(the misadventures of an expatriate corporate dropout)

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

ma fille, l'artiste ...


Johnelle has returned home, but she has left her mark. 

During her stay, she was able to reconnect a bit with her artiste soul and completed a painting on canvas and a painting on the door to my bedroom that is not only beautiful but incredibly symbolic to me.

Jean-Yves made a great suggestion to her when learning she wanted to paint something in the house for me ... a mural on the ceiling was first considered but the time it would take to prep the ceiling would not leave room for the actual painting.

Not only did he suggest a great alternative ... the door ... but also recommended including a 'souvenir' from the United States as well as something from here.

We had some good laughs over what that souvenir should be ... because I don't have a whole lot of positive 'souvenirs' from my former life.  What should it be?  a picture of my office and desk? a computer and telephone?  some freeways?  these were some of the funnier ones.  I'll leave the morbid ones to your collective imaginations.

But no, I decided upon poppies to represent my Californian roots ( I do still adore my dear state of California ... ); a sparrow to tie into my love of the strength and music of La Mome, (Edith Piaf) ... and the phrase 'Je Ne Regrette Rien' ... my life motto as I move forward into my adventure.

If you click on the picture, you can view it for yourself.

8 comments:

La Belette Rouge said...

Wow! Gorgeous! And, that is so rich with meaning for you. Your daughter, motto, home state, and your favorite singer---and how richly symbolic that it is on a door. Love it.

Randal Graves said...

Should have gone with a picture of Chimpy instead of this meaningful, beautiful tableau. What's wrong with you.

Stacey said...

This is exceptional, and I love it!

Jennifer said...

I love this! What an amazing gift. I'm sure it is wonderful to wake up and see everyday.

M said...

Lovely.

Bruce Anderson said...

lovely, just lovely...what a perfect piece to leave for you. Now every time you wake up you will think of her and california and you will smille.
hope you see it in person sometime soon.

La Framéricaine said...

The painting is really wonderful! And all the more so because it was done by your daughter and left as a souvenir of her first visit to your new home and all your European adventures together!

Can't wait to hear what's up next for you. When are you going to formally meet the OJLs. I want a SKYPE session all my very own! You guys are going to have so much fun visiting one another's respective--I didn't say respectable--abodes!!!

By the way, don't you think it's funny that I went to see a woman about a panic attack and she wants us to talk about anger? Have you ever heard anything so preposterous;>)? LOL

Amitiés,

Non Je Ne Regrette Rien said...

All-thanks for the kind feedback, I know this door will be a part of our family's French history, just now in the making.