*My first Paris review was of The Paris Wife, by Paula McLain.

I’ve said previously that my “Golden Age” was Paris in the 20s. Similar to Owen Wilson in Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris. This was a time when (I imagine) jazz was always floating through the air. Men and women were dancing at every movement or at least sitting in a café planning their next soiree. There was a feeling of excitement in each conversation, and a carefree spirit that believed anything was possible. It was a time for adventure, imagination, and creativity.

Some, including Allen, might label this nostalgia as Golden Age Syndrome – an illusion and exaggerated romantic notion that a time gone by and all its customs were considerably better than the present time. And in Midnight in Paris, Allen explores this notion through his own distinct way and some very humorous, although grossly stereotyped, characters.

The film follows Gil and Inez, who are vacationing in Paris while Inez’s parents are there on business. The parents are portrayed as a stereotypical conservative, American couple, who believe their values, customs, and business practices are superior to those of anyone else. They are impatient at restaurants. The mother scolds shopkeepers for their lack of service. And in one particularly funny scene for our little Normandy group, the father is trying to argue the principles of Republican politics while being severely distracted by a small dog sitting at the table beside him. Snide comments on French hygiene and their lack of respect for other diners follows.

One night Gil chooses a quiet walk through the streets of Paris over a night of dancing with his fiancé and some of her pretentious college friends. At midnight, a vintage Peugeot rolls up and a lively crowd beckons Gil to come along. Now, we’re carried back in time to Paris in the 1920s, with Ernest Hemingway, Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald, T. S. Eliot, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dali, and many other writers and artists of the time. Allen’s 1920s characters are even more stereotyped than those in the present day – Hemingway hits on every woman he meets and his conversations are straight out of his novels.

Gil has landed in his Golden Age. He loves every minute, and he seems content to stay there forever. Along the way, he meets Adriana (Marion Cotillard), a young mistress to Picasso. She laments that Paris in the 20s is so hard, and she wishes she lived during the Belle Époque with Claude Monet, Edgar Degas, and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. We’re meant to see that people in every age are always idealizing the past as something much better than the present. It’s a never-ending cycle.

Gil eventually realizes that he needs to live fully in the present and free himself of his nostalgic tendencies. But part of me wonders if he really will be happier without that dream of Paris in the 20s. While I appreciate a Carpe Diem – Seize the Day – motto and making the most of the present moment, I also believe we can carry with us in the present certain elements of our Golden Age. I think there’s still great value in hand-written notes, formal salons, dressing for dinner (and for travel), and a wide variety of other forgotten customs. And who’s to say these little touches can’t make our present just that much better than it is on its own.

Midnight in Paris, while my review so far might lead you to think I disliked it, was actually a great comedy and farce of many of the members of the Lost Generation. It’s disingenuousness kept me laughing throughout the film. And the scenes in many of Paris’ great museums and monuments were a vivid, visual love letter to the City of Lights and brought back so many personal memories of my time there.

If you’ve ever imagined being part of that raucous and impulsive time that is Paris in the 20s, or if you just love Paris at any time, Midnight in Paris should definitely be on your summer movie list.

My “Golden Age” (or at least one of them) would be Paris in the 20s – jazz floating through the air, a smooth dance step in every movement, a feeling of excitement in each conversation, and a carefree spirit that believes anything is possible. It was a time for adventure, imagination, and creativity.

My life-long love for Paris recently led me to two things – The Paris Wife by Paula McLain and Midnight in Paris, Woody Allen’s latest film.

Review 1 of 2:

Hadley & Ernest's First Apartment in Paris was on the Fourth Floor of this Building in the Latin Quarter.

The Paris Wife recounts the love affair between Ernest Hemingway and his first wife, Hadley. The story is told from Hadley’s point of view, which provides a unique female perspective into the life and times of one of America’s most celebrated authors and into the expat social scene of Paris in the 1920s. When Hadley met Ernest, he was living with friends in Chicago, readjusting and recuperating after his time as an ambulance driver during World War I, and working as a freelance correspondent for the Toronto Star. After only a few short months, the two married and moved to Paris. In Paris, Ernest and Hadley quickly become part of the lively and impulsive expat crowd – the “Lost Generation” – together with Gertrude Stein, Ezra Pound, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce. Can you imagine their dinner party conversation?! Well, thankfully, you catch a glimpse of it in McLain’s book.

The dynamics of Hadley’s relationship with Ernest and with the others is what drew me into this story. From my brief study of Hemingway in high school, I remembered that he was known for his womanizing and chauvinistic ways. So to see glimpses of true love and infatuation (mostly based on fact) in his relationship with Hadley softened my resolve against Hemingway. However, as Hemingway tries more and more to fit in to the fast life of Paris – lots of beautiful women, alcohol, and talented competition – you can see him struggle between the richness and excitement of Paris and the traditional values he professes to share with Hadley. For good or bad, I think we all know how that struggle ends for Hem.

Meanwhile, Hadley is struggling to find her own balance between wife, mother, and muse. Not to mention, she has her own hidden ambition and talent to become a concert pianist. Where does that fit into Hemingway’s plan?

The story of Hadley and Hemingway covers a rollercoaster of emotions from wedded bliss and carefree adventure to heartbreak and deception. Both must reconcile their true love for each other, their own ambitions, and Hemingway’s ultimate betrayal. Through it all, The Paris Wife highlights Hadley’s strength and grace during the crises of her marriage and her growing self-confidence pursue her own dreams.

If you’ve ever imagined being part of that Lost Generation or living it up in Paris in the 20s, The Paris Wife is a must read.

Created with Admarket’s flickrSLiDR.

We’ve come to the end of another summer. It’s time to pack up the seersucker and open-toed shoes. School has started, Congress is on its way in from recess, and Starbucks has brought out the pumpkin spice latte.

While I enjoy a crisp fall day and the sight of leaves changing to bright red and orange, I’m sad to see summer pass so quickly. Summer carries with it a feeling of optimism, opportunity, and care-free relaxation. I love that Congress calls its summer break “recess”; that captures the freedom and excitement that summer brings, just like bursting through the doors to play outside during grade school. The endless sunshine (and yes even the hot, steamy, humid air) encourages you to grab your friends and explore the city, take a day trip to the country, or just pack a picnic to enjoy while listening to jazz in the sculpture garden. Summer seems to refocus your attention on what’s important in life–spending time with family and friends and finding enjoyment in everything you do.

What will you miss most about summer?

A few of the things I’ll miss most:
- Seersucker and sundresses
- Jazz in the garden with good friends
- fresh peaches and watermelon
- Flip-flops and open-toed shoes
- loosing myself in a chicklit beach read and feeling no guilt about it (that’s what summer reading is all about anyway, right?)
- sunset runs after work (I love when it stays light well past 8pm. I can get so much more accomplished.)

I hope everyone fully enjoys this last weekend of summer. Grab some friends and plan one last adventure before we have to break out the sweaters and snow boots.

As we move through life, people come and go; places change; ideas fade; and things are lost and found. Most of this happens with little fanfare. But, there a few moments in life when someone, somewhere, something, touches our souls, and when it’s gone, we feel empty and alone.

One of those moments happened to me today—my sweet Emma Kate passed away.

We shared nine long years together. She woke me every morning, often much earlier than I wanted. She greeted me at the door every evening. Pleaded with me with her big, blue eyes for tuna or ice cream, or pretty much anything that I was eating. Happily tormented one stuffed mouse after another, which I’m sure I’ll still be finding in nooks and crannies for months to come. But most importantly, she showed me unconditional love.

It’s been a quiet day in my apartment today. A little bit of joy and laughter has died. But, I know Emma is in a better place, probably rolling around in a cloud full of catnip with her sister, Sadie.

I’ll always have the memories, and I know, despite my emptiness today, that she (and Sadie) will always be a part of who I am.

Who or what has touched your heart and become a part of you? Who are you?

Sir Walter Scott on pets: “I have sometimes thought of the final cause of dogs having such short lives and I am quite satisfied it is in compassion to the human race; for if we suffer so much in losing a dog after an acquaintance of ten or twelve years, what would it be if they were to live double that time?”

Disclaimer: I write this knowing there are a LOT of people out there who just don’t understand cats or their owners. I love you anyway and will run the risk of being “that crazy, single lady with the cat.”

By William Faulkner

A dream and a fire which I cannot control, driving me without those comfortable smooth paths of solidity and sleep which nature has decreed for man. A fire which I inherited willy-nilly, and which I must needs feed with talk and youth and the very vessel which bears the fire: the serpent which consumes its own kind, knowing that I can never give to the world that which is crying in me to be freed.

For where is that flesh, what hand holds that blood to shape this dream within me in marble or sound, on canvas or paper, and live? I, too, am but a shapeless lump of moist earth risen from pain, to laugh and strive and weep, knowing no peace until the moisture has gone out of it, and it is once more of the original and eternal dust.

But to create! Which among ye who have not this fire, can know this joy, let it be ever so fleet?

*NOTE: In early 1925, William Faulkner began his professional writing career in earnest while living in New Orleans. The series New Orleans Sketches includes reflections on the city written in the voices of the different people Faulkner observed during his time in the French Quarter.

Jackson Square - One of many great fleur-de-lis images by Candice Alexander

Have you ever been in a place that really feels alive? A place with a heartbeat, energy, movement, character, and history?

For me, that place is home—New Orleans, LA. I was born in New Orleans and raised on crawfish, red beans & rice, beignets, Mardi Gras, and jazz. (my first post has more on my early years and time in NOLA.) Before this May, my last visit to New Orleans was in late 2004. My immediate family moved away in early 2005, just before Hurricane Katrina. So on my first trip back home in more than five years, I was a little scared and a little hesitant about what I might find. (a few photos from my trip are posted to Flickr.)

Lakeshore, by my old high school Clifton L. Ganus, and parts of the Central Business District certainly broke my heart. So many homes and businesses still abandoned and boarded up. So many quiet, empty streets that were once filled with the laughter, chaos, and excitement of all the individuals who lived and worked there.

Places like Uptown, the Garden District, the French Quarter, Metairie, and yes even the West Bank restored my hope for New Orleans. These areas were booming with life and building toward a strong future.

Throughout history, New Orleans has balanced tremendous heartbreak and loss with true joy and happiness. Those experiences are what give the city and its people such character. As you walk through the French Quarter, or farther Uptown, the streets come alive; the balconies and wrought iron of the Pontalba Apartments on Jackson Square whisper stories of Spanish royalty, Creole aristocrats, society parties, and quiet romances; the shotgun houses tell about the hard work and long days of the lower classes in centuries past; the river docks spill secrets of the cotton, sugar, and slave trades; and the hidden alleys and courtyards speak of mystery, intrigue, and devious deeds. Every place has history, a story to share about all the lives that have come and gone there.

The lazy Mississippi and the slower pace of life in New Orleans encourage you to take your time and listen to all the stories the city has to tell. The sharp notes of a saxophone, trumpet, or clarinet playing on the street corner will bring to mind stories of New Orleans’ heyday and party spirit. The sweet smells of magnolias, gardenias, camellias, and jasmine will conjure tales of a more elegant time of society ladies and gentlemen. (Or maybe you prefer the aroma of gumbo and Old Bay in the crawfish boil to remind you of carefree days spent with family and friends. )

No matter the specific sight, sound, or smell, when you let it, New Orleans will fill your soul. The city will show you kindness, gentleness, and stateliness, just like its moss-covered oaks. It will show you true passion, joy, and sadness, like the soul of its jazz. It will show you strength, determination, and perseverance through the heart of its people.

New Orleans is about celebrating life and celebrating history. It is about knowing how to really enjoy every moment with family and friends. And New Orleans is about sharing these experiences—the music, the food, the sights, the smells, the stories—with all those you love to help fill their souls with the same passion.

Leogane was the closest town to the January 12 earthquake’s epicenter, and 90 percent of the city’s buildings and infrastructure were destroyed. Every one of Leogane’s 150,000 residents has been affected by this disaster.

IRD has chosen Leogane as its primary response site for relief and rebuilding activities, including shelter, sanitation, water, building reconstruction, and agriculture programs.

Given the magnitude of destruction, you might ask how the people of Leogane will survive and thrive in the years to come. Here’s a short list of things you should know about the people of Leogane. It’s just a peek into the enormous pride, strength, and resilience of these men and women.

1. Proud Royal Heritage
At the time of Columbus’s arrival in 1492, there were five Taino chiefdoms on the island of Hispaniola. Leogane was built on the site of the town of Yaguana, the capital of Xaragua province, which was ruled by Queen Anacaona. One of the highest Taino chiefs, Anacaona negotiated treaties with Christopher Columbus’ younger brother, Bartholomew Columbus, and the Spanish in 1496. However, the Spanish turned against the Taino people, and Anacaona was later arrested and hung at the age of 39. She is much revered in Haiti, recognized by many as a founder of their country. More recently, Leogane was also the birthplace of Marie-Claire Heureuse Felicite, the wife of the Haitian revolutionary Jean-Jacques Dessalines, and Simone Duvalier, a First Lady of Haiti.

2. Strong Agricultural Background
In pre-Columbian times, the Tainos lived a mainly agrarian lifestyle. The people’s connection to the land continued through the Spanish rule of the island. During the 18th century, the French specifically encouraged the growth of sugar cane, tobacco, indigo, cotton, and cacao. With increased planting came increased importation of African slaves to work the land. The success of modern-day Leogane was born in the fields of sugar cane and banana trees, and it is the back-breaking work of those in the field that has carried Leogane through the centuries.

3. Resilient in the Face of Disaster
Slave revolts in the late 18th century and early 19th century led to the Haitian Revolution. While most of the French colonists fled ahead of the defeated French army, Leogane remained as a French stronghold and was consequently burned to the ground in the early 1800s.

Prior to the Revolution, Leogane had been destroyed by an earthquake in 1770. With the near total destruction caused by the January 12, 2010 earthquake, Leogane and her people have suffered three devastating disasters in less than 250 years, all of which have nearly wiped them from the map. Yet, each time, they rise again—prouder, stronger, and more resilient than ever before.