The Paris LIterary Prize

Photography by Simple Dolphin Flickr.com

For all you writers out there it isn't too late to enter your manuscript to Shakespeare & Co.'s Paris Literary Prize.The dead line to enter a novella for consideration is December 1, 2010. The competition is the concept ofSylvia Whitman, owner of the renowned Shakespeare & Company Bookstore & is co-sponsored by the De Groot Foundation.The bookstore situated on the Left Bank just across from Notre Dame has a long & illustrious history of championing

unpublished writers. The prize of 10,000 euros may be only the icing on the cake for some lucky winner.

Having fallen in love with the musty old bookstore many years ago, on my first trip to Paris, I enjoyed reading the bio.

of it's founder George Whitman, who was originally from Salem, Ma. Even if you don't have a manuscript to enter I

think you may find the story of the store & it's owners an interesting read.

All entries may be made on line.... so what are you waiting for ?? Finish up that first draft & download it ....you never

know what may happen. Bonne Chance!

A Little Circus Story

I simply fell in love with this pop up book turn video. I played it over & over again. I was charmed from the first moment, by the story of a young girl, who wants to join the circus.

Circus Zingaro was created by the German artist, Tina Kraus, as her design & illustration final, while still a student. It is a work that she says is still in progress.

A big thank you to Kickcan & Conkers for this gem. I hope that you will enjoy it as much as I have!

House as Art

After the tragedy of 911, Brooklyn artist, Susan Gardener, began to decorate her house with shells, beads, buttons, jewelry, tiles, mirrors, broken cups/dishes and much more.

She started with a simple flower as a way to lift her spirits & those of her neighbors. Since 2001 the mosaic has grown as her house has become a work of art.

I discovered her story on the blog Mille Fiori Favoriti & was instantly intrigued. Ms. Gardener, a teacher as well as an artist, works on her mosaic every summer with the hope of some day covering the entire house.

Her neighborhood has enthusiastically embraced the project, & often bring gifts of broken objects to be added. It is easy to see how this work of art gives joy & inspiration to everyone that passes by.

Procrastination

OK, I have been back in the states for two weeks now. It seems that it takes more effort to change from the peace & tranquility of country life to the hustle & bustle of city life, than the other way around. In other words, it is easier going from chaos to calm than from calm to chaos. I am having a bit of a hard time adjusting. Not sure how to organize my thoughts or which direction to take. I find myself acting out all the rituals of procrastination. One thing I have been doing & enjoying, is catching up on other peoples blogs. While lolling away the hours in cyber space, I found the above video, which seems to say it all. I discovered it on the blog A Little House In The Clouds. I actually met, Molly, & her lovely mother, Kay, this summer in a cafe in St. Antonin & we exchanged blog addresses. You can read about Molly & Kay's adventures in my little corner of France starting here. Their experiences were very different from my own. They traveled with a group of like minded women, stayed in a chateau & ate meals catered by a gourmet chef. Very luxurious, even I felt a little jealous & I was just a stones throw away. Molly's sister arranges these trips, you can check out her website to learn more.

Back in Boston

I am back in Boston. I am still a little tired & jet lagged. Already my summer in France seems like a distant & beautiful dream. It is always sad for me, when it is time to leave....




But here are some very good reasons that I am happy to be back.....




Happy weekend everybody & thanks for following along & leaving all of your wonderful comments this summer. They were greatly appreciated.

Location:Boston, Ma.

Last Market

Today is my last Sunday in France, my last market. The sun is rising later & there is a chill in the morning air. The shadows are falling longer as summer turns into fall. And sadly it is time for me to go.




I am taking in all the colors & shapes, the sounds & smells. I do not have much need for provisions now, as I leave early Tuesday morning.




I am looking for gifts to take back to grandchildren, family & friends.




Homemade jams & fruit syrups ? Too hard to carry back......




I will try to take in the simple beauty of the fall produce in order to keep the memory alive all winter long.




Back to reality ....or is it?

Location:France

Quiet Places to Sit

Just a few photos, glimpses into gardens or patios, where one can imagine sitting & wiling away a dreamy afternoon.




The bright orange of these typical French table & chairs gives a punch of color to this shady spot.





In this tiny terrace, a profusion of potted plants creates an enchanting place to repose & reflect.




Old stone benches, like this one, can be found through out medieval towns. They offer, today, just as they did in the middle ages, a place to sit & watch the world go by.





And last but not least, my favorite place to sit, my table & chairs in front of my house. The photo was taken after coming back from the market with geraniums to plant.

Location:France