Apres Le Beep

Le Dragon Bleu

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:31:00 +0000

Robert Lepage's new performance piece, "Le Dragon Bleu" couldn't have been more visually stunning then it was. Every minute detail was thought out, from sets, to make-up to costuming to lighting. It has a very poetic grace about it.

The story is the last in a trilogy about the Asian community that migrated to Canada (where Lepage is from) - and how ethnic lines are blurred, and national allegiances dulled. Old and new cultures blend, a baby is born that is now half Asian/Half Canadian.

I felt privileged to experience something as beautiful as this; someone else's vision...

Snowing in Paris

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:27:00 +0000

Pulled up the blinds this morning to discover a beautiful blanket of white. Yesterday it was such a mild, sunny day, that I just didn't believe the reports of possible snow.
This trip is a bit different than the others in the past, as I have a steady stream of visitors this year. So just a few days more of "alone" time, and then lots of hoopla in the apartment.
Feels great to be back in Paris.

Istanbul

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:57:00 +0000

Spent 6 glorious days in Istanbul; my first trip to Turkey. Felt much more like being in the Middle East than in Europe; The call to prayer over loudspeakers all over the city 5 times a day was very moving; but no where in Europe have I heard something like that before.

Now back in paris for 6 weeks; beautiful, magical Paris...

Heading Back

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 07:21:00 +0000

Can hardly wait to be back in Paris, although this time I am first going to Istanbul, a place I've never been to, but only hear amazing things about. Mosques, bazaars, spices, textiles - a new adventure in a foreign land. Then 5 happy weeks in Paris, staying in anl apartment overlooking the Beaubourg. What could be better? Nine weeks and counting until I hop that plane....

Summer In Los Angeles

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 08:10:00 +0000

Stayed in Los Angeles this summer with my daughter graduating from high school, and getting ready to go off to college. Big transition for both of us; her off to new experiences in a new city, and me, becoming an empty nester. It's been a quiet summer, though it seemed to fly by, with only a few weeks left until I take her back east to deposit her in her dorm.

And so my own plans are now taking shape; this year when I return to Paris for the month of December, I will first head to Istanbul for new adventure, and a little taste of the exotic. I look forward to being back in Paris; especially looking forward to spending time with my friends, the cold weather, and working in a foreign land.

Headed Back Home

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:31:00 +0000

How quickly time flies. I've been in paris already for a month, and fly back home to Los Angeles tomorrow. But I leave Paris very satisfied, as always, going home with a piece of this city in my heart. The true friendships I have made here only deepen; I cherish them greatly. The work I have accomplished and the inspiration this city has provided has been enormous. The long walks down streets that host the most buildings that are nothing less than candy to the eyes, the cafes, the exhibitions - even the metro rides, shopping sprees and bookstores, the conversations and dinners and parties...

I go home with a full heart, with gratitude, and enough work in my portfolio to start the new year right.

A bientot.

A Rare Day

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 00:25:00 +0000

Snow in Paris is a rare happening, but I was lucky enough to awaken to a surprising day filled with snow flurries. They didn't stick much to the streets, which became more of a slushy mess in the gutters, but instead blanketed the parks and buildings and trees in a veil of white. It was a beautiful sight.
It made me feel happy. I think it was an omen, that this year is going to be filled with new and unusual things...

Living in Paris

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 02 Jan 2009 16:33:00 +0000

I have to say that living in Paris is a very different experience than visiting Paris. I have been renting apartments here for over a year now, for anywhere from one month to 3 1/2 months at a time, and I have worked with a company called Paris Attitude, that I happened upon on the internet. I have to say that each and every apartment (now in my 4th apartment), has been exactly as they show it to be on their website. I have worked with Caroline Cremades, who I finally met about 6 months ago, and can't imagine working with anyone but her - she's just been terrific in making everything flow very easily.

So for any of you thinking of traveling to this part of the world, do take a look at their website...

Change in Plans

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 29 Dec 2008 18:51:00 +0000

My daughter Kate text messaged me on Thursday and wrote, "Is the offer still on the table for me to join you in Paris?" So of course, within 24 hours, I had my daughter packing her bag and flew her out to be with me here in Paris. Before she goes off to college this summer, I know that these are truly the last moments I have to really spend long spans of quality time with her, so I am delighted she came. It changes the dynamics of my last 10 days in Paris, but that's what spontaneity is all about.

I'm so glad she's here, and we have this time together, in the most beautiful city in the world.

Mon Anniversaire

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 17:12:00 +0000

Today is my birthday, yet another one celebrated in Paris. Had a wonderful day doing just the things I wanted to do, and this evening friends are stopping by to see my new apartment, and then taking me out to a new thai restaurant. It's a crazy short week, with Christmas landing in the middle (and Chanukah's already here!). Christmas eve I know will be lovely, spent with a friend's family (which I adore) and some of their friends, and on Christmas I am going to the ballet, to see an homage to Maurice Bejart - what could be better?

My time in Paris always seems to pass quickly - I guess that's a good thing - it means I am busy and certainly am enjoying my time here as always. After Christmas I hope to disappear for a few days and slow everything down by concentrating on work; hibernating with my computer and just drawing away....

Seeing A New Part of Paris

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:27:00 +0000

Every day in Paris doesn't have to hold some earth shattering event - sometimes just walking a new street or discovering a new gargoyle is enough. Today it was a new chocolate shop in the 9th, called Etoile d"Or (new to me). The owner, Denise Acabo, a look alike to Pippi Longstocking, was genuinely enthusiatic about her caramels and chocolates, particularly the Bernachon chocolate only her store carries, all the way from Lyon. Afterwards, a friend walked me around the 9th arr., an area I really hadn't discovered before, and it was just a charming, revitalized area, filled with fabulous little patisseries and all kinds of marvelous shops. Strolling sown some residential streets, I happened upon this door knocker (the photo above), and I couldn't help but be charmed by it. A small inconsequential detail, yet so very beautiful.

I am touched by the small things in life these days. Not by the grand gifts, or the things we can own, but by the beautiful things we can take in with our eyes & the amazing people who grace my life.

Landed in Paris

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 11 Dec 2008 22:20:00 +0000

Finally arrived. Arrived with no luggage. Other than the fact that I was traveling with some of my most expensive clothes, I thought, ok, doesn't matter, I'm in Paris. Turns out another Parisian mistakenly took my luggage, and returned it to me this evening, so all is in place. And I am back in Paris. To be with friends, to be inspired for work, to let life take a different pace.

I am back in Paris

Headed Back To Paris

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 17:19:00 +0000

Can't believe how quickly the days are passing, and I am on that long flight back to Paris in just 5 days. Before I leave I decided to have an all girls bash at my home, women celebrating women and enjoying the holidays together before my departure.

But I can already imagine my life again in Paris; waking up late to those cold winter mornings, planning a day of which art shows to see, or what streets to walk for inspiration in stores for work, what friends to meet in a cafe, or new metro adventure to take. Shopping down the row of stores on Franc Bourgeois for fruit and meat and cheese and wine. Long walks in the cold with my scarf to keep my neck warm. Savoring shopping in Les Halles for inspiration for new textile designs.

And of course, feeling the holidays spirit and talking in the decorations in such a beautiful setting as Paris.

Can't wait.

Billboards on Sunset Strip

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 06:10:00 +0000

One of the things unique to my neighborhood in Los Angeles are all of the billboards that line the Sunset Strip. They are truly fantastic, not only because of their massive size, but also because of the wonderful colorful visual assault on your senses that takes place as you drive by. It makes the mile drive area just come alive.

The Daily Mood in Los Angeles

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 17:30:00 +0000

Now That Barack Obama has won the election, he is most definitely rebranding America’s imagine Internationally once again to the status we once held, and that’s so very important to those of us who deeply care about about the country we leave behind for our children. The cowboy rodeo days are gone. But the American economic system has gone into a state of shock, and if we look back at such leaders as FDR, it was his calm and belief in hope that made people trust that things would get better, even when nothing in the economy was actually being stimulated. I think that’s where we are right now. There’s an interesting book out by Jonathan Alter called “The Defining Moment” that Barack Obama and his team have been reading, and I have just picked it up myself, to try and understand (since I did not live through the depression of ‘33), just what it was like, and how FDR handled his first 100 days in office in with such a devastating economy at hand.

On a personal level, much of life here seems to have come to a halt, especially for those of us who were successful in business. Today there is no business to be had, or if there is, it’s sure slim pickings. Our days are filled with many more hours, now hours where we pace and have to figure out what to do with them - hours that used to be filled with gratifying and satisfying work. We can’t go shopping, because we have no extra cash to spend. We eat out with friends less, because it’s cheaper to stay in and eat at home. We try to spend more time reading, but our concentration is shot because we worry about when our next job will come in.

Yesterday, after twiddling my thumbs for the past 6 weeks, work finally happened my way, and I savored it. It felt like such a gift. But now the work is complete and back in the client's hands. So now I wait again for the next job.

And in the meantime, I think I will spend the afternoon at the movies....

Yes We Can!

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 19:24:00 +0000

Today I am so very proud today to be an American.

Living on the Edge of My Seat

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 02 Nov 2008 15:56:00 +0000

Tuesday this country votes in a new President. That's only 2 days away. I am living on the edge of my seat. It has been one of the most extraordinary campaign races in our history, and the outcome will be pivotal. 85% of Americans believe the country is on the wrong track. The nerve endings of this country are utterly exposed.

We are in the worst of times. We will be in even deeper trouble if this country gets this election wrong. I am on pins and needles.

Obama MUST win on tuesday.

Heading Back To the City of Lights on Dec 10th

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 03:47:00 +0000

In just about 6 more weeks, I am heading back to Paris; it is always a slow haul to resettle into my life here when I return, and then once I do, how quickly time flies and then I'm back on a 12 hour flight to Paris.

It's an interesting time to be in the U.S. - the bad economy is palpable; even though we are all trying not to panic, under our breath everyone is hoping for a sale, or another job to come in (for those of us who are freelancers), and NO ONE is wearing a new dress or carrying a new handbag. Stores feel empty, reservations at restaurants are easy to get, and even grocery stores have signs out that on certain days they offer discounts.

Politics, and the fear of who will be in the White House next is also a constant topic of conversation, and it is hard to imagine when you are living in the liberal community of Los Angeles that there is any level-headed being out there who could possibly vote republican having lived through the past 8 years... and yet believe it or not, yes, we do very much still have to worry about who will be elected.

I will be in Paris this time for only a month, and it will be a very special visit for me, because it may be my last trip until next September, 2009. I need to be in the States for my daughter who is graduating from high school this year, get her off to college by next August. It will give me the time to think out what I want for myself as of next September, when I become an empty nester (no more kids in the house) - and how many months I want to live in each city (L.A./NY/Paris) - something I have been toying with for a long time now.

So in the meantime, my 2 vices in life - money and men - seem to be running their course yet again, economy and money are terrible, and men, well, I can't seem to figure them out, at least not the ones who seem to enter my life - so it is time for me to leave town and re-evaluate. my son refers to them in my life as the M-2's.

On a final note, I need to find a REALLY good book to sink my teeth into on the airplane - anyone have a good book to recommend?

Look forward to being back soon. xxo

Back in Los Angeles

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:12:00 +0000

After spending almost 2 months in Paris, I am finally back on this continent. It's been a strange return, feeling a little displaced, but I most definitely appreciate sleeping in my own bed, the stillness of the night, and the size of the space i live in. I'm sure given a few days to settle in and better sleep habits, it'll feel like home in no time. However, I miss those very special relationships I have made in Paris, and am also already missing Louie. Au revoir until December.

Kusama

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 22:02:00 +0000

Tonight I went with a bunch of friends to Le Parc de la Villette to see the Yayoi Kusama installation. The site was originally a meat market & slaughterhouse, but in 1982, was turned into a cultural center.
The building itself is really quite impressive, and walking into the Kusama show just added to the pleasure.

For those that are unfamiliar with her, she is a japanese artist, born in 1929, that has struggled with mental illness. Early in her career, she began covering surfaces (walls, floors, etc) with the polka dots that would become a trademark of her work. The vast fields of polka dots, or "infinity nets," as she calls them, were taken directly from her hallucinations. By covering spaces with the “infinity nets”, she creates almost an entire obliteration of the space.

Today she lives, by choice, in a mental hospital in Tokyo, where she has continued to produce work.

And last, but not least, it was a great evening with some truly wonderful friends. We went for a bite to eat after seeing the exhibit at the cafe on the premises, basking in the sun until it finally went out of sight, and then took a long walk down to stalingrad, where we sat by the canal and had a drink, just enjoying the company of one another.

I am already beginning to miss Paris.

Center Court

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 06 Jul 2008 18:03:00 +0000

Not a big sports fan, but watching Nadal vs. Federer, one of the great rivalries in tennis, will probably go down as one of the best matches in history. I was on the edge of my seat for the entire match. Nadal is the only man to beat Federer in a slam final, and the French Open and Wimbledon haven't been won by the same player in the same year in 28 years, since Bjorn Borg. A truly memorable moment, the longest game in history...

Katrin

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 08:48:00 +0000

I first met Katrin at a dinner party at my friends Richard & Vincent's apartment, now almost a year ago, and there was a presence about her that I found intriguing; she wasn't aloof, but an observer of what was going on in the room; she was attractive, very bright, and I knew I wanted to get to know her. So we exchanged e-mails and numbers, and I called to get together with her a few days later. My intuitions were correct; she is smart, low key, self-assured, introspective, and so it also turns out, an amazing photographer. I have been deeply blessed by the friendships I have made in Paris, and just hope to know Katrin and her family for a very long time...

I decided it was time to post her website of her work on my blog - you will be blown away by her abilities

www.katrinbaumann.com

Paris Is On Sale!

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 13:40:00 +0000

I haven't written on my blog for a few days, for not only did my daughter arrive in Paris (and has been keeping me and my credit cards VERY busy), but the city of Paris went on sale on the 25th of June. With teenagers in tow, we have just about devoured every bargain to be had. Somehow, the girls (Kate and her friend Leah) had me in stores and on the streets for 7 hours straight - and my body (and wallet) are feeling crippled ever since.

There was a light at the end of the tunnel to all this shopping - I splurged for an exquisite pair of ed hardy shoes for myself (yes! they were on sale). Of course I'll have to wait for my feet to stop aching to be able to wear them...

The Thing About Paris

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:11:00 +0000

There are many things to love about Paris. Besides being the most beautiful city in the world, I think I love it most for its' accessibility. If I want to go to the Beaubourg, it's an 8 minute walk; Hop the metro and I'm in St Germain in 10 minutes, at the Sacre Coeur in 15, and in between all of these destinations, the city never stops exuding its' sense of style and grace. When the sun is shining, everyone is out in cafes, where I can lounge for an hour or so, sipping on coffee and people watch. Parks are everywhere, some even wi-fi compatible.

But most all of, the city's accessibilty, coupled with the friends I have here, are what make Paris home.

Annie Liebovitz

fashiondoodle@yahoo.com (Elizabeth) — Sun, 22 Jun 2008 21:01:00 +0000

Sundays are usually laundry & cleaning day - the day I am not seen in public, staying in my sweats all day. But the weather was so beautiful again, that I put on a dress and heels, and decided to go see the Annie Liebovitz exhibition over to the Maison Européenne de la Photographie. It turned out to be a gem of a show. I was in awe of her talent, the way she captured the spirit of each subject in her photographs, that I kept coming back to some of them, they were so mesmorizing. The images stuck in my mind so much today, that I plan to go back for a second viewing. The photograph attached is quite small and may be hard to read, but it is of Nicole Kidman.