Paris Parfait

Merci Paris

A little red Fiat loaded with plants in the courtyard at Merci, 111 Bd. Beaumarchais, Paris. My lovely friend Di Overton and I visited Merci and were struck by its intriguing mix of merchandise and innovative design.

Marie-France and Bernard Cohen, founders of the children's clothing boutique Bonpoint, decided to put their retail skills to good use, while raising funds for charity. Proceeds from sales at Merci go to aid poor women and children in Madagascar.

The view from the second floor.

The store's main entranceway. The large loops on either side of the door are radiators, from the building's days as a factory.

A book-filled cafe.

A tall stack of paperback books.

Red chairs.

Bottles made of recycled glass.

Chandelier constructed of wire and clay beads.

Vintage crystal chandelier.

Painted wooden tables, with paper-covered tops.

Vintage grocery sign.

Mid-century folding webbed fabric and metal chaises.

Lawn chairs from the '50s and '60s.

An antique iron garden chair.

Old steel school lockers.

A wirework birdcage filled with pigeon lights.

A child's bed on a ledge.

A clothesline displaying summer essentials.

Merci spelled in twigs and wire. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays. Take the metro to Saint Sébastien Froissard.

P.S. I am in Amsterdam for a few days. Back soon with photos and stories.

Decluttering a small space

Recently I have been trying to simplify and de-clutter, particularly in my tiny studio/guest room (which formerly was my daughter Jordana's room). Previously, the space was very lively and colourful - but overcrowded. The early 19th-century wine-tasting table from Bourgogne serves as a work surface for art and photography. The baskets beneath the table contain a netbook, books and photo files.

On the wine-tasting table are two 19th-century glass items: a pharmacy measure and cloche covering an orchid in a porcelain pot. Also pictured: a Laura Ashley glass lamp; a handmade journal, a gift from Karen Cole; an oil on panel painting by Taos, N.M. artist Greg Moon; a Pottery Barn retro telephone; a John Derian decoupaged tray, bought at The Paris Market in Savannah, Ga. and my Sony DSLR-A900.

The oeil de boeuf window with leaded glass (one of two) is originally from a chateau in Bourgogne. I hope that someday they will serve as windows in a house. The framed heliogravures are Lehnert & Landrock images of early 20th-century Egypt. Two Moroccan vintage sequinned wedding blankets purchased from Maryam Montague are on the bed, as well as an "eye" pillow by Julochka in Denmark.

I put one blue wooden chest of art supplies inside a closet; other supplies and photo equipment are in this chest of drawers from Agape Deco. The iron arched window frame is from a French chateau. The painting - which reminds me of a Spanish flamenco dancer - is by Vanessa Valencia. The pottery pitcher is by a Santa Fe artist and the numbered books are by Noel Solomon.

The art dolls sitting on an old wooden box are handmade by Christine Alvarado and the framed photograph is by Madelyn Mulvaney. The antique iron book press is from Scotland.

But lest you think my job is done, that's just one room; the rest of apartment also needs de-cluttering. I have put some furniture in the cave (wine cellar) and am selling a few antique pieces. As any Parisian apartment dweller can attest, finding enough space to breathe is a never-ending quest!

P.S. Karen Kingston's book Clear Your Clutter with Feng Shui will make you want to clean out closets, clear shelves and ruthlessly toss things out to create space.

Mirror images

Three-way mirrors, fourth floor, Liberty, London.

Stack of painted wooden chairs, Liberty.

Like all big cities, Paris struggles with issues related to globalisation and immigration. The latest issue of the online magazine Triple Canopy explores the phenomenon of monoactivite: Chinese textile wholesalers taking over the Sedaine-Popincourt neighbourhood.

Local residents, angered by the displacement of boulangeries, bistros and longtime businesses, want the Chinese businesses gone. The French government is trying to further regulate the Chinese wholesalers, who sell garments only in bulk and block streets with trucks loading and unloading merchandise.

Chinese employers operate sweatshops behind elegant facades, piecing together goods arriving from China in partially-finished condition and adding “Made in France” labels. The goods are then shipped to developing markets. Jules Treneer, an Oberkamp resident, writes about Parisians' views on French culture and their ambivalence towards immigration and the global marketplace.

Human trafficking

It just boggles the mind that modern-day slavery - also known as human trafficking - is so widespread. Read Megan Butel's eye-opening blog post "Stop! Where are you going with this?"

Who's afraid of a book?

Think book-banning and book-burning is a relic of another era? Not in West Bend, Wisconsin, where a few dunces are determined to censor their local library's selection of books. Read Laura Miller's piece about the groups fearful of Francesca Lia Block's book Baby Be-Bop.

I find it infuriating that a small group of ignorant and judgmental people try to impose their narrow views on everyone else, never mind if civil liberties are violated in the process!

Anges et Demons at Saint-Sulpice

Aqua verre, a marble sculpture and a plaster medallion at the extraordinary Sophie Pretelat's Anges et Demons stand at the 32nd Foire aux Antiquaires at Saint-Sulpice, Paris. The event continues daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. through June 15th. Take Metro Line 10 to Mabillion and walk two blocks to Place Saint-Sulpice.

Aqua glass candle or flower hanging goblets and 18th-century documents.

An 18th-century wooden plaque from a ship, an antique urn and 19th-century pharmacy glass.

A tablet of vintage glass, candlesticks and a father-and-child sculpture.

An antique writing desk, decorative boxes and lamps.

Vintage boxes and cylinders and an embroidered band of ribbon.

Amber etched-glass goblets.

A vintage wooden ship, cricket balls, fish plates, shells and framed illustrations.

Two chairs with needlepoint seats.

Le petit maison.

A surprisingly-comfortable 19th-century Swedish daybed and an oil painting.

Check back Monday for more photos from Anges et Demons and other curiosities at Saint-Sulpice.

Yes, we Caen!

A pop art take on Barack Obama's presidential campaign rallying cry "Yes, we can!" in a shop window.

To honour President Obama's visit to Normandy for D-Day ceremonies this weekend, the City of Caen has changed its road signs and town banners to read "Yes, we Caen!"

Agape special sale

Today my friend Gabrielle and I went to Agape's vente emphemere at La Biscuiterie de France. Alas, there were so many enthusiastic shoppers, I couldn't take a photo without someone stepping into the shot. These photos were taken in May when Di Overton and I went to Agape.

Tableaus at Julie Isore's Agape.

If you're in Paris, Agape's special sale continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 2 to 6 on Sunday. La Biscuiterie's entrance is at 60, rue de Billancourt in Boulogne-Billancourt. Take Metro Line 10 to Jean-Jaures or Pont de Saint-Cloud.

Diva

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.

Peace begins at home

Paris apartment, June 1, 2009.

"I believe that to meet the challenges of our times, human beings will have to develop a greater sense of universal responsibility. Each of us must learn to work not just for oneself, one's own family or nation, but for the benefit of all humankind. Universal responsibility is the key to human survival. It is the best foundation for world peace." - The Dalai Lama

Scroll down the page for another post today.

Maroc in Paris

Sign in an old doorframe, Merci, Paris.

Thank you for your lovely comments about my Moroccan-themed window reflections posts. Some readers apparently skimmed the posts too quickly and had the mistaken impression the photos were taken during an actual journey to Maroc. While I have been to Morocco, I was not there last week! The series of photos were taken at Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

In my Ready for Adventure? post, I offered a prize from Morocco and a prize from France, the latter worth 200 euros. The winners drawn from le chapeau are Maia (Morocco) and Leau (France). Felicitations to both of you! Please email me your mailing addresses and I'll get your packages off toute de suite via La Poste.

Scroll down the page for an additional post today.

Les fleurs de Mai

Bouquet of roses, Merci, Paris.

Piviones and assorted flowers, Merci.

A single blossom, Merci.

Flower boxes in a courtyard, Merci.

Lavender allium, Hotel de Ville, Boulogne-Billancourt.

Window boxes for Claudia's Flowerbox Faceoff, 3rd arrondissement, Paris.

Peony in a teacup, my apartment.

Today the Cannes Film Festival will announce its 2009 prize winners. And the French Open tennis championship begins at Roland Garros, Paris.

La magie du Maroc

Oh the dazzling sights and sounds of Maroc!

A little girl peers into a shop window.

Tree branches holding lanterns and candles.

Decorative birdcages are popular...

...whether or not one keeps a bird.

...or three or four.

An assortment of silver, brass and glass candlesticks of various styles and heights.

A globe light fixture by Yahya, who sells his work in a boutique at 61 rue de Yougoslavie, Passage Ghandouri, in the heart of Gueliz, Marrakech.

A traditional costume.

Perhaps a walk and browsing in bookstores?

Wall of mirrors.

Golden bougeoirs.

After carrying all those heavy parcels, shall we visit the hammam?

Would you like some cool and refreshing cucumber water with mint?

Tea, then more sightseeing and shopping?

After all that shopping, sightseeing and exploring, have you worked up an appetite?

Let's have dinner at a restaurant featuring these beautiful place settings created by Myriam Mourabit.

Hmmm, spicy chicken couscous! Bon appetit!

Tea after dinner?

Photo of birds in a cage at Merci, Paris.
Photos of cucumber water and spicy chicken couscous at my home in Paris.
All other photos, vitrines, Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

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Did you hear about this New Zealand bank's mistake? When living in Jordan, I was expecting a transfer of funds from my employer in the UK. The accountant, who was converting dinars into pounds into dollars, mistakenly sent $210,000, rather than $21,000. As it was deposited into my personal account, technically the money was mine to keep.

I phoned my boss, who was traveling and left a message saying, "I knew you were pleased with my work and planning to give me a bonus, but I never expected anything like this!" About an hour later, he phoned me from Spain, desperately charming, to make sure I returned the money. Of course I did! But in the week of bureaucrarcy required to transfer funds back to the UK, I made about $1000 in interest and got a big bonus. And I received two marriage proposals. Ha ha!

Gunnar Pettersson's collection of treasures

Black Forest bears from Germany at Gunnar Pettersson's stand #514 at the Antiquites Brocante at Bastille. The brocante ends at 7 p.m. today.

More Black Forest examples. If you missed the opportunity to visit Monsieur Pettersen's stand at Bastille, you'll have another chance at brocantes at Chatou in September and Bastille again in November.

A Morrocan bust on a wooden base.

Scientific and mathematical instruments and decorative frames.

"Vaseline" glass.

Hand-painted wooden boxes.

Souvenir treen from various regions of France.

More wooden treen, originally used primarily to hold toiletries.

Provencal pots for storing duck fat.

These little volumes are actually flashlights.

Seashell frame on an antique mercury glass mirror.

A shell-encrusted box.

A decorative beaded glass frame, mercury glass candlesticks and cranberry glass.

A porcelain menu placard for dinner parties.

An assortment of enameled objets d'art behind glass.

Frames galore in a glass case.

A handpainted wooden frame.

Decorative trays with vintage glassware.

Weighing the balance

Louis-Phillipe scales with the original weights used to measure gold (more weights are in a small compartment beneath the wood piece on the right). I purchased this rare example from Gunnar Pettersson at the Antiquites Brocante at Bastille, as an anniversary present for my husband. Visit Monsieur Pettersson at Stand 514 for many intriguing finds, daily through Sunday, May 17th at Place de la Bastille.

Since returning to Paris, I've been trying to catch up with deadlines and email. Am still feeling very much in the breakdown/breakthrough mode I wrote about recently. So please bear with me, as I try to get back on track. I'm also bothered by a carpal tunnel issue in my left hand, so any posts will be brief.

Meanwhile, some news of note:

The bright and light

The Cannes Film Festival opened and French television has full-blown coverage, with virtually non-stop interviews and photo ops.

Is the "French Elvis" really bidding adieu to his fans?

The dark

Blame the victim. This is just wrong, on so many levels.

A humanitarian disaster is brewing in Sri Lanka.

President Obama, what are you thinking??!! Surely you learned what NOT to do from your predecessor's bad judgment!!

And why is anybody listening to that torture-loving and fear-mongering former vice-president Dick Cheney? Seriously: enough is enough!

Industrial charm at Bastille

Remember the American folk song " I've Been Working on the Railroad?" As children, we learned it in music class.

Industrial furnishings at Cedric Grare's Art Atypique stand at Bastille.

Specimens, both from nature and hand-forged.

An iron star on a stand against a backdrop of 19th-century gilt mirrors and frames.

Painted driftwood sculptures remind me of Native American feathers.

A 1960s jukebox in good working order.

I was captivated by two identical oeil de boeuf leaded-glass windows at Nina Nattaf's Les Impedimenta stand at Bastille. Iron cross bars help support the glass in each window, which - despite their age - have sustained only one tiny crack. The wood frames encasing the 19th-century treasures are four or five inches thick. The windows came from a chateau in Burgundy, France.

Check back Thursday for more photos of the Antiquites Brocante at Bastille, currently underway. The event is open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sunday, May 17th. Get your tickets for eight euros each at the main entrance on Place de la Bastille. The brocante extends along both sides of the picturesque Canal St. Martin.

Anges et Démons at Bastille

The inimitable Sophie Pretalat's Anges et Démons stand at the Antiquites Brocante at Bastille is filled with precious and rare objects, mostly from the 18th and 19th centuries. Mme. Pretalat's unique style and her amazing collection of antiques have been featured in numerous books and magazines in France.

Visit Anges et Démons at Stand 403 along the Canal St. Martin, facing Place de la Bastille. The brocante continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through Sunday, May 17th. Tickets are available at the main entrance at Place de la Bastille. Take the Metro Line 1 to Bastille or Metro 5 or 8 to Bastille or Quai de la Rapee. Bus lines 76, 86 and 91 go to Bastille and parking is available at the Opera.

I brought home a couple of 19th-century mercury glass candlesticks to replace some that were shattered. Last October a guest accidentally knocked five antique mercury glass candlesticks and a painting to the floor. Two candlesticks survived the incident; thankfully, the painting sustained only minor damage.

Check back later for more photos of the brocante at Bastille.

In search of the unusual

A quirky industrial lamp at Cedric Grare's Art Atypique stand at the Antiquites Brocante at Bastille, Paris. I would have snapped this up for my desk, if not for the 950 euros price tag!

This was Opening Day for the popular Antiquites Brocante at Bastille, Paris. It was lovely to see some old friends, as well as beautiful antiques and collectibles. I have some unusual finds to show you, but it will take time to post all the photos.

Haven't had a chance yet to go through all Jordana's wedding photos; hope to do that later tonight and post more on Friday. Thank you all for your lovely comments for the previous post, featuring Jordana in her wedding dress. Both Jordana and I really appreciate your felicitations and good wishes.

The Antiquites Brocante at Bastille continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through May 17th. Stands positively bursting with fabulous treasures and conversation pieces extend along both sides of the Canal St. Martin. Tickets for eight euros each are available at the main entrance on Place de la Bastille.

Preparing for Bastille

Constructing the foundation for the main building at the Antiquites Brocante May 7-17 at Place de la Bastille, Paris. I shot these images last week.

Under construction: tents and other temporary structures are being erected along both sides of the Canal St. Martin, as well as facing Place de la Bastille.

Visit Toma at Antiques Diva to see my photos of last May's brocante at Bastille. The images she posted were taken at Sophie Pretalet's Anges et Demons stand. Stop by Stand 403 and say hello to Sophie - maybe I'll see you there!

Muguet des bois

The first Muguet des bois (lily of the valley) of the season are not quite at their best. In France, nosegays of this delicate perfumed flower are presented to friends and family on the first Sunday in May. But my husband got these early examples at the market today, as we'll be in Savannah next Sunday. Hope you are having a lovely Sunday, wherever you are!

Look closely...

...but don't count on television news for truth and accuracy.

Glass photographic plates from 1910-1918, found at the flea market at Vanves, Paris.

In recent years, the mainstream media - particularly television news - in the US has veered dangerously off course. Gone is the objectivity that's drilled into our heads in journalism school; instead, money, power, influence and politics have corrupted the news agenda. And I'm not talking only about Fox "News," which is known for its right-wing slant. I'm referring to ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, as well as Fox.

The most recent example of abysmal reporting concerns the television news coverage of the Putlizer Prize. David Barstow of The New York Times deservedly won for his "tenacious reporting that revealed how some retired generals, working as radio and television analysts, had been co-opted by the Pentagon to make its case for the war in Iraq and how many of them also had undisclosed ties to companies that benefited from policies they defended," according to the Pulitzer Committee.

But, as Glenn Greenwald of Salon noted, the television networks "kept completely silent about Barstow's story, even though it sparked Congressional inquiries, vehement objections from the then-leading Democratic presidential candidates and allegations that the Pentagon program violated legal prohibitions on domestic propaganda programs. The Pentagon's secret collaboration with these "independent analysts" shaped multiple news stories from each of these outlets on a variety of critical topics. Most amazingly, many of them continue to employ as so-called "independent analysts" the very retired generals at the heart of Barstow's story, yet still refuse to inform their viewers about any part of this story."

American television networks simply eliminated Barstow's name from their Putlizer coverage or any direct reference to Barstow's honor. Obviously, to do so would shine a spotlight on their own cupability, as outlined in Barstow's investigation.

NBC's Brian Williams was one of the worst offenders,prompting Media Matters to call him out for his so-called "reporting" on the pervasive impact of the Pentagon's program on television news coverage. Greenwald called Williams' behavior "disgraceful on this issue, almost certainly due to the fact that some of the 'analysts' most directly implicated by Barstow's story are Williams' favored sources and friends."

CNN ran a lengthy story on the Pulitzer winners, conveniently omitting any mention of David Barstow's prize for uncovering corruption at the core of CNN's Iraq War coverage, as well as its reporting about other military-related matters.

Such disgraceful, shameful and unethical behaviour on the part of American television news! It seems many, many pronouncements of television reporters must be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism. If you want the true story, best to check in regularly with Media Matters, which does an excellent job of dissecting the mainstream media's reporting and separating fact from fiction.

Scroll down the page to read about Kelaya's story and how you can help.

Earth Mosaic 2009

Workmen paint an iconic Art Nouveau metro sign at Bastille, Paris. The cast iron signs were created by architect Hector Guimard in 1899. Click photos to view detail.

The Colonne de Juillet is at the heart of Place de la Bastille. The monument marks the prison site stormed by the mob, as the French Revolution began in 1789. In the metro station beneath Bastille, stones from the prison's foundations remain.

Won't you contribute your own images to the Earth Mosaic 2009? Take some photos today, April 22 and upload them here.

Bracing for Bastille

Letter slot, Montreuil-sur-Mer, France.

Within the past two weeks, I've received numerous emails asking about dates for the Antiquites Brocante at Place de Bastille, Paris. The popular brocante along both sides of the Canal St. Martin will begin on Thursday, May 7 and continue daily through May 17. Tickets at eight euros each may be purchased at the door.

Take the Paris Metro to Bastille or Quai de la Rapée, via lines 1, 5 and 8. Or take bus lines 20, 29, 65, 87 or 91. Paid parking is available at Opéra Bastille or Sogéparc, Boulevard de la Bastille.

Le mariage de ma fille

Bridal veil and orange blossoms, circa 1920, found at a brocante at Montreuil-sur-Mer, France.

"Let all thy joys be as the month of May and all thy days be as a marriage day." - Francis Quarles.

My daughter is getting married! Jordana will wed her fiance Keith on Saturday, May 2 in Savannah, Georgia. Jordana - who works for a fashion house in Philadelphia - has designed her own dress and veil. Yours truly will photograph the momentous occasion (no pressure, then)! Won't you join me in wishing the happy couple much joy in their life together?

Simply create.

The antidote to the British WWII poster "Keep calm and carry on." Image courtesy of Michael Bungay Stanier,Outside the Lines.

Noel Solomon is a young California artist who works primarily with paper and vintage textiles. Among her many talents, Noel takes old books and gussies them up as elegant additions to any decor.

See more of Noel's Fanciful creations at FrenchBlue & Co. Or visit her etsy shop and her blog Fanciful Designs.

Check out Noel's unique bird's nest creation. Isn't it exquisite??!!

Linens and laundry at La Pedrera

Somehow the drudgery of everyday chores looks more appealing in this setting, doesn't it? All photographs taken at Antoni Gaudi's La Pedrera, Barcelona, Spain.

Stacks of ironed linens.

Children's clothing ready to wear.

Washbasin and maid's uniform.

Travel trunk.

Tara Bradford is traveling. In her absence, timed posts should appear.

Coveted curiosities

Antiques and vintage musical instruments, Salmagundi West, Gastown, Vancouver, B.C.

Miscellaneous items, Salmagundi West, 321 West Cordova Street, Vancouver.

Antique puppet, Maison d'Etre, Oakland, California.

Plush toys, Maison d'Etre.

"Dear John" vitrine, Shop SCAD, Savannah.

Vintage library card catalogue, The Paris Market, Savannah.

Antique safe deposit boxes, The Ballastone Inn, Savannah.

Timeless Treasures, San Francisco.

Grooves Records, San Francisco.

Tara Bradford is traveling. In her absence, timed posts should appear.

Talking heads

18th-century millinery forms, Val d'Loire, France.

Today I've been having fascinating conversations about some upcoming projects and a visit soon from a lovely artist and blogger. My favourite Gypsy Girl is featured in a Nine to Five magazine piece. And please take a few quiet moments to read my fellow adventurer Gillian's enchanting essay.

As if all that isn't enough to spark your creativity, check out the inimitable Vanessa Valencia's latest whimsical creations - guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

News of note

A rather intriguing conversation took place between the United States and Iran, on the sidelines of a meeting at the Hague. Both countries were participating in the meeting about aid for Afghanistan. Dialogue is always a positive step, in my opinion.

But before the G20 Summit Thursday in London even begins, France is threatening to walk over disagreements about stricter financial regulation. Not exactly a helpful way to approach a summit designed to address the global recession.

Meanwhile the Paris-based Organisation of Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has warned that the UK lacks ample funds to fuel its faltering economy.

As for Afghanistan, President Hamid Karzai is playing dangerous political games with womens' rights. Karzai apparently is trying to curry favour with voters by backing a law the UN Development Fund for Women claims legalises rape within marriage. Further, the law bans wives from leaving home without their husbands' permission and would grant custody of children only to fathers and grandfathers. Where is the justice in that equation??!!

More antique millinery forms.

In the pink

More spring blossoms, Paris.

1970s redux, thrift store, Savannah, Georgia.

Window display, The Paris Market, Savannah.

Silly rabbits, (this and three photos below), @Home Vintage General, Savannah.

Spools of satin ribbons.

Vintage cabinet, retro laundry sign and numbered bottles.

Candy pink candlesticks.

Picture hope

Curiosities at Sophie Pretelat's Anges et Demons in Val d'Loire, France. Today Europe moved its clocks forward one hour for Daylight Savings Time.

 
"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them." - The Dalai Lama.

It appears China has been using its technology for sinister purposes. Why is such a huge, powerful nation so afraid of the Dalai Lama and his influence over Tibet? Read Tracking GhostNet and get more information  here, here and here.

Meanwhile, Spain is considering trying a court case involving alleged abuses by six former Bush administration officials.

On a brighter note, Shutter Sisters Jen Lemen and Stephanie Roberts are vying for their dream assignment, Picture Hope.  Register here, then cast your vote here. It takes only a few seconds and can help push their dream closer to reality.

From Stephanie's website: "Jen Lemen and I, supported by our Shutter Sisters, are on a mission to find hope in unlikely places. Our dream assignment will take a community of dreamers on a journey to five continents to find the essence of hope – that elusive quality that makes it possible to believe this is not the end of your story no matter how simple your stress or profound your tragedy. We'll search for hope in the lives of the very people who have had every reason to abandon hope as nothing more than wishful thinking. We'll begin in northeastern Rwanda in a quiet village where two young girls wait to be reunited with a mother they've been missing for over three years. Our journey ends in the hills of Nepal where an American teenager became the mother of twenty orphans when she decided to follow her heart."

At present, Picture Hope is in third place in the Name Your Dream Assignment competition. Please help it spring forward by casting your vote today. Thank you!

South Africa forgets its lessons of apartheid; blocks the Dalai Lama from attending peace conference

More prayer manuscripts from a Buddhist temple, Tibet, 18th-century.

It seems South Africa has forgotten its painful lessons of apartheid. Apparently bowing to pressure from China, the South African government has blocked the Dalai Lama from attending a peace conference. The Dalai Lama was to have joined Nobel Peace Prize laureates Desmond Tutu, Martti Ahtisaari and FW de Klerk, as well as Norway’s Nobel Peace Committee, at a conference March 27th.

Both Tutu and de Klerk have indicated they'll boycott the conference, if the Dalai Lama is not permitted to attend. Dai Bing, speaking for the Chinese Embassy in Pretoria, told reporters his government appealed to the South African government to prevent the Dalai Lama from entering the country, as "this would harm bilateral relations."

Is China attempting to perpetuate its own disregard for human rights within South Africa? Read more of the shameful story here and here.

Fragile

Both fragility and strength lie in these intertwining branches, Parc de Edmond de Rothschild, Boulogne-Billancourt.

Remember the Sting song "Fragile?" After reading the latest installment of Australian artist Judy Wilkenfeld's Visual Anthologies, I was reminded that despite our fragility, we also carry vast hidden reserves of strength. And when necessary, we can summon that strength to push us forward through difficult challenges.

Judy's work is truly stunning, artfully blending beauty, humanity and history. Go here to see her thoughtful creations.

Jeanne Magnin's Greek-inspired sketches

French artist Jeanne Magnin's Greek and Byzantine-inspired drawings are from her 1916-1917 sketchbook, found at a brocante. See her Egyptian-inspired drawings here and her Roman-inspired sketches here. For more of Magnin's work, visit Le Musee Magnin in Dijon, France.

Making every moment count

18th-century Italian angel in my cabinet d' curiosities, Paris.

 

"As a tale, so is life; not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters." - Seneca.

Remembering Natasha Richardson, 1963-2009.

Jeanne Magnin's Documente de Style 1916 - 1917

Last night I watched a BBC production about Egypt, in which the French Egyptologist and explorer Jean-François Champollion (1790 - 1832) was featured. It made me want to grab my passport and camera and jump on a plane to Cairo. Since that's not possible at the moment, I'll head for the Egyptian wing of the Louvre. But before I do that, here's a special brocante find, with some Egyptian-influenced drawings:

Last spring at the brocante at Chatou, I visited Geraldine Michaelis of Une Chanson Douce. This plain brown wrapper concealed an artist's dream.

Inside were the French painter and art critic Jeanne Magnin's 1916 - 1917 sketches of Egyptian, Roman and Greek styles. Check back later for more of her fantastic work.

Magnin was the author of Le paysage français, published in 1928 and Un cabinet d'amateur parisien en 1922. For more of her work, visit Le Musee Magnin in Dijon, France.

Children's playroom at La Pedrera

Dollhouse, La Pedrera, Barcelona, Spain. Isn't this late 19th-century dollhouse at Casa Mila exquisite - complete with its own chapel? Such elegance and attention to detail! As always, click photos to enlarge.

Furniture miniatures in the Art Nouveau style, early 20th-century. The pieces are a fitting accompaniment to Antoni Gaudi's Art Nouveau architecture and furniture at La Pedrera on Passeig de Gracia, as well as other innovative buildings in Barcelona. La Pedrera, or Casa Mila, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Early 20th-century games in the children's playroom at La Pedrera.

More games, a train and model car.

A Guignol puppet theatre and a porcelain doll in a Bentwood rocker. She looks a little shell-shocked, doesn't she?

Thoughts for the weekend

Pamper yourself. Really. You deserve it!

Sit for a spell, as we say in the South. Read; write; play a game; chat. Or just sit and think.

Relax and stop worrying about things you can't control.

Take your time; stop racing around as though your hair's on fire, as Condoleeza would say.

Think about it: Life is too short not to indulge yourself once in a while!

All vignettes are from the uber-talented and utterly charming Joan O'Connor at her fabulous store Timeless Treasures in San Francisco. More photos from Joan's incredible selection of treasures coming soon.

I am anxious to get back to San Francisco to see what Joan has come up with lately, as her shop is constantly-evolving with delightful curiosities old and new! If you're in San Francisco, stop in and say hello. Joan and/or her talented staff will make you feel very welcome. And you'll find it difficult to resist the tempting treats on offer!

Scroll down the page for another post today.

Last chance for Chatou

If you're in Paris today or tomorrow, it's your last opportunity to visit the 78th Foire Nationale aux Antiquites a la Brocante et aux Jambons at Ile de Chatou. Alas, my eye inflammation has thus far prevented me from attending.

If you have the chance, don't miss Chatou for some fabulous antiques and collectibles. It's open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. today and tomorrow. Tickets are available at the gate. And if you can't make this brocante, there's another "ham fair" in September at Chatou.

Stop by 4 rue Pele and see my friend M. Pettersson (pictured here at a brocante at Bastille); 10 rue de la Gaite to see the lovely Blandine Bavoux and 7 rue du Chemin Vert to visit the charming Nathalie Cottier. All three antiques dealers have beautiful, high-quality items for sale for reasonable prices.

If you miss Chatou this time around, you'll have another opportunity to visit M. Pettersson's stand at the Square des Batignolles Brocante beginning March 20th. The brocante in the 17th arrondisement is open from 10 to 7 p.m. daily through March 29th. Take the metro to Brochant or Rome and walk a couple of blocks to Square des Batignolles. You'll find M. Pettersson at Stand 100.

Miscellaneous items on offer at M. Pettersson's stand at 5 rue Pele, Chatou.

Asian influence.

Black forest wood creatures.

A French chandelier accented with amber crystals.

One very lucky Friday the 13th

Ode to Apple, Printemps, Paris.

For a Friday the 13th, this has been one very fortunate day! Three incredible opportunities have appeared in my inbox, out of the blue - but very welcome. More about all that soon.

Meanwhile, won't you pop over to Apartment Therapy and see Julie's bright and cheery Denmark kitchen? Visit Julie's blog here.

Read Jen Lemen's words of hope.

And grab a cup of tea and savor Judy's powerful Visual Anthologies.

Hope your Friday the 13th is proving lucky!

Burning up the headlines

Flowers in an Art Nouveau vase at La Pedrera, Barcelona, Spain.

This week I've been preoccupied with an uncomfortable inflammation of my left eye, writing deadlines and planning a trip West. Haven't been spending much time at the computer, due to the eye problem (on Wednesday, the opthamalogist prescribed eyedrops, rest and more sleep). But I can't resist comment about certain news events:

Iraqi jailed for Bush shoe attack

Three years??!! Isn't that a bit excessive, considering the crime? Particularly in a lawless place like Iraq, where murderers walk around free.

Now here's a guy that has caused real problems; yet remains defiant about his reckless disregard for the Constitution and the Fourth Amendment. I'd like to know why UC-Berkeley gave this calculating charlatan tenure.

Disgraced financier Bernard Madoff is finally sent to jail to await sentencing for fraud, perjury and money-laundering.

The Mississippi legislature honors an event hosted by a white supremecist. I am reminded of President Obama's words, "The world has changed and we must change with it."

An off-duty New York cop is part of a racist attack on a Long Island black man.

Seattle's best newspaper joins the list of city stalwarts forced to fold.

And BBC reporter James Reynolds writes of the whisper of a single monk in Tibet.

Always an adventure

Seeking adventure; will travel. Photo at Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature.” - Helen Keller

I am delighted to be guest blogger at the lovely Relyn's place. Won't you join me for a chat about adventures and perhaps a hint or two about my upcoming novel? I'd love to hear about your memorable adventures. And I've saved a seat just for you!

Remembering the Tibetan uprising

Tibetan prayer wheel, 19th-century.

On the eve of the 50th anniversary of the Tibetan uprising against Chinese rule - which forced the Dalai Lama into exile - unrest continues. Explosions and clashes are reported between police and local residents in Qinghai Province. Read more here:

Blasts ahead of Tibet anniversary

China tightens security in Tibet

China's Hu demands wall of stability in Tibet

News from Tibet

The Dalai Lama

Five decades of Chinese rule have caused "untold suffering," Tibet's exiled spiritual leader said in an anniversary speech. The Dalai Lama accused Beijing of creating a climate of fear. He also repeated his demand for Tibet's "legitimate and meaningful autonomy." Read his full statement here.

Buddhist temple manuscripts, 18th-century.

"Victory breeds hatred, for the conquered is unhappy. He who has given up both victory and defeat, he, the contented, is happy." - The Way of the Buddha

It's all in the journey

Group of aqua seltzer bottles collected from various regions of France.

 
"All journeys have secret destinations of which the traveler is unaware.” - Martin Buber

Lately I have benefitted from some happy accidents, both in my photography and in my writing. I have one camera that is so sharp and clear - 24.60 megapixels - that it captures details I may not notice when taking the shot.

With my little Konica-Minolta pocket camera, often I am walking around the city, or in another country, when suddenly I see a certain image begging to be shared. Later, when I upload that image on my laptop, I notice some quirky aspect of the scene that may be even more interesting than the vision I'd first glimpsed.

"One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.” - Henry Miller

It's exactly the same in writing. The poem or the post;  the article or the book I start out writing is markedly different from the finished product. It's the journey - with all its unexpected detours - that informs the creative process, just as it's the journey of our lives and the choices we make along the way that define who we are as individuals.

What unexpected delights are you discovering along your creative journey? Do you find your original ideas evolving, as you work? Are you sometimes surprised by the results?

Of course there are times when results need to be predictable and precise, i.e. in a business proposal or document related to government, education or the corporate world. But more often than not, our work doesn't have to be so tightly controlled, does it?  Sometimes it's good just to relax and see where the journey takes us. Walking with an open heart and mind along a path without destination can yield surprising rewards.

International Women's Day

Today is International Women's Day. Read here about commemorations and celebrations going on around the world. And take a moment to reflect on what you and other women do to help make the world a better, kinder and more peaceful place.