---I am obsessed with The Cinematic Orchestra, at the moment...this song. Be prepared to be moved. :)
---Another note, Barack Obama is president. I found out this morning, 9am french time via a french dj.There is an overwhelming support for Obama in France and no doubt throughout all of Europe/ the world. History in the making? I sure hope so. Every supporter will become his fastest critic, as they should. Historical date? Yes in deed.
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Autumn delights
Spiced Apple and Pear Crumble
---There are apples in the grass. I lean down, in awe of the thought that someone could drop so many 'pommes' by accident. Then I realize I live in a region where apple trees abound.I have to admit I had a film flash-back. To the moment where Dorothy, picking apples galore from the ground floor... finds a treasure (the tin man), by his steel toes. Except this time the apples itself are the treasure and I suppose, along with the moment itself (yay for living by apple trees!!)
---As said by the authors of the Bread and Honey blogspot, this recipe is perfect with a thick scarf and a good book on your front porch swing...
Ingredients:
3 baking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
3 ripe but firm red pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, diced, plus more for buttering the dish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toss apples and pears with lemon juice and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir in cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and toss well to combine. Spread fruit evenly in a buttered baking dish and set aside.
Combine flour, oats, brown sugar and salt in a food processor. Add butter to flour mixture, then pulse several times to incorporate butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse meal. Evenly spread the topping over the fruit, pressing down slightly with your fingers. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until fruit is tender, juices are bubbly and topping is crisp.
Found this chez Bread and Honey
Have not attempted this yet. Today we made crepes and jack-o-lanterns with grapefruits in place of pumpkins. Ingenious little critters these kids are :)
---There are apples in the grass. I lean down, in awe of the thought that someone could drop so many 'pommes' by accident. Then I realize I live in a region where apple trees abound.I have to admit I had a film flash-back. To the moment where Dorothy, picking apples galore from the ground floor... finds a treasure (the tin man), by his steel toes. Except this time the apples itself are the treasure and I suppose, along with the moment itself (yay for living by apple trees!!)
---As said by the authors of the Bread and Honey blogspot, this recipe is perfect with a thick scarf and a good book on your front porch swing...
Ingredients:
3 baking apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
3 ripe but firm red pears, peeled, cored and thinly sliced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
3/4 cup rolled oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup (1 stick) cold butter, diced, plus more for buttering the dish
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Toss apples and pears with lemon juice and granulated sugar in a large bowl. Stir in cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg and toss well to combine. Spread fruit evenly in a buttered baking dish and set aside.
Combine flour, oats, brown sugar and salt in a food processor. Add butter to flour mixture, then pulse several times to incorporate butter into flour until mixture resembles coarse meal. Evenly spread the topping over the fruit, pressing down slightly with your fingers. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes or until fruit is tender, juices are bubbly and topping is crisp.
Found this chez Bread and Honey
Have not attempted this yet. Today we made crepes and jack-o-lanterns with grapefruits in place of pumpkins. Ingenious little critters these kids are :)
Monday, November 3, 2008
*!*
I just love this pic! thanks cynthia leigh. This weekend my parents came from Belgium. We strolled, we ate, we went to Notre Dame. They were amazed that I could use the métro and walk so fast. My dad said it appears as though I am "gliding"...In retrospect I feel bad for walking too fast :/
I am now off to Le Grand Palais to see the Picasso exhibit, among other things.
toodle-loo!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Tidings!
Bonjour. How art thou?
--First off, I cannot get rid of this song. I have awoken to it several days in a row. Which leads me to believe that the dj's are not doing their job and have their songs on some system to which they have to never lift a finger...nice, french potato dj, niiice. Je rigole (I'm kidding...mmmkind of---well,all humor begins with some bit of truth right?) Regardless, the song is all-together-lovely to be sure, (who can hate a chummy Teitur song about 'Catherine the waitress')
Découvrez Teitur!
--Secondly, I have much to say and much to ask....and miles to go before I sleep ;)
The Infamous Proust Questionnaire
I recently purchased a postcard with Proust's questions. I first noticed this questionnaire in the back pages of Vanity Fair each month. It is a series of questions posed to famous subjects about their lives, thoughts, values and experience. A regular reference to Proust in such a major publication struck me as remarkable...and I would like you to follow suit if you have the time, and answer these questions as truthfully as possible, in order to reveal what else, but your personality or character.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
2. What is your greatest fear?
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
5. Which living person do you most admire?
6. What is your greatest extravagance?
7. What is your current state of mind?
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
9. On what occasion do you lie?
10. What do you most dislike about your appearance?
11. Which living person do you most despise?
12. What is the quality you most like in a man?
13. What is the quality you most like in a woman?
14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
15. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
16. When and where were you happiest?
17. Which talent would you most like to have?
18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
19. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
21. Where would you most like to live?
22. What is your most treasured possession?
23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
24. What is your favorite occupation?
25. What is your most marked characteristic?
26. What do you most value in your friends?
27. Who are your favorite writers?
28. Who is your hero of fiction?
29. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
30. Who are your heroes in real life?
31. What are your favorite names?
32. What is it that you most dislike?
33. What is your greatest regret?
34. How would you like to die?
35. What is your motto?
Photo of the day: October 30, 2008. Katharine Hepburn (it's a "catherine-day"...)
Here is my adjective of the day: ape-shit.
WORDS of the day:
I would also like to add a few questions of my own to the questionnaire:
36. What is the defining challenge of the 21st century?
37. What is the 'activist' philosophy?
38. Has this philosophy been extended to global society?
39. Do you know Kennedy's 'Peace Address'?
40. Do you know who Odilon Redon is?
42. Do you think the US should once again assume the mantle of moral leadership by implenting a new 'Marshall Plan' in Africa?
43. Do you think the division between scientists and artists or philosophers is quite strong?
44. Do you think sceince is beautiful?
45. What is your greatest asset?
I shall end today with a verse from a poem by Wallace Steven:
I do not know which to prefer,
The beauty of inflections
Or the beauty of innuendos
The blackbird whistling
Or just after.
Hope you take time to answer Proust's and at least a couple of my random questions...and I shall do the same.
--First off, I cannot get rid of this song. I have awoken to it several days in a row. Which leads me to believe that the dj's are not doing their job and have their songs on some system to which they have to never lift a finger...nice, french potato dj, niiice. Je rigole (I'm kidding...mmmkind of---well,all humor begins with some bit of truth right?) Regardless, the song is all-together-lovely to be sure, (who can hate a chummy Teitur song about 'Catherine the waitress')
Découvrez Teitur!
--Secondly, I have much to say and much to ask....and miles to go before I sleep ;)
The Infamous Proust Questionnaire
I recently purchased a postcard with Proust's questions. I first noticed this questionnaire in the back pages of Vanity Fair each month. It is a series of questions posed to famous subjects about their lives, thoughts, values and experience. A regular reference to Proust in such a major publication struck me as remarkable...and I would like you to follow suit if you have the time, and answer these questions as truthfully as possible, in order to reveal what else, but your personality or character.
1. What is your idea of perfect happiness?
2. What is your greatest fear?
3. What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?
4. What is the trait you most deplore in others?
5. Which living person do you most admire?
6. What is your greatest extravagance?
7. What is your current state of mind?
8. What do you consider the most overrated virtue?
9. On what occasion do you lie?
10. What do you most dislike about your appearance?
11. Which living person do you most despise?
12. What is the quality you most like in a man?
13. What is the quality you most like in a woman?
14. Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
15. What or who is the greatest love of your life?
16. When and where were you happiest?
17. Which talent would you most like to have?
18. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
19. What do you consider your greatest achievement?
20. If you were to die and come back as a person or a thing, what would it be?
21. Where would you most like to live?
22. What is your most treasured possession?
23. What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?
24. What is your favorite occupation?
25. What is your most marked characteristic?
26. What do you most value in your friends?
27. Who are your favorite writers?
28. Who is your hero of fiction?
29. Which historical figure do you most identify with?
30. Who are your heroes in real life?
31. What are your favorite names?
32. What is it that you most dislike?
33. What is your greatest regret?
34. How would you like to die?
35. What is your motto?
Photo of the day: October 30, 2008. Katharine Hepburn (it's a "catherine-day"...)
Here is my adjective of the day: ape-shit.
WORDS of the day:
I would also like to add a few questions of my own to the questionnaire:
36. What is the defining challenge of the 21st century?
37. What is the 'activist' philosophy?
38. Has this philosophy been extended to global society?
39. Do you know Kennedy's 'Peace Address'?
40. Do you know who Odilon Redon is?
42. Do you think the US should once again assume the mantle of moral leadership by implenting a new 'Marshall Plan' in Africa?
43. Do you think the division between scientists and artists or philosophers is quite strong?
44. Do you think sceince is beautiful?
45. What is your greatest asset?
I shall end today with a verse from a poem by Wallace Steven:
I do not know which to prefer,
The beauty of inflections
Or the beauty of innuendos
The blackbird whistling
Or just after.
Hope you take time to answer Proust's and at least a couple of my random questions...and I shall do the same.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Le Luxe.
---Ahh le luxe, c'est la vie en France...or so it seems. Paris, as Hemingway put it, 'is a moveable feast'. This is an alluring place.The language, the art,the food...ahh yes, the food!, it does nothing but inspire. (that is, if you have some euro to spare :)) Luxury is an integral part of Paris. Along with the persistent gypsy in the métro...but we'll get to that subject later.
Commercial for Louis Vuitton's campaign "Journeys"
---Louis Vuitton. Luxury company formed in 1854 by who else, Louis V. He learned the art of design and began to sell luggage with the signature monogram LV. Today it is one of the most counterfeited brands in the world. Do not believe I shall ever purchase a bag...but I do adore this commercial. The music is by Gustavo Santaolalla, who composed for the films 'Babel' and 'Motorcycle Diaries'. LV has chosen quite a mélange if you will of stars...everyone from Keith Richards to Sofia and her Dad:
Check out more here at Louis Vuitton
---Longchamps.Who can resist a black and white ad in Café de Flore, Paris?
In 1948 Longchamp was founded by Jean Cassegrain. The company employed individual craftsmen dispersed throughout the Loire valley countryside to create leather coverings for pipes and other products geared toward smokers. By 1955 it had expanded to include small leather goods, opening its first factory in Segré.By the 1970s, Longchamp opened its first boutiques in Hong Kong and Japan, and became known for its lightweight travel goods.--thanks Wikipedia ;)
---Here's a song to dream to...
Découvrez Gustavo Santaolalla!
Commercial for Louis Vuitton's campaign "Journeys"
---Louis Vuitton. Luxury company formed in 1854 by who else, Louis V. He learned the art of design and began to sell luggage with the signature monogram LV. Today it is one of the most counterfeited brands in the world. Do not believe I shall ever purchase a bag...but I do adore this commercial. The music is by Gustavo Santaolalla, who composed for the films 'Babel' and 'Motorcycle Diaries'. LV has chosen quite a mélange if you will of stars...everyone from Keith Richards to Sofia and her Dad:
Check out more here at Louis Vuitton
---Longchamps.Who can resist a black and white ad in Café de Flore, Paris?
In 1948 Longchamp was founded by Jean Cassegrain. The company employed individual craftsmen dispersed throughout the Loire valley countryside to create leather coverings for pipes and other products geared toward smokers. By 1955 it had expanded to include small leather goods, opening its first factory in Segré.By the 1970s, Longchamp opened its first boutiques in Hong Kong and Japan, and became known for its lightweight travel goods.--thanks Wikipedia ;)
---Here's a song to dream to...
Découvrez Gustavo Santaolalla!
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
mod.
Jacques Villeglé, 'La Femme'
---Artist of the 'nouveau réalisme', I enjoyed this piece on temp. display at the Pompidou.
---El Anatsui born in Ghana, studied sculpture and art education. He created this tapestry out of aluminum and copper...it was my favorite.
Monday, October 27, 2008
blue.
Let me see what has happened lately that would be of interest to you folks over the Atlantic pond...
---I have made some friends here in France. There is a prominent university called HEC here in Jouy and I met some exchange students on the métro---(not sure if I have already stated these previously, oh well). Anyway, every Thursday night there is a party on campus and I was invited. Getting into the event was a bit troubling...there was a list, and my name was definitely not on it. So I lied and told the french girl "je suis laura, laura tezzdha". She was puzzled with my last name...as was I and asked if my last name began with a "t", "yes" I said. She searched and I became a little nervous...please let there be a Laura with a T-something last name!! And voila! I saw a name and pointed to 'Laura T....' and won! We danced the night away, and I felt like a secret agent for a moment...alias 'Laura T' :)
---Saturday evening I went to my new pal Marguerite's in St.Remy...another city right outside of Paris along the RER B line...the party was fantastic! Arrived at 11,socialized till midnight, danced from 12-5am!!!! Took the RER back to my Jouy around 7am :)
---Sunday I planned to go to church but missed the right train...as usual! I have a love/hate relationship with public transportation. So instead I went to the 'Beaubourg' otherwise known as Le Pompidou museum. Bustling with modern art and spectacular views of Paris, I left the place puzzled...which is usually how I feel after seeing modern work, I'm not exactly sure what to think for many of the pieces. There were a select few that I loved...a tapestry to be exact. It was constructed of disposible items...bottlecaps, metallic candywrappers, and knitted together with some free wire...it was magnificent. I will have to get back with you on the artists' name though. And along with the museum...a movie!
---We watched Woody Allen's 'Vicky,Cristina,Barcelona'. As usual, it was witty and thought-provoking. Enjoyed it. Penelope Cruz was fantastic!
---Last but not least, Rosalie...a dear dear friend, posted this video for me on the face-place. I love this band (FLEET FOXES). I love this song:
---I have made some friends here in France. There is a prominent university called HEC here in Jouy and I met some exchange students on the métro---(not sure if I have already stated these previously, oh well). Anyway, every Thursday night there is a party on campus and I was invited. Getting into the event was a bit troubling...there was a list, and my name was definitely not on it. So I lied and told the french girl "je suis laura, laura tezzdha". She was puzzled with my last name...as was I and asked if my last name began with a "t", "yes" I said. She searched and I became a little nervous...please let there be a Laura with a T-something last name!! And voila! I saw a name and pointed to 'Laura T....' and won! We danced the night away, and I felt like a secret agent for a moment...alias 'Laura T' :)
---Saturday evening I went to my new pal Marguerite's in St.Remy...another city right outside of Paris along the RER B line...the party was fantastic! Arrived at 11,socialized till midnight, danced from 12-5am!!!! Took the RER back to my Jouy around 7am :)
---Sunday I planned to go to church but missed the right train...as usual! I have a love/hate relationship with public transportation. So instead I went to the 'Beaubourg' otherwise known as Le Pompidou museum. Bustling with modern art and spectacular views of Paris, I left the place puzzled...which is usually how I feel after seeing modern work, I'm not exactly sure what to think for many of the pieces. There were a select few that I loved...a tapestry to be exact. It was constructed of disposible items...bottlecaps, metallic candywrappers, and knitted together with some free wire...it was magnificent. I will have to get back with you on the artists' name though. And along with the museum...a movie!
---We watched Woody Allen's 'Vicky,Cristina,Barcelona'. As usual, it was witty and thought-provoking. Enjoyed it. Penelope Cruz was fantastic!
---Last but not least, Rosalie...a dear dear friend, posted this video for me on the face-place. I love this band (FLEET FOXES). I love this song:
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