2010-2020

this was the decade I turned 40. 

the decade I lost my father, and made peace with the fact that he was a deeply flawed and sick man, and that taught me how to be a caring, responsible parent. 

lost my dog, and adopted a new one. 

lost a child, and learned that joy and grief can coexist. 

lost my love, and found my true self. 

this was the decade I produced two short documentary films and directed one, and if I can do it anyone can. 

got my first, second and third tattoo, and no it doesn’t hurt that bad. 

visited many cities, and still think Paris is the most beautiful, magical place of all. 

traveled to Haiti and Tanzania, and it took me almost another decade to figure out and accept that it was my life calling. 

met some of the best people, and I remind myself every day to never take them for granted. 

this was the decade my boys grew facial hair and lost their high-pitched voices, and became young men with opinions of their own. 

this was a decade of losses and lessons, and I’m ready for the next one. 

spring in Paris

spring this year is bringing long bike rides, berries and a sense of completeness into our family, gently reminding us that what we may have lost in lifestyle options we have gained in terms of simplicity, creativity and peace.

I heart film

we've finally had the first rolls of film that we shot with the new Contax 645 camera developed today. and I have to admit it. as much as I enjoy the convenience and many possibilities that digital photography offers, my love for film, fully entrenched in the beauty of its texture, process and imperfection, is expanding every day.

some beautiful film photos: another summer, untitled, La promenade, untitled and pendant.

spring manifesto

it is about enjoying a little walk in the city for the first time in weeks, basking in the warmth of the afternoon light.

it is about rediscovering the simple joys of fresh sheets, board games, homemade meals and late night conversations.

it is about knitting baby clothes and making jewelry to help raising funds for children in need around the world. about the pride and encouragement in my sons' eyes, no matter how small my contribution may be.

it is about being at peace with who I am and what I do.

Orangette

12 hours between us

last week my mother moved to Seoul, South Korea. and I miss her. while walking up the escalator at the mall, when picking up my boys at school. I miss her, yet even though this has altered my life in very unexpected ways, though I am afraid, I know that letting her go is part of growing up. I miss her, but I'm grateful for the opportunity we have now to deepen our bond, and build a healthier, more loving relationship.

Maria Antonietta Mameli: Human Observation - Red Bags

Deauville

the documentary film series project didn't work out and left me jobless, feeling inadequate and discouraged. but today I hung out with Harry Potter and Spiderman, and I can't help but think that good things will come along, eventually. and that I need to learn to live in those common, stressful times of life by the power of simple joy.

happy Halloween!

l'Oisive Thé

where I like to retreat to read, where I have my first polaroid exhibition on display. where my good friend always welcomes me with a comforting hug and a piece of chocolate cake. like a soft blanket, or an instant band-aid. where I feel like home.

more about l'Oisive Thé here and here.

happy Monday

one of my pictures is a Flickr 888 favorite!

a couple of firsts

1st grade. my first photo exhibition, my first sale. my first race. working in a fashion designer showroom for three weeks, and then as a freelance writer on a documentary film series. the tooth fairy's first visit. and my first online shop.

rue Saint-Antoine

I know it's been a long time. we're all doing good and yes, a lot has happened. our lives have changed in big and small ways, ways that I had never thought possible. ways that now fill my heart with a renewed sense of appreciation for my family and friends.

but change always comes with uncertainty and fear, where everything you think you know is challenged. every day. in every decision you make. and it's hard. it's exciting, but it's hard.