Paris Windows . . . and a Trial Balloon (Delivery System Test)

Just a very quick post to say Hello and Welcome to those of you who might have come here via Sue “High Heels” post on fashion consumerism. I hope you find a few reasons to stick around and/or to stop by again — if you’re following Sue’s directions, we might just be like-minded souls . . .

I can never resist slowing down in front of this window, just a few blocks from our hotel, on Rue de Bac. . .

I’m also posting this to test whether my subscription mailing service is working. My latest post — with which, to be honest, I was quite pleased, and which I was looking forward to sharing with you and chatting about — didn’t get delivered on Friday. I’m not sure whether this was a one-time glitch (it’s happened once before, I think because I clicked “Publish” just as the cyber-postie was collecting the mail, so that my mailing fell in the cracks between a 12:00 and a 12:30 pick-up. Or something. I try for old-school analogies, but sometimes it’s easier just to think the magic wand of technology temporarily lost its mojo. . . .)

At any rate, if you missed that one, please click through or scroll down or somehow navigate your way to it. There’s a good conversation building there, somewhat complementary to the bigger one at Sue’s place.

I love the way the reflective surfaces capture the Parisian architecture as well, a sense of the street behind the viewer.

At any rate, I’m not keen to send out another post I’ve worked hard on IF I think it might not reach many of you, and apparently the person who can right this wrong is away from the office until Wednesday (unusually, and it seems a much-deserved and needed break to me, just poorly timed for my needs 😉

And so many windows in Paris make me wish I had my grandchildren with me, so that we could marvel together. Without them, though, I can still indulge my own Inner Child, right? Wide-eyed, she is . . .

But I do have two other posts almost ready to publish, and it may be that the problem has corrected itself, so consider this post a Trial Balloon (would a newsletter folded into a Paper Airplane make less of a mixed-metaphor situation here?) and forgive me for the extraneous mailbox clutter. I’ll try to make it worthwhile with a few Paris windows, shall I?

It’s been too, too many months since I sketched that series of tea cups and saucers and teapots. But I’m thinking I might need to get back to that. . . . Doesn’t this just make you want to pour yourself a cup of Darjeeling? (or are you a coffee drinker, all the way? 😉

And if this works, in short order I will be publishing the follow-up to last Friday’s post on Travel and Clothing and Slow Fashion, so I’ll be sharing the packing list for a 3-week carry-on-only wardrobe and evaluating how that worked out. I’ve also got my October Books post almost ready to share — yes, I’ve broken my record for tardiest posting yet, but it’s coming, soon. . .

Okay, I’m going to cross my fingers and hope this lands in your mailbox this morning. Meanwhile I’ve got a pudding to steam here. . . and a dress to finish for a wee knit mouse (photos to come, be warned).

That’s it, then. Whether a Trial Balloon or a Paper Airplane, off she heads into cyber-space, my little missive. Let me know, would you, if she lands safely somewhere near you?

xo,

f

66 Comments

  1. Dottoressa
    23 November 2021 / 7:23 am

    It has landed quite safely,as well as the last one,Frances! Looking forward to the next one (and next and next)
    The coffee(:)) cups are so lovely!
    Dottoressa

    • fsprout
      Author
      23 November 2021 / 7:41 am

      Imagine us sitting down to coffee together with those lovely cups (lots of room for šlagom 😉

      • Dottoressa
        24 November 2021 / 6:42 am

        What a treat! We will Frances… one day… and “sa šlagom”!
        D.

        • fsprout
          Author
          24 November 2021 / 4:25 pm

          Big smiles here! xo

  2. Ceri
    23 November 2021 / 7:25 am

    A pigeon has arrived here in Bristol with your post tucked safely under its wing.

    Love those Parisian windows but not sure if I find those white rabbits a little too realistic.

    • fsprout
      Author
      23 November 2021 / 7:39 am

      Thanks for letting me know — I do love a pigeon delivery!
      And I know what you mean about the bunnies — I don’t think they’re taxidermy, but can’t be quite sure. . . .

  3. Eleri M
    23 November 2021 / 7:43 am

    Got it! But I didn’t get the previous one so I look forward to reading that and continuing the Sue conversation. Personally, I’m still wearing clothes which are 30 years old as well as newer sale/ thrifted and inherited! The ‘30 wears’ test tickles me – only 30 or at least 30 or 30 years? I’m so glad that some sense is starting to prevail and that the clothing industry is being exposed so that hopefully it can clean up its act on the industrial side as well as paying fair wages. I really enjoy your posts and am glad that your European trip worked out ok despite the additional red tape. Keep blogging!

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:00 am

      I’ll admit that I had too many clothes until our big move a few years ago, when I found them new homes. Having a small closet helps keep me focused now. But yes, at least 30, and 30 years is worth aiming at. . .
      Thanks for the encouraging words.

    • Lagatta de Montréal
      25 November 2021 / 11:54 am

      Thank you; I love Mater’s posts on darning (there is also an occasional series in the Guardian – I’d like to find others. Yes, fair wages and working conditions in Bangladesh and in industrialised Northern countries – and an end to the fast-fashion rubbish nightmare.

  4. Mary
    23 November 2021 / 7:49 am

    Both of your posts made it to the US East Coast without problem.

    Thanks for sharing the Parisian window scenes–lovely to peruse them while sipping my tea. 🙂

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:00 am

      You’re welcome, Mary — thanks for letting me know you got them.

  5. Sylvie
    23 November 2021 / 7:58 am

    Bonjour Frances
    Got your e mail, enjoyed the parisians photos and also my reading (good exercise for me actually, learning 3or 4 new words every 5 lines !!) Still wonder how you can manage all these activities of yours!! i just admire you !!👏🏻

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:01 am

      Aw, kind words, Sylvie. Thank you!

  6. Shirley MacDonald
    23 November 2021 / 8:00 am

    Yes this first one was waiting for me and I’m enjoying your Parisian windows with my morning tea. I found you through Sue and send greetings from Portland, Oregon!

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:01 am

      Glad to have your company. Hello Portland! 😉

  7. Mary B
    23 November 2021 / 8:04 am

    Your paper plane landed safely in Wales as did your previous one . It was good to know that you had reached home safely after your recent travels .

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:02 am

      I’m glad to know this, Mary. Thanks!

  8. 23 November 2021 / 8:28 am

    Hi Frances… Got this one but not the last one. That mail service is picky. He/she/they deliver to some but not all your contacts. Technology is a BIG pain. As I am finding this week while trying to choose a new host for my blog. Why does everyone in the tech world think I should know what all those thingies are on my WP dashboard??? Ha.
    xo

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:02 am

      Ugh, I know! I’m glad I’ve got that behind me for now. And I got really great support on this once Phil was back in the office.

  9. Karen Marie Thompson
    23 November 2021 / 8:32 am

    Got it in Seattle! The pictures of the window are lovely – and so glad that you enjoyed your trip to Paris! Maybe someday…soon…

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:03 am

      I will cross my fingers for you. 😉

      • Lagatta de Montréal
        25 November 2021 / 12:05 pm

        I’m crossing fingers and touching wood for all the flooded people and other animals in British Columbia and Washington state…

        • fsprout
          Author
          25 November 2021 / 5:20 pm

          Yes, another atmospheric river is flowing over us right now. Your concern is appreciated.

  10. Susan
    23 November 2021 / 8:37 am

    Received! So looking forward to reading your posts!

    Thank you,
    Susan

    • Susan
      23 November 2021 / 8:40 am

      Forgot to add that I did not receive the first one.

      Happy Thanksgiving to all your US readers….

      • fsprout
        Author
        24 November 2021 / 6:04 am

        In fact, that earlier one didn’t go out, but all should be working now.
        Thanks for letting me know.

  11. 23 November 2021 / 8:39 am

    Hi Frances – this balloon landed, but I dont think I got the earlier one. I do seek you out , but also like to get my email reminder. Marvellous collection of windows – I am just back from London and not many to match those of Paris .

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:06 am

      Thanks, Margaret — your London jaunt looked great! I’ve never been in London through the festive season and would like to check out those windows some day.

  12. Wendy in York
    23 November 2021 / 8:48 am

    Those rabbits – I agree with Ceci & some of the birds are rather creepy too but the vase with the golden bird is lovely & the crockery of course . Hope you technology wrestling will soon be over .

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:07 am

      Thanks, Wendy. You and Ceci are making me think it might be a good thing that I didn’t have grandkids with me. . . don’t need rabbits in their nightmares! 😉

  13. Elizabeth
    23 November 2021 / 8:54 am

    Such beautiful windows. I am enjoying with my cup of tea!

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:07 am

      Glad to hear it!

  14. 23 November 2021 / 9:24 am

    When I was little,many,many moons ago,I thought that when we grew up we would get small again(never die). enjoyed your past post on Teacups. Somewhere our daughter got the same idea and I w as amazed that history was repeating itself. (Of course, I never told her that!) Covid did one good thing-made us use old fashioned ways of communicating. My family and I had good intentions,but after a while Facetime,Portal, Skyping,etc. got old and it has sort of slipped from use. Mine have never been much with phones,except for gaming which is so not me. Loved the Paris windows and all the travel pictures bloggers are posting. It does make it easier to stay home and travel vicariously! Please keep posting, even without the rabbits the pictures are wonderful to see! Happy Thanksgiving and safe travels!

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:09 am

      Cute anecdote about your Inner Child (and your daughter’s)
      I think a few of us turned to “snail mail” during this pandemic time. I’m pleased to have the technology as an option, but it takes a certain energy, doesn’t it?
      Thanks for the good wishes.

  15. MaryG
    23 November 2021 / 9:25 am

    London calling (well Bedfordshire actually) announcing safe arrival of your message! Loved the Parisian windows. How I would love to see them in person, notwithstanding the nightmare bunnies, but looking forward to more of your travelogues.

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:10 am

      Thanks for calling, from Bedfordshire 😉 I’m pleased to know you enjoyed browsing those windows.

  16. Claudette
    23 November 2021 / 9:47 am

    I really enjoyed looking at the items in the windows. I did not receive the fisrt email. I live in Oregon.

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:10 am

      Hello, Claudette from Oregon. Really pleased to have you here.

  17. Mary of Pittsburgh
    23 November 2021 / 11:41 am

    Balloon has landed — thanks foro the window shopping!

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:11 am

      You’re very welcome!

  18. Frances Taylor
    23 November 2021 / 11:46 am

    No problem with email here, but I feel I should explain why I rarely respond. To be honest, by the time I’ve read through your post and the comments that follow, there’s nothing left for me to say! Everyone else has said it all much more eloquently than I could have, which I find rather intimidating. I realize, somewhat belatedly, that I should at least thank you for the time and effort you put into all your posts. I do enjoy reading them and reflecting.
    Frances in Sidney

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:14 am

      No need ever to explain or apologize, but I’m always pleased to hear from you and know you’re out there reading (and reflecting” as you say).
      My husband is currently reading an earlier mystery by Higashino (Under the Midnight Sun) that I spotted at the library last week and grabbed even though I’m already committed to a few other titles first — so I gave it to him as an intro to a mystery writer you introduced me to. So it’s a reciprocal conversation, and I thank you very much as well.

  19. Beverly Smith
    23 November 2021 / 1:27 pm

    Your letter arrived in my box and was a joy to open post chilly hike. I am a dedicated coffee drinker and the mugs behind the tea cups look just about perfect.

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:15 am

      I love reading this! Can picture you back home and reading after your tromp through the hillsides!

  20. Elizabeth McGee
    23 November 2021 / 1:36 pm

    I ahve it…glorious! I live the Paris windows….we visited in Spring. Enjoy thevrest of yiur visit.

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:15 am

      Aren’t the windows great, any time of year, in Paris?!

  21. darby callahan
    23 November 2021 / 1:36 pm

    I got this one as well as the last. looking forward to continuing the conversation in the next. and I did enjoy the look at the Parisian windows.

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:16 am

      Good to know, Darby. Thank you!

  22. Vicki
    23 November 2021 / 2:23 pm

    That bird vase! That window! C’est moi!

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:16 am

      Right? I feel as if I could move right in (as long as I had someone who could do all the dusting!)

  23. Jules
    23 November 2021 / 2:49 pm

    This one arrived safely in Melbourne, Aus, but not the previous one, which I will now hunt down in the ether!
    Always appreciate your posts, and I’ve enjoyed the window shopping in Paris immensely, despite the angry bunnies😏

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:17 am

      Thanks for letting me know, Jules. (Do you think we need a bumper sticker now? Stay Away From Angry Bunnies! . . . mind you, you Australians already have a history with these hoppy little guys)

  24. Charlene H
    23 November 2021 / 4:24 pm

    Am reading this from Southern California! Thanksgiving is a day away with company arriving and lots of cooking going on…even though I’m not hosting for the first time in 40+years! Son and his in-laws are taking the honors this year. Two great-grandmothers in their 90’s, who have become sweet friends, will be in attendance!
    Thank you for sending, Frances! Looking forward to reading your next post!
    Charlene H

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:18 am

      Happy Thanksgiving, Charlene! Enjoy your wonderful extended family gathering, more precious every year with those two nonagenarians.

  25. Lauren
    23 November 2021 / 5:07 pm

    Never mind the kids…..there are at least four things in the windows that I would buy for me and for others….why is there nothing like this anywhere around me?

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:19 am

      It’s true!

  26. Maria
    24 November 2021 / 3:49 am

    Always love Parisian windows, especially Christmas ones. They seem less commercial and more whimsical than most. I too seek you out and I read and enjoyed your last post. I hope the awful storms you’ve had in BC are finally over and that things will gradually getting back to normal.

    • fsprout
      Author
      24 November 2021 / 6:22 am

      Thanks, Maria. I love the commitment to art/creativity and community that the windows represent. Of course they draw eyes to a commercial enterprise, but they seem at least as much designed to contribute to an overall aesthetic, a collective enjoyment of the visual world. Or something.
      One more storm this week, and we’re crossing our fingers. . . .

  27. Georgia
    24 November 2021 / 7:27 am

    These random thoughts should be in bullet form but here goes:

    I am 100% certain the rabbits are not taxidermy and 99.9% certain they are not made of real fur (based on years of living alongside and watching wild rabbits).

    I don’t get email reminders, I hate them (ha!), I just visit as time permits. So you will have at least one reader no matter what.

    I seldom wash my jeans (I looked at them after reading your post, and thought ‘hmm’)

    Am formulating some thoughts on clothes and how many. Something to do with confidence in your body. Will continue thinking.

    Lots of reading lately but never take notes. Must strive to remember before you post.

    Buona giornata 🙂

    • fsprout
      Author
      25 November 2021 / 11:38 am

      Your certainty bolsters mine. In person (well, through a window) they struck me more as akin to a good stuffed bear . . . a Steiff, for example.
      I don’t like many email reminders myself and prefer to drop in fairly regularly. Very glad to know I won’t lose your reading presence if the system fails 😉
      I’m working my way to seldom on the jeans. Not quite there yet, but close.
      Yes! something to do with confidence in one’s body — as manifestation (or extension?) of some core self? Maybe? Or not? Will be curious to know where your continued thinking takes you.
      And yes, please do strive. . . I’m always interested. Still haven’t got Swann’s Way on my nightstand, but have plopped Ovid’s Metamorphosis there, and there’s progression through the text at slightly better than iceberg pace. Iceberg in the old days, I should say.
      Buona giornata anche a Lei 😉

  28. 24 November 2021 / 9:51 pm

    This one landed in my inbox, but the previous one didn’t. Thank you for linking to it as I would have hated to miss it.

    You might be interested to know that I’ll be mentioning both you and Sue in my Friday post this week, with appropriate links, of course.

    • fsprout
      Author
      25 November 2021 / 4:57 pm

      Thanks for letting me know — I’ll look forward to reading your post.

  29. Lesley
    25 November 2021 / 1:38 pm

    Hi Frances

    It’s here and your book post arrived today as well.

    • fsprout
      Author
      25 November 2021 / 5:18 pm

      Good to know, thanks!

  30. Anneliese
    26 November 2021 / 7:32 am

    Got it, thanks!

    • fsprout
      Author
      27 November 2021 / 7:00 am

      Thanks for letting me know

Copyright

Unless otherwise stated, all words and photographs in this blog are my own. If you wish to use any of them, please give me credit for my work. And it should go without saying, but apparently needs to be said: Do not publish entire posts as your own. I will take the necessary action to stop such theft. Thanks.