Gyula Halász (1899-1984) was an Hungarian-French artist born in Brassó, Hungary (now Romania). He gave himself the name Brassaï because it means “from Brassó." What I found fascinating about his black & white photography, recently featured at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, was how Brassaï captured many not-so-pretty parts of Paris in the … Continue reading Brassaï Photography Exhibition at SFMOMA
Author: Darlene
I’m not French, but I love French language and culture, and France, in general / je ne suis pas française, mais j’aime la langue et la culture française, et la France en général
March 22 is World Water Day: How You Can Help Provide Water for All
Today (March 22) is World Water Day and here are a few things you can do to help because water scarcity is a global crisis that cannot be ignored
Wednesday Postcard: Versailles, France
Bonjour! I got this week’s carte postale from a local used-book shop. Until the next Wednesday Postcard, à bientôt! For more information: Palace of Versailles If you enjoyed this postcard, you may be interested in reading my post about how I got lost then found myself at Versailles.
Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Spanked
Fenty Beauty is a new cosmetics brand created by the talented, beautiful, and top-selling music artist, Rihanna! The first product I wanted to try was the Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick. Each 1.7 g/ 0.06 oz octagon-shaped tube of lipstick sells for $18 at Sephora or online. Since it's shiny, you can use the cap as … Continue reading Fenty Beauty Mattemoiselle Plush Matte Lipstick in Spanked
Wednesday Postcard: Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Bonjour! This week’s carte postale was sent to me by a relative who visited Tunisia in North Africa: Known for its blue and white buildings, the city of Sidi Bou Said is located on a hill about 20 km/12.4 miles northeast of Tunis, the capital of Tunisia. Until the next Wednesday Postcard, à bientôt! For … Continue reading Wednesday Postcard: Sidi Bou Said, Tunisia
Taking a Load Off at Laundré in San Francisco
When I spotted Laundré in the Mission District in San Francisco, I was intrigued by the accent aigu (é) in its name. A closer look at the large blue building located on the corner of 20th and Mission Streets revealed that Laundré is a portmanteau, or a made-up word using the combination of the words, … Continue reading Taking a Load Off at Laundré in San Francisco
Wednesday Postcard: New Orleans, Louisiana, USA
Bonjour! I bought this week’s carte postale from a shop at the Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport (MSY) during a brief layover: Until the next Wednesday Postcard, à bientôt! For more information: Mardi Gras New Orleans New Orleans If you enjoyed this postcard, you may be interested in reading my post about beignets.
Louise Bourgeois Spiders Exhibition at SFMOMA
Did you know that arachnophobia, or the fear of spiders, is one of the most common phobias? Because I suffer from it, I admire those who aren't afraid of spiders. For example: People who eat them, like Angelina Jolie did while she was visiting Cambodia, where fried spiders are a delicacy Singer Billie Eilish, who … Continue reading Louise Bourgeois Spiders Exhibition at SFMOMA
If You’re Going to San Francisco, Be Sure to Watch These Videos Filmed There
A French song about a blue house in San Francisco inspired me to compile this list of music videos filmed in my hometown
Wednesday Postcard: Saint-Paul-de-Vence, France
Bonjour! This week’s carte postale was sent to me by a relative who visited this medieval town near Nice on the French Riviera: I received this postcard in 2010. In 2011, the name of the city was changed to Saint-Paul-de-Vence. Until the next Wednesday Postcard, à bientôt! For more information: Provence Web - Saint-Paul-de-Vence
Lauren Daigle Makes A Joyful Noise at the Warfield in San Francisco
Pictures and video clips from Lauren Daigle’s February 22, 2019 show at the Warfield Theatre in San Francisco
Wednesday Postcard: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Bonjour! I got this week’s carte postale from a local used-book shop. Someone sent "Doty" this postcard from the World Fair, or International and Universal Exposition, that was held in Montréal, Québec, Canada from April 27 to October 29, 1967. Until the next Wednesday Postcard, à bientôt! For more information: Expo 67 - the World … Continue reading Wednesday Postcard: Montréal, Québec, Canada
Wednesday Postcard: Ajaccio, Corsica
Bonjour! This week’s carte postale was sent to me by a relative who visited Corsica (la Corse), the French island in the Mediterranean Sea: Emperor of France and military leader, Napoléon Bonaparte, was born here on August 15, 1769. Until the next Wednesday Postcard, à bientôt!
Epine chérie
I wrote this poem in French when I was 20-something
Wednesday Postcard: Lille, Maine, USA
Bonjour! I got this week’s carte postale from a local used-book shop. I had heard of cities in France and Belgium named Lille, but I didn't know there was one in the state of Maine in the United States! There are fewer than 500 people who reside in this town by the St. John River, … Continue reading Wednesday Postcard: Lille, Maine, USA
If You’re Learning French, Listen to These 6 Songs
Listen to songs by Amir, Diva Faune featuring Léa Paci, Aude Gagnier, Pink Martini, Sara’h, and Zap Mama
January 30 is National Croissant Day in the United States
The only reason I know January 30 is National Croissant Day in the United States is because my Starbucks mobile app told me! I couldn't find the origins of this "national day" to celebrate the flaky, buttery French pastry, but as a fan of all things French, I'm glad someone made it up. After all, … Continue reading January 30 is National Croissant Day in the United States
Wednesday Postcard: Toulouse, France
Bonjour! This week’s carte postale is one I picked up during my visit to Toulouse in southwest France 🇫🇷: This is a view of the Garonne River and La ville rose (the Pink City). Shown here are two bridges: Pont Saint-Pierre (foreground) and Pont Neuf. On the bottom right are Les Abattoirs (modern art museum) … Continue reading Wednesday Postcard: Toulouse, France
Wish You Were Here: A Postcard Every Wednesday
On the occasion of my blog’s first anniversary, I’m excited to announce a new series
2 (Mostly) Free French Events You Can’t Miss This Winter
Do you enjoy French films? Panel discussion on current events? Exchanging ideas? Cultural performances? If so, check out these two (mostly) free events happening in January and February online or in a city near you! My French Film Festival.com My French Film Festival.com is the "world's first online French film festival." With a favorite mobile … Continue reading 2 (Mostly) Free French Events You Can’t Miss This Winter
