I Just Can't Help it !!!

After the last brocante of the day, I just can't help myself from wandering!

And I wonder as I'm wandering who lives here, 

what do they do and what makes their lives so unique?

If these walls could only talk, what would they tell us?

I once asked a friend who owned a 2 bedroom apartment at Luxembourg Gardens

if he knew how lucky he was to live in Paris.

YES, he replied, with a little grin!

I am just so happy that they let me visit and enjoy as often as possible!

Here's to some wanderings today.....

Two blocks from my apartment!!

the rest are wandering shots..... Enjoy!

Another perfectly charming day......

What a joy to wake up with the sun ready to shine

and a crisp cool light breeze!

Made my way to the market this morning.

a delightful surprise getting on the RER...

I met 2 ladies from Austin, Tx. going to Chatou for the first time!

I was a happy to escort them in the back way (shhh!)

and share adventurous travels tales with them. Hope we can stay in touch!

It was packed in the market today! But as expected, there were a few more items I missed yesterday that I was able to load up on.

Here are just a few....

I'll have fun with these when I get home!!!

Day 1 of Chatou !!!

The first day of any Antique Market is always the most exciting!

Dealers are bright eyed and ready to make some much needed sales..

the buyers have had 6 months to wait to see these dealers again, anticipating more fabulous treasures their clients will snap up quickly, while re affirming their "eye" is still right on!

The twice a year, Foire de Chateau

 is just such a dream. 700 dealers from all around France come to this tiny island. If you want more info about the fair and see some of the typical wears, go to September 2013 on this blog for a complete tour.

But as far as Dealer Day at Chatou, the dealers this autumn were there to give us what we needed!

The gates open early as we all race to our favorite dealers first. It was so lovely to see these folks again! Just as the mind starts to reel from several hours of buying, I meet up with some friends for my beloved HAM lunch! YUM!

Paintings and unusual wood and metal fragments are my speciality. I found some very interesting pieces of each.

Here, I find a collection of watercolors by the same artist in Bretagne! 

Artwork will go to the framers, while I get to play with the fragments to figure out the best way to display them...museum stand mount, or mounted on a wood base. 

Such a pleasant time, as i wonder what these pieces were originally used for and what the house and the owners were like!

A treasure of time gone by!

Random Shots from yesterday!

A day off in Paris!

So I put back on my comfy shoes and head back out to do one of my favorite things to do in Paris....

WANDER!

Here are just some random shots during my 5 hour wander walk....enjoy!!

 Beautiful doors!
Can I bring these back as carry on luggage???

 The little LOCKS Bridge!
More panels are being removed this week and replaced by shatterproof glass.
But as I stood there, a guy was trying to sell me some locks!

The park behind Notre Dame!

 Lovely shop windows of St. Paul Village!

A special treat from the most famous Ice Cream in Paris, Berthillon on Ile de la Cite! Here is my framboise... 

a sweet slice of heaven!!!!   

Love to all of you! Lee

More wonderful finds!!!

The weekend was unusually warm for this time of year in Paris...thunderstorms each afternoon...but that didn't keep me from having a wonderful time, visiting with some of the dealers that have become friends, making new friends and just generally enjoying being back in Paris and enjoying the pace of life and the way life swings over here.

As expected, jet lag set in on Sunday  morning, I could hardly get out of my comfortable bed....it took lots of coffee....LOL !!!

But it was all worth it! I find myself smiling for no reason, just to be here!

And the treasures I have found are great...

Take a look at the fabulous paintings I've found!!!

Record breaking Document!!

The Marriage Certificate between Napoleon I and Josephine being auctioned by Maison Osenat, closed at more than 4 times the estimated asking price at over 437,000 Euros!!!

The document dated March 8, 1796. But the marriage was finally annulled in 1810, after they failed to have children of their own and produce a legitimate heir.

First Day back in Paris!!!

First full day back in Paris is always filled with excitement, expectation, and a little crossing of the fingers for "bon chance" for good finds , great prices, and great weather! Here is a peak out my apartment window when I woke up. Its a brand new day...

and I am ready!!!

For the next 11 hours I am constantly on the go....hitting every single flea market I can find. As i walk out of the Metro for the last time today towards my apartment building I see the sky darkening....and hurry home. Here is that same view about 10 seconds before a thundering storm approaches, marking the end to the first day of my trip.

Totally exhausted, ready for a shower, dinner, bed and a major foot rub!

BUT WAIT!

First I have to unpack my tote bags and market cart for another look at all the wonderful paintings and accessories I just bought....

you'll get to see them

TOMORROW!!!

check back soon

XOXO, Lee