To me, November naturally represents an absence of color as the world turns brown and gray and the days get shorter and darker. Years ago, I decided to embrace the lack of color in November and post only black and white images that focus on light, shadow, texture, and composition. This year, however, November was brilliant, and I am so thankful. I met “my first crush”; I traveled to Paris; I spent time with family and friends; and I decorated our home for the holidays. Still, I will honor my November tradition and save all the lovely colors for December. In the meantime, here is a review of what I enjoyed, read, watched, and listened to in November :
ENJOYED:
Courtside seats to the Marquette vs. Southern baskeball game at Fiserv Forum on November 5th.
Shaun Cassidy at the Sharon Lynne Wilson Center for the Arts in Brookfield on November 6th — Lisa and I purchased VIP tickets which included a Q&A with Shaun before the show. I asked Shaun what he would tell the 10-year-old girl who saw him at Alpine Valley years ago. He said, “I would tell her not to lose her sense of wonder and excitement; and I would tell this woman she became that I hope I don’t disappoint her tonight.” ♥ He did not disappoint me. It was a really fun show. Click here for photos and videos.
A week in Paris — A beautiful apartment in Montmartre, Christmas lights, new adventures, and perennial favorites…C’est la vie en rose. Click here for itinerary and photos.
Thanksgiving with family, decorating our home for the holiday (photos to come), and our first significant snowfall (11/29).
READ: Books purchased at Shakespeare and Company in Paris:
Rêves de Noël: Un calendrier de l'Avent en poésie illustré par Richard Jones — “Maurice Carême, Baudelaire, Victor Hugo, Verlaine mais aussi des poèmes inédits de Julien Baer, Thomas Vinau, Susie Morgenstern... Dans une superbe frise pleine de surprises, 24 poèmes d'hiver et de fête pour compter les jours avant Noël” (Gallimard Jeunesse).
Ruby Red Shoes Goes to Paris by Kate Knapp — “Together the two young hares zip around Paris on a red scooter taking in all of the beautiful sights that Paris has to offer. It is the adventure of a lifetime, filled with memories that Ruby will treasure forever” (Goodreads). The illustrations are lovely and I wll definitely include this book in my spring decor.
WATCHED:
Movies on the plane — French themed, of course:
“When in Paris…” movies (with living room picnics of cheese, baguettes, fruit, wine, etc.):
A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving (Apple) — No explanation necessary.
A Cherry Pie Christmas (Tubi) — “A pastry chef returns to Door County, WI for the holidays, and must choose between her dream job and the legacy of her family's cherry orchard business - with a little help from her high school sweetheart, and a lost cherry pie recipe” (IMDb). It was fun to see so many familiar places and faces. The movie also touched me quite personally since, in the past year, I finally decided to recreate my mom’s apple pie. I made two for Thanksgiving. Mom’s cherry pie is next…
Champagne Problems (Netflix) — “An executive travels to France to secure the acquisition of a renowned champagne brand before Christmas, but her plans are upended when she falls into a whirlwind romance with a charming Parisian - only to discover he's the founder's son” (IMDb). A fun movie to watch after just returning to from the Christmas markets and light displays in Paris.
LISTENED TO:
My Paris Playlist — Great background music for lingering over coffee and croissants in the morning or wine and cheese in the evening.
November Instapuzzle Mini-Playlist:
I haven’t listened to Christmas music yet — not until after December 1st. Even then, I have to pace myself or we will be tired of the same songs before Christmas arrives.
