2021/03/22

Where are the hearts?

The Church of Saint Germain l’Auxerrois in Paris
The Church of Saint-Germain I'Auxerrois

It may be a good time to write this book cos’ we are in the shadow of Covid-19 in the whole world, but while I am completing book 5 and ready to release, vaccines brings us a small light beam....a little hope, at least.

To recap some of the sceneries while the early explosion of the pandemic, some people thought it’s only a matter of life & death, so they just don’t care and reject any protection act but “Freedom of their own” not others who also has “Freedom to survive, being free from affection by others.”

Not until the reality force everybody on earth to face it’s cruelty, we’ve already lost millions & millions of life, thousands & thousands of families became fragments.

Sometimes, I was thinking, isn’t it a similar scenario to our religious belief? 

In Paris, there are numerous église = cathedral/ church, some were built centuries before (like the one above was found around 7th Century), a truly historical monument. They are breathtaking especially when you’ve entered, to experience the atmosphere of  its’ holiness, remember Sacré-Cœur in Montmartre? Or église St-Eustache near Forum des Halles? Although there were mass held every week or even daily, a place for the faithful hearts, in fact, Catholic or Christian who still attending regular mass or Sundry services are rare nowadays in this country, why?

Stunning interior of the Basilique du Sacré Cœur
Basilique du Sacre-Cœur

I was quite surprised when I knew it, meaning the flourishing of église doesn’t reflect the flourish of spiritual lives. 

Would the Bohemia life style can bring us some hints? a life style that attracts me, too; or, if we really living in this way, when facing the question of life & death again one day, not only on earth but above, could we be “vaccinated”? 

...I’m afraid the answer is no!

 

2021/03/15

Start from Point Zero

Notre Dame in Paris inside hoarding

I still remember the moment when I was watching the news in Hong Kong, one day just a month before my departure...

Notre Dame was on fire!

Originally I though it was some archived report, but NO, the nightmare is right NOW on 4 Sept., 2019. Followed by the faces of the citizens appeared on Tv, I feel their sadness, too... no one would or willing to accept the reality because Notre Dame, like many other heritages in France, she is unique & non-replaceable!

Notre Dame is a Gothic style cathedral built in the year of 1163, located in île de la cité of Paris. Bell tower above 400 steps, magnificent rose window, gorgeous ornate flying buttresses or the “mysterious” gargoyles; one of the largest 7800 pipes organ in the world, royal treasure collections...all are worth to visit; plus...

Point Zéro des Routes de France: the bronze star, the “kilometre zero plaque” which indicated the calculation starting point of road distance in France. Besides “Raft of the Medusa” in the Louvre, this is my second goal in this trip, but now, it’s vanishing, I do feel disappointed & trying to figure out what to do? cancel the trip? change my itinery? 

Experts expect a four to five years recovery is required, at least; so, I am thinking how about to go, say “hello”to her, bring her some“comfort” may be, or at least a blessing from Hong Kong... sounds great?

I am sure I’ll finally have my chance to complete my goal some years later, although the originality may not be the same, we can view from another angle, as my beliefs always; no matter what, it’s our choice to locate the Point Zero after all!

New release book - Point Zéro by Oiseau Distrait
click to enlarge
Cést parti ! 
follow me in Point Zéro - book Five of Petit Paris.



2021/02/28

Free the "bottleneck"

Yesterday, I've decided to remove the price tag to Pont Neuf, my first book, i.e.: e-book version will be giveaway from now on. Why? well, just want to, while I am writing the 6th book, which is almost 50% of the whole Petit Paris series, I think it may be a good time to do so & make it.

Experienced writers advised newbie like me, there is always a bottleneck when you've written in the middle of the book, if you can overcome it, you will most likely to complete the whole; otherwise, may stuck and failed to finish at the end, because it's a lonely job & easily get frustrated.

Although I am writing in some what 30 to 60 pages of each only, it can be combined as one whole book, which is also my original idea. By dividing them into 12 mini books, there are some advantages indeed:

- I can reduce my pressure to complete a 600 pages book all in one time

- they can be written in separate topics to cover a lot more issues discovered in the trip

- less stress by extending the production time from one year to three as a whole, meaning I can    still have time to work on other jobs between the writing intervals

- to practice and improve my writing & drawing skill one after another 
  (hopefully it did work :p)

- Best of all : I can draw 12 different book covers - sounds amazing ?!

click to enlarge

In fact, I do need space for me to learn, review, revise & achieve a lot more improvement, which is the most valuable experience and enjoyable process as being a self published writer. 

I am looking forward to a date in 2022, December may be to complete this series, wish you can walk with me to the destiny of this petit journey!





p.s. - Be my guest to enjoy your Pont Neuf copy from Google Books or Apple books







2021/02/24

在狹縫中看濕地公園

 

2021/02/13

重看星聲夢裡人~La La Land

Poster of La La Land
Written & Directed by Damien Chazelle
 
今天是農曆新年初二, 説真的, 假期對我們這些自由工作者來說和平日是沒有太大分別的, 正如一個朋友年卅晚問我, 我也是一樣的回應. 但畢竟, 地盤是收爐了, 課堂仍未開始, 疫情下沒什麼聚會, 街頭上也相對冷清… 除了可以專心寫作, 寧靜地渡過節日也是幸福!

適逢最近電視重播明珠930~還記得是我多年前每每不用加班便在家追看的節目. 昨晚重播 La La Land 星聲夢裡人, 其中一部我較喜愛的電影. 它的"名氣" 不用我多説, 有齊電影賣座的元素, 而電影中的歌曲實在好聽. 主角  Ryan Gosling 及Emma Stone 把我們帶入如幻似真的追夢之旅, 原創歌曲 City of Star 是百聽不厭, 他們的演譯, 爵士樂演奏和舞姿也是細緻和優美.…

第二次重看, 卻被一場講述 Emma Stone 試鏡時所唱的一首歌深深吸引, 非常可能, 它會取代City of Star 在我心中的位置… 對了! 正是 The Fools Who Dream (節錄如下)

 

一個唱出來的故事, Mia ( Emma Stone) 劇中角色, 一心夢想成為演員; 述說姑姑在巴黎塞納河 的一次 ‘瘋狂’ 行為...

“Leapt without looking 
And tumbled into the Seine
The water was freezing 
She spent a month sneezing
But said she would do it again

Here’s to the one who dream
Foolish as they may seem
Here’s to the hearts that ache
Here’s to the mess we make...

... A bit of madness is key
To give us new colors to see
Who know where it will lead us
And that’s why they need us...   “

(Song:Justin Hurwitz/ Lyrics: Benj Pasek & Justin Noble Paul/ Performed by: Emma Stone)

無論對追尋成為純爵士樂手的 Sebastian (Ryan 電影中角色) 還是演員的Mia 而言, 對他們內心的爭扎, 還能有更貼的形容嗎? 追夢似乎是愚不可及, 尤其當我們山窮水盡, 生活拮據之時, 我們會懷疑自己的能力, 不確定的所謂才華, 甚至可能枉費了的時日.…但這裡卻再次告訴追夢者
 
追夢的瘋狂正是令你生命不再一樣的鑰匙 !   
 
你願意和我們一起瘋狂嗎 ?!









 







2020/12/24

Petite Fleur

 Green meadows backyard in Musée Rodin in Paris
It's easy to find a garden you like anywhere in Paris, there will be one nearby, the well known: Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Plantes, Parc du Champ de Mars (the one next to Eiffel Tower); or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Parc laVillette...,etc.Some others are more private, like this one inside Musée Rodin, or the one in Maison et Jardins de Claude Monet. But from time to time when I pass the streets, other forms of "garden" can be found.
Pinkish green vine on stone walls of buildings in Paris
Here they are, somewhere near the Saint Paul's Village, so cool, right? Looks like an unfinished painting on canvas, more to go & imagine!
Or, most of the times, you will find small flowerbeds are right next to your appartment, along the street or at most of the Parisian's balcony. It's difficult for me to miss any of them because they are so flourish and attractive
Staircase like apartments in Montmartre
And you will never be disappointed because, here in Paris, people not only create their own garden wherever possible, but take great care and keep cultivate, that's why they are always look amazing. If the same theory applies to the secret garden in our heart, I am sure it works 101%, too! Floral gardening along street corners in ParisWish you can find yours in this Merry Christmas ;)


2020/12/23

Jardin du Luxembourg

Post card view of café in Jardin du Luxembourg, Paris
22 October 2019, Day 10

A super cold and foggy morning, I am in the Luxembourg garden right now, it's on the Left bank in 6e, a bit larger than Jardin de Tuileries; more trees of maple & chestnut, beautiful fallen leaves...

Here is the "postcard" shot in my guide book that attracted me, although quite difference due to the weather, I am glad that I do come to have my Vienna chocolate inside...being their first client of the day. 

My original plan do not include Luxembourg because I tend to spend more time in the Louvre, but unfortunately...& fortunately I have extra days due to the limitation of my museum pass, and that's my reward in return, I am so so lucky.

Planter pot déco in Tuileries of Paris
Walking in Luxembourg, the feeling is quite different from that in Tuileries; Tree vs Flowers, which is my favorite,?...both? I guess. But I think the location do affect a bit of my impression because Luxembourg is located in the Latin Quarter, a student area, whereas Tuileries is in the Louvre & Les Halles district, an epicentral; in addition, Shakespeare & Company bookshop is nearby, that's why, here, is more tranquil & poetic. 


Informative of gardening design concept of Tuileries
Flower arrangement here is also have it's own style, not as "romantic" as that in Tuileries, but still very well planned and delicate. Their idea of Mosaic-culture to create a plantation promenage, feel free to enjoy...



Story of the orange trees in Jardin du Luxembourg
...& feel free to explore!

This is the only photo that I can record to let you know where I was. I've just sneak into a huge store, behind a pair of white painted closing doors, there are two levels of platforms for the storage of orange trees; it's very interesting, because they are quite large actually, may be around 3 meter high, but look  like they are "babies"; well protected to keep them warm with sufficient air vent above, and just having their breakfast...

I do want to walk closer to smell and touch them, but the store keeper who is watering somewhere in the dark corner discover me, so...I failed...but still excited, ha ha!

Orange trees in Jardin du Luxembourg
Here is a citrus in another corner of the garden to compensate my lost, what a lovely orange hue in the autumn leaves with slight refreshing aroma, too.

Well, maple, chestnut trees, fountains, sculpture, mosaic-culture planter beds, orange tree, hot choclate, museum...,etc; you name it, or even more are the treasure of Luxembourg for the Parisian & tourist.

The locals have their unforgettable childhood memories in this garden, and as a tourist, I find mine's too, guess what? 


Good old days balance in Jardin du Luxembourg
I hope you do enjoy to walk with me today, Au revoir!



 

2020/12/22

If only if...I can...wait

Blue sky with transparent full moon in early morning
 18 October 2019 , Day 5

Early in the morning at 0830, I am walking towards Jardin des Tuileries, it seems "someone" would like to be my companion, what a lovely moonlight in the morning, Bonjour! 

If you still remember, my hotel is at a superb location, it takes within half an hour to reach my destination, walking relaxing in the blue; a bit cold and wet due to rainy night but refreshing aroma of the streets, I can still remember clearly at this moment



Art nouveau design of Tuileries métro station entrance

Art Nouveau  Metro is always my favorite; may be it's week day, people are crowded under ground but not in the garden, so it's all mine, bravo!

A morning glow in Tuileries of Paris

It's almost 0927, inside Tuileries, thick cloud replace the morning blue, as far as I can see the sun ray behind, I am sure to wait just for a little longer, everything will be clear and brighter, because I am longing for the beautiful garden in a sunny weather, just like those photos in my travel book, keep waiting...I tell myself...for a little longer...

Royal gardening in Tuileries of Paris
Gorgeous sculpture in Tuileries of Paris
Sometime Wishes may not always come true, I am a bit disappointed to see all the gorgeous flowers are covered under the shade of grey...should I wait further ?! 

It may be a good idea to take sometime visiting Musée de I'Orangerie first, then Jeu de Paume, follow by Petite Palace, and to finish up by Grand Palace...may be the Sun will come out in the afternoon...I tell myself...

It's not as smooth as I think, because my museum pass do not allow my access to Jeu de Paume & Grand Palace, and I've decided to walk the whole way back to hotel from Champs-Elysée. While walking through  Jardin desTuileries again, miracle happens...or I should say, Wishes come true!

Pigeon Time under the sun in Paris
"All things bright & beautiful, all creatures great & small....."  
Voila! I am with them now, enjoy!


P.S. - where have all the flowers gone?....gone to pages in my book :P






2020/12/21

Jardins Secret - our secret garden

New release of Jardins Secret book cover by Oiseau Distrait
click to enlarge
It's over a years time since I've been returned from Paris, time flies. I hope I can still remember every moment that moved my heart in those days and record them in details before I forget :P

As scheduled, last book of the year (4th book of Petit Paris) Jardins Secret is ready to be released on 25 December 2020 -  the best time of all.

Talking about beautiful garden, Paris may not be "Number One" in the world, but it must be one of a kind . Whether for those belongs to the memories of the Parisians in the good old days ,  Jardin du Luxembourg;  the royal garden,  Jardin des Tuileries; or those artistic related private ones of Rodin and Monet ...they are absolutely beautiful and romantic, I have to say!

When I started to select photos for this book, "family & friends" are two words that came into my mind; it may therefore will disappoint some readers (hopefully not), because not much related to the "must see spots" have written but it's so true that family & friends are what I've seen while walking along in the garden, so...I write down to share with you. 

Unless we live in our own in an isolated island, otherwise we' ll bond to our family & friends; the relationship is strong and deep but fragile as well. We may build by our greatest effort but destroy unintentionally...

I am forgetful but not in these two issues, although it may be a disaster some how that trap myself, and unless I go back to cultivate my petite garden again,  it may gone forever... So, sometimes it do need a bit of courage to face the fact... & Act!

Year 2020 will end after a few more weeks, it's a harsh year to all of us in the whole world, if this little book can evoke some one who you love or care, call him/her...

How are you my dear? 

Wish you well and Merry Christmas !


 

 

 

 

2020/10/25

這是希望

Ad hod sketch, a corner in Hong Kong
 今天早上吃完自家早餐後,本應該按原地計劃開始新一天的工作,但剛才從窗邊往外看到的情景,令我不得不停下來寫這篇網誌。

跟平常不同的是,今早來到街上的清潔工是一位青年人;瘦削的身形穿着新簇簇又很不合身的工作服,啡紅的短髮及閃亮的手錶,卻沒有配戴任何清潔手套或防晒帽。當他停在不銹鋼的回收箱面前,除了例行收取垃圾之外,他把回收箱推離地鐵站的牆邊,把藏在縫隙的垃圾也一併清理。

也許是新手關係,時兒在思索應如何處理不同的垃圾:先挪移又長又大卷的橫額?掃出來散佈在地上隨風飄揚的垃圾?仍在深處不肯"離場"的鷄毛掃.…還是先把回收箱移回原處?

決定隻身把回收箱位置還原,才知道那長長的鋼箱並非如想像般容易對付。左邊回位時,右邊已壓着掉在地上的掃帚,推回右邊救起掃帚,左邊又回彈...一來一回重覆兩三次,好不容易費勁地完成,見他仔細檢示着掃帚頭的損毀…收拾工具,又在繼續下個"站"!

我站在窗前看着這一切,良久…口罩遮擋了青年人的表情,也許疫情下令他不得不投身這個行業,是無奈?不願?還是有幸仍可以工作?我想我永遠不會知道。但從整過過程,我卻看見是忠於所托,就這麽簡單,直接;也就是我所認為仍然有的希望!



2020/09/05

做個遲多少少先引退嘅設計師

原來都有好一段日子無寫網誌了,可能係全球疫情期間有好多其他鎖碎事要理,又或者我真係唔想特登停落嚟。

唔經唔覺已經去到九月入秋,我嘅引退計劃亦都展開咗一段日子啦。家居工作室入面一箱箱嘅室內設計物料,俾我反轉再反轉,希望可以俾人或者回收,因為做呢行嘅朋友都知道,D物料好多都好鬼靚;而且有D係好難先攞得到,要丟去垃圾站,始終有D吾捨得,成日同自己講:或者第日會有用呢?結果即使唔係要引退,擺吓擺吓都擺咗好多年;到今日,都係要清走…

原本立定心意2021年1月1日會唔再叫自己做室內設計師,點知…竟然俾我遇到最後一個工程,而係無理由唔做嘅,仲要係由今年跨年到2021年中。或者係命運安排,希望好頭好尾啩😅

於是前幾日過開香港區,就順便行去久違咗好耐嘅洛克道。話說嗰日天氣極悶熱,兼且係下午兩三點,照計咁嘅環境之下條材料街冇乜人都係正常嘅,但係,嗰日俾我嘅感覺要用"蕭條"同"死寂"嚟形容。

我個人習慣係舖頭門口快速望入去,見到有吸睛嘅"料"同"人"先會再入去仔細"尋寶",不過…我見到嘅係冇開嘅舖、冇執同冇更新嘅貨丶冇表情嘅人、冇坐出嚟嘅貓.…整體感覺係好多塵嘅"灰色"!

結果,原本諗住發掘吓有咩新料/產品嘅我,只係慢速沿住洛克道由銅鑼灣行去灣仔方向落埋港鐵回歸九龍⋯

冇錯,過去年多,全球變化真係好大,特別係香港;由社會運動,疫情到全球國家宣示主權等等,全部都衝擊住每一個人。要我哋係咁疲倦嘅環境之下提起精神,有時真係講就易;冇經濟壓力同下一代嘅人都有擔心,何況係有下一代同手停口停嘅小市民呢?所以我見到嘅情景,一D都唔出奇,只係無奈。諗番起舊時嗰種人多車多,條街爆滿出貨入貨;舖頭員工同時又要照顧有無限問題嘅街客同埋,差唔多日日都見住嘅師傅.…嗰種熱鬧得嚟又有D混亂嘅good old days!

又係老鬼心態,睇完料搵間茶餐廳,強勁冷氣下一邊歎奶茶油占多,一邊八掛吓隔離嗰枱師傅呻D乜;雖然係咁細嘅空間入面,你一句我一句,嘈到拆天,但係總可以專心聽到一D趣事;呢種"特異功能"其實都係做呢行嘅"收獲"⋯又係另一種令我有DD懷念嘅日子。

講咗咁多,都係要返回現實;或者今日、今個月甚至今年、明年,大環境都未必有乜大改善,但係就正如我地幫人設計裝修咁,殘舊破爛嘅地方始終會變番完整同靚,只要肯付出同行動;所以係我寫網誌嘅呢一刻,我仍然深信,好老土咁講:希望在明天!

地球人,一齊努力啦!加油!





2020/08/01

Midnight in Paris - The Unforgettable

The Unforgettable watercolour centre-page in ebook Chat Noir
Click to enlarge

Years ago, I had received a souvenir from my client, a lovely box of chocolate - from Maxim's, Paris. I'm sure the chocolate was delicious but the box was my favorite, always. Whenever I've looked at the illustrations on the "tin", I'd wonder what exactly this place was looked like in the year of Belle Époque?

In fact, this 1893 bistro found by Maxime Gaillard is not far from my hotel, located at No3. rue Royale, 8th arrondissement; travelers can still enjoy an unforgettable night there now a day.It's not only famous in its Art Nouveau decor, but linkage of those well known peoples who were there once before...
Maxim chocolate tin

..."Midnight in Paris", One of my favorite movie (written & directed by Woody Allen), which is also another motivation of my Paris trip.

Cd cover of Midnight in Paris
When Gil (Owen Wilson) and Adriana (Marion Cotillard) being transported further back from 1920's Paris to a bistro in the golden age, there, is Maxim's.

In the movie, Gil was getting lost in the street corner after a gathering with his fiancée & friends, while walking back to his hotel; a mysterious old Peugeot appeared & invited Gil for a ride...which drove him back to 1920's. Since then, every single mid night, he found himself participating in the life of F.Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald, Ernest Hemingway, T.S. Eliot, Man Ray, Dali, Picasso...a dream-able circle of people for this dis-enchanted Hollywood screen writer who are writing his first book. But the one who captured his heart was Adriana - Picasso's mistress.

Whether Gil would finally stay in 1920 with Adriana, or further back to the Belle Époque which Adriana is willing to die for? I will leave this for you to discover!

Everyone who watched this movie love the story line and equally the location of those mysterious scenes. I was drown in this 90mins illusion every time I am watching this movie.

Let me tell you there is another "unforgettable" moment that you shouldn't miss - the opening scene : a 3,5 mins. of postcard show of the Vintage Paris with the background music of "Si tu vois ma mére"(Sidney Bechet)...don't miss it, you'll know why!



p.s.: the watercolor for Chat Noir was inspired by all of the above and salut to those "unforgettable".




2020/07/25

Montmartre - part two

...continue

"why the train door kept closing when boarding?...Oops!!!!"
Manual Operation! " I seeeeeeee..."

So, I missed the stop...but never mind, just another ride at the opposite platform will do, no hurry!

Apartment downhill in Montmartre

Although Montmartre is now in the boundary of Paris, it do has a different charisma once I've come out from the Metro station.

The super fresh air? the tranquil atmosphere without much traffic? the infinite "upward motion" to lead you somewhere? the people in a much leisure gesture?...may be everything that counts, I think.

Wow! it seems I am a bit "too leisure", visitors already crowded in front of Sacré-cœur, as well as inside. I have a special experience there but let me tell you later in other post.


Open air viewing from Sacré Cœur

The weather is fine but windy, so it's not easy to stay long in the exterior unless the sun comes out to warm up the air. Well, of course the scenery is stunning when you are "up up high", even superior if you climb up to the top of Sacré-cœur, but not this time.

Close up city view from the butte

In order to be "leisure", I carry nothing except my phone + an apple. This photo is so worst that the low resolution and freezing hands shaking resulting the pixelate housing at far end; but it seems time freeze, while I am wondering what were the citizen doing right there in those pixelated houses in the year of Belle Époque? and up here?

Sparkling roof under layers of magic cloud in Montmartre
Divine Comedy...is now in my mind!

There are a lot more places you can discover in Montmartre, usually they have their own stories behind. But those related to painters or writers are far more attractive to me. La Maison Rose is one of the unique café located on cobble stoned pavement that you shall never miss it. It's as charming as a rose, for sure.

The story behind? I would like to invite you to read this post Top 10 Historica Facts about La Maison Rose - by Molli a very detail & good post that can bring you back to it's past! Thank you Molli.


The pinkish La Maison Rose café in Montmartre

Okay!I remember I have to let you know whether Montmartre is a "danger zone" or not? Absolutely not in day time, how about at night?

I am afraid I can't tell you this time, because my pair of sore feet beg me to leave, but I promise myself in front of La Maison Rose, I shall return!

In fact, I guess "fascinating" may be a more appropriate word to say, let's see...


 


2020/07/18

Montmartre - part one

Day 6: Cold and Windy, Sunny - 13173 steps
Staircase neighbourhood in Montmartre Paris

Arrondissement 18 - originally it was not in my itinerary, it is one of the district classified as "danger at night" and advised especially to solo traveler; well, let's come back to this later on.

If you still remember I am having some extra days due to the squeeze of full day visit to the Louvre, so, "where shall I explore tomorrow?"

I have a thought that I may regret if not visiting Montmartre this time, why? I don't know, just have a feeling of...

So I take some time to plan my metro route, first time since I've been here on the 6th day, because I walk all the way through except from the airport. Enjoyable to my eyes but not my feet, and it's time to take a break for one day.

The metro system in Paris is not so scary to a Hong Konger that get used to be with our own metro system; but truly speaking, the route that I've planned is not so satisfied by the staff at the counter of Pont Neuf Station.

The morning is chilled, when I walk down into the Pont Neuf metro station; while I am taking my time to investigate the ticketing machine...either my slow motion or my Asian face catch the eyes of "lady Pont Neuf", she ask /shout to me (cos' I can't hear at the beginning as I am too concentrate to my "toy" + there is no passengers, except me)

"Bonjour...madam, where do you want to go?...I see...your map is not good...use this...oh oh oh, the route you've plan is not good...you better ride from here to here...change the line from here to there...and voila! arriving there!! Remember, change the line at St.-Lazare, remember!"

"Sure! I trust you, merci beaucoup! Au Revoir!"

"Hey, it's simple...." after a few minutes on the train...I've discovered something wrong...

2020/07/11

Imagine - My Chat Noir

New release Chat Noir of Petit Paris séries
click to enlarge
The first drawing after completing all text/ or short poems will be the book cover.

Although Chat Noir was in fact a cabaret in the past, I love to imagine...or I suppose it did exist as a companion to the performers, especially to the cancan dancers in those good old days...so, I want one, too :)

My first impression to this symbolic black cat is her pair of eyes, so mysterious with a embedded power which seems telling us, she is not only her companion but protector as well.

Vintage magnet with painting of the woman & the black cat
The painting in my book "La femme au chat" (the women with the cat) is a version of 1882-1884 by Adolphe Léon Willette exhibited in Musée de Montmartre.

The magnet I've bought there is another version titled "Une paire d'amis" (A pair of friends.) 
The raw line work of La femme au chat is beautiful but the title Une paire d'amis is much more meaningful, don't you think?

This picture instantly reminds me of a cancan dancer (although there is no specification of this lady is a cancan performer). Early before, most of the cancan dancers are prostitutes not until this performance was highly paid in Moulin Rouge, living of them were greatly improved, as well as being famous around the world.

Besides Adolphe, Toulouse-Lautrec was another artist who always include cancan dancer as one of the element in his paintings; different gestures are artistically expressed.

Chat Noir play card souvenirs


You can find so many chat noir souvenir now a day in Paris. Designers love to use the traditional handbill version (but wait a minute, look closer, it’s not the original; compare with the one in my previous post). Anyway, I got this playing card as a gift from a Chinese storekeeper of a souvenir shop in Montmartre, so sweet! Merci :D

So, what is you choice?


2020/07/10

Following blog 網誌追踪

Dear all,

We must apologize for the "always Mal-function" subscription link to this blog. Thank you to my friend Brian, who evoke this problem to me yesterday, cos' we didn't update some widget function for a long long time.

To simplify the process, submit your email to "follow by email" on the right side bar, follow the verification steps to activate your Feedsburner delivery, voila!

If there is still any problem exist, feel free to send email to us at cocoadesignlife@gmail.com

See you!

Cocoadesignlife


Hi, 大家好,

容讓我們先向大家道歉, 這也實在是我們的疏忽; 事縁作天收到朋友電郵向我査問如何可追踪Cocoadesignlife Blog?才發覺原先(多年前)設定的Feedsburner Subscribe Link 早已失效, 於是趕緊修復, 經過測試之後現今運作正常.

倘若你有興趣追踪我們的網誌, 請在右邊 "follow by email" 輸入你想接收文章的電郵地址, 接着完成一些簡單的核實身份程序; 並啓動由Feedsburner提供的連結作實, 這樣便能定時接收査閲我們的最新網文.

如果仍發現任何問題, 歡迎電郵 cocoadesignlife@gmail.com 和我們聯絡.再次謝謝好朋友Brian :D


Cocoadesignlife

2020/07/04

Le Chat Noir - The black cat

Chat Noir handbill in museum
Famous re-opening handbill of the Chat Noir
 by Théophile Alexandre Steinlen (1859-1923)


 
Story of Le Chat Noir the cabaret in Paris

The upcoming Book Three of Petit Paris is  titled Chat Noir, French of Black(Noir)Cat(Chat).

A unique name to citizens of Montmartre in Paris. The first cabaret there founded by Rodolphe Salis in 1881. A place for pianists, shadow play performers, artist, writers, poets, musicians...all about arts!

During the era of French Belle Époque, the golden age from 1872-1914, here, Montmartre was a paradise to the high and middle classes.

Shadow play scene by Henri Rivière exhibit in Paris
Shadow play scene by
Henri Rivière (1864-1951)





Wine bar of Le Chat Noir
Café, wine bar, music, cancan dancing...here and there, day & night. The bohemian aroma floats in the air. It became the 18th arrondissement of Paris since 1 January 1860.

Le Chat Noir, Moulin Rouge, Maxim, Bateau-Lavoir, Place du Tertre,Sacré-cœur, Musée de Montmartre, Espace Dali...all well known!


Rodolphe Salis portrait
A portrait of Rodolphe Salis
by Pierre Poterlet (1804-1881)






A small village was transformed into a modern world. The long forgotten suffering city during in the Franco-Prussian War and the 1871 Paris Commune which brought communards buried alive on the butte of Montmartre - where the Basilica of Sacré-cœur was built later from 1876-1919.

What a sad history, it seems no where on earth can be vaccinated from War!

Same fate to the underclass, who barely shared any "fruit" from the flourish golden age; here, in Montmartre.

In the years between WWI & WWII, Francisque Poulbot who lived here, created illustrations, posters mostly concerning the living & needs of street kids; and at the same time, satirized the foolishness of War!

I shall say the feeling to Montmartre is "complicated". Wherever I see the prosperous side through its architecture/ history, it always link to the sorrow behind; but may be that's why it is so attractive, with a touch of regrettable and unforgettable...




P.S.: All photos are taken from the Musée de Montmartre.
 

 

2020/07/02

無止境的貪念

或許"貪念"真是人類的天性, 地土、資源、財富、名聲、權力、慾望...沒完沒了.
心想控制了便等於擁有, 以為這一切便會永遠屬於自己, 可以坐着為皇, 世世代代千秋萬世, 真的嗎?

世界上從來沒有一件物件、一個人類、一個思想是屬於我或你. 容讓我以宗教角度而言, 萬物都是神所造, 除祂以外, 沒有人能掌管、能強行佔據. 神尚且讓人類有自由選擇跟隨祂與否的決定, 那麼, 我們憑什麼要同等的他/她向我們"依附"呢? 稍微壓制自我的驕傲, 容讓別人有個喘息空間, 真是那麼"丟臉"嗎? 我們...都是活在同一天空下的受造物, 為什麼不能逆轉"權力令人腐敗"這個咒詛呢?
是我們不能? 還是不願!

你認為對我的 "好", 可以"溫柔"地讓我明白嗎?
如果我的 "愚笨"未能理解並接受你的 "好意", 你能耐心一點, 也嘗試學會明瞭我的憂慮嗎?

是什麼逼使人瘋狂? 不再理性, 不再有同理心, 不再憐惜身邊的人, 不再明白自己在世上只是寄居的, 沒有佔有權...我想, 是"貪念", 也源於驕傲.

倘若世界已經變得無處可容身, 有一個地方仍然屬於你我, 就在我們的心中...一個只有神及自己可以觸及的地方.

倘若你已經很 "疲累", 就在那裡稍作休息罷!
請不要, 也不能絕望.