paris au revoir

Home again, home again, and I realize how easy it is to post to my blog, now that I don't have to go to Mc Do's and listen to the loud rap music as I try to concentrate on what I am doing. I sort of miss that, but it is so nice to be home, back with family that I missed, and who missed me!
My niece asked me what I miss about France, and when I think about it, there are many things.
I miss the excitement of BIG EVENTS, like the Tour de France, where this young boy sat on the light post for over an hour, waiting to see the riders pass by. It was very hot, and he was thirsty, but each time his parents asked him if he wanted to get down, he resolutely said "non". He had the best view of all of us, and he was not about to give it up. I'm glad I was there,too.
I miss the quirky sights of the city, though Portland is a pretty quirky place! This three man band came down the street on the day I was waiting to get into my locked apartment. They played a jolly tune and it cheered me up. Another morning I was out early and heard a different kind of trio practicing in the park. I love spontaneous live music, and I miss the Metro musicians, and the hauntingly beautiful clarinet player by the Place des Voges.
This was one of my favorite windows, perhaps because I am so into stenciling right now, after taking a wonderful online stencil class with Maryanne Moss from dispatch from LA. It was the window of a GAP store. There were several more as well, and made me want to go spray some of my windows at home. Well, maybe not...
I especially miss my favorite bakery, Pain et des Idees very near the Canal St Martin. Everything was delicious and they were so friendly, always cheerfully correcting my pronunciation. They made a wonderful apricot or white peach tarte on a puff pastry base covered in frangipane. Yum. Maybe I will have to try to recreate that at home.
So much to love about France! Maybe I will do a few more postings of my french photos, then it is back to art, which is why I started this blog in the first place!