Lockdown, Paris Trivia, and Kindred Spirits

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” ― Lucy Maude Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables.

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Let’s be honest, this lockdown is not that easy. Of course, it is absolutely necessary, and at first, it seemed rather nice to be safely working from home with a snoozy beagle on my lap. Yet as the weeks pass, the days seem to get longer, the news continues to be daunting, and the future remains uncertain (and let’s not even mention the grooming issues).

This week is “spring break.” Only a month ago, I thought I would be in Paris right now. Obviously, all travel plans on hold for now, but I do get my Paris fix by reading and listening to The Earful Tower podcast archives. Since the lockdown began, Oliver Gee and his wife, Lina, have hosted a live “pub quiz” on YouTube each Saturday at 1:00 pm CDT. The quiz features categories such as Parisian attractions, French history, fashion, art, and literature. You know that’s totally my thing and guess who won the first quiz night? Yep, me!

Ironically, in subsequent quizzes, I have scored higher each time, but have lost by 2-3 points :-)

Ironically, in subsequent quizzes, I have scored higher each time, but have lost by 2-3 points :-)

If you enjoy Paris trivia or would just like to connect with fellow francophiles, consider joining in the fun. Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting Lori of Lori Loves Paris, a fellow blogger from Wisconsin. After visiting each other’s blogs and Instagram accounts, it was immediately evident that she and I are indeed kindred spirits. Here’s what Lori had to say:

There are many Francophiles out there who feel just like I do. In fact just yesterday I met (virtually) Melinda from right here in Wisconsin. She is a fellow blogger and artist who shares a mutual adoration for a favorite Paris podcast that I have talked about before, The Earful Tower. She and I both hung around yesterday after the live YouTube Paris Pub Quiz hosted by The Earful Tower host, Oliver Gee and his wife Lina direct from their Paris apartment. It has been a welcome Saturday afternoon pleasure since lock down began over three weeks ago . . . We followed each other on Instagram and messaged back and forth. Connecting with someone who shares your love of Paris is like finding a piece of gold! Another kindred spirit!

Cave of the Mounds

“Do not run away from the darkness. Remember the beautiful lakes which are hidden inside the dark caves. In the least expected places, there exist the most beautiful treasures!” - Mehmet Murat Ildan

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MU vs. UW

(342/365) "Ring Out Ahoya with an MU Rah Rah...!” 💙 🏀 💛

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Sunday Morning

August 5, 2018 (217/365) "When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love."

-  Marcus Aurelius

French Friday: French 77 + Champagne Macarons

 le 22 juin 2018 (173/365) • Le Rêve, Wauwatosa, WI

« Le Champagne aide à l'émerveillement. » - George Sand

French 77 Cocktail: 1 oz. St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, 1/4 oz. Lemon Juice, Champagne, and a twist

Photos du déjeuner avec des amis au Rêve and a treat chez moi:

le macaron du jour - Champagne!

Wisconsin Weekend

September 17, 2017 (260/365)

“Give me books, French wine, fruit, fine weather and a little music played out of doors...” - John Keats. 

I enjoyed all of the above this weekend: a great book (The Boys in the Boat)beautiful weather for the Marquette alumni regatta, and wine, fruit, and music at the Delafield Art Walk and Cedarburg Wine and Harvest Fest. If Keats had been a Wisconsinite, he surely would have added colorful foliage and a Packer game, making this a nearly perfect autumn weekend.