Returning home....

My honest goal was to post a little something, everyday, about my daily experiences in Paris.

That did not happen, 

and let me tell you why.

First typing on a iPhone is not the most efficient way to uphold a blog.  Perhaps others feel differently but for me, it was not something I enjoyed.

Second, I really wasn't in the "mode".  I have this amazing switch in which I can turn off academic-teacher-me to just me.  I think the switch turned off as I sat and enjoyed a cup of coffee sitting peacefully on the balcony of our little apartment that we called home for nine days.

And, you know what....it was GREAT!

Prior to leaving, I read a wonderful article regarding the homework assigned to students by an Italian teacher.  The article unconsciously stuck with me because as the days of Parisian life set in, the days of the 'art teacher in Paris' set out.  

I also took the wise words of a wise friend, "just be present".  

So, I set aside all ideas of being an art teacher in Paris and enthusiastically resided to just being me, enjoying a much needed adventure with my husband.
Three, although I do think 2 was reason enough (but I digress), I found capturing the wonder of where I was really hard.  I can post pictures of all the grand cathedrals, the sparkling Eiffel Tower, and the snapshots of monumental artworks but I would not be able to offer the magic that lies when sensing Notre Dame, the Louvre, Sacre Couer, the Eiffel Tower, or just the cobble stone street where I found the most perfect and delicious madeleines.

So, I will slowly use my dimmer switch to , gradually turn my "mode" on, and share all my wonderful adventures in Paris.
For now, I will continue to be "present" and keep the switch off.

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xo, an art teacher in Paris

Strolling the Siene...

We embarked on day 3 of Paris and it was very wonderful.  The skies were blue, the sun was shining and the Musee du Louvre awaited us....but slowly:)

Our day- although we do want to start early- does not really begin until 11-ish, but we are in Paris and on holiday so no big deal.  The day was reserved for the Musee du Louvre and thank goodness because it is big.   

The focus was to see the Greek marbles, walk down the staircase in front of The Winged Victory of Samothrace (unfortunately I forgot to wear my red dress) and just be.  I did just "be" and it was wonderful.

We saw the lady that everyone talks about.  To our surprise, we walked right up and took a good look. But, if you really look carefully at all da Vinci's people- their faces all kinda look similar. (More photos will be added)

Anywhoo...there were a lot of fabulous moments but the one that just made the day perfect was coming across a very special Rembrandt.  This particular Rembrandt is dedicated to all my students because their art adventure begins with this self portrait.

And, after 5 hours- I was done.  I didn't see everything but I saw enough.  To be honest it was a bit overwhelming.  Sitting in a room of Rubens, I needed to take a moment to breath.  It felt like four years of art history in just a few hours.  At that point what was needed was some sunshine and sorbet.

The evening continued with a stroll along the Siene, towards Notre Dame du Paris at which time our eyes caught the famous bookstore Shakespeare and Company.  There was a crowd gathered outside to hear Greg Proops talk about his new book.

As the time neared dinner, we sat right next door and had a very delicious meal.

Before ending our evening, we went to check out the bookstore.

It was A real bookstore.

With real books.

And a real bookstore smell.

I actually stopped to smell the books.

And it was wonderful.

Twelve hours later we were ready to head home.  

It was a great day.

Until....soon...xo, an art teacher in paris

The Countdown Begins...

For as long as I can remember, I have wanted to visit Paris and pretend to be Audrey Hepburn or Leslie Caron, wearing pretty dresses, carrying balloons around the Eiffel Tower and eating ice cream while sitting on the banks of the Siene.

Kitchy and Cheesy?  

Possibly.  

But, I really don't care.

:)

So, the countdown begins (actually began) and my day dreams have already started.

I, also, wish to be scooped up by a passing car at midnight that will take me to a 
magical world of art and artists.

Gustave Caillebotte, Paris Street; Rainy Day, 1877

Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, At the Moulin Rouge, 1892/95

Édouard Manet, A Bar at the Folies-Bergère, 1881-82

Edgar Degas (1834-1917) In a Café, also called Absinthe 1873

Auguste Renoir (1841-1919), Dance at Le Moulin de la Galette, 1876

I, also, plan on eating macaroons and drinking wine until I'm silly, while people watching.

The adventure begins Sunday at the moment my husband and I step into O'Hare Airport and bid adieu to....
everything.

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xoxo, an art teacher in paris