What’s your favorite era?

As we ring in the new year and make promises to ourselves for achieving future goals, it’s also nostalgic to reflect on the past.  If you watch Woody Allen’s “Midnight in Paris”, you will see this great, philosophical discussion amongst some the most creative American writers and painters who gathered in Paris during the 1920’s. 

Shakespeare and Company

Can you imagine having an aperitif with Edith Piaf or a coffee with Ernest Hemingway?  What if the walls could talk in the tiny Shakespeare and Company bookstore on the Left Bank?  Wouldn’t it be fascinating to hear why they chose their paths in life and about the many people who influenced their journeys?

But oh wouldn’t it be a dream to just simply see young, dapper men with their pants actually on where they are supposed to be (same for us girls).  Columns in Vogue long ago promoted a tasteful demeanor, like this one published in October 1926, “Gentlemen may prefer blondes, but they do not make themselves conspicuous with the more violently painted kind, nor with brunettes either, for that matter. Gentlemen do not make themselves conspicuous in any way. They may be so by good sportsmanship, good manners, good looks, good clothes, good anything that belongs in their condition and character, but not because they are trying to attract general attention. They are not noisy, or rowdy; they do not feel that cheap swagger becomes a man. They do not think that a bank account is the biggest asset in life, nor that to cultivate a taste or talent out of which no money can be made is waste of time.”  And today…just 85 years later…can you imagine their reaction to “Jersey Shore”?

 But I think if you ask this question at any point, the present time doesn’t typically ever seem to offer the same enthusiasm as those previous magical decades.  So for me, in addition to a return to classic beauty and the colorful, mysterious sights and sounds of yesteryear, I think it would be a real treat to simply receive a hand-written letter of at least four pages (sans lol’s) and full of long descriptive adjectives….perhaps from an old friend sharing their holiday trip or the scandalous drama of a family gathering.

So if you were to spin your fountain pen or get into a DeLorean what era would it land?

 

Chic cycling.

One of the things I love most about visiting Europe is the honest balance between function and style in their residents’ everyday fashion.  Back in Dallas, you would rarely see a thirty-something, vogue-ish diva even considering riding a vintage bike….and certainly not in red high heels.

Bordeaux Chic Cycling

But today in Bordeaux, France as we stood near the city centre discussing the profound meaning of a symbol on a street sign, she went sauntering by as if she was trying to say….”Excusez-moi!  you silly Americans don’t need a Mercedes and Michael Kors – get that ridiculous debt-problem solved”.  Her off-white, light rain coat blowing in the breeze over her simple grey pants, hair pinned up, and then those flashy red high heel shoes.  And I’m sure she did it every day.  Simply and naturally choosing just the right heel and colors to throw us all off in her stunning and practical way.

Her statement was clear to me….so I hope she continues her mission with a closet full of the simplest surprises sans the over-glam …but I really hope she’s mastered keeping her heels in place without having to visit the local cobbler, too.

The purple door.

I have not seen very many purple doors, but a very grand one caught my eye while on a walking tour in my first few days in France – at the Church of Saint Romain in Villebois Lavelette.  After doing a little checking on the symbolism of this royal color for a door it  was definetly worth sharing.  According to a couple of resources, the color purple represents wealth, prosperity and honor.  But the site clarified, this does not necessarily mean monetarily. 

It immediately made me think of the friends and their family that have opened the door for me to enjoy their home in France.  They are rich with kindness and honor in so many ways.  They are not only committed to the local businesses by supporting them as much as possible, but also to the community.  They are encouraging others to explore the area to experience the stunning rolling hills and fantastic foods of  the many villages in Southern France.

I’ve also been given the gift to be enriched with an incredible amount of history…little beautiful nuggets of stories that don’t necessarily make the history quiz, but are worthy of knowing….and moments that have made lasting impressions on villages of 1000’s of citizens for hundreds of years.  And the people I’ve been meeting here are the sturdiest, most grounded, lovely folks I have ever met.  It’s more than an honor to be in their rich company.  Cheers and sante’ to the Browne family and friends!

Does happiness exist in the pursuit?

Do we ever really find “happiness”? Or is it somewhere along the “chase”…a.k.a “the pursuit”?  In my youthful wisdom, I am discovering it is really within the journey.  Amongst life’s most important achievements, it seems the adventure to get to the end goal is what makes us most proud.  Haven’t we all bragged about surviving on frozen pizza, Ramen Noodles and Keystone Light prior to receiving our coveted college degrees?  And what do you remember most….the day that big project was finally complete OR the great work-friends you made along the way…even though you occasionally disagreed?  And what about that all-day shopping spree with your best girlfriends for the perfect dress?

So in light of this crummie economy, I’ve made a choice to take a break from chasing happiness and am just going to enjoy the journey.  Somewhere along the way….cook new foods, learn to speak at least a little of a foreign language, see new sights and increase my friend list.  And I will hopefully share some every day beauty in many extraordinary experiences.