It is now Friday night. The RWA conference began with a luncheon on Thursday. Since, I have been attending workshops and meeting new people. Last night I sat in the lounge until midnight chatting with my critique partners and other writers.
Today, when the workshops were complete I went to dinner with the ladies and two of their husband's and shopped along the Boardwalk while a few of my critique partners were at publisher parties.
I've been able to spend time with old friends, who I see about once a year, meet now friends and put faces with names. In fact, today I found myself in a workshop with Keli Gwyn, whose blog I follow.
Though friends decided to unwind in the lounge, I was too exhausted. In short, my brain is full and I have got to figure out how to cram more in it tomorrow. And, if you are here, is your brain full too?
If any readers out there are at the conference, let me know and I will keep an eye out for you.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Paris in July - Final Post
This will be m
y last post for Paris in July. I thought I could fill the month but my time has been crunched. By the time this is posted I will be in Orland at the RWA Conference. I had hoped to have enough posts saved so they could run the entire time I am gone, but I am out of time for writing them.
That being said, I am going to sum up the rest of the trip. We finished off with a trip to the middle of the Eiffel Tower our last night in Paris. It was a beautiful view. This was my first time up into the Eiffel Tower. I had stayed on the ground previously. This is due to another stupid phobia - fear of heights. But, since dinner was above and I would be the only one left on the ground, I forced myself to go. I am so glad I did. The view was gorgeous and the food delicious.
By the time the night had come to an end, everyone was exhausted. It was a very busy trip, but it was a pleasant exhaustion. We rose early the next da
y and were taken to the airport, much earlier than we needed to be. Thus, we all had to wait until we could check in for our flight. This was also the first time I was ever pulled aside and my bags gone through and I was frisked. I was a bit embarrassed. I was so tired that my carry-on was a complete mess. I just threw stuff in that didn't fit in my luggage, deciding to deal with it when I got home. I won't make that mistake again.
I don't know why I was singled out. My name could have been random, on a list or something else could have made them question me. At least I wasn't the only one in the group. There were a few of us that got the
special treatment.
Did I mind? No. If this is what we have to endure to keep the airlines safe then I am all for it. I would rather those screening were extra diligent than to wake up to the news one day and watch coverage of new horrors.
Hope you enjoyed my trip to Paris. It was fun revisiting it.
y last post for Paris in July. I thought I could fill the month but my time has been crunched. By the time this is posted I will be in Orland at the RWA Conference. I had hoped to have enough posts saved so they could run the entire time I am gone, but I am out of time for writing them.That being said, I am going to sum up the rest of the trip. We finished off with a trip to the middle of the Eiffel Tower our last night in Paris. It was a beautiful view. This was my first time up into the Eiffel Tower. I had stayed on the ground previously. This is due to another stupid phobia - fear of heights. But, since dinner was above and I would be the only one left on the ground, I forced myself to go. I am so glad I did. The view was gorgeous and the food delicious.
By the time the night had come to an end, everyone was exhausted. It was a very busy trip, but it was a pleasant exhaustion. We rose early the next da
y and were taken to the airport, much earlier than we needed to be. Thus, we all had to wait until we could check in for our flight. This was also the first time I was ever pulled aside and my bags gone through and I was frisked. I was a bit embarrassed. I was so tired that my carry-on was a complete mess. I just threw stuff in that didn't fit in my luggage, deciding to deal with it when I got home. I won't make that mistake again.
I don't know why I was singled out. My name could have been random, on a list or something else could have made them question me. At least I wasn't the only one in the group. There were a few of us that got the
special treatment.Did I mind? No. If this is what we have to endure to keep the airlines safe then I am all for it. I would rather those screening were extra diligent than to wake up to the news one day and watch coverage of new horrors.
Hope you enjoyed my trip to Paris. It was fun revisiting it.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Paris in July - Opera de Paris
Palais Garneir, also known as Opera de Paris, is the one place my daughter had to see. That is all she talked about in the months leading up to the trip. It began when she wrote a paper on the history and it built from there. The picture posted was taken right before we crossed the street to enter the building.
This was my first visit here as well and I was in awe of the inside. It opened in 1875(and I had thought it was much older). It is the opera company that goes back to the 1600's. This building was simply its home from 1875 through
1978.
The theater portion seats around 2,200 people with a giant chandelier in the center. We were able to step inside what would be a private patron's box and look down on the seats, view the chandelier and large stage. I looked up additonal information and learned the stage could accomodate up to 450 artists. That is huge. I've blogged about theater before and the stages I have experience with get croweded at approximatley 75 people so I can't begin to imagine what it would be like standing on such a huge performance platform.
The Grand Foyer rivals the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and my daughter and I will never come to an agreement on which is more beautiful. Of course, I still favor Versaills.
However, what this building is most famous for is the setting of The Phantom of the Opera. "In 1896, one of the counterweights for the grand chandelier fell, killing one. This, as well as the underground lake, cellars, and other elements of the Opera House, inspired Gaston Leroux in 1909 to write his classic Gothic novel, The Phantom of the Opera." (quoted from Wikipedia). We did not get to go below to see the underground lake but would have loved to.
Following our tour my daughter announced that she plans on being married there. My thoughts were 1) I better sell a lot, I mean really a lot, of books 2) we hit the lottery (guess one of us should start playing) or 3) it will only be her, her husband and the few people who could afford to travel. I really hope she doesn't have her heart set on this. I haven't asked her recently, fearful of her answer.
After our visit we headed down the road and at lunch at the Paris Hard Rock Cafe, where t-shirts were purchased and a delicious meal enjoyed.
This was my first visit here as well and I was in awe of the inside. It opened in 1875(and I had thought it was much older). It is the opera company that goes back to the 1600's. This building was simply its home from 1875 through
1978.The theater portion seats around 2,200 people with a giant chandelier in the center. We were able to step inside what would be a private patron's box and look down on the seats, view the chandelier and large stage. I looked up additonal information and learned the stage could accomodate up to 450 artists. That is huge. I've blogged about theater before and the stages I have experience with get croweded at approximatley 75 people so I can't begin to imagine what it would be like standing on such a huge performance platform.
The Grand Foyer rivals the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles and my daughter and I will never come to an agreement on which is more beautiful. Of course, I still favor Versaills.
However, what this building is most famous for is the setting of The Phantom of the Opera. "In 1896, one of the counterweights for the grand chandelier fell, killing one. This, as well as the underground lake, cellars, and other elements of the Opera House, inspired Gaston Leroux in 1909 to write his classic Gothic novel, The Phantom of the Opera." (quoted from Wikipedia). We did not get to go below to see the underground lake but would have loved to.
Following our tour my daughter announced that she plans on being married there. My thoughts were 1) I better sell a lot, I mean really a lot, of books 2) we hit the lottery (guess one of us should start playing) or 3) it will only be her, her husband and the few people who could afford to travel. I really hope she doesn't have her heart set on this. I haven't asked her recently, fearful of her answer.
After our visit we headed down the road and at lunch at the Paris Hard Rock Cafe, where t-shirts were purchased and a delicious meal enjoyed.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Paris in July - Moulin Rouge, Sacre Coeur and Montmartre
I am going to continue the Paris tour with the Montmartre. I love this place! 
Our walk begins with the Moulin Rouge. No, we did not go in, but the kids got lots of pictures of the place. What I found interesting was the building on the corner with the false front. I've been trying to figure out the purpose but can't seem to come up with one. If it was facing the street (not corner) and people could not see behind it, then I probably wouldn't wonder about it. But, as you can see, it faces a corner so from all directions, except front, you can tell this is a false front. Maybe there is a history or a reason. If someone knows, please tell me.
After getting pictures in front of the Moulin Rouge, we begin our trek uphill. We wind through the streets of the town until we come to the base and look up to Sacre Coeur. However, before starting that climb, the students have a ride on the carousel. I don't know if I h
ave mentioned it, but these were a wonderful bunch of kids. Always respectful, on time, didn't complain (much) and fun. When they saw the carousel it was like having a bunch of children anxious to ride. As it should be. We should never be too old for a carousel. Unfortunately, all of my carousel pictures were blurred.
With the ride complete we started up the hill. It was such a gorgeous day, as evidenced by all of the people sitting in front of Sacre Coeur. Musicians played their instruments, people sang. It was a very festive atmosphere. The last time I was here it was colder and a bit rainy. Nobody was sitting outside like this. From the top steps you can look out and over Paris. I love this view.
Nobody opts to go into the cathedral. I think they are too excited to go into Montmartre and have their portrait done. We turn the corner and there are artist filling the square. Some offering portraits, others selling landscapes and other various works of art. I loved rambling through and see the different works.
After looking at all the choices and checking out the artist’s work, the students picked who they wanted to draw their portrait. Once a price was haggled over, they took their place for the sitting. A few of the drawings looked like the student, and others, kinda. The
re is all level of artist here and it was as much fun to have the portrait done as it was to have a finished project.
I wish I could post a picture of the scene but there were several signs around forbidding photography. I don't blame the artists. They work hard and should be be compensated for their paintings. As an author, I am very sensitive to the whole issue of copywrite and to me, those paintings are no different than a book.
Of all the places I have visited in Paris, this is another I hope will be included in the next trip (though I can't imagine it wouldn't).
Our walk begins with the Moulin Rouge. No, we did not go in, but the kids got lots of pictures of the place. What I found interesting was the building on the corner with the false front. I've been trying to figure out the purpose but can't seem to come up with one. If it was facing the street (not corner) and people could not see behind it, then I probably wouldn't wonder about it. But, as you can see, it faces a corner so from all directions, except front, you can tell this is a false front. Maybe there is a history or a reason. If someone knows, please tell me.
After getting pictures in front of the Moulin Rouge, we begin our trek uphill. We wind through the streets of the town until we come to the base and look up to Sacre Coeur. However, before starting that climb, the students have a ride on the carousel. I don't know if I h
ave mentioned it, but these were a wonderful bunch of kids. Always respectful, on time, didn't complain (much) and fun. When they saw the carousel it was like having a bunch of children anxious to ride. As it should be. We should never be too old for a carousel. Unfortunately, all of my carousel pictures were blurred.With the ride complete we started up the hill. It was such a gorgeous day, as evidenced by all of the people sitting in front of Sacre Coeur. Musicians played their instruments, people sang. It was a very festive atmosphere. The last time I was here it was colder and a bit rainy. Nobody was sitting outside like this. From the top steps you can look out and over Paris. I love this view.
Nobody opts to go into the cathedral. I think they are too excited to go into Montmartre and have their portrait done. We turn the corner and there are artist filling the square. Some offering portraits, others selling landscapes and other various works of art. I loved rambling through and see the different works.
After looking at all the choices and checking out the artist’s work, the students picked who they wanted to draw their portrait. Once a price was haggled over, they took their place for the sitting. A few of the drawings looked like the student, and others, kinda. The
re is all level of artist here and it was as much fun to have the portrait done as it was to have a finished project.I wish I could post a picture of the scene but there were several signs around forbidding photography. I don't blame the artists. They work hard and should be be compensated for their paintings. As an author, I am very sensitive to the whole issue of copywrite and to me, those paintings are no different than a book.
Of all the places I have visited in Paris, this is another I hope will be included in the next trip (though I can't imagine it wouldn't).
Monday, July 26, 2010
Decisions, Decisions
I have been going over the list of workshops, spotlights and booksignings available for the RWA Conference and am seriously developing a headache. So much to choose from!
The conference begins Wednesday night with the Literacy Signing. There will be over 200 authors in one big room signing their books. The proceeds from the sale go to Literacy. So, Wednesday night is an easy pick. It is Thursday, after the opening luncheon where I begin to run into problems. The first workshops begin at 2:00 p.m. Thus, my headache begins.
So far, I've only been able to settle on a few that I won't miss:
Beyond Britain: Writing and Selling and Promoting Unusual Historicals - presented by Zoe Archer, Jade Lee, Carrie Lofty, Kevan Lyon and Sherry Thomas
This Little Light of Mine - Marie Bostwick and Debbie Macomber
Writing as: The Trials of Being a Schizophrenic Author - presented by Jennifer Ashley, Nina Bruhns, Pamela Palmer and Eileen Rendhal
Sourcebooks Booksigning (my good friend and critique partner, Lydia Dare will be signing)
Writing the High-Concept Inspirational - presented by Beth Adams and Beth Pattillo
Talking the Talk: Writing Historical Dialogue - presented by Madeline Hunter, Janet Mullany, Miranda Neville and Lauren Willig
I am very happy with my list so far. Now, to figure out what I want to attend for the remaining 7 slots.
Are you going to the RWA Conference and do you suffer from the same problem - trying to decide? If not this conference, have you run into similar situations for other conferences? If you are going, is there a few workshops you won't miss? What are they? And, if you have been in the past, which do you recommend (even though they change every year).
The conference begins Wednesday night with the Literacy Signing. There will be over 200 authors in one big room signing their books. The proceeds from the sale go to Literacy. So, Wednesday night is an easy pick. It is Thursday, after the opening luncheon where I begin to run into problems. The first workshops begin at 2:00 p.m. Thus, my headache begins.
So far, I've only been able to settle on a few that I won't miss:
Beyond Britain: Writing and Selling and Promoting Unusual Historicals - presented by Zoe Archer, Jade Lee, Carrie Lofty, Kevan Lyon and Sherry Thomas
This Little Light of Mine - Marie Bostwick and Debbie Macomber
Writing as: The Trials of Being a Schizophrenic Author - presented by Jennifer Ashley, Nina Bruhns, Pamela Palmer and Eileen Rendhal
Sourcebooks Booksigning (my good friend and critique partner, Lydia Dare will be signing)
Writing the High-Concept Inspirational - presented by Beth Adams and Beth Pattillo
Talking the Talk: Writing Historical Dialogue - presented by Madeline Hunter, Janet Mullany, Miranda Neville and Lauren Willig
I am very happy with my list so far. Now, to figure out what I want to attend for the remaining 7 slots.
Are you going to the RWA Conference and do you suffer from the same problem - trying to decide? If not this conference, have you run into similar situations for other conferences? If you are going, is there a few workshops you won't miss? What are they? And, if you have been in the past, which do you recommend (even though they change every year).
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Powerful Prayfule Post - 7/25
The kids and adults who attended the LCMS National Youth Gathering arrived back at the church around midnight on Thursday. That entire day I became more and more excited. This was the longest I had gone without seeing my son. My daughters have taken similar trips and I always felt the same the day they were to return home. This was the first time my son to be gone for so long. He received a huge hug the moment he stepped off the bus.
From the moment he was in the car until somewhere around 2 a.m. he was telling me about the Gathering. He even pulled up the internet so I could listen to the new praise songs he learned. The following day he posted his status on Facebook as the best trip he will probably ever take.
I am so thrilled this was such a rewarding experience for him. And, happy that everyone returned safe and healthy. So, my prayer today is a praise for His Awesomeness and that the youth were able to have such a wonderful experience in His name. And thanks for keeping my son, and the Redeemer family safe.
From the moment he was in the car until somewhere around 2 a.m. he was telling me about the Gathering. He even pulled up the internet so I could listen to the new praise songs he learned. The following day he posted his status on Facebook as the best trip he will probably ever take.
I am so thrilled this was such a rewarding experience for him. And, happy that everyone returned safe and healthy. So, my prayer today is a praise for His Awesomeness and that the youth were able to have such a wonderful experience in His name. And thanks for keeping my son, and the Redeemer family safe.
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Conference Time is Approaching
In addition to blogging about Paris in July, my goal was to post a blog each day in July. Well, I missed yesterday. What I have learned from this experience is that it is very hard to blog every day of the week. And, had I not had Paris, I would have run out of topics by the second week. I don't know how other bloggers manage to post so much. Where do they get the ideas? So, once July has ended, I will be blogging much less. It is yet to be determined if it will be once a week or three times a week. We shall see.
On Tuesday, I leave for Orlando and couldn't be more excited. I will be attending the 30th Romance Writers of America's National Conference. This will be my third year. We were originally supposed to be in Nashville. The entire family was going to go because my inlaws live just outside of Nashville. Well, as you know, the city was struck with horrendous flooding this spring and the hotel we were to stay in received a good deal of water. And, knowing they would not be able to be up and running by the end of July, the conference site was moved.
We will now be staying at the Swan and Dove in Orlandon on the Disney properties. I will be arriving a day early, like I always do, so I am not rushed. And, on my only free day I will be spending it with some of my critique partners in Epcot. Unfortunately, the family could not join us. First, my husband has a new job, thus no vacation time and second, swinging the plane tickets and additional hotel rooms were not in the budget. We are saving for another trip and we would have been able to drive to Nashville. I do feel kind of guilty about being at Disney without the family. On the otherhand, after my one free day, I probably won't leave the conference center and they would have been ejoying the parks without me.
Today, I am going to go through a pre-pack. I do this everytime I travel. I need to make sure I have the right clothing for the right event and comfortable shoes. I think the comfortable shoes are the highest on my list of priorities. Not only will there be a day of walking at Epcot, but also days of walking at the conference. This can cover a very larger area and the last thing I want is to be hobbling because my feet are killing me.
Once I get my clothing situation decided upon I check on everything else I need from toilettries to workshop printouts to business cards an promo items for Loving Lydia. However, the workshop printouts may have to wait until I actually know which workshops I will be attending. Oh, I have a preliminary list but that can change. And, there are some time slots that I can't decide which I want to attend. I think I will save that for Monday.
For now, I am off to pre-pack, do laundry and probably head out to shop for the necessities missing. Oh, I am also going to finish out my Paris blogs and schedule them to be posted while I am in Orlando. I will try and check in and read other blogs in the evening, if not too exhausted. From experience, I know my brain will be mush by Saturday morning from taking so much in.
Who else is going to the conference and do you do a pre-pack. If you aren't going to the conference, do you do a pre-pack before you take a trip?
On Tuesday, I leave for Orlando and couldn't be more excited. I will be attending the 30th Romance Writers of America's National Conference. This will be my third year. We were originally supposed to be in Nashville. The entire family was going to go because my inlaws live just outside of Nashville. Well, as you know, the city was struck with horrendous flooding this spring and the hotel we were to stay in received a good deal of water. And, knowing they would not be able to be up and running by the end of July, the conference site was moved.
We will now be staying at the Swan and Dove in Orlandon on the Disney properties. I will be arriving a day early, like I always do, so I am not rushed. And, on my only free day I will be spending it with some of my critique partners in Epcot. Unfortunately, the family could not join us. First, my husband has a new job, thus no vacation time and second, swinging the plane tickets and additional hotel rooms were not in the budget. We are saving for another trip and we would have been able to drive to Nashville. I do feel kind of guilty about being at Disney without the family. On the otherhand, after my one free day, I probably won't leave the conference center and they would have been ejoying the parks without me.
Today, I am going to go through a pre-pack. I do this everytime I travel. I need to make sure I have the right clothing for the right event and comfortable shoes. I think the comfortable shoes are the highest on my list of priorities. Not only will there be a day of walking at Epcot, but also days of walking at the conference. This can cover a very larger area and the last thing I want is to be hobbling because my feet are killing me.
Once I get my clothing situation decided upon I check on everything else I need from toilettries to workshop printouts to business cards an promo items for Loving Lydia. However, the workshop printouts may have to wait until I actually know which workshops I will be attending. Oh, I have a preliminary list but that can change. And, there are some time slots that I can't decide which I want to attend. I think I will save that for Monday.
For now, I am off to pre-pack, do laundry and probably head out to shop for the necessities missing. Oh, I am also going to finish out my Paris blogs and schedule them to be posted while I am in Orlando. I will try and check in and read other blogs in the evening, if not too exhausted. From experience, I know my brain will be mush by Saturday morning from taking so much in.
Who else is going to the conference and do you do a pre-pack. If you aren't going to the conference, do you do a pre-pack before you take a trip?
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Paris in July - 7/22
Our walk continued after we left Musee d'Orsay. We crossed a bridge over the Siene and ended up at Jardin Des Tuileries. A lovely park with fountains. As I said .JPG)
in an earlier post, this was a beautiful day, which is evidenced by the crowd and the number of people sitting around the fountain, relaxing in the sun.
The Tuileries garden was started by Catherine de Medici. It began as a private roayl pleasure garden, with flowers and fruit. From there it exanded as terraces were added and such. At the very end you can look up the Champs Elyees to the Arc de Triomphe. Read more: http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/jardin_des_tuileries#ixzz0uNZwlCn1
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The palace was also begun by Catherine de Medici after the death of Henry II. Louis XIV lived her while Versailles was being built and Louis XVI and his family were removed from Versailles and force to live in Tuileries. It is from here they escaped. They only made it as far as Varennes before they were captured and returned to the Royal Palace. When Napoleon was in charge, it was his turn to move in. It was destroyed in 1871 when it was set on fire, destroying everying within and out.
This was my first visit t.JPG)
o Tuileries. On the last visit we went to Luxembourgh Gardens. Another delightful gathering place, with a lake, or maybe it is a large pond where people gather and children launch sailboats. I wish I had pictures from that trip.
I am not sure which garden is my favorite. Luxomburg is not as formal, I suppose. I think I could relax better in Luxomburg better and soak up the sun on a beautiful day or just simply relax and read a book. However, I am glad I did visit Tuileries and I think I would like to visit it again. But, if given a choice during the next visit, I think I would like to return to Luxomburg gardens.
.JPG)
in an earlier post, this was a beautiful day, which is evidenced by the crowd and the number of people sitting around the fountain, relaxing in the sun.The Tuileries garden was started by Catherine de Medici. It began as a private roayl pleasure garden, with flowers and fruit. From there it exanded as terraces were added and such. At the very end you can look up the Champs Elyees to the Arc de Triomphe. Read more: http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/jardin_des_tuileries#ixzz0uNZwlCn1
.JPG)
The palace was also begun by Catherine de Medici after the death of Henry II. Louis XIV lived her while Versailles was being built and Louis XVI and his family were removed from Versailles and force to live in Tuileries. It is from here they escaped. They only made it as far as Varennes before they were captured and returned to the Royal Palace. When Napoleon was in charge, it was his turn to move in. It was destroyed in 1871 when it was set on fire, destroying everying within and out.
This was my first visit t
.JPG)
o Tuileries. On the last visit we went to Luxembourgh Gardens. Another delightful gathering place, with a lake, or maybe it is a large pond where people gather and children launch sailboats. I wish I had pictures from that trip.I am not sure which garden is my favorite. Luxomburg is not as formal, I suppose. I think I could relax better in Luxomburg better and soak up the sun on a beautiful day or just simply relax and read a book. However, I am glad I did visit Tuileries and I think I would like to visit it again. But, if given a choice during the next visit, I think I would like to return to Luxomburg gardens.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Paris in July - 7/21
After we emerged back into the sunshine following the Catacombs, we made our way to the Metro and went underground once again. Our destination was Notre Dame once again. Some of the students explored, others took the Metro to find the Paris Claire’s' Boutique because it was supposed to carry something that isn't in the states. I think a dad and others hea
ded for the Paris Harley Davidson. Me, I wandered about with others. I had hoped to tour Sainte Chappelle. Unfortunately, it was Thursday, or better known as Mundey Thursday. The line outside of Sainte Chappell was ridiculous. However, I suspect I could have cut in line because those waiting wanted to go in on Good Friday. Oh, and after realizing that we were there on Thursday, I realize I have posted my days out of order. Oh well.
The reason so many were waiting to get in on Good Friday is because that is when the Crown of Thorns is brought out. Supposedly, Sainte Chappelle is in possession of the Crown of Thorns and pieces of wood from the cross Jesus was crucified on. So, all those people in line didn't really want to be in there on Thursday. But, like I said, the line was huge and I didn't want to walk down and ask the all if they minded if I went now since they didn't. One day I will get into Sainte Chappelle!
When everyone met up again outside of Notre Dame we decided to walk to our next destination - Musee d' Orsay. This is the Impressionist Museum. By looking at the map, the walk didn't seem all the far so we headed off for a stroll along the Seine. This was much more enjoyable than taking the Metro. We passed a number of vendors with prints, books, etc. It was a very nice day and a number of people were out and seemed to just be walking and enjoying themselves.
Once we were at the museum, everyone broke up to see the work of their favorite artist. For me, it was Renoir. He is my favorite and always has been. I love his bold colors and the fact that regardless of the nature print, there will be a person in there somewhere. I have
had the opportunity to visit this museum twice. Next time, I would like to visit the Rodin museum. But, I guess I mentioned that before.
It isn't like I have not seen his work. About 20 yrs ago and exhibit came to our local museum. It was wonderful and I fell in love with his work. The detail is amazing. Most people are familiar with "The Thinker" or "The Kiss". I have a few replicas of his work in my house but I think my favorite is the "Hand of God". And speaking of hands, Rodin was amazing in his sculptures, especially when it came to hands.
ded for the Paris Harley Davidson. Me, I wandered about with others. I had hoped to tour Sainte Chappelle. Unfortunately, it was Thursday, or better known as Mundey Thursday. The line outside of Sainte Chappell was ridiculous. However, I suspect I could have cut in line because those waiting wanted to go in on Good Friday. Oh, and after realizing that we were there on Thursday, I realize I have posted my days out of order. Oh well.The reason so many were waiting to get in on Good Friday is because that is when the Crown of Thorns is brought out. Supposedly, Sainte Chappelle is in possession of the Crown of Thorns and pieces of wood from the cross Jesus was crucified on. So, all those people in line didn't really want to be in there on Thursday. But, like I said, the line was huge and I didn't want to walk down and ask the all if they minded if I went now since they didn't. One day I will get into Sainte Chappelle!
When everyone met up again outside of Notre Dame we decided to walk to our next destination - Musee d' Orsay. This is the Impressionist Museum. By looking at the map, the walk didn't seem all the far so we headed off for a stroll along the Seine. This was much more enjoyable than taking the Metro. We passed a number of vendors with prints, books, etc. It was a very nice day and a number of people were out and seemed to just be walking and enjoying themselves.
Once we were at the museum, everyone broke up to see the work of their favorite artist. For me, it was Renoir. He is my favorite and always has been. I love his bold colors and the fact that regardless of the nature print, there will be a person in there somewhere. I have
had the opportunity to visit this museum twice. Next time, I would like to visit the Rodin museum. But, I guess I mentioned that before.It isn't like I have not seen his work. About 20 yrs ago and exhibit came to our local museum. It was wonderful and I fell in love with his work. The detail is amazing. Most people are familiar with "The Thinker" or "The Kiss". I have a few replicas of his work in my house but I think my favorite is the "Hand of God". And speaking of hands, Rodin was amazing in his sculptures, especially when it came to hands.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Paris in July - 7/20
I am amazed it is taking so many posts to talk about my Paris trips. Okay, I have taken a few days off for Prayful Sundays and when I blogged on other sites, but still, I was only in Paris 7 days each time and this is the 20th day of blogging. It also explains why I was so exhausted when I returned.
The following day was basically a free day and we set out on our own. First up, the Catacombs. Creepy, I know. I promise, the Catacombs will be a setting for at least one scene in a book someday. It is hard to explain them except they are far underground and weave for what I would guess is miles. Some alleys are roped off and tourists, or anyone else for that matter, are discouraged from going beyond the marked path because you could get lost and ramble around in there forever. There are stories of people who wandered off, never to be seen again.
I believe the Catacombs came to be when Paris expanded. The expansion disrupted several old cemeteries. In order to have a place for the bones, they were put in the Catacombs. The bones are all neatly stacked with and by each stack of bones is the name of the cemetery they had come from. Other bodies, I believe, are from the Revolution. Robespierre was accidently taken to the Catacombs after his death, but they realized the error and he was put in a proper grave somewhere.
One of the most fascinating things I discovered, and never expected to see, were carvings out of the stone. And not just simple carvings, but detailed. I can't imagine who would want to stay down there for the length of time it took to complete such a work of art.
I have no idea how long we walked but when we got to the end we had to climb another tight spiral staircase. I tell you, before I got to the top my thighs were burning. At one time I stopped, convinced I could not continue on. But the thought of staying with all of the bones kept me moving.
The following day was basically a free day and we set out on our own. First up, the Catacombs. Creepy, I know. I promise, the Catacombs will be a setting for at least one scene in a book someday. It is hard to explain them except they are far underground and weave for what I would guess is miles. Some alleys are roped off and tourists, or anyone else for that matter, are discouraged from going beyond the marked path because you could get lost and ramble around in there forever. There are stories of people who wandered off, never to be seen again.
I believe the Catacombs came to be when Paris expanded. The expansion disrupted several old cemeteries. In order to have a place for the bones, they were put in the Catacombs. The bones are all neatly stacked with and by each stack of bones is the name of the cemetery they had come from. Other bodies, I believe, are from the Revolution. Robespierre was accidently taken to the Catacombs after his death, but they realized the error and he was put in a proper grave somewhere.
One of the most fascinating things I discovered, and never expected to see, were carvings out of the stone. And not just simple carvings, but detailed. I can't imagine who would want to stay down there for the length of time it took to complete such a work of art.
I have no idea how long we walked but when we got to the end we had to climb another tight spiral staircase. I tell you, before I got to the top my thighs were burning. At one time I stopped, convinced I could not continue on. But the thought of staying with all of the bones kept me moving.
Monday, July 19, 2010
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.
Sunday, July 18, 2010
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?
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?
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