Like minds

Chandelier laden with branches, Le Grillon Voyageur Origines, 27, rue de l'Ancien Hopital, Sezanne, France.

It began with a (dried hortensia) bouquet,

a child's antique sleigh,

heavy drop crystals that swayed

and many gorgeous objects displayed.

But when it came time to pay

much to Tara's dismay,

it was Lara who won the day.

Yes, it's true. On a special sale Saturday at Le Grillon Voyageur Origines in Champagne country, I wanted to buy the sleigh and the crystal chandelier, above. But practically everything I saw and wanted to take home had the name "Lara" written on the price tag. While I was taking my time shooting photos and changing lenses, Lara was two steps ahead of me, snapping up everything I coveted, with one exception. As soon as we'd walked in the door, my friend Gabrielle spotted a 19th-century zinc weathervane, with a cross on top. She told me to grab it and ask the owner to hold it while I shopped; otherwise someone else would claim it. I'm sure the only reason Lara didn't buy it is because it escaped her notice in its spot next to a dimly-lit fireplace.

Later when standing in line to pay, I saw a basket containing a group of pearl-handled silver fruit knives. I was handing them to the cashier, when she said "Sorry, those are for Lara." "Lara!" I exclaimed. "Who is this woman? She's bought everything I wanted! Can't you just change the "L" to a "T?" At which point Lara stepped out of the background and apologised. We had a good laugh about how we not only have similar names, but apparently the exact same taste! And she has red hair.

Check back later for more photos from Le Grillon Voyageur Origines, as well as from the secret garden in Sezanne.

I spent Monday afternoon shooting more than 200 photos of the whimsical Christmas vitrines in Paris's big department stores. Will post some images beginning the day after Thanksgiving.

Comments

[Tara Bradford]

Hi Jeanie - At least I saved money by dawdling around with my camera. :) Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, as well!

[Tara Bradford]

Relyn, thank you for the lovely compliments! I'll post a photo of the weather vane soon. As for you coming to Paris, I'd be thrilled to take you to my favourite shopping haunts!

[Tara Bradford]

Gillian, I think that Lara saw the items first and told the owner she wanted to buy them. So the owner must have written the names on the tags.

[Tara Bradford]

Gillian, you're right about saving money, thanks to Lara! It would be wonderful to see you in Paris!

I didn't look at the chair seats in the bottom photo, alas. There was so much to take in; wish I'd had an entire day just to wander around and photograph everything.

[Gillian daSilva]

Also, don't think me uncooth for asking, because I don't know! but...can you just put your name on the tag if you intend to buy? I don't get this?

[Gillian daSilva]

I love this shop.
I'm curious about those chairs in the bottom photo. They are so amazing. Were the seats upholstered? If so, describe!!
Keep your fingies crossed for me for January, I may be able to see you in your homeland for a short spell.
(Bugging Julian for a few days there. We'll see!)
xoxo
p.s. You can thank that woman for saving you a small fortune by the sound of it! ;)

[Relyn]

If I ever get to Paris and you are willing to go shopping with me, I promise I will only buy half of what you want. Seriously, you have incredible taste. Such beauty! Lara may have the goods, but you have the images. And, you've made my day by sharing them.

I do think this is a perfect post. I love the poem, the story, the images.

Next time do we get to see your weather vane happily ensconced at home?

[jeanie]

That's very funny -- and very sad for you! Have a lovely Thanksgiving -- even if you didn't get everything you wanted!

[Tara Bradford]

Good advice, Yoli. And wishing you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving as well!

[Tara Bradford]

It was just so weird that our names were similar and we had the same taste. Anyway, don't really have room for too many more treasures in our bijoux apartment! :)

[Tara Bradford]

Helen, thank you. Yes, we're celebrating Thanksgiving, with a turkey and all the trimmings, as per usual. We're having an American and a French guest join us this year. Hope you and yours have a lovely Thanksgiving holiday.

[Tara Bradford]

Ha ha! But then it would have been difficult to get it all home. Next time, I'll be quicker on the draw.

[Tara Bradford]

Christina, thank you. The photos were all shot of the exterior windows; I never set foot inside the stores. I was mesmerized by the window displays and the lighting. It was bliss. Now to get those photos up!

[Tara Bradford]

Thank you, Jude. I was very lucky to visit these places.

[Yoli]

Now you know that a twin walks around in Paris. So, next time, buy or set aside first then snap your beautiful photographs later.

From this other red head, may you have a beautiful and warm Thanksgiving.

[Wonders Never Cease]

How funny to have a shopping twin!
Well, I guess it's not that funny if she snaps up all your treasures! :)
Becky

[Helen]

What a feast for the eyes! Amazing photos of amazing objects artfully displayed.
That is so funny about Lara/Tara. Wish I could tag some of those things for myself!
You do an outstanding job of photographing mirrors and reflections. You have captured the glow and the richness of the light. Your photography never ceases to delight and surprise me.

Happy Thanksgiving...if you celebrate it there!
Helen

[julochka]

i think you could have taken her lara... :-) and it would have been worth it for the beautiful stuff!

:-)
/julie

[Christina]

What a great story! I am in love with the idea of you shooting, 200 photos in Paris department stores. Bliss.

[Jude Cowell]

Gorgeous photo journaling, Tara, as always. You cavort in such magical surroundings!