The Bold Soul: A Writer's Life in Paris

My last day of 2013

We had a lovely last day of 2013 today: beach, mini golf, walking around town... now dinner at home thanks to Chef Georges, and a fire burning. Wishing you all a very Happy New Year's Eve! Be safe, be well, have good food and fun. See you next in 2014! Read more →

Americana in Old Roman Provence

Well, now we've seen everything: an American diner in the south of France, tucked away where you'd never think to look for one. Read more →

New Port

We finally got a gorgeous sunny day yesterday, so we all hopped in the car and went out to lunch. My sister-in-law wanted us to choose a place we'd never been, so Georges found a very nice restaurant on the "new" port in Saint Raphael. The "old" port has been mainly a "big dig" for the past two years, as the city decided to dredge the bottom deeper so that bigger yachts could come in and dock there. I doubt it will all be finished by next summer but I could be wrong. In any event, the old port is not picturesque at the moment. But the new one is: What could be nicer on a late December day than having lunch along such a tranquil harbor? People don't even usually bother taking their boats out of the water in winter, as you can see; that's becuase this port was created with storm protection in mind and there is actually a high sea wall to keep the docked boats safe even during the worst winter storms. I want to remember how that sunshine felt when I was walking around out there. Because the rain is back today. :( Read more →

Coucher de Soleil

The sun -- which finally made an appearance today after days of grey skies and rain -- is going to bed. Hopefully to rest up and come out stronger tomorrow. Read more →

Because it wouldn't be Christmas without them

I don't know why I was surprised. By now, I should be used to seeing things about life in France that just don't make one bit of sense to me. Read more →

Joyeux Noël 2013

Shop in the Passage Jouffroy, 9th arrondissement, Paris Read more →

A Merry, Jingling Ho-Ho-Ho

We're here in Saint-Raphaël, where it's mild and a bit rainy, actually... but I'm just grateful it isn't snow. This year, because G's sister has had a big year-end home project going on that we are still helping her with, and things will still be a bit hectic through the next week, we actually didn't bother putting up a tree or pulling out the decorations at her house, just as we didn't do much of anything at our place in Paris. And you know what? Nobody seemed to mind. It didn't matter one iota. Our special place: "Melon Beach" in Saint Raphaël, with calm waters Here's what DOES matter: We're together with people we love and who love us back. Check. We're in a place that is very, very special to us. Where it is not snowing. Check. We have delicious food to eat. Check. Oh, and champagne! Check! We will enjoy exchanging a few gifts; nothing too big or extravagant, but just enough to capture the spirit of giving. Check. I miss my New Jersey family and friends, but they know I love them and I really hope it's not snowing there. Check. And did I mention it's not... Read more →

Hyper Market, Indeed

Better strap on your helmets and protective padding: time to shop for the holiday feast in a French supermarket! Read more →

Attitude Cat

There always seems to be a cat around, waiting to be photographed. This one was a contortionist with attitude. Then again, aren't they all? Read more →

Prodigy

12-year-old French step-son was just explaining new board game rules to me extremely well... in ENGLISH. I am so freaking impressed with his progress this year; he speaks more and more naturally to me in his 2nd language, and the light-bulb has clearly clicked on for him. He's also studying Russian for the 2nd year, and doing his first year of Latin. He's TWELVE. I didn't start learning French until I was 13. And I still screw up. Ouf. Makes me feel like a language dunce. But I'm proud of him. Read more →