Quote of the day

"If you are lucky enough to have lived in Paris as a young man, then wherever you go for the rest of your life, it stays with you, for Paris is a movable feast."

Ernest Hemingway

Sound of Paris

Le fabuleux destin d'Amélie Poulain is another favorite of mine. Okay, okay, I won't elaborate on how this is an absolute must-see /-watch/-adore movie for any lady. I won't elucidate how this film lead to the discovery of one of the most adorable, enchanting french actresses - the personification of french femininity, fragility and elegance - Audrey Tautou.

Let me just mention, that my firm belief is that one of the most significant success factors of this movie is most certainly its musical accompaniment.

When I studied French in Nice, I remember waking up to my "host brother's" piano performances of Comptine d'un autre été (Track Number 4) across the wall - which rendered any morning marvellous. Till now, I think these are some of my most memorable experiences of the french culture - the reason I fell head over heels for it.

The impeccable Yann Tiersen - a composer from Bretagne - has accomplished a soundtrack so very divine; at times dominant, at times subtle yet always carrying the mood of each and every scene in the most enriching manner.

It's a mixture of folk music, chanson, musette and pop and is the perfect setting to contemplate Paris. If Paris had its own sound, this is what I would hear.

www.amazon.com

Great cinema

One of my favorite film directors is most certainly the famous spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar. I had watched a couple of his films a very long time ago but only came to appreciate his art after having discovered Volver 4-5 years ago.

Ever since, I have watched a large number of his films and even possess a rather significant collection of DVDs. 

His films are melodramatic and expressive narrations of human nature and the nature of human relationships. His characters are highly complex; the protagonists nearly always vulnerable yet strong at the same time. The moods, the settings, the contents, the emotions of his works are very forceful. To me, Almodóvar challenges the boundaries of social tolerance and outlines extraordinary stories in extraordinary ways.

What I love about his works is that each one of them is striking; provoking; shocking; moving in a consistent way. I love how he salutes to female strength and admits male shortcomings. Finally, I love how the red color accompanies the viewer across his films, symbolizing "humanity"  - as he comments himself.

Some of my favorites are Tacones lejanos, Volver, La mala educación as well as Los ambrasos rotos.

all available on www.amazon.com

Yummy & stripy

Les recettes de victoire is a gorgeous collection of yummy-looking striped (oh là là) cooking books I found on the beloved www.colette.fr. There is a great selection ranging  from légumes et crudités to tartes et gourmandis - I think I must have them all!
They're only 5,90 Eur each and are a perfect gift for any elegant francophile lady. Bon appétit!

Flower power

How gorgeous are these flower pins of www.EmersonMade.com?! 

They make me reminisce the times when the ultimate style icon Carrie Bradshaw had her bold fashion strolls in our screens with her giant flower pins. Arent's they just a perfect accessory for any outfit of any function, form or color?.. Style up your plain sweater with a brightly colored one; add a flirtatious touch to a simple dress; complement a strict blazer with a feminine element. These gorgeous babies can turn any outfit into true eye candy.

Nespresso

I love how the colorful Nespresso capsules can serve as a perfect décor of a kitchen!

The glass comes from www.rivieramaison.com, the capsules from www.nespresso.com

A good book

I have already made a couple of posts about the most impressive literary experiences of mine. Somehow, the last one is a already a while ago - I have tried several new books lately but none seemed to have captivated my attention for longer than some 20-25 pages. I must admit - sort of shamelessly - that I do not belong to the ones who always finish the books they start. As much as I love reading, there are books that simply do not work for me and I do not hesitate and put them aside, to look for something truly inspiring.

After having absolutely adored "Atonement" of Ian McEwan, I decided to get to know this English novelist and screenwriter better and went on to "On Chesil Beach". Frankly speaking, the plot of the story was very much unorthodox - taking place in a hotel on the beach, between a young just married couple deeply in love on the eve of their wedding night. Both of them are anxious about their first night to be spent together; however, anxious - in different ways. While the bride is drowning in inner panic, the groom is nervous and impatient about the eagerly expected consumption of the young marriage.

What follows is a beautiful, subtle story of two young hearts, having grown up in distinct backgrounds which  - despite true and sincere love - fail to overcome fear, forget the pain of the past, show courage and wisdom and, as a consequence, unfortuntaly let go their true love.

"On Chesil Beach" is one my truly greatest literary experiences on so many levels - linguistic, emotional and artistic at once.

P.S. I especially loved the ending - the last paragraph so poetic and sorrowful - and could read it over and over again.