Murakami @ Versailles!

Our trip to Versailles had an extra twist with Mirakami's sculptures scattered about the palace and gardens. We were the only tourists taking more pictures of his work than the Parisian grandeur. My favorite part? The carpet!

Cats and Parasols

Chance encounter with some lovely graffiti art on our rainy first night in Paris.

High Society

While traveling we discovered a delightful book shop in the home of a retired couple. The timing couldn't have been more perfect because it began to rain seconds after we entered, allowing for plenty of browsing time.

My selection was, The Late George Apley, a charming novel that's written as a memoir and gives us a slightly voyeuristic (but lovely) glimpse into the lives of a privileged New England family. After finishing, I had a sudden urge to watch Philadelphia Story and would walk around the house proclaiming, "my she was yar" in my best Katherine Hepburn accent.

Eyes on You

Spotted this lovely sign in Barcelona on the way to Gaudi's Sagrada Familia.

Out and About

Love padlocks on the Pont des Arts bridge.


Oscar Wilde's grave, lipstick kisses and all!


Watching elderly Parisians do tai chi from our apartment's balcony.


Enjoying a delicious popsicle in Gaudi's Park Guell.


Late night snack in the Eiffel Tower.

Sky Sailors

We had a nice little stop at Shakespeare and Company to pick up gifts for my parents. Luckily I remembered to have all the books stamped because that was the first thing my father checked for. My favorite selection was Sky Sailors which covers the early years of hot air balloon flight in Paris. I read the first half in their little nook filled with visitor's good wishes and photos.

The Art of Shadows

Creating a fun new program on Hand Shadows for children. Of course I'll have to practice my art each evening before bed. I'm sure our army of pets will all be very entertained.

I WANT!

Seriously, if we weren't spending all our $ on a European Vay-K this month, one of these bad boys would be in our bedroom right now.

Decisions, decisions...

Is it worth spending a tad more money to have a fabulous hotel? While I just love budgeting, especially for vacations, I've found a place in Barcelona which is pushing my budgeting boundaries. Visually it just screams "Elizabeth stop being a tit and book me" but it may hurt my coupon clipping soul to do so.

Dancing Allowed

Took a quick peek at the Ernesto Neto exhibit at the CAC on my lunch break. I'd heard a lot about his NYC show at the armory last year so I was expecting good things. Definity playful and fun with a great use of color. Plus, who doesn't love a title which suports a pro-dancing agenda? They reminded me of a giant version of the balloon sculptures some of our visitors made last month. Preschoolers are all tiny contemporary artists.

A Tiny French Circus

This is the cutest book ever. I just snatched it up for our story tree time at the museum. It's about a tiny secret circus in Paris that is run by a gang of little mice. The illustrations are beautiful and the icing on the cake is that they even glow in the dark!

Pajamas and Paris

I found the perfect little Parisian apartment for us in September. It's on the Il de la Cite and looks out over Notre-Dame. My parents love to stay on that same little island every time they go. They take late night walks along the Seine (sometimes in their pajamas). In honor of them I plan on taking an evening stroll with Scott (in PJs) on our last night in Paris.

For the dogs...

Green dog house. Alfie wants it. I know this because he's sitting on the couch drooling all over the laptop as I type.

Crin-Blanc

Found a used copy of White Mane at a garage sale. Very random find. This French short from the 1950's was directed by Albert Lamorisse who also did The Red Balloon. I caught a double showing of the two around my birthday at the art museum and was convinced that every boy in the audience would leave wanting Folco's hair cut and disheveled wardrobe.

Big Space

While running around like a crazy person at work I was missing the canoe trip we just got back from. Floating down the Colorado River... so much better than dealing with schedule changes, spreadsheets and meetings. Above is me checking out some ruins. A little pit stop after a game of wiffle ball along the beach.