Paris On My Mind

Paris by Elisabeth Perotin

I'm gushing all over this beautiful photograph of Paris right now. I love the simplicity of the buildings, the dreamy light behind the clouds and the darling hearts floating in the sky. It perfectly expresses my love for the city. I pretty much need to have it. 

Le Manege by Elisabeth Perotin

This one by the same photographer is a close runner up. Situated at the foot of the hill of Montmartre (where a pivotal Amelie scene was filmed), I used to sit watching this carousel each day that I stayed at a nearby hotel. I would sit on a bench, ignore the pesky French men calling to me, admire the children on the ride, gaze at Sacre Couer and eat my daily creme de marron (chestnut cream) crepe. Le sigh. 

More Dreamy Light

A few weeks ago I posted photographs I had been collecting along the way, all bookmarked because of the striking beauty of the light in them. I have found more to love and share. You know that saying, do something everyday that makes you happy? Looking at these does that for me. They also make me itch to take that photography class that was my New Years resolution/promise to myself nine long months ago. Maybe soon....

(Photos via Paper Tissue)

Passenger Seat

I roll the window down and then begin to breathe in

The darkest country road and the strong scent of evergreen

From the passenger seat as you are driving me home.

Then looking upwards I strain my eyes and try

To tell the difference between shooting stars and satellites

From the passenger seat as you are driving me home.

Do they collide? I ask and you smile

With my feet on the dash the world doesn't matter.

When you feel embarrassed I'll be your pride,

When you need directions then I'll be the guide,

For all time

For all time. 

-Passenger Seat, Death Cab for Cutie

You know how sometimes one small thing can trigger an especially wonderful memory or evoke something you love that has been buried in your mind? Every time I drive down a particularly lush, tree lined street or even just look at an image of such a thing I immediately think of this ridiculously lovely song. It is the simplest of love songs but I think I adore it so much because of its very simplicity. I can always imagine myself and that someone else driving in the dark through an alley of trees that you can just see through above, see through to the stars. I bought the above photograph because of this very song and every time I look at the beautiful image, it makes me happy. I am building my photography collection and soon I will have a gallery wall full of images that make me as happy as this! 

PS- Listen to this breathtaking song (or watch this). I highly recommend it. 

And congratulations to my huge crush Ben Gibbard of Death Cab for Cutie on getting married this past weekend to the adorable Zooey Deschanel (my girl crush from 500 Days of Summer). 

Buy Tunnel of Trees yourself here. 

Chanel No.5

I adore Audrey Tautou in this just revealed advertisement, commencing her role as the new face of Chanel No.5 perfume (replacing the lovely redheaded Nicole Kidman). She is everything that Chanel embodies in the fashion world~ elegant, feminine, French! I, like many people the world over, fell in love with Audrey in her role as Amelie, the lonely Parisian girl with the gamine haircut seeking her equally quirky soulmate, while performing good deeds for others along the way. She is truly one of the most breathtakingly beautiful and talented actresses working today. Chanel is lucky to have her. 

It almost makes me want to buy a bottle of Chanel No.5~ almost, but not quite. 

I wear Coco. 

Dreamy Light

p.s - As I wandered through the painting gallery (see post below), taking in the pretty landscapes, it occurred to me that everything I really loved involved either a beautiful sky or soft, dreamy light. Just as in painting, many of the photographs I bookmark for this blog have that same ethereal quality. I think I find it soothing and sweet and that nature is bestowing us with a lovely secret or a spontaneous gift when things are so irresistibly beautiful. A few photographs of dreamy light that give me goose bumps... just because it's raining again, and though I love it, this is prettier. xoxo

(Photos via Paper Tissue)

Paris in Pictures

I miss Paris so much right now looking at these images that it makes me physically long to be there. I miss walking the streets, simply taking in the beautiful architecture, chic Parisians, crepe stands, tiny dogs, fresh baguettes and lust worthy boutiques. Irene Suchocki's Etsy shop is full of breathtaking photography yet I keep coming back to these stunning pictures again and again, as they capture what is very best about Paris~ its very day to day beauty. People come home to these apartment buildings and walk over one of the almost thirty city bridges daily, just living their lives in one of the most inspiring cities in the world. I long to be there right now but since I can't I think it is time to put a slice of Irene's Paris on my bedroom walls. 

Visit Irene Suchocki's Etsy shop to see these and many more beautiful photographs here.