Sunday, January 30, 2011

Partager Soleil!


The sun came out today ... 

So nice to see my shadow!!


Living in Florida most of my life, I had taken these magic,  golden rays for granted,  


Not now!


PPxx

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Partager Paris "Fire Eaters" at Palais de Tokyo

Fantastic Fire Eating at Palais de Tokyo (photo by Mr. T, aka collard greens)

Attention all Photographers and Lovers of Fire!
As Mr. T and I both love to take photos, we were invited by the PhotoMeetup of Paris to the Palais de Tokyo for a challenging evening of photo opps at the 7th annual "Fire Eaters Birthday Party".  This birthday celebration occurs every year at the end of January in the waterless fountains of the Palais.  This is a very large party that gathers around the Arts of poī, .. with lots of fire eaters, jugglers, interesting people from all over, music, and a certain type of tribal magic.  This is THE place  known all across Europe to go in order to meet the fire scene of France.  The French Burn Crew has a 6 year successful history of making this a welcoming event.



The "Fire Eaters"  festivities usually occur every Saturday night, beginning around 9pm and ending with the last metro ride of the evening, usually around 2am.  Every now and then, nobody will show up, so check the forum before you arrange an evening around this event.
Word of Caution - although it is mainly attended by good fire people, you are still on the streets of Paris, so take care of your belongings.


See you there! 
PALAIS DE TOKYO
13 AVENUE DU PRÉSIDENT WILSON
75116


PPxx



Saturday, January 22, 2011

Partager Le Village

Delicious at Le Village

Fridays are my days to explore ...

Last Friday I decided to wander over to the latest BoBo district, (easier than saying bourgeois  bohemian each time), the 10e at the historical doors of Paris, from Faubourg Saint Denis to the rue Paradis, a small little village that has become the latest hot spot for fashion,  hip restaurants and bars, quaint street markets, and exotic grocery stores.  I went to visit my friend, J, who has started working at one of the hip little epiceries called Le Village.  As I walked thru the door,  the bright colors and delicious smells welcomed me, while the New York cheesecake made me think I was in NYC, and the pastas of Jamie Oliver reminded me I could be in London; while all the rest confirmed that I was in France.  The shelves elegantly displayed many types of olive oils, vinegars, sauces, coarse salts, wines, jams, english cakes, teas, coffees from around the world .. while the glass display counters were tempting me with their pastries, chocolate bars, soups, cookies ...
did I mention they also have a plat du jour?

Tell Joanna I sent you and she will make sure you find what you want, and enjoy a nice cup of tea!

PPxx
Le Village
25, rue Bouchardon
75010 Paris
01 42 02 10 50

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Partager Couronnes en Fête



Good reason to Eat Cake
Celebrate the season and eat this frangipane-filled, delicious cake!


They are tempting me at every corner.  They come in so many delicious flavors, even chocolate. 
" Try me " they are begging…you won't be sorry , … plus it is a truly valid reason to get together with friends, old and new, and share this tradition, accompanied by  a nice bubbly. And there is the additional  plus of entertainment, Who will be the King, or  Queen ?!
Such excitement to chew each bite carefully ... , until someone cries out triumphantly …"I win, I win!!"  
At last year's traditional party, we had three beautiful young women visiting from Sweden, who ALL became Queens for the evening. (How did that happen?) The men were really enjoying playing the roles of the minions to these new Queens!

In France the tradition of serving the Couronnes en Fête (in the south of France) or Galette du Rois (in the north of France) can be traced back to the 14th century. A small bean, coin or porcelain fève is baked inside the cake and whoever receives the little favor is then crowned king or queen for the day. Tradition also dictates that the cake be cut into as many slices as there are people present, plus one extra. The extra piece is called either la part du Bon Dieu (God's piece), la part de la Vierge (the Virgin Mary's piece) or la part du pauvre (poor man's piece) and it is given to the first poor person who stops at the home.
Who will become king or queen for the day at your house? Make  sure you have the crown ready for the new member of royalty!
The galette is typically served on January 6, which is Epiphany, or the Feast of the Kings.

PPxx


Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Partager 2011 in Paris and "environs" ...

Tango Lessons
"And now let us welcome the new year--full of things that have never been."
                                                                                                                                                                           --Rainer Maria Rilke
(thanks J and P, Master Plan,  for the inspiration)


And, why not?  I have always wanted to take 
TANGO LESSONS

I have some friends who are living their lives as they want ... on a boat, in and out of lulling ports and small cities.   It gives me great encouragement to do the same ... live our lives as we want and as we should.   The New Year gives permission, maybe its more like a pressure,  to this type of thinking, and we should be so brave as to really follow these early thoughts thru .... 

On this note, maybe you would like to take a look at what 2011 might hold in store for you and others:  Look here ....

Bonne Année and Bon Santé!  

PPxx