35 Comments

Hi Dave, and why yes ! I consider being unsure some what of a perk of being here. As in I get to rediscover all that. And she does probably wear big boots that woman. Glad re. good lyme day, they should have 50 day prizes! Thanks again for reading.

Expand full comment

You have a point! I think when I’m trying to get it more than a specific place like Paris is being in a different place Which I think shapes more how you see things than what you see. Thanks so much for reading and for commenting!

Expand full comment

These are wonderful photos, Susanna. Timeless. The woman's shoes in the first picture are from the early 1900s—as are her earrings, I think—but she also looks so completely modern. I love how alive you are to everything around you, and I also love that you're sharing it all with us!

Expand full comment

Aw, thanks for reading and the kind words, Stephanie. I thought she was magnificent, and yeah, it all look like real vintage. I should have asked her if she had a store at the brocante... I have friends who would love find out where to get that entire ensemble.

Expand full comment

Susanna, Tout a l’air naturel à travers des yeux neufs,

Eddy

Expand full comment

Merci beaucoup Eddy. Je suis d'accord. J'ai l'impression de voir avec de nouveaux yeux.

Expand full comment

Ah, Susanna, Flaneur! J’aimerais être toi

Eddy

Expand full comment

That brocade coat on M. Dennis! Wonderful. I loved each of these portraits.

Expand full comment

Thanks so much Carissa

Expand full comment

Another delightful read! But somehow I get the feeling that Susanna isn't completely sure about Susanna. You know, of course, my friend, that it matters not one whit what you wear or if you're jolie-laide or simply jolie (I think the later, but what do I know?).

So wear those clunky boots when you feel like it and keep harvesting images.

Great choice for monochrome!

Dave

PS: This is Good Lyme Day-in-a-row no. 46 and I've just met a jolie lady. Wish us well!

Expand full comment

Thanks for taking me for a walk down the delightful streets of Paris - and how I adore the individuality of those that live there. It is an absolute joy to see the city through your eyes and live vicariously through them until I visit once again!

Expand full comment

Thanks so much Deb

Expand full comment

Really enjoying your missives from Paris - merci!! And as the daughter of a German mother with years of overseas living, this phrase really resonated with me! “He was neither and both, the beautiful fate of all expats.” Truer words were never spoken!

Expand full comment

Aw, thanks so much Carol.

Expand full comment

LOVED all your photos! Magnifique! And your commentary.

Your reminiscences about your father's German/English, when you remarked on him purposely then "pronouncing all the syllables in vacuum", reminded me of the dialog in Barbara Kingsolver's, I believe it's The Bean Trees, her father, the doctor, pronouncing every syllable in Latin words, the way I was taught in high school too, the way (they think) the Romans spoke it. Vacuum = "wa-cu-um"!

Expand full comment

Thanks so much Pete. And you nailed it that's EXACTLY how he said vacuum. So funny. And Dad of course learned Latin as a kid, as one did then, so he'd throw Latin phrases around every once in a while just to stir the pot.

Expand full comment

Love these photos (and captions!) -- The Savage Girl seems to have bright red sensible shoes for her long day in the classroom.

Expand full comment

Savage, stylish and practical! ha.

Expand full comment

I love this! The writing is fantastic as always, and the pics are incredible!

Expand full comment

Aw, thanks so much, Aaron. I'm just going to walk and walk and take photos. It's another way to see. xx

Expand full comment

Ah yes...those shoes in the first pic!!!!!

What IS it that constitutes Parisienne chic?

Is it supreme self-confidence combined with unerring taste?

Expand full comment

I know, it's a mazing. I watch like a Margaret Mead of fashion

Expand full comment

"The Margaret Mead of fashion"

Love it! Enjoy!

Expand full comment

I love all of your posts! I was a big fan of your former column and missed it when you stopped so I am delighted to have you back in my “email lbox life.” The photos are wonderful and your self deprecating humor is charming. Thank you!

Expand full comment

Aw thanks Jackie for reading and for the kind words.

Expand full comment

Schrobs,

I wish I believed in reincarnation because if I did, I would want to come back as you -- with (in no particular order) your talent, sensitivities, intelligence, sense of self-effacing humor and just general all-around wonderful woman! I love your Paris letters. Keep them coming! Big hugs, Judith

Expand full comment

Susanna, I am loving your posts from Paris. (And your seephotos. In the first one, I noticed that the painting on the sidewalk cafe tabletop looks like the style pof American artist Mary Englebreit.) I relate to your personality dilemma. I am currently in a new and unexpected stage of life and wondering who I am and who I will be. It feels strange to suddenly have to choose.

Expand full comment

Hi Linda,

Sorry for the delay in responding! And I totally get what you mean re who you will be. I wasn’t sure who I’d become here, and it’s emerging slowly and in unexpected ways. So I’m hoping you go into this new life with an open heart and optimism. Susanna

Expand full comment

Hey, S.S., who knew that your pictures would be as terrific as your writing? Nga and I are totally charmed.

Expand full comment

Oh, thanks to you both! (Hi Nga!). I'm so thrilled that you're reading and that you like the photos too.

Expand full comment