28 April 2010

Paris, jour trois - and a random thought







Ahhh... peace and quiet. The crazies are in bed, husband is in Europe, and I have a perfectly quite house all to myself. I truly think this is the very best part of the day, closely followed by 5 am - another perfectly quiet time that comes with the knowledge that no one will be joining me for another hour at least. My time to work~

So, day three in Paris. I have photos, don't you worry. But first, we need to discuss another side effect of my time in France. Specifically, my second week. Now, all of this will come out later, but, for better or worse, it is affecting me NOW. It needs to be put out there.

Before I left for France, I had been running. I ran a few times a week, 2-4 miles at a time, depending on the time that I had that day. And it was okay. Not great - but come on - it is RUNNING. What is fun about that??? Anyway, there was this little "race" in France - just outside of Toulouse where I was staying with those who shall now be referred to as my french husband and french bestie. You see, they are crazy adventure runners/athletes extraordinaire. They inspire me. They definitely inspired me - how else would I have EVER committed to running a 12k race. I have never run 12k. Ever ever. But alas, there was wine, and I was so damn INSPIRED.

So, back to that story a bit later. The point is, since my return, I have been thinking about my running. A lot more than I was. I have been *excited* about it. Really? Excited? did I just say that? hhmmm... Anyway...

So, this will come as no surprise to any of you who really know me but today, I stopped a woman- a complete stranger, who was running on the road. I was driving my car and she was running in the exact same spot that I had run just an hour before. And she reminded me of me. Me running that is. And there is this race - this Saturday. And it is 5 miles. And no, that isn't long, but it is a trail race. with hills. I have contacted all of my girlfriends - none of whom are able to run with me Saturday. And so I thought - hey, maybe this stranger, who is minding her own business, running along happily will want to run with me. And I pulled over and yelled to her. (yes, I actually yelled - she was wearing headphones - what else was I supposed to do?)

So, J. and I had a lovely conversation where we discovered that we both were at about the same place with our running (granted, she has run two, yes TWO marathons in her lifetime - impressive, even if it was a *few* years ago...) and the fact that she lives near me and is interested in training together was a bonus. We also discovered that we had spent 10 minutes talking at the preschool facility here in town this morning about schools (but clearly the look I had going post-run and the ball cap she was wearing while running made it impossible at first glance to recognize each other). Destiny? I think so...

Anyway, I will get back to you on the run Saturday. It may happen, it may not. But it won't be the last run as I think I see a future in all of this. What future that is, I haven't a clue...

So, onto the Paris photos.

~but before I do - I am sure you all have been reading Kasey's blog. Honestly, she writes in such a way that you will feel like you were there (well, if you were there in Kasey's version of reality that is...). She will have you in stitches, and honestly, if you haven't been reading along, you need to go back and read from day one. It really is something you shouldn't miss...





Jour trois was the Tour Eiffel day. It was also another walking day (walking to find the supposed macaroons that were meant to be better than Laduree, walking down the Champs-Elysee, walking to lunch, walking to buy my bandaids, visiting street vendors). The sun was shining and we had a lovely morning.









The Eiffel tower was gorgeous, as she always is. Personally, I think she is far prettier from a distance, but it was fun shooting her close up as well. After we had taken enough photos (but really, are there ever enough?) we walked over to a packed and very french cafe to enjoy a glass of wine and a bit of lunch. It was almost more fun just sitting there people watching than it was being out walking around. It was an absolutely gorgeous day and I think we were all aware it was our last day in Paris.







After lunch we walked over to the Champs-Elysee and stopped at Laduree to pick up our supply of macaroons. My very very favorite? salted caramel. divine. heavenly divine. What I wouldn't give for one of those babies right now!




We had finally made it back to our hotel, had our shoes off, and were relaxing for the first time that day, when it suddenly occurred to Kasey and I that we hadn't yet seen a cemetary. We were on our last evening in Paris and had NO SHOTS of a cemetery!! It was 30 minutes before Monparnasse closed and, being us, we jumped in a taxi and raced over. We spent time wandering through the most beautiful cemetery that I have ever been in, shooting the oldest gravestones and tombs that I have even seen. It was one of my favorite shooting moments of the trip. We walked all the way back to our hotel, enjoying our last big walk in Paris, knowing that we would be back, one day.












Our last night... Let's just say it involves a LOT of wine, French cigarettes, a camera, a window, an alley, and lingerie. Those photos will NOT be found on this site - thankfully they are pretty blurry as it was PITCH BLACK when we were taking them and Ruby probably knew better than to focus completely. I will say, however, that it was one of the most fun, risque, and completely frivolous things I have ever done. Thankfully Simone was there to keep things in check, although she did a bit of shooting herself... There is something about standing in an alley, in your lingerie and a coat, with heels, shooting photos of one of your besties in the window above, laughing hysterically, with handsome Parisian gentlemen whistling as they walk by. Truly a once in a lifetime moment~



24 comments:

natasha said...

Le sigh. How totally fabulous! I am loving your and Kasey's stories and photographs :)

lisaroy said...

fantastic photos and I've really loved being a part of your trip! xx

Florence said...

Oh my girls will be girls. Florence

Kathy said...

hanging on every word...more..more...

vicki archer said...

Bliss....this is what life is all about Kim. I am so happy you had a wonderful time. xv

Dreamy Whites said...

Kim,
Such an inspirational post. YOu are amazing! Yes I follow Kasey and I love reading your version of your trip after I have already read Kasey's. I am always in tears after I have read her blog. You guys are the best.
Take Care,
Maria

Unknown said...

Sounds like a dream Paris trip! Congrats on your new running buddy! It's moments like that, that can truly change your life :)
xoxo
Judith~

manon 21 said...

Tu as fait un beau voyage!!


Amitiés
manon

Lou said...

Hi - I am intrigued by your running comments as I am about that stage too...but not sure I want to do races. Keep us posted...

And of course Paris looks beautiful, as it always does, your trip sounds like a snapshot, once-in-a-lifetime moment with friends. x

Privet and Holly said...

Good morning, Kim! Like you, I have to find quiet time to write and to visit my blogging neighbors. For me, morning seems to be best....early. Maybe too early! First, running. I've never loved it but also decided at 40-something that I needed a new challenge, so I trained and completed a 5K with my sweet daughter two years ago....the race took place through our local zoo....Cool to run in the zoo when it is closed to everyone else! {I wrote a post on 4/14 about running that might make you look at it differently....!} Now, FRANCE. I always always get blisters when on a big trip like this, but you seemed to do admirably, considering. And, you looked so CUTE and dare I say....French??? Which is the goal, after all, not to look like a tourist : ) Your pics are glorious and your last night sounds crazy. Crazy fun. Any more thoughts about your lovely photography? xx P&H

paige said...

good morning kim!
i love that you are loving running & wanting to take it to the next level or two! marathon maybe?
so cool that you chatted with the runner girl & maybe will be on the trail saturday. good luck!
i love running too & am hoping to train for a half...haven't run one of those since before having children...yikes!
love your captures. such an eye!
hope maybe you'll be listing some on etsy....wink xo

Lori said...

Bravo in your running Kim!! I have been reading Kasey's posts but love to hear your side of the story also!! Pictures as per usual are gorgeous ~ cannot wait to see more!

Debby said...

I just love reading about your Paris trip and seeing all your beautiful photos. So much fun!
Debby

Nadja Vol said...

run like the wind lovely! I'm just starting to run, day four and i hurt! So five miles sounds like a marathon to me at this point ;-) Some day I'll join you on a real run!

Ange said...

French bestie says she wholeheartedly encourages you flagging down women joggers to accompany you in your next exploits! Kim - your resourcefulness and spontaneity will forever be an inspiration to me. Bonne chance pour la course samedi. I will be with you in spirit...

VM Creation Atelier said...

OMG!!!-)*What a wonderful post,Kim!

You stories about Paris and you enchanted photos are totally great...
These atmosphere is SOooo nice and this is almost as I am there!!!

Thank you SO much for sharing:-)*

Love,
***Violetta***

Tricia said...

Hey Kim- love your photos of course!
I picked up with my running last year and am training to run a half marathon in Napa in July. Like you, the wine has me inspired. :) I'm impressed that you stopped a stranger to ask her to run with you~ that is TOO cool and you are so brave.
T

Anonymous said...

sounds and looks like a beautiful time kim...and that last bit well that sounds even more fun!! Good luck on Saturday, enjoy yourself...!!

RACHELLE said...

I am absolutely mesmorized by the old headstones. how beautiful!

lovely flower pic's!

shell

gypsylemonade.blogspot.com

Tara said...

we are very similar Kim...although it is usually 5:30 am for me for my ME time..which involves a run! I wish I was the one you were yelling at as I could use a running buddy!
~Tara

Farmgirl Paints said...

I am so loving reading about all of your adventures. Good for you talking to that complete stranger! What a brave girl you are. I need to do something drastic like that. I have been slagging off my running.

Eugen Caitaz said...

Bonjour! Your trips looks so great! I read it with so much enthusiasm! You just needed to watch this video---

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WF_yN1R2b5M&feature=player_embedded

She Wore It Well said...

your photos are amazing!!!! x

Jemsmom said...

I am loving every minute of your trip! Reminds me so much of when my best friend flew to Paris and I met up with her from Germany. Lingerie was never involved though and what we all wouldn't GIVE to see those pictures!

You are right. You can never have too many pictures of the Eiffel Tower!