“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.” ― Henry Van Dyke, Fisherman’s Luck
READING:
Wine People by Michelle Wildgen — “A rich, intoxicating escape into the hedonistic and cutthroat world of wine and what happens when two ambitious women, opposites in every way, join forces to succeed in a competitive male-dominated industry” (Goodreads).
A Moveable Feast by Ernest Hemingway — “Hemingway's memories of his life as an unknown writer living in Paris in the twenties are deeply personal, warmly affectionate, and full of wit. Looking back not only at his own much younger self, but also at the other writers who shared Paris with him - James Joyce, Wyndham Lewis, Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald - he recalls the time when, poor, happy, and writing in cafes, he discovered his vocation. Written during the last years of Hemingway's life, his memoir is a lively and powerful reflection of his genius that scintillates with the romance of the city” (Goodreads). What better way to prepare for my own return to Paris? I have read this book countless times, yet each time, I discover something new to love — just like Paris herself.
WATCHING:
Death and Other Details (Hulu) — “Detective Rufus Cotesworth and his protégé, Imogene, dig for the truth on a Mediterranean ocean liner where everyone is hiding something” (IMDb). This Agatha Christie-esque series was entertaining at first, but lost my attention in after about four episodes. We did hang on until the end though and the final two episodes were more satisfying.
Feud: Capote vs. The Swans (FX) — “The second installment in Ryan Murphy’s FEUD anthology, FX's FEUD: Capote Vs. The Swans is an eight-episode limited series based on the bestselling book Capote’s Women: A True Story of Love, Betrayal, and a Swan Song for an Era by Laurence Leamer. Acclaimed writer Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) surrounded himself with a coterie of society’s most elite women – rich, glamorous socialites who defined a bygone era of high society New York – whom he nicknamed “the swans.” Beautiful and distinguished, the group included grande dame Barbara “Babe” Paley (Naomi Watts), Slim Keith (Diane Lane), C.Z. Guest (Chloë Sevigny) and Lee Radziwill (Calista Flockhart). Enchanted and captivated by these doyennes, Capote ingratiated himself into their lives, befriending them and becoming their confidante, only to ultimately betray them by writing a thinly veiled fictionalization of their lives, exposing their most intimate secrets. When an excerpt from the book, Answered Prayers, Capote’s planned magnum opus, was published in Esquire, it effectively destroyed his relationship with his swans, banished him from the high society he so loved and sent him into a spiral of self-destruction from which he would ultimately never recover. The series also stars Demi Moore as Ann “Bang-Bang” Woodward, Molly Ringwald as Joanne Carson, Treat Williams as Bill Paley, Joe Mantello as Jack Dunphy and Russell Tovey as John O’Shea.” The cast is phenominal — reason enough to watch. I also read the book but this series was more disturbing than I anticipated. Eric bailed after the first episode, but I stuck it out — perhaps out of morbid curiousity.
Napoleon (Apple TV+) — “An epic that details the chequered rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his wife, Josephine” (IMDb). Nope, not good. I did enjoy this line (Napoleon to a British diplomat): “You think you’re so great because you have boats.”
March Madness - I watched Marquette in Paris, Prague, and Venice, and although the season didn’t end as I had hoped, I am a forever fan.
Our favorite Paris movies: Amélie, Funny Face, Charade, and Midnight in Paris. While we were in Paris, every evening, we would take a walk to watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle and then return to our home for the week to enjoy a movie and Champagne. Not a bad way to end a day!
LISTENED TO:
Classical Music — Our trip to the classical music capitals of Europe inspired me to revisit Beethoven, Bach, Straus, Vivaldi, and Mozart…and of course any mention of Mozart inspires a little Rock Me Amadeus (Falco).
March Instapuzzle Mini Playlist:
Snowdrop (Daisy’s Garden)
Le temps est bon (Bon Entendeur, Isabelle Pierre)
They Say It’s Spring (Blossom Dearie)
Better Together (Jack Johnson)
Here Comes the Sun (The Beatles)
Lovely Day (Bill Withers)
When Irish Eyes are Smiling (Bing Crosby)
Little Birdie (Vince Guaraldi Trio)
Spring (Antonio Vivaldi)
ENJOYING: Home sweet home after two weeks in Europe — Eric and I spent a four days in Paris before flying to Prague (via Beauvais) to join the school trip. After a week traveling from Prague to Vienna to Salzburg to Venice, we are very happy to be home. I have lots of pictures to edit and share — coming soon.
