Paris je t'aime. . .encore

I just watched the film Paris Je T'aime for the second time. I saw it in the theatre when it was released in the States (maybe in 2006?) and I loved it. I realized that I forgot some of the vignettes. Or, I had completely invented continuations of the stories that weren't in the film. Par example, in my version, Maggie Gyllenhaal's character reunites with her dealer. Or the Arab girl and the French teenager share a kiss. Um, none of that ever happened but somehow, my mind completed the stories.

If I had to pick one vignette that speaks to me the most, it would be the woman who ventures to Paris alone (14e arrondissement). I feel her "joy and sadness" when the beauty of Paris hits her and she realizes she's there and she's alive. She may not have her dream man, but in that moment, none of that matters. I have surely been in Paris and had several eye-watering moments like that. I've been there. I've composed poetry on the inside cover of my Rick Steve's Paris guide because I couldn't contain my emotion. I sat at an outside table at Deux Magots and donned my dark glasses so people couldn't see the excitement on my face. It sounds so melodramatic and silly, but where Paris is concerned, I simply lose it. Paris is like the perfect lover that I never had. I know that anytime I go there, that familiar feeling of comfort and bliss will take hold.

I've noticed so many new francophile blogs in the blogosphere and it's so amazing to me: I'm not the only weirdo out there who feels so passionately about Paris. It definitely gives me a feeling of solidarity.

J'adore Tatou

I absolutely adore Audrey Tatou. I think she's so special. I loved her in Amelie (how could you not?). Soon, she will delight audiences as Madame Coco (as in Chanel). They couldn't have picked a better actress who will represent Madame's quirky spirit and ingenuity. The above pic is shows Audrey at fashion week in Paris. That SO will be me one day traipsing through the pebbled walk en route to the shows. I love it.

LBD by Laura Bennett

What say you? Is this dress (eh hem polyester) worth $109? I love the style. I love that it has sleeves. I wish she took the v-neck as deeply as she normally wears. I love that it comes with the Boucheron-esque buckle that Laura wears. But it's polyester. Am I just a snob?

Fabulous Blog Discovery

I just discovered this fabulous blog after the author posted a comment on mine: http://labeletterouge.blogspot.com

I fully intend to sit down and read each and every post when I have some downtime.

Got some things cooking!

I may be in Paris for about a month coming up...the details are still being worked out but stay tuned!

The other BIG news. My mother watched Michael Moore's Sicko a few months ago and decided she wants to move to France! Well, even though it's been a while since she brought it up, lately, I've been gently prodding her and reminding her about that good ole socialized health care system in France. I think she's worried about the logistics of moving. She doesn't fly, but today I informed her that the Queen Mary is still a valid travel option and we can travel by oceanliner across the Atlantic Ocean (a la Grace Kelly when she moved to Monaco to marry Prince Ranier or the Bouvier sisters who spent "One Special Summer" in Europe). Doesn't that sound so chic and 1950s?



I'm trying to get her to see that 1. I fully intend to relocate and 2. she wouldn't be alone in big bad France. The two of us could make it. Today I reminded her that she could rent out her house here and we could get a cute little apartment there. So she could be making some money while she's in France living a nice life. She could essentially retire. I can't believe she may ACTUALLY be thinking about doing this!

Reading

I'm hoping to catch up on some reading in the coming weeks. Some books I've recently checked out from the library and others that I'm reserving:

Almost French
My French Life
Blame it on Paris

I'd love to hear any other recommendations that anyone has regarding ex-pating to France or living in France. Thanks!

Deux Jours a Paris

So I bought 2 Days in Paris. I couldn't resist. Might as well live vicariously through movie characters and my favorite blogs.