Paris Parfait

Take the time

Giant ancient clockface at Geraldine Michaelis's stand Une Chanson Douce at the Antiquities Brocante at Place de la Bastille, Paris.

Come With Me
To the quiet minute between two noisy minutes
It's always waiting ready to welcome us
Tucked under the wing of the day
I'll be there
Where will you be?

Poem by Naomi Shihab Nye from her book Come with Me: Poems for a Journey.

Tara Bradford is traveling. In her absence, timed posts should appear. She will post occasional updates from the road.

More photos from Bastille

Images taken at Clement Rosenzweig's Chinez toutes les Tendances stand at the Antiquities Brocante at Place de la Bastille, Paris. The event continues daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 18th. Tickets are available at the entrance. You can also visit Monsieur Rosenzweig's shop at Marche Dauphine, 132/140 rue des Rosiers at Clignacourt, St. Ouen, Paris. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

A 20th-century spiral staircase model handmade in mahogany.

Two zinc weathervanes and framed prints.

A horse's head and a zinc weathervane within a vintage frame.

Brocante beauty at Bastille

An artful arrangement of urns, sculptures, busts, 18th-century books and a sculptor's model at Sophie Pretelat's Anges et Demons stand at the Antiquities Brocante at Bastille. Pretelat's eye for acquiring unusual antiques and curiosities - and her styling skills - are frequently featured in books, most recently in Secrets d'interieurs by Michele Lalande and Gilles Trillard.

A 19th-century urn filled with lovely seashells. The brocante at Place de la Bastille continues from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily through May 18.

Stone and plaster birds, an antique birdcage and candlesticks and lamps at Anges et Demons. Visit Pretalat's shop at 14 rue Notre Dame in Cunault, France.

An antique column, 19th-century frames, rolled-up tapestry and an embroidered altarcloth.

Mercury glass candlesticks, a hand-etched frosted-glass goblet, 18th-century books and a framed portrait make up this table display at Anges et Demons. Many more brocante photos to come!

Mother's Day / Fete des meres / Dia da la Madre

A vintage wooden toy truck at Geraldine Michaelis's stand Une Chanson Douce at the Antiquities Brocante at Bastille.

To my maman and all mothers and grandmothers who have tried their best to insure children have happy, healthy childhoods, then go on to lead productive lives and contribute something valuable to the world: Thank you. Merci bien. Muchas gracias. Bonne fete! Happy Mother's Day!

A brocante, a sculptor's model and pickpockets

Parts of 19th-century zinc weathervanes, along with an 18th-century wooden religious retablo, a copper figure on horseback and a 20th-century architectural model of a spiral staircase at the Chinez toutes les Tendances stand at the Antiquities Brocante at Place de la Bastille. The event continues daily from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. through May 18th. Tickets are available at the door. Check back Sunday for more brocante photos.

Be aware the "rakkai" or pickpockets are out in full force on the Paris metro, particularly on Lines 1, 8 and 9. Today I was returning from Bastille, carrying an antique sculptor's model. Two guys tried to grab my handbag, but I'd spotted them already and was prepared. I threatened to hit them with the pot. They grinned and said in French, something to the effect, "You'll break it!" I replied, "Et votre tete aussi (And your head too)." They laughed, but jumped off the train as the doors were closing.

Antique original sculptor's model for a piece ultimately made in silver. I found it at the inimitable Sophie Pretelat's Anges et Demons at Bastille. Thankfully, I didn't have to use it as a weapon against pickpockets on the train!

Pop icons at Galeries Lafayette

The Asian-themed window displays at Galeries Lafayette, Paris are filled with pop cultural icons from Japan, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea.

Beyond this place, there be dragons...

Elaborate gold gilt dragon currently adorning a vitrine at Galeries Lafayette, Paris.

"Beyond this place, there be dragons!" These words once were found on every map, at the place where the mapmakers' known worlds stopped. These words sparked the exotic mysteries that beckoned every adventurer, every dreamer, every person curious to see past their immediate environs. It is the place that the discoverers sailed beyond and were rewarded for their bravery by finding the Americas.

I am about to embark on a journey that is different from the hundreds I have taken over the years. Yes, some of the roads will be familiar; other parts unknown and a little scary. But this journey is important, as it marks a huge passage, not only in my daughter's life - as she presents her first fashion collection to critics, including designer John Galliano - and graduates with honours from college. It also marks the culmination of a journey that Jordana and I have traveled together - just the two of us, on our own. Occasionally we had help from family and friends and when Jordana was 15, David came along as a father figure. But for the most part, it was just Jordana and me.

We navigated a long and sometimes difficult road, living in other countries, frequently traveling, adapting to changing circumstances and for Jordana, new schools - not always easy, but worth the persistent effort. I am thankful for Jordana and so very proud of the bright, talented and engaging young woman she has become, despite all the odds, some might say. Some well-meaning people once suggested I should stay in one place and suppress my dreams to insure more stability for my daughter. I didn't listen to those people; I chose my own path and by extension, Jordana's.

I always believed that as long as Jordana felt loved and safe, she would be fine. And I think she would argue that all the travel, the adventures, the ever-changing situations made her more courageous, tolerant, flexible and able to cope with any situation. I think Jordana would tell you that she's gained a multicultural world view that serves her well, wherever she goes. I think she would agree that while she may not have had as many material luxuries as her friends with two working parents, she gained invaluable experiences while living and traveling in some of the world's greatest cities, meeting many fascinating people along the way.

For Jordana, I pray her best adventures are still to come. And I will be cheering her on, along whatever path she chooses.

For me, the three-week journey that begins in Savannah also heralds major changes. Some thrilling challenges and creative opportunities are unfolding and I will see many friends, both old and new. Much excitement ahead! My laptop and camera are accompanying me, so barring technical glitches, will be posting on Paris Parfait comme d'habitude. Hope you'll come along for the ride!

Asian flair at Galeries Lafayette

Galeries Lafayette in Paris currently features window displays with an Asian influence. Designs from Japan, China, South Korea and Taiwan are presented, with many mannequins wearing bubblegum pink or cherry red cotton-candy wigs, sportswear-influenced clothing in bright colours and loads of bling-bling jewlery and accessories. The increasing influence of high-technology and digital games, as well as various sports and medals are referenced in the vitrines, a nod to this summer's Olympic games in China. Visit Paris Parfait again on Friday for more Asian-inspired photos.

I've spent much of this warm, sunny holiday (in France) at Bastille, for opening day of the Antiquites Brocante. I was happy to see some old friends and be invited to participate in an exciting new venture; meet some interesting artists (and by happenstance, a French fan of my blog) and find some very unusual things. Check back later for photos galore.

Bohemian travel

Today I went to les grands magasins on Boulevard Hausmann, ostensibly shopping for yet another pair of black shoes. But somehow I never made it to any shoe department. I was too distracted by the bohemian windows at Printemps and the Asian-inspired displays at Galeries Lafayette (check back Thursday for photos of the latter).

Once inside the stores, my attention was diverted by exquisitely-crafted handbags; handmade jewelery; wonderful patterned and sequined scarves for friends and fabulous red crocheted gloves for Jordana's design partner (who adores gloves). And that was just the first floor of Galeries Lafayette! Before I knew it, was laden with packages and couldn't think about visiting a shoe department while keeping track of all those bags.

All this shopping is strictly necessary, after all. Next week I'll be off for three weeks to the Wild West - my first trip to the US is over two years. And one can't arrive empty-handed, when visiting friends and family - it's just not done! Well that's my story and I'm sticking to it.

As I'd been shopping for hours without eating, my blood sugar was plummeting. So a quick two-block walk over to Madeleine, where on a little side street lined with sex shops - and a Starbucks - there's a great little sandwich place, Cojean. It has tiny sandwiches and salads with fresh organic ingredients, juices, etc. - not cheap, but a fast energy revival before more shopping!

Check out the painted trunk and wooden horses, piled along with these brightly-patterned fabric "hobo bags" in a Printemps window. See that guy sitting on a fence? If you're sitting on a fence about something in your life, this is a reminder to get off! Make a decision; take a stand; do something! Don't just sit there!

Bohemian clothes, suzani fabric bundles and handbags tied to a purple car!

More views of the purple car, piled high with worldly possessions.

A dress in animal-print fabrics, along with fabric-tied bundles and a pedicab in my favourite aqua colour.

More aqua bundles, a wooden horse and an enamel tiffin.

A mannequin sitting on a bright pink Mini, loaded with parcels.

Red fabric-tied bundles, along with a gorgeous hand-painted chest and a Lancel handbag (er, ahem...there is one just like that at home!)

A green jungle-print chiffon ruffled dress and surreal images reflected in a Printemps window.

And if you're an American voting in the presidential election, this is both surprising and dismaying.

Larking about London

Scaffolding props up the facade of a 19th-century building on Oxford Street, London. Behind the facade, construction is underway on a new space, which will retain the historical facade. In the building at left, a flag is reflected in the window's glass.

A jumble of cooking wares caught in a fisherman's net at Divertimenti in Knightsbridge, London. The Brompton Oratory is reflected in the glass.

The spring-themed window in an upscale charity shop on Brompton Road.

A giant lipstick tube - Heatherette for M.A.C. Cosmetics - in a window display at Selfridges on Oxford Street.

Banners advertising an ongoing exhibition at the Natural History Museum on Cromwell Road.

Children and their parents line up for tickets to the giant maze and butterfly house at the Natural History Museum.

Boxed plants suspended from iron railings outside buildings on Cromwell Road.

Light from unexpected sources

Sculptural "Cirrus" lighting designed by Celine Wright in a little shop on Ile Saint Louis, Paris.

"Quatre cocons suspendus" (four suspended cocoons), also designed by Celine Wright, whose showroom is in Montreuil, France.

A sculptural handbag from the same shop. Needless to say, it came home with me, along with some unusual jewelry. My partner-in-crime, Susan of Soozphotoz also found a few treasures here.

And this is hilarious.

Sunday morning at Puce de Vanves

An antique dealer entertains shoppers with his guitar skills Sunday morning on Avenue Marc Sangnier at the Puce de Vanves. Susan of Soozphotoz and her daughter Sara and I spent the morning shopping and chatting and shopping and chatting. No, I can't show you my purchases, which are for friends I'll be seeing during my travels in May.

A curious keyboard on wheels on Avenue Georges Lafenestre. The flea market at Vanves is open every Saturday and Sunday morning. Plan on arriving early for the best choice.

A group of cane-bottomed bistro chairs.

Vintage Barbies, complete with original box. Susan and I remember the Barbies in the yellow-and-white lace dress and strapless striped one from childhood.

Barnacle sculptures at Selfridges

In keeping with the shipwreck-themed window displays at Selfridges, the London department store, lighting designer Stuart Haygarth created these unique light sculptures. Black barnacle (above).

White barnacle.

Harpon 321 by Stuart Haygarth.

Wings of desire

These photos from the London department store Selfridges "shipwreck" series remind me of one of my favourite films, Wings of Desire. The Wim Wenders film features Bruno Ganz, the late Solveig Dommartin and Peter Falk. In 1987-88, the film won numerous prizes in festivals in France, Germany and Europe, including Best Director at Cannes. The film's premise involves angels surveying the war-scarred city of Berlin. The angels listen to tortured thoughts of mortals going about their daily lives and try to comfort them. One angel desires nothing more than to become mortal, after falling in love with Marian, a beautiful trapeze artist.

My poem in homage to Wings of Desire:

The heart knows nothing
until that fateful encounter:
a seemingly chance meeting
at the right place and time
and something inside stirs.

From that first moment
the stars and planets align.
Anxiety gives way to certainty,
saying yes to all the questions
too long unasked and unanswered.

No matter that the distance
of time and space is long
and the journey ahead
fraught with challenges and obstacles
that may alter the route.

The picture in your mind's eye steady;
the path to your beloved clear.
No maps needed to find the way
to the one who understands
before a single word is spoken.

A connection forged long ago
in another lifetime
so distant from this modern realm
etched into memory's core;
written indelibly across your heart.

Check back Tuesday for photos of shipwreck-themed sculptures created especially for Selfridges, London by artist Stuart Haygarth, as well as pictures from today's Marches des Puces at Vanves, Paris.

More shipwreck

This is the second of a three-part series of shipwreck-themed window fashion displays at Selfridges on Oxford Street, London. Check back Sunday for photos of angels amidst the rotted hull of a ship, as well as pictures of some amazing sea-themed sculptures created especially for Selfridges by artist Stuart Haygarth. For Part I, go here.

Shipwrecked at Selfridges

The famous London department store Selfridges on Oxford Street has the most imaginative window displays I've ever seen, outside of Paris. Currently, they're displaying fashion in elaborate and imaginative scenes of shipwreck. If anyone knows who designed these fantastic windows at Selfridges, please email me. Check back Saturday and Sunday for more London vitrine photos.

Creating a collage

Creating a collage at DKNY Jeans, Knightsbridge, London. Check back Wednesday for photos of some very creative department store window displays.

By the way, the euro vs. the dollar is at $1.60 today - the two currencies once were about level. That means the dollar has lost 60 percent of its value in world currency markets. And the price of oil is nearly $120 a barrel! What next??!!

London lashes

A vitrine at Selfridges, Oxford Street, London - talk about eyelashes to bat - as opposed to Bat for Lashes!

Just back from a fabulous time in London with some stories and photos to share. Check back later for more. If you live in Pennsylvania, don't forget to vote in Tuesday's Democratic primary. Before you cast your ballot, consider this - it's a very big deal - and certainly not presidential behaviour. I'm happy that Bruce Springsteen and John Mellencamp, two of my favourite musicians and activists, have thrown their support behind Barack Obama.

Brocante basics

I am off to London until Sunday, so here are more photos of the recent brocante at Chatou, France. All being well, timed posts will appear daily in my absence.

A gilt mirror frame and painting from Brittany are among the antiques on offer.

I adore the cherry red wooden chairs!

Vintage drawers and cabinets offer storage space for cuisine or office.

A variety of traditional French pottery on offer at Chatou.

Chairs aged with a paint effect and recovered in a floral brocade.

Two marble Grecian-style panels, a chest of drawers and Flemish chandelier.

A Napoleon I Empire chair and Egyptian-influenced stone urns.

A desk from the British ship HMS Portsmouth.

A small circus ride for children features a horse, bear and elephant.

An alabaster bust, twin vases and a decorative fan-shaped panel adorned with gilt cherubs.

A bow and arrow astride two endtables.

Curiosities at Centre Pompidou

Some curious sculptures and works of art at the Centre Pompidou, Paris.

This made me laugh out loud.

And I find it so refreshing to hear a politician speak the truth.