lunch

This is where I eat lunch...

... along the Seine with the locals. Complete with baguette and book. Come join!

pastries

As everyone knows... Paris is famous for its pastries. And I am taking full advantage, much to my health's chagrin.

This is a famous, modern Patisserie on the Left-Bank called Pierre Herme. Quite expensive for so small a treat, but worth each centime for those macaroons. Cece and I savored them outside in the Saint-Sulpice square.

P.S. I forgot to include my tarte peche pistache from Boulangerie Julien. Oh so yummy!!

First Week of Paris

I really need to update this, so my family has some more information on my life... Here are some pictures and descriptions!

First day in Paris! We were all desperately tired, hungry, and suffering from a lack of French skills. Slap happy.

This is my fabulous roommate Cecile Larsen (aka cece). We were living on one night of sleep, but jetlag was still weighing us down. After wandering for a little while, we found a pleasant little cafe, and had the most DELICIOUS meal ever. Maybe because we were starved, but we were quite excited about the food and the adorable accommodations.

On top of the Arc du Triomphe! The weather was not amazing, but the view was breathtaking, along with the pleasant breeze.

This was just after we left our first day of church. The building was built in the 17th century, complete with cobble stone courtyard. And this is where we have our classes as well, so it ain't half bad.

Liz and I beneath the arch. Cute.

While walking around the Musee d'Orsay, I saw this American couple. Both with informational mp3s in their ears, they tilted their heads to "truly" take in the busts in front of them. Completely comical to me, sharing the American heritage, but the tilted heads against the three statuesque heads was the perfect juxtaposition. Thoughts?

It's Paris. How could I blog without including at least one picture?

This was taken in the Tuilleries while trudging to the Champs Elysees. I simply glanced to my right and caught the glances of all three men on the bench. So of course, I needed to capture it with the camera. Naturally. The more I look at this photo, the more I like it. The three just looking out on the tourists, while we return the favor with mutual glances. Love it.

This was a lovely little street with fruits, vegetables, antiques, meats, and no cars (though there is one parked there, but nothing moving!). I loved the varying ages along Rue de Cler, from kids just out of school for the weekend and older gentlemen taking their lunch breaks in their crisp suits. The culture of Paris is amazing, and I loved to be away from the commercialized downtown for a day.

Cece and I with some amazing pastries from a famous pastry shop... and I'm blanking on the name. Starts with an L. Oh well, the only thing that matters is it was absolutely amazing. Couldn't even finish it, because it was so good!

After a long day of seeing paris. I'm excited for everything that can happen in the next 3 months!!

xo

First Photography Assignment

One of my classes in Paris is French Civilization through Photography, and here is my first entry. This is the official assignment if you want to understand its reasoning. Hope you like it!

Movement: I would say it is a universally accepted fact that Paris has unlimited opportunities, both for the laid back local or the naïve tourist. To the wide-eyed student from the western United States, we feel as if we are standing on the brink of something new. Something exciting. Something new. Indulging in the occasional pastry, walking along the Seine, or gazing upon a critically acclaimed Monet, the possibilities are endless.

But even as I desire to see and do everything, I feel that Paris is constantly moving. Each car, train, and person is in motion, anticipating the next destination. Personally, I am relentlessly exhausted with all of the movement! I guess it will become natural, and my body will become accustomed, hopefully.

As you can see, my party and I were making our way down the Champs Elysees on an overcast Thursday. We had yet to make it to the top or even stand beneath the Arc du Triomphe, and we only had but a free moment to accomplish this goal. Trudging along with our sights set on the arch, I stopped. Amidst the chaos of commerce, one woman stood out to me. Frozen in time. Arms outstretched for acceptance of money and perhaps for herself. Her meager form is a striking contrast to the height of the surrounding crowds and historic architecture. She seems not to be in the rush that matches the rest of the city. Each person in the scene was marching to his own beat, probably in a hurry to shop or to get home. I assimilated myself with them as I too had a destination and the preoccupation of mind to just get there. But in her simplicity, my breath was taken away.

First Day

I have arrived in Paris!! After eight months of weighting, I am here. And let me tell you, it is lovely. Here are just a few pictures from our boat ride alone the Seine, without editing.

Isn't that the most fabulous face?

Friends of Paris! I will complete my update soon.

art

Take a look at this article on the new way of looking at and appreciating art, specifically in the vast halls of the Louvre. Are we truly taking in the priceless representations, or do we say to ourselves "the Louvre is done" as we prance to the next historical monument. Personally, I don't think anyone can truly finish appreciating the countless pieces in the Louvre, and I hope to not be one of these tourists the journalist describes!!

Found on BYU in Paris & here

the day has come

Probably shared with most female bloggers out there, I absolutely adore The Sartorialist. I am still astounded at Scott Schuman's ability to capture the personality and essential style of people we normal people would just pass on the street. But through his artistic eye and fabulous camera lens, he turns out breathtaking photos and countless outfits I am dying to imitate.

And several months ago, he made the announcement of producing his own book!! It will be officially released August 12th in the U.S., then released worldwide in September. Let's just say, mine is pre-ordered. The anticipation is killing me.

One more thing, he is going on a book tour. And he will be in Paris when I am there. Perfection? I think so...

P.S. Can I please have the courage to come up to a perfection stranger, compliment their style, then proceed to say, "can I take a picture of you?" Hopefully someday.

photo found here

bike

So as this summer trundles along, I can't help but look up opportunities and activities only to be done in Paris (also helped with the countless emails from my family about new articles on the latest art exhibits, restaurants, etc.). Found on Habitually Chic, I am anticipating several trips to Versailles this fall. Not necessarily just for the awe-inspiring architecture, but for the pleasantries of a simple bike ride through the extensive grounds. Take a look at this article, found on Travel & Leisure, and you'll catch onto my desire to go and rent a bike... Sounds simply fabulous, especially in the crisp autumn air, surrounded by lines and lines of trees, only helped with camera. Care to join me?

picture found here

so if you remember...

from a while ago (when I was consistent with my blog posting), I mentioned my secret dream to be found and photographed by Scott Schumann, the famed Sartorialist, while living in Paris or New York. Well, my hopes and aspirations are about to be realized!! Through following the simple steps in this flow chart, my chances increase ten-fold of being noticed by this fabulous photographer.

If you share my dream, look here.

Found here.

rain

At the moment, it is softly raining outside, and I am stuck in the library, working on a final paper for art history. Rain is lovely, especially when everything is quiet and you can only hear the rain landing all around you.

I wish I could go out and enjoy it. But instead, I'll daydream of a wedding in the rain, where umbrellas and galoshes are mandatory
Image here

someday

Someday I will need to ride my own bike to and from work, the grocery store, the park, the bakery, etc. I think this one will do the job just fine, especially with this bag on the back and a camera around my neck...

found here

West Side Story

I recently watched West Side Story for my humanities class, and this is the most fabulous spoof of it EVER.

Flight of the Conchords = hilarity.

Question

Does anyone know how to embed videos from youtube? I want to put this up, but I don't know how to put up an actual video!!

help...

art review

Recommendation: New York Times Art Section... at least for today. Here is a review of Winslow Homer.

I recently studied his art in one of my Humanities classes, and his art simple yet poetic. Read here if you'd like.

the art scene

Just came across this article on the frontpage of the New York Times, and it solidifies why I want to live in New York City someday. Keep reading...

They also have it for LA, but come on, New York City? That's where all the "buzz" is happening.

roadtrip.

Seeing these old pictures from a past J.Crew campaign makes me want to go on a roadtrip, like on the Route 66. These shots are mainly for the selling of clothing, but I can't help my desire!!. Necessities: comfortable car, good company, lots of food, several ipods of music, a camera, and possibly an outfit worthy of being photographed.

images here

expectations.

For my Paris Prep Course, I needed to create a post that describes one thing that I would really love to do while on the study abroad. Then when I am actually there, I will write a response. I think it's a brilliant idea. Here is what I posted on the blog:

So in my own little world, my dream is to be found by Scott Schuman, mastermind behind The Sartorialist, while I am walking the streets of Paris. Maybe as I am leaving the craze of Paris Fashion Week or casually entering a quiet cafe, he will beg to capture the essence of my personality and outfit. Some may call this a passing fancy, but maybe someday...
(If any of you lovely fellow ladies also share my dream, group pictures are also available.)


But in reality, since this project is to "actually" come to pass, I would love to come across a jazz club or some swanky music scene (yes, I just said swanky). I am an earnest fan of jazz music, and I love discovering new forms of music, especially from different countries. Whether open mic nights or a regular piano ensemble, I would love to be a part of that scene.
Maybe I'll find it in this beautiful cafe...
Hopefully, I will find a place like this that I can retreat to on the weekends, and I would love and gladly appreciate the company of anyone and everyone.

Other things: take pictures of absolutely everything, live in the Musee d'Orsay, finally see Montmartre for myself, find open air markets for Saturday mornings, travel absolutely everywhere I can (Monaco, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and wherever else), try every crepe under the sun, etc.

That's it for now!! Have an enjoyable weekend.
-laura
latelylola.blogspot.com

someday

At this moment, I am studying for a test, and looking out on a very bleak black parking lot from my apartment window. But instead, I am dreaming of this view on a beautiful Parisian scene, complete with leather chair and inviting plush pillow. Someday, when I am worn with life, I will own this little scene, and I will read something fantastic and bask in the pleasant atmosphere from that chair.
Someday [insert sigh].

Image found here

happy birthday!!

Happy Birthday to my favorite brother!! May you have a fantastic day, filled with luck and maybe a pot o' gold.

think green.

On this day of days, I appreciate the green around me!! Your Heart Out has a post about becoming green to save the world, one fabric bag at a time. Little Sussy shared a beautiful picture of a place I would not mind being a part of. And I would love to enjoy a spring wedding in this beautiful dress and shoes right about now. Maybe it's the warm weather, but I am looking forward to today!!

Have a wonderful day.

Dress here
Shoes here