Beth Arnold

Letter From Paris: The Revolution Comes to Paris

Image via Wikipedia

I am a cultural anthropologist, an early adaptor, an antennae that feels the energy of the people and world around me, which gives me insight and a knowing I cannot explain (and also presents some problems).  To this, add my intense curiosity and joy of discovery, my belief in human dignity as well as human rights, along with my insistent need to be creative and to express myself.  Not to mention, I am a child of the social and cultural revolutions that scorched through America in the 1970's--Civil and Women's Rights--along with our opposition to the Vietnam War and the disgust we felt toward our government's (and societal) hypocrisy, Richard Nixon and his cronies' Watergate.

So this will explain why I am compelled to write this Letter From Paris about how the revolution that is currently exploding in Egypt--and will certainly grow--is touching us and being reflected in Paris as it certainly is in every cranny of the rest of the world.

Letter From Paris presents...Letters to Paris

Image by slashcoconut via Flickr

Last month, I decided to turn the tables on my Letter From Paris column, and I invited readers to send me original (not published elsewhere) material as Letters To Paris. 

And this is from Shannon...

MY HUSBAND AND I just got back from our vacation to Italy. We went to Sardaigne expecting the tropical beaches and a luxury hotel with all the perks. Two words: "all inclusive."  After weeks of working like a dog under the gray skies of Paname, our ship had come in. Hello sun!

The experience was not what we planned. The hotel was a scam and the beach smelled like, well, a giant fart. Algae, don't ask.

Letter From Paris: Requesting...Letters To Paris

Dear Readers,

Exciting news!  In September, I am adding contributing editors and columnists who will be turning creative cartwheels to deliver to you, my dears, their Parisian takes on art, design, photography, sound, fashion, decorating, reviews, talk of the town, and more. 

I have chosen each of these contributors for their expertise, talent, style, and eye not to mention their charismatic, bubbling, bizarre, or eccentric personalities.  Okay, kidding about the last bit, but they each are exceptional, and I find their points-of-view informative, stimulating, enlightening, inspirational, provocative, beautiful, and/or chic. I will continue my Letters From Paris, of course, with stories, photos, and podcasts. 

Eiffel Tower  (Photo by Beth Arnold)

It's a great line-up so be sure to tune in!

In addition, I'm also adding a monthly column called "Letters To Paris" in which I'm inviting all of you to contribute original (not published elsewhere) material.  When the mood or inspiration strikes, write me a line or a letter about your take on Paris--or an element of Paris--an amazing memory or perception, a favorite place, a heart-breaking moment, an epiphany, a slice of life, what Paris means to you and why.  You can also tell about an infuriating moment as well as a disappointing one.  If you haven't been to Paris, you can also write to me.  I'd like to know what you imagine or dream about this city.