I haven’t done one of these posts in a while, and they’re rather a good way of organizing the random. And it’s our last Friday here in Bordeaux. Let’s count. . .
1.
They’ve just changed the windows in both the Petrusse stores here to feature charming woodland scenes. I love these little wild boar piglets. Also love the beautiful colours and textures of the stoles and scarves, but even more, I think, I’m happy with this photo’s captured reflection of one of Bordeaux’s central streets, leading to the Grand Théâtre and the Place de la Comédie. You might even be able to spot a certain curly-haired photographer…
2.
I did manage to finish a watercolour sketch on a postcard blank I’d brought with me. I sent if off to Nola yesterday with a message on the back that she’ll be able to read all by herself. It’s quite charming to have an epistolary relationship with a grandchild, and I want to do my part. I’d also like her to see that it can be worthwhile to do a few things you’re not particularly good at but take some pleasure in. Drawing and painting, in my case…
3. Verdi’s Don Carlo at Bordeaux’s new auditorium. We were disappointed when we learned the opera wasn’t in the delightfully ornate Grand Théâtre where we saw Mozart’s Magic Flute a few years ago. But the auditorium is elegant in its own way, not least for the surprising contrast between its modest sidewalk frontage and the way the space opens inside. Very contemporary and quite spare with good sight lines from every seat, as far as we could tell (depending how the possibilities of “in the round” are deployed). And the legroom! Pater was in heaven, as we’d somehow landed seats in a row used to pass through, the extra space a happy trade-off for the mild annoyance of traffic. (In the Grand Théâtre we once had seats in Paradis, and it wasn’t!).
As for the opera itself, we’d seen it in Vancouver last year. This production was very spare, set-wise, completely reliant on projected video, a trend that is becoming increasingly entrenched, and obviously a help to constrained budgets. Lush as some of the projected images were, we both wished for a bit more. Costumes were satisfying, and the singing and orchestral performances were brilliant. The opera itself is unwieldy and I appreciated the cuts made –still a good 3 1/2 hours–and what is with that ending?! I could say more about the whole evening (the style, elegant and creative and sophisticated) but then we’d have to stop at Three Things Friday and then where’s the alliteration?
4.
Random Running Routes pay off (see how alliteration felt itself under threat there and took action?). That’s how I found what may be my favourite example of Street Art yet! The whimsy!
5.
And then there are these boots. Having managed not to buy any shoes since last September (other than my running shoes, which I don’t count), having focused on window-shopping only, using the limited capacity of my carry-on case to bolster my retail resistance, I somehow found myself inside a shop with this pair of boots on my feet. Fit very well, I might add.
I said, as I agreed to try the shoes on, that I wouldn’t leave the shop with them that day, needing to “reflechisse,” and I didn’t. But I did text a photo to a sister, a daughter, and a daughter-in-law asking opinions. Turns out each of them is a shoe-shopping enabler. What about you? What would you have advised if I’d texted you. The boots are by Atelier Voisin, a French brand with a solid reputation for quality. Hurry, let me know what you think. I only have two more shopping days in Bordeaux!
Once again, thank you for reading and I look forward to your comments. Happy Vendredi!
Fabulous shape on those boots, and if they're comfortable….count me on Team Enabler! Love the whimsical street art too. Enjoy your last few days there; can't wait to see what you find in Rome!
Thanks for the enabling, Sue… Although my charge card might not agree 😉
Only one advice re boots. If you love them, buy them. New boots are one of life's great pleasures. Actually, all autumn clothes shopping is a joy. So much on offer and no need to reveal parts that you feel should be veiled. Bon weekend!
So very true what you say about autumn clothed–temptation abounds!
Nice! Heel not too high, chunky and stable, interesting texture – yes, buy 'em! :0)
If you insist…..
Buy.Those.Boots.
Do not leave town without those boots. If you don't want them then buy them and send them to me (size 61/2 please).
Love the bird and rider, I'm so jealous of your trip 🙂
So funny, that's pretty much what my sister texted, and she's the same size as you…
LOL
Buy them:):) You will regret it if you don't..They are unique! Coco
It's becoming a unanimous verdict and I like to be obedient…😉
Buy those boots,if they are comfy,I like them! And than,when in Rome-, two possibilities
:1. If you'll find another beautiful boots you like,buy them,too. How often can you find beautiful and comfortable boots? Or
2. Don't look at shoe shop windows in Rome at all ( That is my choice very often,when I already bought shoes I like) 🙂
Dottoressa
Oh, you've got right to the heart of the problem. Buying a pair of boots two days before leaving for Rome, where I'm sure to see even more wonderful boots. So I may very well be walking around Rome next week refusing to look at shop windows….or I'll be using your wise rationale to compromise my already taxed charge card!
If they are comfortable and you really like them, buy them. You may have to give up on something else to stay within your carry-on limit. If you have not bought shoes for a year, it might be time. En revanche, since you are now retired, you may not have so many opportunities to wear the boots. I love French shop windows!
Yes, I have to make some tough choices about what gets left out of my suitcase, but at least I planned to leave my runners behind here and they are almost as bulky as the boots. Careful calculations….😉
If the boots are comfy, they have your name alll over them! You can't change your mind and go back for them once you get home!
So true. Thank you!
Oh if the boots fit…buy them!
They'll be perfect for fall and winter…
Nice watercolour too mater!
I do think they'll get lots of wear. And thanks re the watercolour.mverry amateur, I know, but I think Nola might be a generous audience, as you are,,.
Boots that FIT and are COMFY- no brainier – buy them. My feet are so hard to fit and occasionally I have restrained myself and then lived with the regret….love your postcard and your relationship with your granddaughter- a tradition if hand painted card exchange is being established…love the street art, too. Enjoy your last few days in Bordeaux.
Thanks! I'm a tiny bit worried about the right boot, which is a bit tight on my larger right foot, but I'm counting on the leather to stretch.
Nola fills her cards to me with her drawings, so it seems only fair I return the favour.
Strange tip for stretching shoes & boots – stick a large clean potatoe in for a few days . Works for me & I have one foot slightly bigger than the other too . See how useful I am ….
Wendy in York
It is strange, but it makes sense and I'm going to try it when I get home. Thanks!
love the watercolour! You are really using the wet-in-wet well. Can't wait to see where you take your painting in the next couple of months….
You are way too kind, thank you! I'm really looking forward to the watercolour classes. Left a comment on your Eiffel Tower post but it seems to have got lost. Your Paris classes sound wonderful for your students!
I am late to the party. Buy the boots. You will get so much wear out of them. Great with skinnies and with flares. I think that flares need a heel. Just my two Euros:)
Boots bought. On me, flares have to have a heel, no question!
Well, I'd buy them (but then I don't have a lot of self-restraint). BTW, I bought a pair of gorgeous cream coloured leather ankle boots in Amsterdam 4 years ago and every time I wear them (which isn't outrageously often, admittedly), I love the memories they evoke. Also, they're freakin' cool boots.