The Little Words Mean the Most

France Oct 2012: The downside of outdoor markets

Click any image to read the fine print, check the flavors of the macaroons, or identify flower spcies. That's anti-fascist graffiti on the far right (tee hee); fascism is alive and doing OK among a sizable minority in southern France, but the country as a whole has a Socialist president, at least in name.

France Oct 2012: Which is different than the other?

France Oct 2012: On the subject of manipulation

Alain challenged me on the business of manipulation. I was discussing the use of emotional triggers in direct mail solicitations. Our views differ. In his view, it's always wrong. And that is the popular view. In my view, though, inertia is the prime enemy. And manipulation is our chief defense (because rational argument gets you only so far, and not too far at that). Effective manipulators are our great villains, true. But they are our great heroes as well. Zero manipulation is not an option.

France Oct 2012: The day's labors

Click any image to enlarge and hear the magpies scold. Our house in France is a bit of a time machine. L-r: Our Victorian tile. Alain varnishes black walnut shelves. Newly painted mid-floor corridor. One and only medieval door.

France Oct 2012: Greetings from the worksite (aka, home)

Click an image to enlarge. The tiles hold a secret message.

France Oct 2012: Simone buys bread while the cat wears weird watches

France Oct 2012: We scrape, we paint

But first Alain tests our existing inventory of former paints dating back to 2002, to see what's what. He's looking for a warm ivory. As he works, I answer the telemarketing calls. At least in France, they pronounce Simone's last name correctly. In the US, they say, "Is Ms. Joy-ox there?"

France Oct 2012: My other living room has vaulting

Every year, Aimee, not L., shoots me