The Painter of Modern Life, by Charles Baudelaire

I looked up this essay mentioned in my Art History reading and I am so glad that I did. Baudelaire expresses so well the curiosity of the artist and his inherent passion for capturing the world around him. 

I love this quote: 

"When, as he wakes up, M.G. opens his eyes and sees the beating vibrantly at his window-panes, he says to himself with remorse and regret: 'What an imperative command! What a fanfare of light! Light everywhere for several hours past! Light I have lost in sleep! And endless numbers of things bathed in light that I could have seen and have failed to!' And off he goes! And he watches the flow of life move by, majestic and dazzling. He admires the eternal beauty and the astonishing harmony of the life in the capital cities, a harmony so providentially maintained in the tumult of human liberty".  (the link to the whole essay)

En Français (the original translation) Quand M. G., à son réveil, ouvre les yeux et qu’il voit le soleil tapageur donnant l’assaut aux carreaux des fenêtres, il se dit avec remords, avec regrets : « Quel ordre impérieux ! quelle fanfare de lumière ! Depuis plusieurs heures déjà, de la lumière partout ! de la lumière perdue par mon sommeil ! Que de choses éclairées j’aurais pu voir et que je n’ai pas vues ! » Et il part ! et il regarde couler le fleuve de la vitalité, si majestueux et si brillant. Il admire l’éternelle beauté et l’étonnante harmonie de la vie dans les capitales, harmonie si providentiellement maintenue dans le tumulte de la liberté humaine.

The excitement of urban living!

The energy of city life is contagious. There's never a dull moment when walking the streets of Paris. Although I continue to get lost (over and over again I look at my map, I'm convinced I'm walking the right direction and 5 minutes later I find that I was wrong and then I have no idea where I ended up) , I comfort myself saying that I'm always seeing something new. 

On friday, Lydia and I decided to just roam around the city for the day. It's so entertaining to take it all in. We hopped on and off the Metro in different areas, The Champs Élysée, the Flea Markets and then we popped out of a random station in a predominately African neighborhood. We came out onto a crowed street where the market was. It reeked of fish, and women wearing bright colored dressed were arguing loudly over some obscure looking vegetable (?). We finally made our way to the bohemian area of Montemartre, where Bonnie met us,   

 to sit on the grass in from of the Sacré Coeur and I enjoyed a warm crêpe oozing with Nutella!  Randomly in the area in front of the church these guys (see video below) were performing for the crowd! Check that talent! We left our houses that morning having no preset expectations and yet the people of Paris provided us with a really fun day. The best part of all was when a sauvly dressed, petit, elderly man stepped onto the Metro with his enormous accordian and played the theme from Amèlie until the next stop. I don't think the euro I placed into his satchel can truly express the added joy he brought to my day! Merci Monsieur :-) 

Noelle is SO Swing.

  (Sorry you have to turn your head sideways...) Tuesday night Noelle and I ventured to the banks of the Seine after dinner to find Parisians dancing the night away! After navigating our way out of the metro we walked along and began to hear music as we approached a big crowd of people. The banks of the seine are a popular hangout place for people of all ages at night. People bring their own wine and snacks and enjoy the beauty of the Paris city lights reflecting off the water. (Sighhhh) The first crowd was dancing to latin music so Noelle and I stood along the edge of the crowd to watch everyone shakin' their hips having a good time. Noelle is much more experienced at Ballroom dancing than I am! So as she was teaching me a few steps a man whisked her onto the dance floor. I was content just watching! As they danced, he told her that swing dancing was farther down the bank so we decided to go check that out. Right as we got to the petit crowd of swing dancers this cute old man asked me to dance. It was quite embarrassing but he wouldn't take no for an answer and insisted on twirling me around. I felt like I was clumsily tripping over myself... but it was sweet of him to try. Then he got Noelle out there and had a great time! She is so good! When other guys saw her moves they continued to ask her to dance. There were only about 4 songs left in the night after we got there. But it was great even for only 20 minutes. I really want to learn a few steps now after seeing how fun dancing can be and what a great social connection it brings between people who share a common passion for dancing. The nightly dancing on the Seine is supposedly ever night for the rest of September so hopefully we'll make it back again. I LOVE PARIS

Wine in baby bottles

Our first night out in Paris! The group went to the restaurant Les Refuges des Fondus! It was so much fun!! I love french Hosts. The man had such a funny attitude. He would scoff at us and then turn to me with a wink ;D The place was tiny, loud and so crowded that we were all sitting squished shoulder to shoulder. The tables were directly side by side from wall to wall. So to get into the booth, the host would pull a table out a little from the wall and then pull out a chair for you to step on to jump OVER the table to your seat on the other side!! It was so chaotic in there! Especially when our group arrived at different times and I had to get back out to go to the bathroom. To add to this crazy atmosphere, the walls are covered with graffiti signatures.  I think it's an SMU favorite because we saw the marks of some Mustangs. After sipping our wine out of bottles like babies (apparently by serving it this way they avoid some sort of alcohol taxation... clever...) and dipping lots of bread into cheese, the whole restaurant joined in to sing "Joyeux Anniversaire" to Rhiannon for her birthday! EVERYONE got in on it.  Good times. 

Ma Famille en France

So of course everyone was nervous to meet their host families. Language and cultural barriers are certainly intimidating. I'm living with Noelle (another SMU student), so that took away some pressure of meeting our host mom Elisabeth for the first time last wednesday night. She came to pick us up at the school in her car and we load it up with our humongous bags. She was very sweet. It's Noelle's first time to france so she drove us by the Eiffel Tower and down the Champs Elysees. Paris drivers are CRAZY!! They just go wherever they want. All over the place! The roundabouts have no lanes... that I could decipher. People just swerved in and out, if they want to merge they just go, the world must yield to them or suffer a collision. But their reaction time must to superior to American's because they drive SO close together. But oh man! The buses too!! Those drivers have talent!! They squeeze those huge machines through itty-bitty streets around signs, buildings, parked cars, cyclists, pedestrians and they don't even flinch when pass things by mere centimeters. Ok so now that I've finished my vehicular tangent, back to meeting The More family. We arrived at our house which is through a wooden gate and tucked away behinds some apartments away from the street. Its so nice. It has the feel of a loft, very wide open. Noelle and I are up the spiral staircase and we each have our own bedrooms and showers. It's much more spacious than I had anticipated for Parisian living. We met her son and his girlfriend and they greeted us with two kisses on the cheeks ("La Bise") (I felt so french!!!) Overall things went very well (and are working out great still). They are very understanding about how we feel as foreign students and they are very warm and hospitable. Of course the stereotype for the french is that they are cold but the Mores are very approachable. I feel very comfortable. If anybody is making things awkward in our interactions it's definitely me. A couple of my favorite exchanges have been the first night when we played a flavor guessing game with the Jelly Beans that we brought (they had never eaten them before) and the second night Noelle and I spoke english with french accents and Elisabeth and Christophe spoke french with english accents and we poked fun at eachother. As the days pass we become more and more at ease. I'm very pleased with the whole set-up. 

This is a dream come true

I'M IN PARIS! 

I - AM - LIVING - IN -PARIS!! 

I'm in such disbelief that I am living in one of the most amazing cities in the world. I've let a whole week of experiences pass by before my first blog entry but now I'm forcing myself to sit down and get this thing rolling! The picture above is from the beautiful gardens of the Compiègne Chateau where Napoleon the 1st and 3rd would spend about a month out the the year during the opening of hunting season. When the group arrived in France we all hopped on a bus to this serene city of Compiègne (just 45min north of Paris) and stayed there for two nights while we acclimated to the time change and refreshed our language skills a little bit. We visited many sites there that covered many parts of France's history from roman times to WWII. FRANCE IS SO RICH WITH HISTORY! Their roots go deep. Our trip director is a sweet smiley french woman named Isabelle, who is extremely intelligent! She is like our own personal tour 

guide and I've loved soaking up all the knowledge she's shared with us so far this week. I am sooooo excited for all that I'm going to learn this semester. There is so much to be found in this country and in its people. 

Bye Bye Idea Blog

So Long, Farewell, auf Wiedersehen (haha my spelling attempts at this before looking it up are pretty entertaining),

Goodbyyyyyyyyyyyye Idea Blog!

This blog is coming to an end!!

It has been a great tool for forced reflection and a good medium for expression!! While it's initial purpose was for my Introduction to Creativity class in advertising, I have molded it to become my own. Some of the things I've posted may seem really sappy to some people, but I find when I express things in typing (a way of expression that is more slow and methodic) I am able to dig down deeper into my thoughts. I'm sure you'll realize (or have already realized) that in the deeper discussion of ideas, I can't help but let my Christian worldview shape my opinions. I take no shame in this. If I'm really expressing how I feel about something, there's no way I can hide my spirituality. It IS who I am. So while an older version of myself may have been afriad of offending people, or turning people off by exposing my Chrisitian nature, the present-day me says "take it or leave it", "support it or refute it". I am thankful that I'm becoming more and more true to myself. I'm accepting and finding my identity. And I feel like this Blog has had an important role in that growth.

Lauren read a Newsweek? What!?

The other week when I was waiting in line at the grocery store I saw the cover story on Newsweek and was moved to buy it... annnnnnd I actually read it! (Note: As I write this I'm watching the 5 o'clock news! What's gotten into me... this sudden care about what's going on in the world!...(Oh No! The swine flu!)) College is a time to soak in things around you, to become more aware of the world you're about to enter, and yet a majority of college students including myself, get wrapped up in their busy schedules and the complications in their own lives. We become oblivious to the greater things going on in the world. I hereby vow to make a better effort to stay current with issues in the news. Although I hardly watch T.V., just sitting for about 30-40 minutes throughout my day to read the articles of this Newsweek took hardly any effort and I broadened my perspective on Epilepsy awareness, Obama and gun control and policies in Guantanamo Bay, it's a great alternative to watching the news. Maybe I'll start reading the newspaper now!! (At least skim it!) Having my homepage set to MSNBC is only beneficial if I take a moment to read it instead of immediately and compulsively clicking on my email page bookmark. 

BOLD Love

All semester long I've gradually read the chapters of this revolutionary book, Bold Love, by Dr. Dan B. Allender and now have concluded it along with the school year. Each week I discussed with other upper-classmen girls in Reformed University Fellowship how Allender claimed we ought to revise our relationship paradigm according how the Bible calls us to truly love. This book has really changed my perspective. I feel called to be more intentional in my all my relationships, from the deeper ones to just my acquaintances. The first step in healing a relationship is forgiveness, (and this is not just forgive and forget) but forgiveness with strong desire and hope for redemption. According to Allender, we are called to love one another by hating the evil in one another. Allender goes on for probably a hundred pages emphasizing that it is like we are waging war. Alot of Allender's ideas seemed so extreme to me... sometimes I would think "chill out dude", but then I realized that he was addressing me in his book. His passion for reconciliation should not be taken lightly, and we should not take the people in our lives for granted. If we truly love the people around us, we won't fear confronting them if it is to spur them on towards goodness and holiness. Loving someone isn't just making them happy all of the time by turning a cheek to their sin. If you truly love someone, love them boldly by holding them accountable in order to build their character. It is my goal to continue to take this active role in loving the people God has placed in my life. 

I'S A TRI ATHLETE hey-mama

On Sunday morning, bright and early, I completed my first sprint triathlon! (300yd swim, 11mi. bike ride and 3mi. run) I finished in 1:25:23! And I got 5th place out of 15 young women, 20-24 yrs. old. It felt great to finish. They give you a metal and announce your name at you cross the finish-line and all along the way people cheer you on and encourage you. I had a really great time. This triathlon has been a great motivator to keep me committed to working out and staying in shape. Having a goal in sight hold's one accountable to consistency. Exercising for me is a great time to think, work out stress and and it energizes me for the rest of the day. Woo-Hoo endorphins! I think I'll always have a desire to be active! Can't hold me back!! 

The Soloist

I just went to see the new movie in theaters with Robert Downey Jr. and Jamie Foxx called The Soloist. SUPER INSPIRATIONAL!! I thought it was a beautiful film and really provoked me to think introspectively about the comfort in my life. Jamie Foxx's character, Nathaniel, is a homeless man on the streets of L.A. and Robert Downey Jr. (I'm blanking on his character's name...) is a writer for the L.A. Times who stumbles across Nathaniel playing the violin in a park downtown and is instantly intrigued by his story and decides to write a column about him. What I loved about this movie is how Robert Downey Jr. made an effort to know this homeless man, to become his friend and to love him. Seeing the terrible images of the violence, sickness and turmoil of the homeless community in L.A. was really disturbing. My heart ached for those people and then I realized, what is this pity doing? Who is it actually helping?... No one. In the end, Robert Downey Jr. is tormented by the fact that he can't cure Nathaniel's problems, that's not what he was called to do, but loving him and supporting him as a friend was enough. The last line of the film is "being loyal to something can carry you home." Nathaniel's passion and commitment to music gave him deeper comfort than having a home, and Robert Downey Jr's commitment to Nathaniel was more fulfilling in a deep lasting relationship than just putting him in a homeless shelter. What is 'a home'? (I think we'll only know the answer to this when we're in heaven).

(The reason I chose a shopping cart as the image for this entry is because, after seeing Nathaniel's contentment with sleeping on the street just with the belongings he could fit and defend in his shopping cart, it  made me wonder what belongings of mine I would chose to keep with me and defend in a shopping cart for the rest of my life.)

The MAC! Meadows professors' collection

I know I talk about art a lot but I really think it's a fascinating presentation of who someone is and how they think. (I should research the psychology of art!) As a student, I begin to ponder how the art I make personifies me, or if I'm beginning to develop a representative style. Anyway, I have a lot to learn and who better to inquire to about experience than my own professors. College students really take their professors for granted. Here we have amazing accomplished adults in our presence and we never bother to ask them their story. (I'm totally guilty of this too). However this weekend I went to see an exhibition of compiled work of the Meadows art's professors and it was so cool to connect their teaching perspectives with the way they create art themselves. Obviously their vision was influenced by their pasts and shapes how they influence their students. Last week some classmates and I bombarded our painting teacher about this story and its really helped me understand his piece in the show. I heard his passions and I now better appreciate his aesthetic. Also, I love my quirky drawing teacher and how she challenges us, but now I appreciate her even more after having seen her wonderful art work. It has inspired me talk with her more! 

"In the Spirit of Conservatism"

Lately I feel like I've been playing a game to see how long I can go without going to the grocery store, and yet still eating what's left in my fridge and pantry. This semester I've found that I've been inspired to be more aware of my consumption and have made an effort to be less wasteful. Especially after watching the french film "Les Glaneurs et La Glaneuse" that portrays a very minimalistic lifestyle (*highly recommend this movie!).  On average I take a weekly trip to the grocery store to get the produce essentials, bananas, milk, turkey and bread, etc. And then I've begun to start saving things I don't eat and freezing them before they go bad. I really try minimize what goes in the trash. In fact, I think I only produce one bag of trash a week. Not too shabby. Reducing the impact you make on the environment is called reducing your carbon foot print. Of course there are lots of things that I could improve on, such as the water pressure and length of my showers, the fact that I drive to school less that 5 minutes away (I rarely ride my bike or walk anymore). But other lifestyle areas I've made an attempt to change are filling the dishwasher full before running it (same with loads of laundry... this also just works into a busy schedule), using reusable bags for grocery shopping and turning the A/C or heating off at night or during nice days. I do recycle (which one can argue is a process that actually uses up more energy than just producing) but more importantly I try to just reduce my consumption of packing (ie. water bottles) I know it is hypocritical that I live by myself in a spacious apartment and drive a luxury vehicle, but I'm making effort to be more aware and to become less attached to my material belongings (which I try to remain constantly grateful for and take good care of). In honor of earth day this weekend, reflect on the beautiful planet which you inhabit and show it some appreciation!!

“Treat the world well.  It was not given to you by your parents; it was lent to you by your children.” -ancient proverb

Little Joys and Pet Peeves

One of my favorite things about the movie Amèlie is how in the beginning, the narrator introduces the characters by listing their little quirks that give them this goofy feeling of satisfaction and joy. I've began to compile my own list of these things that are out-of-the-ordinary but I've noticed that always make me smile. (I feel I should share this considering the title and overall theme of my blog. Disclaimer: yes this may be cheesy, but just embrace it, please... for your happiness). 

LES PETITE BONHEURS (in french, little happinesses) 

• Fun mirrors
• window boxes
• crushed ice
• the smell of baking
• black licorice
• squishy lips
• glittery concrete sidewalks
• old people holding hands
• church bells 
• warm towels (this can go on everyone's list...)
• de-linting the dryer
• wild flowers in spring

(And a couple of pet peeves that make me laugh... Taking off a hoodie with a head hole that's too small (ouch) and fitting bowls into the dishwasher. Thought I'd balance it out, but still these things that irk me I find funny) 

Addressed to my Future Self

(This blog entry was prompted by my Creative Adv. teacher. My first thought was "Ew. Forced to think about my life in the future. Of course I know I have glorious things ahead of me but that doesn't mean I want to make the effort to dig deep and think about my dreams. That's scary. But even if this seems cheesy, or even if my life doesn't look anything like this, or if my ideals are way off, that's okay with me because I know God's got the perfect plan and will provide). 

DEAR LAUREN, (sometime in the future)

Sooo what are you up to these days? Are you married? Have you shown your husband and kids how much you love them lately? Have you fostered creativity in your kids by giving them freedom to have experiences and be weird? Have you written a children's book yet? Have you found some sort of medium to communicate God's love for the world? Are you reaching out into the community? (Did you do this within advertising?) Are you still passionate about creating art and teaching others about it? Have you shared with them what joy can come from appreciating art, beauty and culture? Are you still speaking french? 

Whether you're raising a family or working hard and contributing to society at large (in America or abroad) I hope your enthusiasm for living has not changed.  If so remember: Life is full. Never be too busy to overlook the little joys surrounding you. Beauty can be found everywhere. Also, never cease to be a student. Go to the Library and get a book on a mysterious topic that intrigues you and ACTUALLY READ IT. Then tell people about what you've learned. And please be intentional about relationships. If you're feeling comfortable with the people surrounding you in your life right now go branch out in a different community. Or stir things up amongst your loved ones to spur them on closer to Christ. (These are lessons you learned in college and I hope that thus far in life you've been able to apply these things, however, if they happened to pass by the way side try to reinstate and initiate! Or pray that God would)