission - are wrongly listed on Pinterest as mine. Instead, they should be credited to Mark Lohman, who took all the photographs in Fifi's book.

To report a copyright violation, Pinterest requires filling out a separate form for every single image wrongly attributed or falsely credited. This seems like a lot of paperwork (and time) to safeguard images already protected by copyright law. It's no wonder many photographers are dismayed by having to track their images on Pinterest.

So all you lovely people who see online images that interest you, if you want to use them, make sure you give the photographer proper credit. I have a Creative Commons license, which means my photographs may be used in an attribution share-alike sense, only for non-commercial purposes. You are allowed to share the images in public forums - with attribution - but you can't put my photographs on posters or greeting cards or any other commercial ventures. If you would like to use them for a non-profit campaign flyer or in a theatre production program, etc., kindly email and ask permission.

If you want to "pin" my photographs on Pinterest, please provide proper photo credit! I would never use your work without giving you credit; please show the same respect for mine.

In two extreme cases, I applied for a Google takedown notice. After finding my photographs used without permission or without credit, I emailed the sites in question, politely asking that the photos be removed. The site owners ignored several requests, so I issued takedown notices. They were forced to delete my images.

Read more about copyright protection:

The Electronic Frontier Foundation: Teaching Copyright

The Digital Millenium Act

The No Electronic Theft Act (NET Act)

Creative Commons

I need a chance

Mother and daughter, Bungamati, Nepal.

 

I am pleased to join hundreds of bloggers participating in The 2011 Girl Effect Blogging Campaign. Read more about the campaign and how you can help young girls reach their potential.

Won't you consider writing your own Girl Effect blog post this week? For details, go here. See posts from other Girl Effect Blogging Campaign participants here.

Bedouin girl, Petra, Jordan. Images and poem by Tara Bradford.

 

Give me a chance

I need a chance

to study at school

to seize opportunities

to learn just like you

 

I need a chance

to grow, think and reach

to wander and wonder

defy tradition's long reach

 

I need a chance

to make my own decisions

to carve a career

not marriage as prison

 

I need a chance

to discover my worth

to nurture my talent

before I give birth

 

I need a chance

to choose my own path

to plan my own journey

without family wrath

 

I need a chance

to remain strong, in good health

to be who I am

not some man's chattel as wealth

 

Give me a chance

you'll see what I can do

surpass expectations

be independent like you

Thought for the day

Flames of faith near Swayambhunath Temple, Kathmandu, Nepal.

Click photo to read the message, with a nod to Tara Sophia Mohr and the Girl Effect Blogging Campaign. Won't you join us on October 4th? Read more about the campaign and how you can participate.

For children's sake

Mother and son, Panuti, Nepal.

 

Please take a moment to watch this short video:

 Blog Blast for Peace: Children in Afghanistan.

“The child must know that he is a miracle, that since the beginning of the world there hasn't been and until the end of the world there will not be, another child like him.” - Pablo Casals

Little girl, Panuti, Nepal.

Friends in Panuti.

Girl in green, Panuti.

Bungamati, Nepal. As always, click photos to enlarge.

Mother and son, Bungamati.

Mother and daughter, Bungamati.

Happy Birthday, Di!

Wacky tights displays at a local market.

 

Bon anniversaire to my beautiful, courageous and clever friend Di Overton. She is my confidante and shopping partner-in-crime, with oceans of style (not to mention a heart of gold). Can't wait to see her in England for a belated birthday celebration!

Digging deeper

Musicians - including a blind keyboard player - near the Tibetan Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal. Click photo to enlarge.

 

Amy of ABCDesigns wrote an interesting post about inspiration, blogging content and comments. Her thoughts struck a chord, as lately I've noticed that too many blogs, online magazines and other social media platforms are all style; little substance. Frankly, I am bored by the lack of original content and thought-provoking articles. We all need to dig a little deeper; to tell our own stories. This doesn't mean we should stop shining a light on beauty wherever we find it; to do otherwise would be unconscionable. Perhaps we could be a little more selective and thoughtful in our writing and presentations, giving rise to our own voice; our individual stories. What do you think?

To comment or not to comment?

Having blogged for five-and-a-half years, I've seen my comment count swing like a pendulum. Apparently, this is a seasonal/holiday thing rather than interest in specific posts. As people are engaged across Twitter, Facebook and now Google + platforms, it seems fewer and fewer readers take the time to comment on blogs. So I'm considering closing the comments section here.

I don't take this decision lightly; over the years, reader comments have been a welcome source of feedback, encouragement, commiseration and solace. But I have noticed a dramatic decline in comments and I'd like to ask for your views about this issue. Please let me know what you think.

A gift to yourself

And why not? You deserve it! Check out this delightful new monthly service from Not Another Bill. I have subscribed for six months, because there's nothing like a lovely surprise in the mail to instantly brighten one's day. (I've signed up my daughter in the US for Not Another Bill parcels. Shhh, it's a surprise)!

Summer reading

I've been rereading an old favourite: Thornton Wilder's The Bridge of San Luis Rey, as well as reading Margaret Drabble's stories from A Day in the Life of a Smiling Woman. For inspiration, it's hard to beat my friend Pia Jane Bijkerk's visual feast My Heart Wanders. And Odo Yakuza Tokyo, a book about the Japanese crime family just arrived. Photographer Anton Kusters has produced intriguing images of a shadowy world of power and criminality. What's on your summer reading list?

Of course, amidst a busy schedule, reading means chapters here and there. On Wednesday I spent nine hours editing photos and adding new ones to my ever-evolving photography site. Meanwhile, deadlines  loom for three articles and two photo essays... Back soon!

London bound

Headed to this wonderful city for a week of photo shoots, exhibitions, meetings and seeing friends.

During the last three days, I've taken quite a few pictures during a bi-annual tug boat festival - Sleepbootdagen. I have those photos to sort, as well as the New Orleans shots. Regular blog postings will resume when I'm back home in Holland. See you soon!

No free rides: Travel blogging and ethics

 

A woman sits with offerings for a religious ceremony, Swayambuthu, Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

Lately I've noticed a growing - and disturbing - trend among travel bloggers to accept multiple free trips from government tourist boards or travel companies and write about their experiences. In journalism school, professors taught Ethics 101: do not accept free trips or gifts in exchange for writing about a certain place or subject, lest we risk losing our objectivity.

This accept-no-favors policy was crafted to insure one never had to worry about offending those who funded the trip - or paid for dinner - if describing the experience in less-than-glowing terms. At every newspaper, radio and television station where I have worked as a reporter, this policy was rigidly enforced.

Today, the Society of Professional Journalists' Code of Ethics continues to stress the importance of acting independently:

• Avoid conflicts of interest, real or perceived.

• Remain free of associations and activities that may compromise integrity or damage credibility.

• Refuse gifts, favors, fees, free travel and special treatment and shun secondary employment, political involvement, public office and service in community organizations if they compromise journalistic integrity.

Of course this begs the question: are bloggers journalists? Not always, but these bloggers seem to think they are, billing themselves as professional travel experts. So when did travel bloggers begin thinking it was okay to accept free trips?

Call me old school, but I am disappointed when reading about a blogger's all-expenses-paid trip to a beautiful locale. Some travel bloggers might be curious enough to do some background reading, but more often than not, their posts contain the same information, filtered through a vaguely-different lens. After all, many of these bloggers have stayed in the same (luxury) hotels and been guided to the same tourist hot spots - without ever once veering off the beaten path. They've been led around like sheep, albeit by knowledgeable shepherds. These bloggers know little other than what they've been told and therefore have just scratched the surface of that area. They haven't visited residential neighbourhoods or refugee camps or made much of an effort to see the way the locals live. How could they, when following their sponsor's self-serving itinerary?

Traveling vs. tourism

In my view, traveling on someone else's dime and someone else's agenda isn't traveling; it's tourism.

Simon Calder, senior travel editor for The Independent, London is known as “the man who pays his way."  Calder has said, “The cheaper you travel, the closer you get to the soul of a place… I don’t accept free transport or accommodation from the travel trade. As a result of this somewhat curious and eccentric policy, I tend to meet a lot of very interesting folk. The people with the best stories to tell live life in the cheap seats.”

So if you're back from all-expenses paid junket, I'm not interested in your hotel or tourist site recommendations. After all, you know only about the places you stayed - as a pampered guest - and have no basis to compare prices or amenities of other hotels that might be easier on the typical traveler's budget. And please don't try to pretend you're an authority on the area; visiting once and being escorted to specific tourist sites does not an expert make.

Taking advantage

Besides ethical questions raised when a blogger accepts a free trip, there's also the issue of an oil-free country so desperate for tourist dollars that it provides luxury trips it can ill-afford to fund. A vicious cycle is created, when a country dependent upon tourism is forced to expend limited financial resources promoting travel. In a region where tourism may be affected by the Arab Spring political uprisings, is it right for bloggers to take advantage of the situation?

Professional ethics

Last November in Nepal I met an American photographer who had traveled extensively in the region and  spoke a bit of the language. Nepal is an impoverished country largely dependent upon foreign aid. Its fractured government means that most citizens' services are in flux, leaving many people living hand-to-mouth. So I was appalled to discover after purchasing an expensive handpainted tanka - that took a skilled lama three months to produce - the photographer (who brought me to the school) demanded a commission on the sale. Even worse, he did it in a sly manner, when I had left the room. At the time, I wondered why he insisted on asking the price in dollars, when I told the vendor my credit card was in euros.

The photographer did the same thing when I bought a very pricey Tibetan prayer-book cover from an antiques shop, again in an underhanded manner. I was beginning to wonder if he had health issues, as he excused himself so often to go to the toilet. It seems while I was waiting downstairs, he was collecting commission on my purchases.

Had I known the photographer insisted on a commission from these businesses - which of course meant the fees I paid had been raised to include his commission - I wouldn't have bought either piece. The Nepalis deserved the money; the photographer didn't. Yet he took full advantage of small institutions that needed all the business they could attract. And he took advantage of my good nature and my pocketbook.

Back home, I was busy preparing for the move from France to the Netherlands. A few months later, I emailed the photographer about some outstanding issues, including him claiming commission on my purchases. He refused to directly address the matter. Instead he sent me the names of three charities he'd supposedly donated prints to and told me he'd once sent money to a local guide - as though any of that excused him demanding commission payments on purchases of any foreigner unlucky enough to go shopping with him.

No free lunch

My philosophy is simple: pay your own way or stay home.

What are your thoughts about the ethics of bloggers and/or journalists accepting all-expenses-paid trips to foreign destinations?

Mixing it up

After browsing decorating books at lunchtime (Emily Chalmers and writer Ali Hanan's Modern Vintage Style and design blogger Holly Becker and writer Joanna Copestick's Decorate; both books feature Debi Treloar's great photography), I was inspired to show some of my own collectibles found at brocantes, flea markets and antique fairs in France, England and Spain.

Pictured is vintage Provencal pottery for sale at a brocante at Chatou, France.

Pieces of Provencal glazed stoneware pottery that I've collected, on top of a vintage French mercantile cabinet at the top of the stairs in our entryway.The smaller Provencal jugs - originally used in every French kitchen to store duck fat - are quite pricey, as they become more difficult to find. The rust-coloured pottery at left is from Bourgogne. The cabinet containing DVDs and CDs faces a door with glass panels leading onto a balcony. The door beyond the cabinet leads to a small bathroom.

Pieces of early 20th-century French luggage, made of woven wicker and trimmed with leather are stacked on top of an old linen cupboard on the second-floor landing. Three vintage wooden hatstands - and a 1940s felt hat - are wedged between the luggage and an architectural beam. I started my quest for luggage after receiving the ladies' overnight bag (top) as a gift from my friend Gabrielle.

This modern 30-drawer chest was handmade by talented craftsman Luke Ellis of Kent & London in Whistable, England. It stores my cameras and photography gear (must get some suitable labels, so I remember what's where). The antique baskets on top are Chinese and the modern lamp is signed by a French artist.

Side view of the chest and lamp tucked under an eave. The small chest at left is vintage French. The wall is more than 200-years-old and slants at an odd angle, making decorating a challenge. The oil painting is by Santa Fe artist Carole Whitmore.

More interior shots to follow.

The heart of the matter

No matter how you look at it...

...this way or that...

...from left or right...

Peel back the layers...

...and at the heart of the matter is love for one another.

 

My friend Marianne Elliot reminded me today that in the face of fear and hatred, the only way forward is love. So when I read about this tragedy and that one; about hubris and greed; when I see willful ignorance celebrated while freedoms and environmental protections are eroded; when racist morons try to rewrite or reverse history; when it appears that too many people seem to be sleepwalking, rather than taking to the streets in protest, as things fall apart*.. I remind myself that change begins with each of us.

It is up to us to speak out and do whatever we can to effect change and counter manipulation, stupidity and evil. "Every individual has a responsibility to help guide our global family in the right direction. Good wishes are not sufficient; we must become actively engaged." - the Dalai Lama.

Silence is not an option.

 

*"Things fall apart" is from the William Butler Yeats poem The Second Coming 

Pictured: 1940s French coffee table; Dutch roses in Moroccan tea glasses found in London; Louis XVI chair and 1940s French crystal candlesticks; teal pottery bowl by Riley Salyards, Amsterdam and wool rug, handmade by Bedouin women on Bani Hamida Mountain, Jordan.

Fifi O'Neill's Romantic Prairie Style

 

My blogging friend Fifi O'Neill has taken her great style and magazine editor experience and put together a fabulous book, bursting with beauty and design inspiration! Fifi's ideas prove you don't need tons of money to decorate your home. Romantic Prairie Style shows that simplicity, using charming - and often weathered - things at hand and adding elegant little touches of beauty can make all the difference in a relaxed and comfortable personal space.

The book is packed with Mark Lohman's beautiful photographs taken at homes and farms throughout the United States. I could spend hours with this book, reading, daydreaming and plotting subtle changes to my own home's decor.

J'adore this charming farm table, the enamelware coffee pot and the vintage cheese mould.

I have a vintage French linen cupboard in this seafoam green shade. Love these soothing colours!

This comfy, cozy kitchen and the chippy paint pink table make me want to bake sugar cookies.

...or a pie filled with lemony goodness!

Imagine a festive outdoor dinner in the simplest of surroundings. So romantic, especially when lit by candlelight.

A favourite pair of boots filled with flowers...an easy way to add unique style.

Shades of blue and white on this lovely front porch, inviting lazy conversation and iced tea (or perhaps a mint julep or two).

Love this sleeping porch! Before air-conditioning became commonplace, homes in the South often featured beds on their front porch, as it was too hot indoors to sleep.

How adorable is little Amelie??!!

An abundance of beauty, with pillows handmade from vintage fabrics.

Since I now live in Holland, couldn't resist posting this photo, with its Delft blue pottery!

Indulge in homemade treats and fresh iced tea, surrounded by nature's beauty.

The talented author Francoise Fifi O'Neill, former editor of Romantic Country magazine. The Paris-born Fifi is working on a second book, among other exciting projects. She is a force of nature, constantly on-the-go or creating something clever!  You can follow Fifi's adventures on her popular blog Chez Fifi.

Fifi's fabulous new book can be purchased at your favourite book store or online here (US) or here (France) or here (rest of Europe). Fifi's first book-signing will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, April 9 at Posh on Palm, 33 Palm Avenue, Sarasota, Florida.

All images by Mark Lohman, courtesy of Ryland Peters & Small/Cico.

Merci bien, Fifi! Felicitations!

Five. Cinq. Cinco. Vijf. خَمْسَةٌ

Dixieland jazz band at the Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Hippodrome de Longchamp, Paris.

 

Today marks five years of blogging from Paris: 2,210 posts; many new friends; much travel and unexpected opportunities.

Five is my lucky number. And I look forward to discovering what the next five years will bring! Thank you for your continuing encouragement and support. Hope you'll come along on my journey to Amsterdam and beyond...

Hello, hello!

This mural in Centraal Station, Utrecht, Holland roughly translates to "Peace in your heart."

Hello! I've been so busy preparing to move, I keep forgetting to blog!

Am distracted by a million little things requiring my attention, not least dividing my possessions to go to three separate homes: some to my friend Gabrielle's house near Versailles; more to my friend Charlotte's home outside Paris and most of it to our new abode in the Netherlands. Gabrielle and Charlotte will babysit some precious and sentimental things until 1) we move to a larger place or 2) decide to sell the items. I've also had a scary dental appointment, a routine doctor's visit and photo shoots and edits. The hairdresser was a bit too scissors-happy for my liking, cutting off at least four inches and leaving me with an unintentional new look.

All this activity pales in importance with the recent deaths of two friends. Along with the tragedy in Tucson, these losses make worrying about what to do with too many possessions seem a ridiculous enterprise.

Much of this week I'll be in Amsterdam, but will post again soon. Meanwhile, some food for thought:

The bad:

Why you might want to leave your laptop at home when visiting the US.

The good:

The Babylon Lane Tales: without a doubt my blog find of 2010. Elsie Anderton is the English answer to Nora Ephron. Read her hilarious posts and you'll see why.

Barbie on skis at a French hair salon.

Diana Baur writes about the lessons of having more time at her lovely blog A certain simplicity.

A profusion of pink blooms.

Library emptied in bid to fight closure. I love how these Brits are fighting for their local library!

Seeking normalcy amidst rolling strikes

A Japanese bride poses on the bridge behind Notre Dame, Paris.

Meanwhile, Paris continues to be distracted with rolling transport strikes and numerous protest marches. A crippling strike by 8 of 12 petroleum distribution centers in France and a naval blockade in Marseilles threaten to create flight disruptions into Paris. French President Nicolas Sarkozy refuses to talk with the unions and further strike chaos is expected.

I had a lovely lunch Tuesday with Chris, a blogging friend from California and a laughter-filled dinner tonight with a friend from Washington, D.C.  Despite the strikes, we can travel via public transport, although fewer trains mean packed-like-sardines journeys. If you have a trip to Paris scheduled, check with your airline for possible developments, delays or cancellations. Bon chance et bon courage!

Update Oct. 15th: Strikers have blocked the oil pipeline from Le Havre that fuels Paris airports. This is bad news for travelers!

Hands up

Vintage glove lasts at a recent brocante at Chatou, France.

A passerby stuck her hand into the picture.

Zinc glove moulds.

 

Hands up if you love Paris brocantes! This weekend you'll be spoiled for choice:  special treats are planned for both Saturday, October 16 and Sunday Oct. 17 at Puces de Vanves, then there's the delightful bi-annual brocante at Le Parc des Princes. Both events are personal favourites, so I may spend Saturday at one; Sunday at another. The brocantes begin at 9 a.m. Puces de Vanves ends at 1 p.m., but the Parc des Princes brocante continues until 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Speaking of being a bit spoiled, I am very fortunate to have a brilliant, clever friend like Di Overton, she of Designers' Block UK fame. I mean, really,  how many friends would strap a heavy piece of furniture on their van, then drive it all the way from England to Paris? Big applause and kudos for my fabulous friend Di and her charming partner Harvey. I'm always happy when they come to Paris.

See Di's stylish blog for a picture of the 30-drawer chest, handmade for me by Luke of Kent and London in Whitstable, England. The chest is painted in Farrow & Ball Downpipe and will hold my CDs of photos, as well as my photography gear.

Di recently has been busy with London Design Week festivities, including an interview with the great Terence Conran. Check out Di's latest Ghost Furniture creations; so tempting! It's probably a good thing that I don't have unlimited space; otherwise our abode would be bursting with Ghost Furniture. As it is, I'm privileged to own the beautiful "Louis Louis" chair, a treasured gift from Di. How lucky am I!

10.10.10

Vintage movie camera at a brocante in Chatou, France.

 

Today I have been too busy having fun and creating memories to take a single photo. And now I'm too exhausted to write! Hope you've been making some lovely memories of your own during this once-in-a-century day.

Blogging friends

Britt-Arnhild and her husband Terje and daughter Marta on a bright sunny day in Paris, with Notre Dame in the background.

 

One of the advantages to living in a popular city like Paris is that sooner or later, practically everyone you ever knew or wanted to know comes to town.  On Thursday, it was my pleasure to meet blogging friend Britt-Arnhild of Britt-Arnhild's House in the Woods, her husband Terje and daughter Marta, visiting from Norway.

Britt-Arnhild and I have been reading each other's blogs for nearly five years, so it was good to finally meet in person. We had a lovely lunch and a long stroll around Ile Saint-Louis and environs, which passed all too quickly. It is hoped we'll see each other next in Norway.

The happy couple. Alas, I had only a little pocket camera with me, so too much shadow in the photos.

Facing temptation at a chocolate shop.

An orchid at the same chocolate emporium on Ile Saint-Louis.

Vous simplifier la vie

Love letters written in 1901 to a Frenchwoman named Gabrielle in Paris. The bundle of letters was found at a Paris flea market.

 

Have you seen author and blogger Patti Digh's insightful new book Four Word Self Help: Simple Wisdom for Complex Lives? Patti talks about the need for simplying our busy lives; how the most important concepts usually may be summed up in four words or less.

This blog post title echoes Patti's philosophy, translating from French to "you simply your life." Here's my take on three of Patti's four-word ideas for living:

Write more love letters. Can we ever have enough love letters? I think not. These thoughtful missives, penned from the heart, reveal more about us - and those who love us - than any store-bought gift chosen with care.

Years ago, I was on assignment in the Middle East and left many valuable items with a friend in San Francisco. Sadly she vanished, taking my treasures with her. I really haven't missed them, except for a couple of sentimental family items and a stack of love letters, bound with ribbon. Those foreign-postmarked letters written in green ink on heavy vellum reflected an important part of my personal history and can never be replaced. So Patti is right: we should all write more love letters. Email just doesn't have the same panache.

My daughter Jordana pictured last December standing in the Dead Sea, Jordan, for the first time since she was eight years old.

Tell them your story. Time passes so quickly. As a journalist, I am acutely aware of the necessity of writing things down; recording events as accurately and objectively as possible. As a photographer, I am convinced each of us has a responsibility to tell our own story; to capture key moments in our lives and the lives of those close to us, not only for ourselves, but for generations to come. One's sense of identity and place in this world is important; each of us has a role in helping preserve our wholly unique family histories and special events. Expensive possessions may come and go, but our personal stories and photographs are timeless and therefore priceless.

A trio of bicycles parked by a canal, Delft, Holland.

 

Buy experiences, not things. Nothing provides more education and perspective than travel. Throughout my life, I've tended to favour adventure over stability; experience over material possessions. I may not own a big house or access a fat bank account, but I do have a wealth of experience. I am rich through the risks I've taken; the places I've traveled; the people I've met and befriended; those I love and who love me. It doesn't take money to try something new; to do something different; to make new friends. Our choices and our experiences define us and inform our memories...It''s how we spend our time, talents and resources that matters; not how we spend our money.

For more simple wisdom, read Patti's delightful book packed with warm and witty anecdotes. Four Word Self Help is also beautifully-illustrated by numerous artists and bloggers. Get your copy here or at your local bookstore. You may already be familiar with Patti's best-selling book Life is a Verb. And don't forget to visit her blog 37 Days for inspiring stories about making the most of each day.