On the Cusp of Spring | Paris

We waited so long for the beginnings of Spring, so ready to shed all traces of Winter. But once Spring officially arrived, it told us to remain patient still... so we sit on the cusp of two opposing seasons however far our feet dangle over the edge ready to leap onto the other side. The temperatures are slowly ticking upwards, but ever so slowly. Soft sunlight beckons us in the morning and tricks us into believing we can fling open the windows.

These days of transition are paralleled all around us, our societies in a constant state of change. And for me, at home, my boys are getting older, becoming more and more independent, more unlike little boys, also making that shift from one stage of boyhood to another. This beautiful bittersweet ballad plays on and on and on...

Read more »

The Real Voyage of Discovery

Most people are often courteous of my taking photographs around the city. They wait until I take the shot or run across quickly... only every now and then is someone unhappy with my shooting, I'm in their way or they've had enough of the interminable amount of people taking photos of their beloved city so they make sure I know about it.

But the other morning in the Tuileries Gardens, I had a wonderfully rare encounter. A woman approached me with the most inquisitive face and asked why I was shooting so many photos of Paris' ubiquitous green chairs. I mentioned how symbolic of Paris they are (at least to me), how much I love their shape and form, and that I know others who feel the same way. Her puzzled face lit up into a smile... she said she never really looked at them in any special way, they were more or less utilitarian, spread throughout the city, always there. I shared how they were special to me, very often like companions on my photowalks. They seem to have a character of their own - alert and ready or lounging and tired. The one above I shot because it invited me to sit down and stay awhile, enjoy the view and the sunlight on this mild winter morning.

As we said our bonne journées, the woman began to walk away and then turned to take a long second look at the chairs and smiled. Like that wise Marcel Proust once said, "the real voyage of discovery is not in seeking new landscapes, but seeing with new eyes."

Read more »

a Stroll Through Rue Crémieux | Paris

Tucked among the busy Parisian streets of the 12th arrondissement is Rue Crémieux, a colorful block of 35 two-story terraced homes where the residents had one day collaboratively decided to paint their exteriors in a melange of bold and muted hues surprisingly different from the surrounding wash of creamy white Haussmannians we're all used to seeing in Paris. 

As you stroll along, your attention is quickly drawn to the beautiful array of potted flora and the details of each window and shutter and doorknob. The symmetry and rhythm of colors harmonize wonderfully together. It’s easy to linger about while every so often a homeowner steps out of or into their home, making you remember there are actual people living behind all the pretty facades you're photographing!

If you happen to be in or around the 12th arrondissement, you may just want to make a quick stop to take in this uniquely colorful street…

Read more »

Cité des Sciences et de L'industrie

When I found out there was a planetarium in Paris, why, I didn't hesitate for a moment to bring the boys! They came inspired to learn about the few bright stars beginning to show up in the late winter sky high above the rooftops...  

The planetarium is housed inside the Cité des Sciences et de L'industrie, Europe's largest science museum, established to spread scientific and technical knowledge among the public, particularly the youth, and to promote public interest in science, research and industry.

We marveled at the atypical Parisian architecture of the exterior and interior of the buildings that make up the museum - the space is contemporary and futuristic, filled with bright colors and tubelike structures. There was even a Minecraft (the building block video game) workshop along with other exhibits and activities, and we were lucky enough to catch the beautiful Climate exhibition by photographer Kadir van Lohuizen, highlighting awareness of the drama playing out within our marvelous blue planet...

La Cité des Sciences lies on the edge of Parc de la Villette on the northeast corner of Paris. This vast green space is normally teeming with families and picnickers during the warmer months when outdoor performances and festivals are common. It was too chilly for us to explore the parc during our visit, but it's a destination we and all families alike can add to their list of things to see and do!

Read more »