It's All About The WHIMSY!

Hauntingly beautiful Pere Lachaise

Located in the 20th Arrondissement, Pere Lachaise is truly the most beautiful cemetery.

It is massive (118 acres) and a map is a must have.

Our first visit was in 2006 and we entered in the late afternoon...without a map...not a smart move...

Once the sun goes down the massive gates are locked, not my idea of a fun place to spend the night.  Fortunately a guard directed us to an exit in time.  

This visit we were approached by one of the many "unofficial" tour guides...they roam the cemetery offering assistance in finding significant burial plots.  We, of course being friendly Americans were sucked right in.  I think he took a liking to my sister!

Can you see the reaction to this chance encounter written all over our faces?!  Dear brother Jay of course captured the moment.  He ran us from one end of the cemetery to the other.  Thankfully he spoke wonderful English and asked whom we might be seeking  rather than immediately taking us to Jim Morrison's grave, still one of the most popular there.  He entertained us with great stories and explained the inner workings of the cemetery.  It seems that once the grave lease is up after 100 years, "unless further  payment is received, remains are removed, cremated and tossed into the river".

"Barbecue, Barbecue,Barbecue!" he shouted.  We never got his real name so he will forever be known as Barbecue.  We tipped him, perhaps too generously, and made our escape to continue on our own. 

Chief Photographer

Beautiful statues everywhere

The grave of Oscar Wilde, covered with lipstick kisses from admirers.

Doorways

Notice the cobblestone roads?  Flat shoes are a must!  And be prepared to climb as the cemetery is built into a hillside.  But do go, it is beautiful and you will not be disappointed.

Oh, and if you see a crazy frenchman in a Doors t-shirt, don't say I did not warn you!

When in Paris

Street Art!

Be on the look out for street art...it is everywhere!

These locks were attached to many bridges over the Seine.  Each carried a love message for a kindred spirit.  So sweet!

In passageways along Rue Mouffetard

In the alleys

more on bridges

and in random spots at that!

Large scale stenciling is prominent on the Left Bank, our base camp.

And of course graffiti.

Such energy everywhere!

Paris Travels

Scenes from our Paris adventure!

We arrive, check in and head to Le Petit Pont for refreshments..one of our favorite places on the Seine across from Notre Dame.

yes there was much of this, but of course!

Strolling the city and soaking up the sights and sounds

We have been to this wonderful city more than a few times and while we make a point of seeking out some cultural establishments, we really like nothing better than to take the road less traveled and wander with our cameras.

How can you not love the flower shops!

Yes please. I'll have one of everything!

Sister dear takes in a big breath of spring!

This gentleman was very focused on his transistor radio-when did you last see one of those?

Kitty was watching the birds overhead.

Tuilleries Gift Shop

Ah, a mid afternoon snack!

Next up our strange and yet somehow wonderful experience in Pere Lachaise. Stay tuned, it's a doozy.

Drive By Post

A whirlwind week and a half of travel!  

Still a few miles to go.

Midnight arrival in New York City last night at JFK via Heathrow London.  Train home to Rhode Island tomorrow.

 

Hundreds and hundreds of photos to upload and stories to share.

 

The journey begins here....so much to share!

Where in the World...

Good Morning Paris!

We have arrived!

I've been stitching in Parisian mood

 

Did I mention I love Paris!  

 

I've had the pleasure to wander her streets many times.  

Kaari Meng at The French General has designed a line of french inspired fabrics for Moda, beautiful rich colors and patterns.  She is one talented lady.  I'm stitching a quilt with the lumiere de noel collection.  Fabric is really my first "love"; it's all about texture and color.   Gone are the days when I made countless bed size quilts completely by hand.  I now work on a smaller scale and use my trusted friend Bernina to piece and occasionally machine quilt.  When completed this quilt will be just the right size for cuddling this winter.