French Friday: L'Amour Fou

February 13, 2015 {45/365} « Bisous »

Nestled between the Centre Pompidou and the Church of Saint-Merri in the Marais, the whimsical Stravinsky Fountain showcases sixteen sculptures inspired by the music of Igor Stravinsky. Completed in 1983, the black mechanical pieces by Jean Tinguely and the brightly colored pieces by Niki de Saint Phalle include L'Oiseau de feu (The Firebird),  La Clef de Sol (the Musical Key of G), La Spirale (The Spiral), L'Elephant (The Elephant), Le Renard (The Fox), Le Serpent (The Serpent), La Grenouille (The Frog), La Diagonale (The Diagonal), La Mort (Death), La Sirène (The Mermaid), Le Rossignol (The Nightingale), L'Amour (Love). La Vie (Life), Le Cœur (The Heart), Le Chapeau de Clown (The Clown's Hat), and Ragtime (Ragtime).  I wish I knew the secret of the Dali painting (by street artist, Jef Aerosol) behind the fountain. C'est un peu fou, but I love it and « Qui aime sans folie n'aime qu'à demi ! l'amour le plus fou ne vit sans brin de folie. » - Maxalexis

Fuel

February 12, 2015 {43/365} 2 CV

This morning as I drove to work, I heard an Exxon/Mobile commercial challenging people to "Tell us what fuels you." The contest requires applicants to submit a photo and a 140-character (Tweet-like) answer to win $1000 worth of free gasoline. It got me thinking about what fuels me. I'm fueled by:

  • creativity: I love art museums, music, and great books; yet, I'm even more inspired by opportunities to express my own creativity through photography and writing.

  • the seasons: Although some seem longer than others, Wisconsin is blessed with four truly distinct seasons. Inspired by my dad's example, I relish the unique beauty and bounty that each new season offers. In springtime, I marvel at the renewal of the earth as rain washes away the salt and debris of winter commutes, and lovely flowers and pale green leaves begin to appear. Summer brings lush greenery, blue skis, cotton candy clouds, picnics, fair winds, and cool waters to sail upon. In autumn the brilliant landscape beckons me to wander. I crave apples and cashmere sweaters. And just as snow covers the bare ground, winter settles over me like a down comforter. I make the most of the stingy winter sunshine by searching for color and signs of life, yet I also enjoy the cozy silence of long nights by the fire.

  • water: I feel most like myself when I'm near, in, or on the water. Maybe it's because I'm a pisces or maybe it's because of how and where I grew up, but it's hard for me to imagine living (and even visiting) places without a large body of water nearby.

  • travel: Perhaps St. Augustine said it best: "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page." Travel opens my eyes and my mind. It makes me appreciate diversity as well as my own culture.

  • the word "Auntie": I've heard parents say that they never really knew what love was before they had children of their own. Well, I don't know about that, but I do know that I'd do anything for "my boys."

  • curiosity and innovation: I'm motivated by new ideas and challenges. What fuels you?

Forever

February 11, 2015 {42/365} "Forever"

“Love is not written on paper, for paper can be erased. Nor is it etched on stone, for stone can be broken. But it is inscribed on a heart and there it shall remain forever.” - Rumi

Paris in Love

February 10, 2015 {41/365} Paris in Love

I know it isn't French Friday yet, but it's almost Valentine's Day and this beautiful book would be a perfect gift for your favorite francophile. Once again, Nichole Robertson takes us on a stroll through the most romantic city in the world, this time focusing our attention on its lovely crimson details -- glasses of Bordeaux, bouquets of scarlet roses, ripe garinguettes, glowing neon signs, decadent pastries... There's so much to love in Paris!  Nichole and her books are an inspiration to me. They have taught me to be aware of color and composition, and to pay attention to the little things that often go unnoticed. Visit my blog on Fridays during February for my own lovely impressions of Paris.