I couldn't resist..... and perhaps the time is right

 

Hello my friends, it's been a long time. 

Nothing like a little challenge to get oneself into gear. Thank you Dolce Bellezza! I've always loved this challenge. It was through this challenge that I found myself actually enjoying fiction, learning to love surrealism, and even some historic fiction. This challenge has given me virtual escapes to a country I've only visit once, but felt at home in. So it's only fitting I come back to it, when I'm feeling the need for some escapism and a vacation. 

I've found four books to dive into for this challenge, and I hope to review this month. 

"Hunchback" came to me via a podcast I've been really enjoying - BookShelfie: Women's Prize Podcast. Vick Hope interviews women about the books that changed them. 

The Guardian said "The narrator muses on everything from pornography to David Lynch, in this gloriously transgressive debut from Japan"... 

Anyway, I couldnt resist but to pick it up this season. 

"Exophony" was an accidental addition to my list. I sent my partner off to the local independent bookshop to find something by Yoko Tsushima (pen name). I was intrigued by something I read about her work being inspired or informed by her own experience. 

Anyway, what came home from the bookshop was this - a non fiction collection of essays, noted in reviews as "a brilliant exploration of language and its relationship to power, colonialism and history'. I'm getting into this, and finding some great insights.... more review to come. 

Murakami is just one of my go to favourites for escapism.. So this year I've picked one from my previously read pile, and I've started re-reading. Strangely, I usually dont re-read - but perhaps the time is right.... 

Imagine my surprise when I walked through a city bookshop to see this! It was a must have. 

Thanks to #JLC19 - I had my eye's open for a new Murakami. The girl in the bookshop said she didnt think the story was new, just that this book is illustrated... I dont recall reading the story before, so this addition to my list was a must have.  Review to come, but here's a glimpse of the fabulous illustrations... 

So after years of non-blogging, I make my re-entry through the portal of the Japanese Literature Challenge now in it's 19th year! 
 

Paris in July 2023 - It's still alive!!

 

It's is with Great pleasure and humble gratitude that I am passing the baton this year to Emma at Words and Peace, to lead and host Paris in July 2023.  

I'm so honoured that our event has such a sincere and genuine group of followers, lovers of all things French, that together, we've found a way to keep it alive. I'm even more excited that we might see where these developments take us, as Emma will have her ways of doing things, and has already flagged with me some exciting ideas. 

For me, I have been managing some life matters that have needed some attention, and I knew if I put out a call for assistance it would be there.  I will endeavour to follow along this year, and may find a post or two in me also. 

Avez-vous un bonne voyage mes amis, et j'espere que vous decouvre beacoup des chose neuveux de la Paris! 

Tamara 

Paris in July 2023

 For the love of cycling

Tour Down Under 2023 - the Dutch Corner

Tour Down Under - the caravan 

Bonjour mes amis! 

The Tour de France is coming, and for those who know me, you know I love the TV footage of this huge event that takes in the sights and loves of all things French... so, Yes, it's that time of year... when I would also normally be hosting the Paris in July Blogging Event...

The Paris in July blogging event, has been a huge success of the years, largely because of you - the participants. It's always been an event that welcomes everyone who loves all things Paris and France. It's been about 

• books & movies
• restaurant reviews and favourite meals
• recipes
• theatre, film and festivals
• travel memories 
• favourite photos of Paris
• wine tastings
• itineraries for travellers

The event has been hosted here, at Thyme-for-tea, with weekly sign-in posts, weekly reviews, and a widget that supported you to link to other bloggers involved. 

This year, I'm just not sure I can maintain the level of support this event has required in the past. So I'm posting this for two reasons

• declaring that I fear I can not honour participants with the right diligence 
• seeking expressions of interest from anyone who would like to take on hosting the event, or co-host with me... 

I would love to hear your thoughts about how you would like to see Paris in July hosted in 2023. 

Tamara 

Paris in July 2022 - memories

 

Paris in July botton collection since 2010

I have been inspired by several other bloggers who have posted recently about things they've posted in previous Paris in July seasons. I went back and reviewed the many different bottons we've used to celebrate Paris in July posts since 2010.  We've had a few... these have been design by me, and other co-hosts over the years,  and represent the things that we love about Paris. 

I am promising to do the final Paris in July wrap up in a few days because i am currently away on a little trip with a girlfriend. But there's a connection to this post... i have strong memories (reinforced by stories from my parents) of travelling to Paris as a child in the late 60s. My dad thinks I fell in love with Paris when I was three.. 

Today my girlfriend found a treasure in a bric a brac shop. A silk scarf we think was worn by Qantas hostesses in the 60s

Beautifully decorated with Australian native flowers.

So,  inspired by this special find today, I thought I'd share this link to music I might have heard when I was in Paris when I was three... its just a bit of fun.... 

https://youtu.be/wsGt7vx_Ues

Paris in July - Week 4 (already!)

Movies, songs, and books from all over the world and from each period of time describes Paris as the city of love. French artists like Edith Piaf, and Charles Aznavour among others, sang wonderful songs about Paris (“La Boheme”, ”Sous le ciel de Paris”…), but international singers did too. Gershwin wrote “an American in Paris” after his trip to the French capital! [direct from here]

This past week has been prolific here in Paris in July 2022! Book reviews, posts about books set in Paris, Posts about posts about Paris, films set in Paris, books by French authors in French, and more reviews of Maigret!  New insight to me, thanks to Mel U, that there are more than 75 Maigret books!  Then of course, there were several reviews about the novel 'The Martins'.

I am finding it difficult to get around to visit and read all of these posts during the week, however some I have visited have left an impression on me. 

1. Deb @Readerbuzz -  Street Art 
2. Karkwito - Une rue déserte et c'est comme si la ville m'était offerte
3. Bellezza - The Martins - 

While I haven't had time to post, I have been engrossed in the highlight of my Paris in July experiences - the Tour de France!  I have been cheering on the Aussies, and we had a great start to this years Tour - but in the end the Europeans did superbly. But it's not over yet - even better - we have le Tour Femmes. Yep - this year they've saved the best to last - and after the boys have finished their race, the women have 8 days of racing in the same beautiful countryside. I strongly encourage women around the world to support this event, and log in to watch some.  The more we watch it, the better it is for women in cycling and female sports around the world. 

And Now - It's my duty to post this weeks Mr Linky - time to share with us your posts for week 4. 

Paris in July - Week 3

What an eventful week we've just had in Paris in July! So many fantastic contributions, and some great conversations that followed, particularly about the 14th of July! I hope you had a small moment to flick through other posts, and even enjoy a piece of bread and cheese on the day of celebrations. 

As Deb Nance and I are co-hosting, you'll need to pop over to ReaderBuzz to check out Debs review of last week here. I really appreciate sharing this event because everyone has a different perspective and it's all wonderful inspiration to me. 

I've found myself quite busy with work life, so taking small moments for Paris in July has meant I needed to find bite sized things to enjoy. Here's a snap shot of something I have been reading in my coffee breaks. 

                                                

So, (je suis désolé je poste un peu tard), here's the sign in post for week 3 of Paris in July 2022. Looking forward to more great insights and learnings about all things Paris and France. 

Paris in July = Week 2

 

Welcome to Week 2 - this is generally a very exciting week for Paris in July - because this week we celebrate the 14th July, or Bastille Day Bastille Day or formally called La Fête Nationale (The National Celebration) and more commonly le quatorze juillet. I look forward catching a few posts dedicated to , this very french celebration. There are lots of ways to do this  - history, Food, Drinks, Novels, non-fiction, movies or other emissions, memories of visiting national monuments.... 

Keep us informed about what your thinking, loving, learning, and enjoying...