Wooded Bliss~Missing Paris Day

 Had to share a few more photos of the ancient buildings

of Bar le Duc. 

It's no secret that I love doors and windows...

and especially the wooded doors and ceilings of medieval times.

And there's no shortage of them here. 

Look at what this window revealed.

 The dining room where I will be a guest on this next trip to Bar le Duc

has a similar ceiling only with a luscious, deep turquoise shade between the beams. 

Wonder what's for lunch in this room today? 

Maybe a little wild boar stuffed with the champignons of the Lorraine area

and a piece of this sweetness with a dark cafe creme. 

And yes, I was teased and giggled at for taking this photo.

The woman behind the counter couldn't understand why I would want a shot of it.

My photography companion tried to explain with a shrug of her shoulders:  "C'est different." 

I've been told that Bar le Duc has some of the oldest buildings in the area

and this Monument Historique sign gives you an idea of just how old.

And then there's my favorite: the timbered-house. 

I never tire of gazing at this style. 

There are a couple in Paris I'll have to find on this visit and share with you.

I only found them recently though they stand just around the corner from a place I've walked by 

over and over throughout the years. 

One of the things I love about Paris!

Bon Lundi toute la monde! 

(Photos copyright: Kirsten Steen)

Monday is 'Missing Paris Day'~Chinon

Another in the Traveling Doorway series! This one from Chinon, France.

Looks like the portal to a Secret Garden, don't you think?

Doors give me that mini-awe feeling, like the Muse is knocking on...

well, that would be too punny. She does have a sense of humor, doesn't she!

Mine tends to whisper in my ear, telling me all the things I need to hear:

She tells me that I am good, whole; that I can inspire that awe feeling with my writing.

But it seems to me that when pen gets to paper and push to prose,

My Muse has left the building.

She inspires, teases and then hides, as if to say,

"Go ahead. See if you can do it without me! See if you really NEED me!"

Where exactly does she go? What? Is she busy?

Excuse me, but what kind of other appointment does "My" Muse have

that would keep her away?

A writing friend once made the statement that she suspected

her muse had finally sobered up after drinking at the bar.

And mine?

What, does she have an early Squash game?

An all day Body Glow Spa treatment?

Or is she moonlighting with other writers?

Do we not each get our own or aren't there enough to go around?

Should I be leaving out chocolate or cookies at night

like children do for Santa?

What does she like? Martinis? Do I want a hungover Muse?

How 'bout coffee? With chocolate in it?

Any possible way I could leave a cup of java out with my work

and have her pull an all-nighter while I sleep?

Chocolate sprinkles on top?

This too much to ask?

Okay, ok, I NEED you!

(Photographs copyright: Kirsten Steen)

Monday is 'Missing Paris Day'~Doorway Series

During some of my travels, I 've been known to take Door and Window Series photographs and this is from a little French town, the name of which I have forgotten. This door makes me think of all the things I am missing about France: Foie Gras followed by the taste of Sauterne, champagne before dinner, escargot, open-air markets, the rushing sound of the metro, boats on the Seine, old cobblestones.

And Family! Missing all of you!

Happy Lundi!

(Photographs copyright: Kirsten Steen)