The dust has settled. The project that started a year ago as an idea is completed.
The nails, some old ones remain in the old beams, some have gone to blog readers of mine as French souvenirs.
The couch came, up the stairs, through the door and perfectly put in the living room. Now the search for pillows and a throw. Does it ever end?
The thought of an old cushion was appealing until one came in the mail. The smell came along, most likely little bugs. too. I took out the stuffing with a scarf tied around my face. Feathers flew right and left, I was glad I was outside with a garbage bag in hand.
With an empty pillow case in hand it looked lifeless, hopeless... stuffing is on the list of things to buy.
Will I get around to doing this? Do you have good intentions that linger around, bug you, nag a hole in your happy day to day life? With words going around and around, "I must do this, I must do that."
The empty pillow case is one of those nagging thoughts.
Flea market find, brocante bug happiness.
Silverware. These three pieces match, the rest not so much. That is the way I like it: Hodge podge chic.
Piece by piece in the kitchen drawer ready to be baptised.
Which reminds me of the other day I went to Mass, and it was in Latin. The priest stood with his back facing us, and gave us communion on our tongue. I felt like I was a kid back in the 60s, "Am I re-living in pre Vatican II?"
I don't know why I am adding that information. What does it have to do with silverware being baptised?
What does silverware being baptised have to do with the Paris apartment?
Love. Family and friends. Love. Reunion. Blog readers coming to rent our apartment and finding it to be a cherished loved place. Baptised with your good energy.
Old heavy duty paper, shaped for a paper fan.
I cut out the birds.
Added them to a hanging glass vase.
Now to hang them on the curtain rod.
We looked at this trumeau for the apartment (750 Euros), though we kept looking, found another for and bought it. Of course I forgot to take a photo of it... And of course it is one heavy puppy to hang. And of course French Husband is not a handy man, and of course I am a ding dong, and of course the trumeau is now in the apartment behind the couch so it doesn't fall over.
Ah the story of a sspontaneous woman who thinks after the creative burst.
A few months ago I met a blog reader of mine: Claire who lived in Paris for over fifteen years, then she moved to San Francisco. During the last few years Claire has sent me music that she has collected and complied... Music she complied for the different moments of my life. Very thoughtful and generous.
At last we met, it was as I imagined a meeting of hearts.
If you ever stay in our apartment in Paris you will find Claire's music especially selected for the French experience. Oh the wonders of blogging. Claire is one of those wonders.
Oh! The scarf I have on... Claire made it. DIVINE!!! A beautiful Japanese wool, very finely knitted, intricate, sublime... thoughtful Claire!
Why did you move!
The apartment a small side view.
I need to take some photos and show the floor plan.
On the "List of Things to Do."
This much is certain:
22 steps,
No elevator.
Queen size bed.
Sleeps two.
WIFI.
No TV.
Full of antiques.
A barber stand as a nightstand.
An old map of Paris on the bedroom wall.
A holy water font as a bathroom sink... which is beautiful but so not practical.
If you are planning to go to Paris, and are looking for a place to stay contact me.
xoxo Baptise the Silverware.
the poetry of this post-sigh as ALWAYS BEAUTIFUL!
Posted by: g | 03 March 2014 at 11:09 PM
Congratulations, Corey and Yann! That was quite a project and you did it. Without seeing it I'm positive it is stunningly gorgeous.
Claire did all those amazing things for you?! Wow! That's extraordinary, quels amis!
Posted by: Shelley Noble | 03 March 2014 at 11:59 PM
I'll bet the apartment is fabulous. Hey I have one of those husbands who isn't handy too!! Maybe someday we can come visit you, though I am also pining for a trip back to the English Lake District. A combined France-England trip would be so wonderful. Someday..one can always dream..... Lovely post Corey
Posted by: Chris Wittmann | 04 March 2014 at 12:31 AM
The best part is no TV! I can't wait to stay there someday. I told DH if we ever get to go to Paris I want to stay there.
Posted by: Liannallama | 04 March 2014 at 01:08 AM
Can't wait to see your beautiful apt!
Posted by: Momof5 | 04 March 2014 at 02:02 AM
If wishes could come true, I would be there very quickly to baptise the silverware.
Posted by: Marilyn | 04 March 2014 at 02:03 AM
I have a studio FULL of unfinished and need to be started projects. It drives me crazy. I do have to say the closet is organized and I know where everything is. Like you, the thoughts of get it done are forever present.
How I dream of renting your Paris apartment. I would miss watching "Friends" in French, though.
Posted by: Rhonda | 04 March 2014 at 02:25 AM
Oh Corey, the silverware..... The silverware!!
Posted by: Alicia | 04 March 2014 at 05:34 AM
How exciting, it's done! I'm looking forward to the pictures, too.
Posted by: Natalie Thiele | 04 March 2014 at 02:33 PM
I hope my husband and I get to rent your Paris apartment some time. My daughter and her cousin plan to visit Paris in June, but I think they'll probably bunk at a youth hostel.
Posted by: Paulita | 04 March 2014 at 02:42 PM
Did you go to St Nicholas du Chardonnay(5th) in Paris to hear mass in latin? I always go there as my family basically lived next door(Place Maubert).
Posted by: annie vanderven | 04 March 2014 at 03:12 PM
The scarf is beautiful. Speaks of a lovely friendship.
Posted by: Bonnie oliver | 04 March 2014 at 03:23 PM
Hi Corey, I've so enjoyed watching the transformation of your
apartment. I just emailed you regarding a possible stay.
Fingers crossed.
Posted by: JudyO | 04 March 2014 at 03:55 PM
How exciting for whomever gets to baptise the silverware! Thanks for your blog, always love it even though I don't always comment:)
Posted by: Dawn Fleming | 04 March 2014 at 06:46 PM
Everything sounds divine, Corey! You're just a few items away from being finished. When we had our villa as a rental in Florida, we found that the most important things for renters was a beautiful comfort and a clean place. Hire a great cleaner (a French maid??) and the beautiful comfort that you have provided will speak for itself! Looking forward to seeing your rate card!
Posted by: Cindy | 04 March 2014 at 07:15 PM
How nice of Claire! She sounds super special!
I am hoping that one day, I might be able to explore Paris with your beautifully richly decorated abode as my home camp! Girl has gotta keep dreamin, right? . . . about mass . . . We have exactly the same going on here, some parishes are embracing the change (back?). . . . and, my daily habits include plenty of well meaning deeds, ideas, and things I try so hard to get done, but slip by me - c'est la vie, n'est pas?
Posted by: Debra | 04 March 2014 at 08:15 PM
Corey, where do we find out the rates and availability of your apartment? We are going to France in September for my birthday!
Posted by: Frieda Borowicz | 04 March 2014 at 11:39 PM
My husband and I are SOOOO looking forward to our trip to Paris in June and our time in your wonderful little apartment. Even looking forward to the 22 steps!! I realize that the silverware will have already been baptized by that time, but we will give it a few extra "dunks" for good measure when we are there.
Posted by: SusieQ | 05 March 2014 at 12:49 AM