The Surprise Gift – discovering opportunities.
Unexpectedly, I received a note on FB from a friend in Colorado who had a friend. His friend needed some assistance from Paris to find a handbag. His friend had bought the handbag in Paris, and as it turned out to be so ideal, she wanted another of the same. Of the choice between three boutiques, two closer to home, I decided to go to the boutique in Montmartre (opportunity).
I had not ventured up for two years, even though I always remember to admire le Sacré-Cœur from the metro ligne (line) 6 to return home as I cross the Seine.
I made the visit to the boutique. where sales clerks were absolutely attentive, charming and solution-oriented (opportunity). Thursday, on this first visit to the boutique, the clerk suggested I phone the webmaster, available on Friday, to see if it were possible to order the new model online. I learned it was not. I purchased my own handbag (opportunity), as I had been thinking for about three weeks that I was ready for a new one.
My impression is that in Paris the fall season universal essentials at the rentrée are new shoes/boots, trench/jacket, sac à main (handbag), and hair cut. It is a cultural practice to celebrate (opportunity to freshen up and experience the feeling of beginning) the renewed feelings and excitement to return to routine after the well-received holidays of summer (I am tuned in to the forthcoming opportunities to pick up my boots and have a haircut).
My second visit to the boutique, I bought the handbag of my mission, and took the opportunity to use my appareil photo (camera), to bring you some changing colours and typical scenes of the extraordinary quartier (neighbourhood). I sent the handbag off to Colorado on Saturday.
The second part of the post relates to the opportunity to share quintessential clichés (shots) around upper Montmartre done for a calendar in 2012. A friend of mine said:
“In Paris, I lived in the 18th arrondissement at the foot of Montmartre and I grew in its folkloric tradition of artists of all kinds.” – JFD, Peintre, Barcelona Espagne
And, I add:
The infamous Montmartre group of writers, critics, painters, singers and poets during the late 19th and early 20th centuries at its zenith gave worldwide recognition and evidence to “La Vie Boèhme”. Some of the ‘genius’ coming out of this period supported the idea that one can find a rich and simple life resulting from intellectual pursuits and artistic expressions, often while embracing poverty, and releasing the confinement of socio-economic class structure. Little has come to achieve the infamy of this period of fabled living.
The bohemian artists, with their proclivities toward celebration and drink, frequently were criticized as free-spirited and reckless. Ultimately, the identity of the period has come to rest with a literary movement in which the people and the all the eccentrics were willing to believe that a simpler world, more beautiful and rich in artistic and emotional meaning, was worth pursuing.
Le Sacré Coeur, ever compelling exaltation, is the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Paris, dedicated to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacré-Cœur Basilica was designed by Paul Abadie. Construction began in 1875 and was finished in 1914. It was consecrated after the end of World War I.
Carousels are always fun to watch go ’round, and to ride ! Looks like the little guy wants to ride, while the big one does not.
Tourists (left) look for souvenirs while the attendant at right watches for interested carousel riders.
2015 Paris Montmartre
Afternoon crown of light gently adorns the trees guiding the stairway to upper Montmartre.
The colourful neighborhood boutique, Anoki. Click Here for Anoki, Paris
l’ automne (fall) begins to embrace le Sacré coeur.
Fall is in the air.
Approaching fall, with its offer of aimable (amiable) changing light and couleur, (colour) is enjoyable to all.
Quintessence de l’accordéoniste français (quintessentially French accordionist).
And what else ? ‘La Vie en Rose’ for pleasure.
‘La Vie en Rose ‘ in motion, creating everlasting memories of a special fall afternoon visit to Montmartre.
Visitors and residents alike stroll the afternoon streets on a Friday in Montmartre.
Second series Quintessential clichés (shots)
Paris Montmartre, calendar cover 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar Janvier 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar fevrier 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar mars 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar avril 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar mai
Paris Montmartre, calendar juin 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar juillet 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar aoüt
Paris Montmartre, calendar septembre 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar octobre 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar novembre 2012
Paris Montmartre, calendar decembre 2012