I like to pretend I'm French: The Guide Part 2
How it continues
Having a car in the city is overrated. Sure, the convenience of zooming somewhere across town in privacy or transporting heavy and bulky items, having an auto is dreamy. It’s dreamy if you have not had one and have been schlepping supplies home from all over the city. But just think for a minute how it would be not to have a car. I had to for a good week or so about how it would be to not have my trusty auto waiting for me at the curb as Mr. Berryman (said husband) loaned the car out to some visiting relatives. Here’s how it played out. I had several appointments, commitments, and projects, that needed my attention in all parts of the city and I fortunately live in a city with a developed transit system. I loaded up my Metro tickets and proceeded to figure out how to get about town. So after I got on the bus I felt this nostalgic feeling that transported me to Paris. I often take busses in Paris so I can see the topography and get the lay of the land. The feel, the sound, the smell, all of these things gave me a sense of adventure and well-being! I thought I was demoted to the servant class without my car but I must say I was elevated to a happy gal about town! I walked quite a bit which has had a very positive outcome on the stability of my legs and core. My stamina for walking built up as the days progressed. When I’m in Paris I walk for miles and not think about it as my eyes are feasting on all of the details. I did take the Lightrail (subway) as well, and the smells, sounds, and the escalators, transported me literally to familiar Parisienne memories. I could not believe my fortune! My friends were tsk tsk that I did not have my car. I assured them that it did not inconvenience me one bit! The other fun thing about roaming around on foot is that you see more things. More things that not only inspire but delight. I have always loved walking neighborhoods and looking at front gardens and houses. I have taken to walking down alleys and checking out what is in the backyards. I don’t walk fast unless I have a time constraint. Mostly I walk at a slow rambling pace. I had to run an errand the other day to send off a rather large package but it did fit under my arm so I decided to walk. I knew it would take some time and I was also picking up a baguette for Mr. Berryman’s lunch which he eats as promptly as he can at 12:30 p.m. It was a beautiful morning with sunshine, no wind, and after I dropped off the package I crossed the street to get the baguette at The French Guys bakery. Now I really could slip into the character of the woman who pretends to be French. I mean, get a load of this place! I went inside and procured the baguette then decided I needed to rest and since I did not have breakfast at the time was about 11:30 I decided to have a Quiche Lorraine and a Creme Cafe (I had to say a wet cappuccino) and all was splendidly delicious and piping hot! I sat outside un terrasse and watched the world go by. I saw scooters, bicycles, and dogs, and all very charming. Once I was there one time when the French Guys were speaking rapidly in French. I took my time deciding at the counter so I could just soak it in.
The French Guys bakery on Roy Street, Seattle.
Quiche Lorraine (splendid) + Cafe Creme (piping hot)
Music
When I am in my car I listen to French Music. It seems to take the stress away from traffic. I have an old car with a CD changer in it. I load them up and play continuously. If it is a warm and sunny day I open the windows to enjoy the air not unlike the booming tunes from younger drivers. Try these tunes from Putumayo: Paris + French Cafe . If you come to my studio for a workshop I play music along with my Baby Buddha Buffet which is a lovely combination! Here is my Spotify playlist that ventures out to more than just French but it’s all quite lovely: Baby Buddha Studio Playlist.
On another note…a bag is a bag is a bag. I’m offering a sweet little package deal of a Baby Buddha Essential Striped Bag and with some cool Baby Buddha Studio products!
So the package, DELIGHTFUL STRIPED BAG FULL OF TREATS, includes Essential Striped Bag, a bespoke notebook for writing notes and keeping track of tasks and books and films etc., a fresh scent from Demeter Fragrances (tomato vine, fresh garden, rain, dirt or paperback), a French Storefront Baby Buddha Studio card, a Baguette Bookmark, and a surprise cone from Bazartherapy! $110
The essential Baby Buddha Studio Striped Bag + fun things you could live without buy why should you????
A bientot! and Merci for reading!