Hey everyone! So I’m officially back in France, and I have to say it’s been hard re-acclimating. I’m homesick and wish I had stayed in the U.S. a bit longer – I’m finding I really miss my family and my puppy.
That being said, there have been a few highlights so far, most especially seeing the Edward Hopper exhibit at the Grand Palais; we booked those tickets two months in advance and it was worth the wait! I couldn’t choose my favorite picture this week so which shot do you like best?
Photo A
The Hopper exhibit at the Grand Palais was fantastic; I’ve loved Hopper’s work since I was a little kid so it was a treat to see many of his paintings.
I also love single-artist exhibitions because you can see the full evolution of the painter’s style, as well as learn about his life story. Fun facts I learned? Hopper was nearly 6’5”, lived in France for a time and spoke fluent French and received lots of inspirations from the Dutch masters, whose use of light particularly inspired him.
Photo B
The return of my Parisian partner in crime also cheered me up. This is the view from her subway stop – jealous? I am.
Photo C
In January in France you will see les galettes des rois, or king’s cakes, in every bakery window. The tradition is very fun and involves hiding until tables – post soon!
Photo D
I am writing a travel column for a local Detroit newspaper and thus have been running around Paris reviewing restaurants and cafés. With the chalkboard, zinc bar and Perrier in this shot, it struck me as very French. I guess I really am back!
Also I wanted to share with you a video that really inspired me. I think it might inspire you too.
http://youtu.be/xaLDRSg6vic
“Forget the money. If you say that getting the money is the most important thing, you will spend your life completely wasting your time. You’ll be doing things you don’t like doing in order to go on living that is to go on doing things you don’t like doing. Which is stupid.”
How was your week? How are you handling the post-holidays blues?
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Bahaha, partner in crime. Too right.
What’s the big black bit in the first photo – did you shoot standing behind someone? Are photos not allowed at the Hopper exhibit?
Yes, I tried to take the pic as quickly as possible and pictures weren’t allowed… I swear I wasn’t trying to be artsy, ha.
Love the look of those kings cakes – delish!!!
Also, have seen that video before. Incredibly inspiring, huh? If only we can get everyone in the world to think that way.
Kait xx
It’s a great video! It blows my mind that more people don’t feel that way, but that’s life I guess.
The Hopper exhibit sounds amazing! Wish I could have seen it! Love the “random” Eiffel Tower shot :)
You would have loved the exhibit! Hopper was actually a really cool guy- and I thought it was great how when people would try to over-analyze his work he would just say, “I painted a woman there because I painted a woman there. That’s why.”
Lou and I like Hopper too. We saw ;his show, and purchased a book on him. was unaware that you like his works too. Went to an ice skating event with Lou’s great grand children skating. Really good–his oldest was the star in one
Love love, Gamma
He’s a great painter, and learning that he was so inspired by the Dutch painters made me appreciate him even more! The ice-skating sounds wonderful. Love, Ashley
I like D – I agree, it seems very french, and that warm lighting is what I love about a good cafe – it looks cozy.
I love simple cafes like that- the hole in the walls always have the best food too!
My vote goes to D. Everyday paris life.
p.s. Lets see a pic of your dog sometime!
She’ll be featured soon in my Christmas post! I miss her like crazy.
I like photo B – I would love for that to be my subway stop!
Also, great video! I posted it on my blog as well a while back and it got some really good feedback. I think the sentiment resonates with a lot of people!
Every time I get off there it honestly blows me away- it’s so bizarre to run across one of the world’s most recognizable landmarks on my daily routine!
I know there’s a person in the shot but I like photo A. I love looking at paintings
I was using a 50mm lens for the first time so I struggled a bit without being able to zoom out! Thanks for your vote.