Carnet de Voyage is simply a description of the "Voyage" of my life: Where I am from, where I have been where I want to go. It's also a description of what I like to do, my favorite music. Simplement un "voyage de la Vie.
Eiffel Tower has turned off its lights in memory of those who tragically lost their lives.
(picture of people.com)
As I am looking at this picture, I am still in shock to realize what happened in Paris. I have never seen the Eiffel Tower going dark this way and it's really sad. That tells how bad the event was. Four months ago I had one of my best Summers in this city of lights. Paris is the city of my childhood. Paris the city of my vacations. The city where I am always excited to go but today something sad happened to Paris. I was supposed to post something fun this weekend but I could not...
Few months ago I wrote a post about what happened in Kenya. I never intended to write such events in my blog but sometimes you cannot be indifferent in front of some news. It was Friday and people after a long busy week wanted to enjoy the beginning of the weekend but they found themselves attacked and killed by a group of terrorists. I am glad to know that my family is safe. I had my sister on the phone and my mum. They told me everybody is fine. I thank God for that but I also think about those who lost their family members. According to the French magazine le Figaro, approximately 129 people died and 352 are wounded. That includes French people and other people from other countries.
My point here is I worry a little bit about this world. I worry about tomorrow. I worry about the next generation and I worry for our children. I don't have a child yet but to me I am thinking how am I going to teach them the word "peace" when I see all this disaster in the world. How am I going to teach them the word "peace in the world" when a group of people are willing to be a pain and are after innocents? How will I teach them the word "peace in the world" when I see that the so call leaders or powerful countries seem to be powerless in front of such situations? How?
It is so difficult to understand why such angry people call themselves heroes when they surprise and kill innocents. No! Real heroes do not kill innocents but cowards do.
Tragic event in Paris. Pictures from people.com
Few months ago we were painfully remembering the victims of the 9/11. To me, watching the video that somebody shared on social media was still shocking because you can never get used to it. Then, I saw some of the videos of the terrorist attack in Paris, I literally had some goose bumps. It was awful and horrible. It was scary! Recently we saw families in Russia in tears after tragically losing some of their family members in a plane crash in Egypt. To later find out that the same group was probably behind this crash. Earlier this year, these groups devastated an entire village of men and women in Nigeria. Then, they attacked another village in Cameroon were they rapped and killed people. The same year, They went to Garissa in Kenya were they killed a group of students and I think about people in Syria and in Iraq who are struggling to save their lives everyday.
They call themselves Al Qaeda, Boko Haram, Al Shabaab, ISIS Daesh, Aqmi etc. And, our leaders seem to be powerless in front of their actions or maybe I am wrong but how can we explain that they are still striking and disturbing the peace of the world? Clearly, they want to make people live in fear and they probably have succeeded in this vision...maybe... Today you wonder if taking a plane is safe? You wonder if going somewhere is safe? You wonder if talking to a stranger is safe? You wonder who the person sitting in front of you can do? As Cyndi Lauper sang "The world is stone" but in the same time I want to do what Celine Dion says in her song:"Je danse dans ma tete" I want to "dance in my head" because it's too much. It is too much and I am fed up of the bad news in the world everyday just because the same group of people who like to scare people of the world. Fear and hatred that's their weapons.
("The World is Stone" in French version by Canadian singer Garou) I like his version too.
People mourning the lost ones (Paris/France). picture from www.cnn.com
No, no, no don't get me wrong I am not pessimistic at all! I still have hope. I want to be among those who are still optimistic for this world even in these chaotic events in that chaotic world. I want to be among those who still show humanity and love to others. I want to be among those who care and who decide to save human and animal lives. Even walking through the "shadow of death" I can be scared but I know and I remember that God remains the good Shepperd of my life. I also keep in my mind pictures of great people such as Mother Teresa who positively impacted this world in a difficult time. She is gone but what she has done still lives. One plus one makes two. Two plus two make four. If four people can do good to others then I believe there is still hope for this world.
Well, maybe I ask too many questions or maybe I worry too much. I am just a simple citizen of the world who is not happy about the recent news. Is there a way to touch their hearts in order to make them stop what they are doing? What I want to say is: think about the people that you hurt. Think about the orphans left without their parents because of what you are doing. Think about the next generation. I know you have a heart and if you read me today I want you to change. I want you to understand that Love is powerful. I want you to listen to this little voice telling you that it is wrong to kill people and God has nothing to do with it. I want you to see the tears in these children' eyes because they lost their parents. Please stop what you are doing. Killing innocents will never be a reason to justify what you do or that ideology. Yes, you will always be remembered for the "cause" that you stood up for but how do you want to be remembered? People will always respect those who stood up for the good and noble causes for humanity. The others who stood up for the wrong ones will be disliked forever. Do you choose to save or kill lives? This is a choice to make today if you read me.
I like the smile of hope of this little girl
Today we are Paris. We stand with Paris during these painful moment because what happened to them can happen anywhere in the world. We hope people will recover from this traumatic event. We also hope that family who lost their loved ones will be strong to keep living. We wish peace to Paris I talk about the real Peace that comes from God to spread in the entire city. And, we hope to see the lights of the Eiffel Tower on as a symbol of strength. As long as there are good people in the world, and that there are brave people in this world, I still have hope for tomorrow. Mother Teresa once said: "If we have no peace it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Interesting and powerful words from Mother Teresa. When you remember that the person next to you is your brother and sister then you will not think about hurting them or hurting your neighbor. Today #WePrayforParis# and it is good to see the world united to support France during this difficult time. And we pray for Nigeria, we pray for Syria, we pray for Cameroon, Mali and Tunisia
I want to remember this powerful song (because of the lyrics that song have never left my head since I first listened to them when I was a child ) of my favorite artist. Thank you MJ for this beautiful song and I want to thank you for reading this post.
( If you want to discover something interesting that has nothing to do with sadness you can visit this website where I share good things! http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/lifestyle Thank you and Shalom to you all!
This is for the people of the world I send that song to you today with Love.
"Heal the World" Michael Jackson, album Dangerous. 1991
First I want to say: "Bye! Patricia!" at last she is gone for good! From what I have read in weather.com and from TV news, she was one of the strongest tropical cyclones ever recorded in the western part (hemisphere). That hurricane was so bad she destroyed homes and many things in her way. She went down to Mexico where she lost strength but we actually experienced some of her effects here. People were praying for Mexico as they were going through this difficult time of the weather. We had so much flood damage and a lot of rain in Dallas and in other areas of Texas. It was not good at all! I stayed four days locked up in my place and looking at the bad weather from the windows. On Thursday, on my way back to my place the sky quickly turned from blue to dark grey in the afternoon around 5pm and few drops of rain started to fall but later at night it was really bad. We had some heavy rains with some lightning and thunders. Some flights were cancelled or delayed to hours later at the airport. If you want to know more about what happened in Texas or in Dallas specifically, you can click on these links that I share.
picture from latimes.com
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/texas-floods-union-pacific-train-derails-as-rains-soak-state/
another one https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/monster-hurricane-patricia-quickly-losing-strength/2015/10/24/acee453e-79da-11e5-a5e2-40d6b2ad18dd_story.html
yes she was a real monster. This is another link that I share below http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2015/10/24/texas-hit-heavy-rains-heightened-flood-threat/74523670/
This is pretty much what I want to share about her. I am glad that Patricia is gone. Actually while the rain was falling as I was looking through the windows of my bedroom, I suddenly remembered an old French song of the late 80's. I don't know why but it has been a long time ago that I have listened to it and I was so little when the song was released. That song is from Stephanie de Monaco (One of the princesses of Monaco. Yes! She used to sing before.) That song was about the "hurricane" that devastated her life. Something happened in her life as she was really young. Obviously listening to the lyrics, it was not a good memory to her. The title of the song is actually "Ouragan" meaning in French hurricane but in English version I think it has another name like Irreversible or something like that. She sings in both French and English. To those who do not know who Stephanie de Monaco is, she is the daughter of the late American actress/princess Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier. Now you understand why she is fluent in both languages. Anyway...To me the song has a little bit of the bitter sweet feelings.
As the rain was falling and falling down, the song was playing in my mind over and over again. Yes, I was missing these happy childhood moments back home. For instance, I remember that I liked to play under the rain and late at night I would feel so sick. I even thought that fishes were coming from the sky and they were falling with the rain lol! Ok! That was just a short story.
So, yes I was definitely missing Mr. Sun for real so when it was back, I decided to go out and walk in the city. We had such a great weather yesterday and I am so thankful! I cannot be grateful enough and I cannot take for granted that nice weather. I could at last breathe a little bit of fresh air and feel free out of the four walls of the apartment.
So, I went to the Historic West End area of Dallas in town. There, I had Jim who actually was available to take some nice pictures for me as usual!. Jim is such a nice person and I am so glad I met him. He is a good person, a good friend I will say and he is really patient. Whenever he can, he will find a day to be available to help and take pictures for me. He always tells me that: "I want you to remember once back to your country that there are always nice people in America." Whenever I hear that, it makes me gently smile. it is so important that I keep in mind this fact no matter who I meet or what I am going through.
The day was awesome I had so much fun! I post some of the pictures to share with you. I also went to the Kennedy memorial in Dallas. JFK was assassinated the 22nd of November 1963. I like this man for what he has done as a president. As we were taking some pictures, I told Jim that I was also born the 22nd of November. I know many years later but the date is important to me as well.
It has been many years since he died but still people are so curious and interested to understand the why and the how things really happened. Should I say that many tourists come to visit these two places to remember him? Ok, what I mean by the two places is actually the memorial and where he was shot in the motorcade. On that same place there is a man who explains to tourists what could possibly has happened. I have to agree with him that only one person (Lee Oswald) could not have done it on his own... This is above my humble understanding. I have to say that people of the world like me are still wondering what really happened but as the proverb says: " Curiosity killed the cat." I think it is wise to not ask too many questions...
Then, later I went to West End station to take picture with Rosa Parks statue. These are some of the pictures but I have most of them in my other website because I have more options there then here. You can check them out later if you are interested http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage However, the post is written in French because I am more comfortable writing in French than in English. Sorry about that!)
West End Historic
Shirt Forever21, top and jeans H&M Sunglasses ALDO
I was so happy we had a great sun! I wanted to recreate the 90's look
And guess what!? On our way as we were walking down the streets, after two blocks ahead we saw Browdy Lowen a close friend of mine. He is a musician artist. He told me that he will have a show the 12th of November+ He will perform most of his songs. I think he is about to have a complete album soon. http://www.aftonshows.com/BrowdyLowen
I told him: "Quickly let's take a picture with me before you leave". My friend is happily married and what is special is the fact that most of my friends (I don't have a lot to be honest) are artists or simply are Arts lovers like me or amateurs.
I took his hat to play the artist for a picture!
He invited me to be there and if you are interested you can get your ticket online. I heard some of his songs I think he sings well and many people like his music so discover! His two youtube.com channels are Bob Dell Lowen and the other one is Browdy Lowen.
I put his link on reverb nation website: https://www.reverbnation.com/browdylowen2
Look! My friend is in style! The Gingham shirt! Too serious sometimes so I was trying to make him laugh a little bit
Browdy Lowen started playing piano in his early age. One day he played to me "Rigoletto." However, Browdy Lowen is more into Rn'B style.
This is one of his songs that I prefer the most. Discover and enjoy!
How did you like it? You can like the songs.
Anyway! Back to my day out in Dallas, Jim and I stopped at a Dallas pioneers' cabin to read a little bit of History of the city.
Then I met Koko!! A sweet little dog. I missed holding a dog so I was happy to meet one that I could have time playing a little bit with. His owner was really nice she told me that I could hold him in my arms as much as I wanted to and take pictures with Koko. He was such a good boy!
So I have such a nice day until fun time was over and it was time to be silence and serious at the memorial...
Kennedy memorial
The building where Lee Oswald was that day (according to what they told me)
According to what they said, he shot from the 6th floor of this building
As the motorcade was going down this street
They showed us the exact spot that they marked in white on the road
This is a part of the speech that the president was supposed to give the day of his visit in Dallas.
I wanted to read it too. I really like what was written it is inspiring.
Down the hill you can see the tourists. Recently a crew of actors, producers were here in Dallas at Dealey Plaza for filming a movie about that tragic event. I read that the movie will be released soon (I will have to check this info again). The actors were exactly playing as if they were the real characters.
If you want to know more about the movie from the local news, you can click on that link http://www.wfaa.com/story/news/local/dallas-county/2015/11/01/jfk-movie-again-disrupt-dealey-plaza-monday/75006646/
You will see some pictures of the actors as well.
My happy feet needed a break! So I sat on a pool in that nice peaceful place with blue water after a long walk
Blue water. Still waters. Sunglasses ALDO and back to the stripes fever!
Smile! And life will smile back at you!
I tried to climb on the wall to have a good view of the Dealy Plaza
Another museum behind
Then I went to West End station to take a picture with Rosa Parks statue. I admire that woman so much because of what she has done. She stood up for Civil Rights because of her, a person of color like me can sit anywhere in the train and in the buses. Thank you Ms. Parks for what you have done! I do not take it for granted! I remember many years ago back in my country, the first time that I read her story I was so touched by her personality and what she has achieved. As a woman it means a lot to me! "Little" women are in fact giants who have changed their world! A friend once asked me if I was a feminist and I told him: " I don't know but there is nothing wrong to be one." To me, women can definitely be great leaders and I strongly believe it. Back home we used to say :'What woman wants, God wants." I try to translate it from French but I don't know if it makes sense in English. People just wanted to show here the power that women have...
Rosa Parks statue (The iconic picture where she was seating in a bus)
Few years ago, when I was in Maryland, it moved me to see her name written in a bus. As I was sitting in the front seat I thought in my mind: "Thank you Ms. Parks!" A simple woman who has changed a part of History of her country by just resisting to a system. It takes a lot of courage to do what she did.
It also reminds me of the story of Harriet Beecher Stowe who wrote "Uncle Tom's Cabin" when she went to meet Abraham Lincoln. He said to her: "So you are the little woman who wrote the book that started this great war?" I have never ever forgotten these words when the teacher once read them in class. It was years ago but because at that time I was so conscious of the fact that I was little and not tall at all. I have always thought that being little was like being vulnerable. What he said have completely changed my understanding of this word. Later, after reading stories about some women who have changed their world, I found out that they were "little" women as well. Maybe "little" by words and through people's eyes but real giant in term of spirit and mind. David was little with a great and a giant mind but Goliath was a giant with a little spirit. How about that!? Or another one: ants are really small insects but they do great things and they even scare big animals.
So after my quick break, I went close to a wall with some water falling from somewhere above. You know how I like water! Water means to me peace, purity, honesty and truth. And the quote on the wall says all! I stood up in front of that wall to read Dr. King's quote. It is always inspiring to read what he said. I am so grateful for what these people have done. If I am here in this country it is definitely because of what they have done. We can never forget the people who fought for freedom, truth, Civil Rights... We can never forget History.
I had the feeling tonight to write about my good memories through some of my favorites songs and artists. When I say favorite artists it does not necessarily means that I agree with their opinions or something like that. It is basically the fact that I admire the talent that they have.You can actually find all of these songs on www.youtube.com. I thought I could just do for some of them a kind of intro videos and at the same time I will put the complete video clip of the song right below so that you can see the owners of the songs. You don't have to agree with my point of view this is personal but I just thought I could share some of them tonight. When I said intro I mean by that the videos that I made for these songs (some of them) I do not upload them on youtube.com there are just here on my blog on purpose. I think it is always good to remember the good times and I hope this post will take you back to these good memories. The videos that I made are pretty short I also did it on purpose.
Starting with Human Nature, the video that I made came a little bit from my imagination about that song. My imagination might not be perfect but I tried to make something the way I felt it. Human Nature is one of my favorites of all time because there is something special about that song. Whenever I hear that song it makes me want to walk by night in town. It also makes me want to relax, cross my legs and dream about that mysterious city that makes me sometimes think about New York city the way he describes it. And dream about meeting a mysterious character somewhere(Smile) Well here is my video (Ok! I have to say... I am trying...but I had fun putting together all the pictures and videos of mine.)
That song remains one of the best because people still like and listen to it. To me it was one of MJ's masterpieces (Probably not the opinion of everyone but...This is my point of view)
This is the complete video here on www.youtube.com
Human Nature by Michael Jackson. Produced by Quincy Jones. Album Thriller (1982)
I recall the 90's! Probably because for some reasons I have lived so many important events in my life like the good and the bad. But you know what? good plus bad equal Good! Whenever you look back in your life, for some reasons, you happen to miss those moments. I have to admit that I like the 90's there was something about these years and people were creative again and there were so many good movies, TV series etc.
I was probably...12 or 13 years old when I first heard the song in the movie "Free Willy" (the whale) then I saw the video clip. I recall that SWV was one of the best female groups of that time. What made that song special to me is the Human Nature part in it. That was the best version of that song to me. To me women were more elegant. They could be sexy without revealing too much. "Right Here" I like the complete clip video like being in an island playing with water. The kids, the horses, the whales well the complete video is perfect and they all looked so great!
SWV "Right Here" Album It's About Time (1992)
Around 2003 I remember that special moment when I heard that following song for the first time. I was not really familiar with the singer but when I heard the song I liked it right away! It was an afternoon during the weekend in a city somewhere in the map of the world. My roommate was gone to visit her friends (she had many of them) I was usually on my own listening to music, cooking, watching TV or reading. I was so boring that day so I decided to make some waffles with a glass of milk. Then, I went to sit on the window of the apartment just to spend time and breathe some fresh air. We had a very nice view of the neighborhood I miss that apartment. As I was looking at our street I saw a group of teenagers preparing for a street volleyball game. They were boys and girls. But my attention was on a girl who happened to come out of her house in a rush to join them because she seemed to be late. As she was talking to her mum, doing her pony tail, they both put the radio outside in the yard to animate the nice little event that was happening in our street. You imagine the sound was loud but cool! So, the second song that was played on the radio was Still the One of Shania Twain. I found out about the name of the singer with a friend of mine later but I have never forgotten that song. It was cool because, I was not bored anymore I was watching at their little volleyball game and to me it was a funny afternoon.
At the end of the game I went downstairs to visit one of our neighbors who happened to go out as well. As we were talking she asked me if I wanted to go for a walk with her and of course I said yes! Here is the complete video clip of the song. I like the lyrics.
"Still the One" by Shania Twain. Album "Come On Over" (1997)
In my room I would always have a radio played all night to listen to new music or old ones etc. So, one night on my radio in the room I remember I heard that following song: Listen to Your Heart by DHT. I guess you all know that beautiful song with good lyrics as well. I have never seen the real video clip but I post for you the one from youtube.com that I have found. Maybe the lyrics are for you too who knows? (Smile)
DHT Listen to Your Heart (2005)
Sweet memories of the 90's.The next one is from Milli Vanilli. I love that song and the video clip. Girl I'm Gonna Miss You (1989)
I don't know how old I was when I first heard the next song. Hum...Maybe 9 or 10 years old? Humm...Well... I forgot! I don't remember. But that song was everything! This is a nice song for an afternoon at home when you do nothing special. You listen to music and you relax with your magazine, a cup of tea and some of your favorite cakes or cookies. You read and you think about nothing else...
Cyndi Lauper "Time After Time." Album She is So Unusual (1983)
The year when I felt homesick, thinking about my family and my country it brought me a feeling of...nostalgia. It still happens sometimes and it is normal. Marizia do Rosario is from Cape Verde a little island in Africa. Yes, I take you to the "tropical delights" like I like to say because it is another world and style. Marizia sings in Portuguese. In that song, she talks about her land and I thought that song was good for me too. I discovered it at the right moment of my life and because it reminded me of my land as well. I listen to Terra Franca often her voice is so magical. She has beautiful other ones. Her style of music is called Kizomba!
Anyway! This is how it feel to miss your land and your family.
"Terra Franca" Marizia do Rosario, Album (1999)
Last and not least one my favorite singers from Gabon. Talking about loving my land this is one his songs that I like the most. We miss Oliver Ngoma. Nge is simply a poetic way to describe his land of Gabon. Whenever I listen to it I am nostalgic. Oliver Ngoma is an artist well known in many countries of Africa and French Caribbean. Nge was probably released in the early 90's. So the video is not new at all... That video was shot in his native rural area of Gabon situated in the little city named Mayumba. You can actually see the natural landscape etc. Nostalgia of Gabon. My last words tonight is to just say this: I want to see a new Gabon. A Gabon without unfair treatment to his people. A Gabon with peace...
Thank you for reading! Thank you for watching! I hope you like this post.
Have a great weekend!
This is just a post where I share with you memories of some embarrassing moments that I had. I have learned from them as well. Sorry for the noise of the ceiling fan. I will have to work on the sound sometimes and the audio because I recorded live I didn't review, cut or change things...About my accent? Well, I am not looking to change it because this is who I am. The fact is, I will never speak exactly like a native English speaker some people do have this gift good for them but in my case, I am not looking to change mine at all. I just hope that you understand the important thing which is the message behind the post. Also, I would like to apologize the videos are not in particular order. Thank you!
Actually I meant that "We really intended to go to the mall" the point here was:" What goes around comes around" Always try to be nice with people. Try to be you and honest
Now I am more careful
She took it so personally to the point that she would do everything to hook me up with the guy. At the end it was so embarrassing because you cannot force people to be together
Jackie the Russell lol! Actually my dog had another name but she looked exactly like this one.
Actually I was talking about her paws not legs but because she acted like human by imitating me I used the word legs
Point of correction for the last video. No no no! I am not a liar. Actually, I wanted to say that : "We should NOT be lying at all and try the best to not be doing it." And, yes I have learned from my mistakes about raising my dog. I took care of a friend's baby girl for a month and I felt so connected to the baby and I did a good job. I have learned that even when you like something or your children you are supposed to teach them the right way. When something is wrong we should not just be spoiling them but start correcting what is wrong.
Thank you for passing by and I also invite you to visit this link: http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage
Please, please, please! People take a little bit of your time to watch that nice video below. A friend of mine posted it on my Facebook timeline. That video made my day! I hope it will do the same to you too. I don't know how many times I did watch that video. I share with you the link of the lady's page.This is about real patience, love and care for your sweet babies! Click and watch it you will love it! Make me smile please by going to watch it. Thank you! https://www.facebook.com/100000123311822/videos/1173661062647993/?pnref=story
I also want to thank Sandrine for writing a nice article of my blog on her association's page in Grenoble France: http://asseg38.123siteweb.fr/412932437/3064174/posting/jeunes-talents-d-ici-et-d-ailleurs
Wow! I can't believe that my post "Poshbeautilicious C'est Fleur Bleu" would have so many readers. Within two months the rate is going up and up for just that post. When I first wrote this post I was not even thinking. I was just writing about my passion and love for the blue color. To those who do not know what "C'est fleur bleu" means. It is actually a French expression meaning being in love, an idea of tenderness and being romantic...So I am in love with the blue color and everything that it represents.
When I was writing that post, I suddenly had in my mind two songs. The first one was Janet Jackson's song Every time and the second one Toni Braxton's song Let It Flow because of the blue water and the lyrics. I like water I like the marine concept. I like the sea, the ocean and all the marine species. I think there is something about blue, water and the ocean. There is the feeling of serenity, calm, harmony and purity.
That song of Janet Jackson went back in my thoughts in 2010 and later I played it again two years ago then I thought why not for this post? I like the video and the lyrics. The aquatic choreography, the color of water, her make up I mean to me, everything was perfect.
In her song she says: I am scared to fall in love. I am afraid to love so fast because every time that she falls in love what happen? OK! Let's watch that beautiful song again
Yes, Now you know why she sings that she is scared to fall in love? Because every time that she falls in love it seems to her that it will never last. And I perfectly understand...Yes, it is a good thing to fall in love but it is not easy. If you fall in love people, always remember to keep your feet on the ground because things can happen...
I remember few years ago with some acquaintances we went to a restaurant to quickly pick up something to eat for our lunch. As we were waiting for our orders, there was a song playing on the radio. You know me, I like music. I could not resist because the song was really cool! I am not originally from here so I was curious to know who was the singer? One of them told me that the singer was Tom Petty. Actually I found out that it was Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. The Waiting 1981! This is such a cool and beautiful song!
Trust me it is not really my kind of music but when I happen to listen to someone who is talented then, I can open my taste of music just for that specific singer. That is what happen when I listen to him. Yes, Tom petty is definitely a talented artist. I listened to other of his songs.
It has been a little while that I went back to Dallas. My vacations are over! Now I am back sitting and writing about something as usual. Sometimes my head is full of many ideas but I don't know how to gather them all and put them on papers. How to write them. I guess I should write more in French than in English since I am more comfortable writing in that language.
I am so so so busy! I don't even know how to handle many things at the same time. It's crazy! Sometimes I wish I could be a X Men of the Marvel's. Then I would be able to do three or four tasks at the same time. The X Men have always impressed me since my young age. I used to read their image books (Comic books? That's how you say it?) that my brothers had at home.My two brothers had an entire collection of these books, plus all the soccer and basket ball magazines every month. I recall that their rooms were getting invaded by all these magazines. I could even sit on as if I was sitting on a chair. They didn't like when people tore them apart. It was like ruining their collections.
Me, on my side, I would have my collection of girl magazines, plus travel magazines because I have always been interested in culture of people of the world. Every month I added and added them in my bedroom. And last but not least my postal cards and stamps collection. I even took them with me at the boarding school when we left my country because I liked to contemplate them every day. Whenever people sent me letters or my parents were traveling they would bring me some stamps. I had stamps from countries in Africa, Europe, America and Asia. I was so proud of my collection and I would safely keep them in a fancy box. I used to call it my treasure box. Until one day at the boarding school's bedroom, somebody stole everything. That day was like a nightmare and a huge disappointment. How could I start from the beginning? People can be mean when they don't like what you do.
In that same box, I kept my friends' pictures some of their trips, or funny ones. I also kept their letters they were always writing to me and I was always glad to read their letters over and over again in the weekends because all the girls at the dormitory we were almost cut from the outside world. I mean by that we almost had no visits, almost no TV. We could not go out like we wanted to. Really! I can write an entire book about my boarding school experience. The good, the sad moments but also the funny ones. For example, if we were watching a movie and actors started to kiss on the screen some of those who supervised us would like jump from somewhere and tell us to go fast to our rooms and turn off the TV! Like really?? Are you serious? Just watching them kissing and nothing else was like the end of the world!
Are you serious now?
Or the story of the dog of our director that once got out of the gates. It was 11pm we were so tired and sleepy. The gate man made a mistake he forgot to lock up everything and went to sleep. She ordained us to go out in the streets of our area as soon as possible to look for the dog and bring it back to her. That night was another nightmare because first,we were scared of that dog and second we were in our pajamas walking in the streets calling, whistling to that dog while the gate man was sleeping. The dog saw us and he ran away further to somewhere else. Three! Something wrong could have happened to us just for a dog! We were supposed to be on time and cleaned the day after for class. It was a long story. Or another one some girls who were hidden behind some trucks to meet their boyfriends. Like really?? They knew it was forbidden to have boyfriends it was the rule but they did that anyway. O gosh! So many stories. We would be laughing at night sometimes with my roommates.
My friends and family' letters were so encouraging and strengthened me to wait until the end of the semesters of high school for the vacations. It was like the final Ooza! What I mean by the final Ooza is the last straw that broke the camel's back! I could not take more than that anymore. I always found a way to reply back to them with some nice letters! I liked to draw some flowers, rabbits heads, the sun, the coconut trees, the beach, boats...Then, I would nicely put them in an envelope and send them all. When it was time to go on vacations somebody (or our parent) would pick you up at the dormitory to the airport and most of us were gone to our countries or somewhere else with families.
Anyway! I just wanted to say I enjoyed this summer in France it was so much fun!! I enjoyed being with my family. That moment was precious. The day when we landed in Paris I was so excited and I could not be waiting any longer to get out of the plane and to go straight to the city. After three months, the last day of my stay there was a little bittersweet I mean sad...I mean really sad. My mum and I traveled the same day. We said goodbye at the terminal of the airpport. She took her plane and 2 hours later I took mine. I met a man who went from Dallas to Paris for just 2 days. he told me that he wanted to visit Paris for the first time. For just two days. He didn't speak French at all then I wondered if he had somebody to help him around for the visit? He told me no he did everything by himself! I was impressed because really I call it the real Amazing Race. I like that TV reality show but for him, it was risky and a real one but he enjoyed his trip. He saved money for months just for that short trip. Interesting! I might do the same thing for another place. Sometimes I wonder if it is safe for a woman to go as an adventurer in some places I read so many stories...so...I don't know.
It was raining cats and dogs at Paris Charle de Gaulle (France international airport). The sky was grey. I felt the same way in my heart...We had to get out of the shuttle to go in the plane. It was raining nobody could see my tears... I miss my family already. I miss our cat Simba too...I liked to play with him every day.
The weather was bad and I was a little bit worried. There were many people in the plane. Adults with children and certainly some pets. I simply prayed that the trip would be in God's Hands with His angels. I was praying for a safe trip. Everything went fine! The flight crew did a good job!
When the plane took off it was still grey and rainy but when we were up in the sky everything was clear, blue and perfect. Yes! Blue my favorite color! I remember that French TV series that we used to watch in the 90's. It was about some pilots of military planes and the theme song was: The sky makes us dream and we forget all our troubles of earth." Smiling! I try my best to translate it. I like these words. So being in the air makes you forget the troubles of this world. I didn't know that.
As I was sitting and looking at the window of the plane, I started to think what to do next once back to my life. There was a woman sitting next to me. I didn't notice it because I was lost in my thoughts until few hours later, we started communicating and I found out that we had the same name Laetitia We also had the same hobbies and the same taste. It made me smile! She asked me: Do you know what Laetitia means? I told her yes. Then we both said the meaning at the same time and we laughed together. She was nice! She told me a little bit of History of her country. I was surprised to learn so many things that I didn't know and yes that lady was interesting. I even forgot that we were sitting for hours. She had to do a long trip compared to mine because once arrived to Dallas she had to take another plane. She spoke some French and we basically spoke in both French and English. That was funny!
Back to the apartment, I didn't have time to organize things. I slept like a baby until the day after. people tried to call me and yes some automatic calls of businesses as well. I was like: Really? People give me a break. Business does not stop! They want your money every single day. Then I had no choice then turn off the phone. My voicemail box was full of blah blah blah.
My room is a little bit...hum... No comments. But I will work on it as soon as I will have enough time for myself. The best part is: I don't have to do it now now as long as it is not that bad and because I live alone so that's OK there is no pressure. It's freedom!
Yes I miss my family already. I can't play with the cat anymore. The kitty kitty as I used to call him. I don't have one on my own. I want to get one but I am not always at home. In fact, I like dogs more than cats.
I enjoyed every moment of my vacations! Back in Dallas life has to keep going on. Sometimes I am happy to be alone sometimes I am not at all.
Few days ago I went for a make up session at MAC. I wanted to do something special for me. I like how the make up artist did my make up. She even proposed me to put a pink lipstick like a gloss. For some reasons, I always thought that pink lipstick could not fit me. I like to see it on other women but I thought not for me. At the end I gladly liked it because I think it looks good on me too!
I bought that MAC pink lip gloss and the red lip pencil. I think I will try other color too. I named it the pink candy lip gloss!
Style Equation magazine had its new issue last week. Working with them is a good experience. The people are nice and I like the way they encourage all of their contributors. It makes me want to do better. I was glad to read my three articles. I purchased my copies already. If you want to do the same and read what they had for the travel guide and their second anniversary issue you can click on that link: http://www.magcloud.com/browse/issue/969301
or by clicking on new issue: http://www.stylequationmagazine.com/
You can either buy the digital version or the printed one. I mean, I like every fashion pictures featured on both. So discover and enjoy!
In the travel guide, I wrote what cities of the world to go for shopping. I also share some tricks and tips for packing. It's funny because at that time I was packing for my Summer so it was a good coincidence. For the anniversary issue we celebrated the 90's and during my vacations, I wrote about the anniversary of the iconic movie Clueless. I spent so many days to write something about it but at the end I was glad I made it.
It can be stressful to pack for a trip right? You might want to read what to do.
They are also interesting other articles and I really like the models pictures!
Something else: I invite you to sometimes visit my new posts on ww.weebly.com. I felt sometimes limited with Blogger so I wanted to change and do something a little bit different. Some people recommended me to try Weebly which I did. So far I like the design of the website. It will be a little different from my blog here in Blogger. I like Blogger though I started with Blogger and will keep writing with it.
Here is the link you can just click on that and you will find me there (Smileys!!!) Visit me sometimes! http://patacolorcarnet.weebly.com/carnet-de-voyage
I also want to thank Sandrine for writing a little article about my blog on her association's website in Grenoble/France http://asseg38.123siteweb.fr/412932437/3064174/posting/jeunes-talents-d-ici-et-d-ailleurs
When I am bored at home on my free times I like to listen to music and I was actually listening to Asa. She is a young African artist from Nigeria. The song is Eye Adaba it is in her mother language. Asa is really talented. She has her style. I like her. If you like the intro on my little video then you can discover the song in my playlist. I have two of hers.
It's the end of this post. I want to close on a happy and musical note as usual.
The song that I am sharing is from Aloe Blacc. I like this song a lot! I like the way he impersonated different important personalities and events of the American History such as the event related to the Vietnam War, the Civil Rights Movement, the Sixties, the Disco etc. I think that he impersonated many people such as: Marvin Gaye, Malcom X, Muhammad Ali, Martin Luther King @ Selma . However, I wonder who was the guy singing with the trumpeter on the side? I have an idea of the singer but I am not sure yet.
Correct me if I am wrong. Remember I am not American. This is just from my little knowledge. Two thumbs up for that video!
I was impressed to hear that song played in many places in France (I mean the cities where I went to) this Summer. I didn't know how much people like that song there. It looks like the song has more success over there in Europe. (It's maybe me thinking)
The artist is really talented! Also, I wanted to thank all the people who stood up for the civil rights in this country.
I am done for today Have a blessed week and enjoy the song!
