RWA Conference

Today I am not going to blog about France. Instead, I am at http://www.ladyscribes.blogspot.com blogging about the Romance Writers of American Conference. Stop by if you get a chance.

Powerful Prayful Post 7/18/10

I hope everyone had a blessed week full of joys. For the most part, I did. On Friday I did turn my son over to the Youth Leader who is taking the kids, along with supervising adults, to the LCMS Youth Gathering in New Orleans. I know he will be okay, have fun and hopefully become even closer to the Lord. However, the mom in me is not at all comfortable with my "baby" being so far away. God give me strength, eliminate the anxiety and keep them all safe until they return home.

I hope you will pray for all the men, women and teenagers who have decended on New Orleans this week. I think there is going to be between 25 - 30,000.

How can I pray for you?

Paris in July - July 17

I no longer know which day I am into my trip. I know I stepped out of order due to Bastille Day, so I will continue with everything else we did that day.

Once we stood in the spot where the Bastille had once stood, we broke into groups and headed for lunch. The place we chose was about five feet away, with outdoor seating. Today, I had what I was craving - Croque Monsieur. I tried this the first time I was in France. When someone recommended it, I almost didn't get one. I didn't come all the way to Paris to have a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Am I so glad I tried one. This is not at all what I envisioned. Ham, Bread, Gruyere Cheese, and more. Here is the recipe for the sandwich pictured: www.recipezaar.com/recipe/The-Classic-French-Bistro-Sandwich-Croque-Monsieur. I've attempted to make them at home. They were okay, but they taste much better in France. However, I may just have to head to the store after this post because just the idea of the sandwich is making me hungry.

Following lunch we head toward our destination. Luckily we have a walk ahead of us to enjoy more sites. We walk down narrow streets and pass in from of cafes and shops and come to Palace Des Vosges. I square building with a large courtyard inside. The square is made up of houses and apartments with a red bric and stone facade on the outside. And the apartments were used for several years. Some of the more famous residents were Boussuet, Richelieu and Alphonse Daudet. But probably the most well known would be Victor Hugo, who wrote most of Les Miserables while living there. I would love to explore the inside one day.

Long before Victor Hugo however, the land was the site of the Hôtel des Tournelles and its gardens. Tournelles was the royal residence of Henri II and during a tournament he was wounded by being stabbed in the eye. He did a short time later. His wife, Catherine de Medicis, had the original structure demolished. We strolled from one entrance and crossed the courtyard to exit on the opposite side. The insice is a parklike setting with people sitting about conversing or reading.

We excited out onto another street and continued. Some of the buildings are newer and some, not so much. I had to take a picture of this church. I have no idea of the age, but it looked rather old to me.

Finally, we reach our destination - the Picasso Museum. I will be honest, Picasso is not a favorite of mine. If I were given a choice, I would have picked the museum where the Auguste Rodin statues can be viewed. Ah, but nobody asked me so here we are.

On the outside, right before you reach the entrance is a large distorted mirror. The type you may find in a funhouse. The students had fun watching their shapes adjust. I looked for a spot that would make me look thinner, but one could not be found.

Inside it was a three storey (I think) house. In each room were displays of his art work from various stages. I believe Picasso was a true staring artist because I beleive they told us that everytime he was behind on taxes, or his heirs were behind, they gave France a painting.

All in all it was another fun day in Paris.

Road Trip, Part 4

Ah, the end of a perfect day. I thought we visited one other chateau but I have no pictures. So, either the battery died in my camera or I am confusing it with the first trip. I could swear I had visited Cheverny. But, since I have no pictures and, at the best, vague memories, I will skip it and we will return to Paris.

This dinner is one I will always remember. Not only was the food fantastic (as it always is in France) but the owners were a riot. And, they did something very special, which I will get too.

The restaurant was Le Garibaldi. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone in Paris. It is quant and French homestyled cooking. I wish I could remember the address. It was a smaller place and our group took up all the tables and chairs. The owners were funny and made us feel very welcome. They also told us their names were George Clooney and Sharon Stone. Surely they would not lie about their names, would they?

But what made this dinner so special is that our tour guide called ahead and following dinner, they placed a birthday cake in front of my daughter, Andrea, who was celebrating her 18th birthday. This was a complete surprise to her, as it was to all of us. When the lights went out we had no idea what was happening but then "Sharon" emerged from the kitchen with a cake lit with candles. It was the perfect end to our road trip.

Road Trip in France, Part 3

The next chateau up was Chenonceau. By far this is my very favorite castle. Of course, I've only seen a couple. The Loire Valley is full of them, if you hav ethe time to visit each.

Not only is Chenonceau amazing, the gardens are beautiful. I am not sure how old it is, but goes back to at least 1412 when it was handed over to the English. Charles VII regained it and at one point it was burned. Jean II rebuilt and fortified it, wihch was completed in approximately 1432.

It is built on the banks of the river Cher and the ownership changed several times over the decades. In 1522 the Bohiers came into possession. They kept the keep and a well, but demolished the rest. Building on the new castle began in 1515 and ended in 1522. If I am correct, it is what stands their today.

At one point it became the property of the Crown and Henry II, when he became king, gifted Chenonceau to his mistress, Diane. Diane managed the estate and in 1551 she created the gardens and orchards over two hectares. She also commissioned a drawbridge. However, when the king died, the widow, Catherine de Medicis, wanted the estate returned to the crown since it had the higher income. The queen added further additions to the castle which included a pavilion and added two storeys of gallaries built on the bridge with a skylight attic. The estate is now owend by the Menier family, who maintain it in all of its glory.

Also included on the grounds is an 16th century farm with homes, a stable, kitchen gardens. A pavilion and buildings stand not far away and shopping can be done for wine and such, and you can also enjoy a nice lunch at umbrelled tables.

Normally I find the older history the most interesting, but in this case, the newer history is what caught my attention. In 1913, Henri Menier, the grandson of the founder of the chocolate firm - Menier, purchased the castle. I was really hoping for some delicious chocolate on this trip, but none could be found. Then, on the heels of the purchase, the chateau was converted into a military hospital for the duration of WWI. But what I found to be most interesting is that during the Nazi Occupation of France, the south side of Chenonceau opened onto unoccupied France but the entrance was in occupied France. In the hall pictured, one end is in occupied and the other is not. Both the Nazi and Free French took advantage of this situation and would meet at the center of the hall to either exchange prisioners, information, who knows what else but I have visions of spies, meeting and then disappearing into the night once again.

Bastille Day

I am taking a detour, so to speak, from my road trip to castles. That is because today is Bastille Day.

It is also my day to blog at my publisher's site. Please visit me there at http://secondwindpub.wordpress.com/.

You'll find my short history on this famous day there.

Road Trip in France, Part 2

Chambord

This royal residence was plan of Louis XII and had once been hunting grounds. What is interesting about this castle is that Leonardo da Vinci designed the spiral staircase. Two separate staircases wind around each other. Two people can start up or down them at a separate entrance, continue to see and touch each other throug the openings but will never run into each other until they reach the bottom or top (while going in the same direction). It is fascinating.

For a castle, this one has never held much appeal to me. I don't know why but it is not my favorite. However, the students always love it, especially using the stairs.

There is a much richer history that goes with this castle but I don't have the notes. Sorry.

Road Trip in France

Today, more time will be spent on the bus than not. But that is okay because we are going to visit some awesome places.

First stop, Chartres. This is my favorite cathedral. My sister insists I will change my mind once I set foot in Sainte Chappelle. I haven't been able to get inside yet and crossing fingers for next time.

Our Lady of Chartres is known for its stained glass windows which are amazing and beautiful. I am so glad they survived the Revolution and two world wars. However, the church wasn't so lucky in the beginning. The original church was built in the third or fourth and burnt in 743. The second was burnt in 858 by Danish pirates. And the third, burned on 1020. In 1134 a fire burnt the town and damaged the front of the church. Eventually two towers were complete in 1144. The Royal Portabl was built in the middle of the 12th century. But, on July 10, 1194, the church burned again. A new church was begun that year and completed in 1220. Additions were added in 1326, 1417, 1513, 1753. Another fire touched the church in 1836. While the roof and two belfreys were burnt, the rest of the church was unharmed.

Chartres also a famous labryinths. I wish I had a picture of it but none of mine came out.

This labyrinth was meant to be walked but is reported to be infrequently used today. In the past it could be walked as a pilgrimage and/or for repentance. As a pilgrimage it was a questing, searching journey with the hope of becoming closer to God. When used for repentance the pilgrims would walk on their knees. Sometimes this eleven-circuit labyrinth would serve as a substitute for an actual pilgrimage to Jerusalem and as a result came to be called the "Chemin de Jerusalem" or Road of Jerusalem.

In walking the Chartres style labyrinth the walker meanders through each of the four quadrants several times before reaching the goal. An expectancy is created as to when the center will be reached. At the center is a rosette design which has a rich symbolic value including that of enlightenment. The four arms of the cross are readily visible and provide significant Christian symbolism. www.lessons4living.com/chartres_labyrinth.htm

The brass center was melted down during the French Revolution for metal.

In addition to the labrynth, Chartres is also believed to have in it its possession the tunic worn by the Virgin Mary, the Sancta Camisa. It was supposedly given to Chartres by Chareemagne who received it as a gift during a crusad in Jerusalem. However, other source report that it was a gift from Charles the Bald and the fabric is from Syria and dates back to the first century. Regardless, many choose to believe it was worn by Mary. It remains in a golden cask and is on desplay.

I did hear one story that at least one priest (my mind is telling me three for some reason, and I wish I could remember exactly) tried to save the tunic when the church caught on fire. They were caught in the crypt below and remained there as the church burned about them. The town thought for sure the tunic and the priests were lost. But, once the flames were doused and the building cooled, the priests emerged unharmed carrying the tunic. It does make one wonder. . .

Back on the bus and we head for our next destination. Truthfully, I can't remember which place we went to first, but my next post will be visiting Chambord.

Powerful Prayful Post - 7/11/10

Thank you for allowing me to pray for you this past week.

Today I am offering up a special prayer for a group of individuals. On Friday, July 16th - 28 youth and 7 adults (I think that is the count) will be leaving from our church to travel to New Orleans for the National Youth Gathering. I am a little nervious - my son is going and I am a mom who doesn't like her children too far away. The youth go every three years and I thought he could wait until next time around. Well, my daughter, who went last time, thought differently and I was told to "quit smothering my children" to "let go" a that "my son needs to do this". There is nothing like being put in my place by my basically adult child - lol. Andrea had an awesome experience when she went and she wants the same for her brother. And, maybe this is the best foundation I could give him before he enters high school.

In preparation, the youth have been learning about New Orleans before, during and after Katrina, so they can better understand what this city has endured. My prayer for each and every one or our youth, adults and the 20,000+ who attend this gathering is that they have a safe trip, to, during and from, and that each of them develope a closer relationship to Jesus and God. I know that was my daughter's experience.

To learn more about the gathering, you can visit http://www.lcmsgathering.com. Please join me in praying for them this week and next.

How can I pray for you? The list can never be too long. God is waiting to hear from us.

My Trip(s) to Paris (Day 4) – Part 4

Our third day in Paris ended with an evening cruise down the Siene. I don’t know if you have seen Charade, where Cary Grant and Audrey Hepburn are on the dinner boat taking a cruise on the Siene, but our trip was not like that. We did not have dinner, it was just a tour. Some of the kids opted to be on the top so they could take pictures. Others, like myself, preferred to remain on the lower level. Sometimes I was inside, other times not. Depending on the wind.

I’ve taken this cruise twice and you have the opportunity to see Paris in a completely different way than you did by bus or walking for that matter.

There really isn’t much to add in way of description so I have thrown in a few photos. I’ve learned I am not much of a photographer, but even worse at night.



The two pictures are of the Eiffel Tower at night and the where the King and Queen were held prior to execution.

My Trip(s) to Paris (Day 4) – Part 3

With the inside tour of Versailles complete, it is time to venture outside. As I mentioned in previous posts, the weather on my first visit was perfect. All we needed was a light jacket. On the second visit, not so much. In fact, it was raining, the wind was harsh and it was cooooolllllldddddd. Still, I refused to remain inside.

The gardens of Versailles are amazing and I could go on forever. The pictures show the main avenue toward the Fountain of Apollo and the Grand Canal. On my first trip I walked to it. What is hard to see are there are paths venturing out on both sides leading to separate avenues, groves and gardens. Those I have not yet visited, but I’ve seen photos and read descriptions. A few would include “The Ballroom” which is a Circular garden with a cascading waterfall. In the center of the grove, balls had been held. Can you image a formal ball, dancing under the stars, the sound of tinkling water in the background? Others include The Dauphin’s Grove and the Candelabra Grove, The Salle Des Marronniers, The King’s Garden and the Colonnade. Each and every one of these includes amazing statues. In addition to the numerous gardens, there are fountains aplenty but one place I would love to see is The Baths of Apollo, which is a grove, which looks more like a grotto with statues within and without. Before it is a pool, which looks more like a pond in contrast to the fountains.

If you continue walking you will eventually come to the Grand Trianon. This place was reserved for concerts, festivities and a place to eat. It was also the location where Louis XIV invited ladies o the Court to visit him. The grand Trianon is also surrounded by flowers and were chosen for a variety of colors as well as their perfume. Either the queen and/or the king must have spent a good deal of time here because they both have bedchambers, at least four drawing rooms and Louis-Philippe’s Family Drawing Room, as well as a gaming room and a Gallery and Chapel.

Further out is the Petit Trianon, which Louis XVI gave to his queen as a gift to “make a life for herself away from court”. Among the many rooms includes a Theatre.

Lastly, if you go far enough you will come to the Queens Hamlet. This is a picturesque cottage, with supporting farm and quaint gardens. Marie Antoinette would come here to “get away” and relax. She liked to shepherdess. However, unlike most true shepardess, the queen insisted the sheep be died to match her gown before she played.

My Trip(s) to Paris (Day 4) – Part 2

Once inside Versailles we begin the tour with the State Apartments which include the following:

The Royal Chapel: We are not allowed to go in but can stand a look through the door from the first floor. It is a gorgeous, two story chapel with carved white pillars. The ceiling is a painting The Heavenly Father in His Glory Announcing to the World the Promise of Redemption, by Antoin Coypel. The center is God and he is surrounded by adoring, winged angels, both male and female and of all ages.

The Hercules Drawing-Room: This had been used as the chapel until the Royal Chapel was complete in 1710. The redecoration was complete in 1712 with Veronese’s painting, The Meal at the House of Simon¸ originally painted and given to the Refectory of the Convent of the Servites in Venice around 1570 and gifted to Louis XIV in 1664. The ceiling is a painting by Francois Lemoine, The Apotheosis of Hercules.

The Drawing-Room of Plenty: I believe this room eventually became King XVI’s game room. On “apartment” evenings, when people visited, buffet tables were set about with refreshments.

Venus Drawing-Room: This is the main entrance into the State Apartment. More artwork abounds from more paintings on the ceiling to a statue of Louis XIV by Jean Warin.

Diana Drawing-Room is adjacent to the Venus Drawing-Room and served as a vestibule and at one time the billiards room for Louis XIV.

Mars Drawing-Room: A guards room until 1684, and has a military theme, became a music and games room. Red papered walls and crystal chandelier hang from the ceiling. Musicians would set up in on or both of the marble galleries. On the ceiling Claude Audran painted Mars in a Chariot Drawn by Wolves.

Mercury Drawing Room: The king’s bedchamber and also has red papered walls. The original gold headboard was melted down by the king to meet the expenses of war. It was in this room where Louis XIV lay in state for 8 days in 1715.

Apollo Drawing-Room: Also, the Throne Room. The original furniture was silver, but these furnishings were also melted down by Louis XIV in 1689.

War Drawing-Room: Magnificent with its silver, gold and mirrors. Military victories were celebrated here

Hall of Mirrors: Perhaps I should have saved the word Magnificent for this hall. It was built on the site of the original terrace. Along one wall are mirrors, separated only by statutes. On the opposite side are windows which look out over the vast gardens of Versailles. There are no words I can use to describe the beauty of this hall. Used for state events, only on occasion, and it was the place for the celebration following the wedding ceremony uniting Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette.

Peace Drawing-Room: Separated from the Hall of Mirrors and turned into the Queen’s Apartments.

Queen’s Bedchamber: It is the only place she slept (unlike the king who had more than one bedchamber), and the room where the king would visit her. This room also saw the birth of nineteen children.

Salon Des Nobles: This is basically the queen’s throne room, where she would gather her court and grant audiences.

This is just a sampling of what can be seen at Versailles. There are rooms I have yet to visit such as the King’s private apartments, which include his bedchamber, Cabinet room, Library, dining room and Games room and the Queen’s private apartments and the rooms where the children were raised. Someday I hope to take in the entire palace before stepping outside into hopeful sunshine.

Because my notes were really, really hard to make out, I used the book I picked up while in Versailles to help me recall the order of the tour and which room held which artwork. And, I apologize if this post read more like a dry tour brochure than my memories. Even though I have been there twice, it is difficult to remember the details with regard to history, use, and the amazing artwork of each individual room. For a illustrated guide to Versailles, I recommend your visit to VERSAILLES, by Simone Hoog (Honorary General Curator of the Estate) and Beatrix Saule (head Curator). It is sold at Versailles, in every language imaginable, but can also be purchased at Amazon, though no picture of the cover is offered or I would have put it here.