And Suddeny I'm in France...

 films, Amelie, Yann Tiersen, & Edith Piaf...



Paris in July is bringing back the happiest memories...


I fondly remember the years between 20 -15 years ago, as a young married girl, your Baba and I used to head down to our local video store (when videos were the 'it' in hiring film entertainment) and on a weekly basis we would stock up on the weekly deal of about 6 (or double) films. We always chose a pile of predominantly French films of all genres and plotlines. We used to watch them over and over during the weekday evenings and all weekend and then return them, replacing them with a fresh 'old pile' the following weekend! This was such a relaxed, happy, shared activity. Leolo (from the French Canadian quarter of course!) still brings a grin to my face after many years!

At University I studied a bit of film and television for 2 years and whenever we were reviewing particular films or genres, I would usually choose (unless they weren't included) French films, film noir, and the like. Jean-Luc Godard of the 60's with A bout de souffle (Breathless) (sigh sheer brilliance in the jump cut...my favourite technique alongside montage and general perfection in juxtapositions....ah I digress!) was a favourite oddity. There I sat for hours upon hours, in the basement film room (the most likely and suitable place to locate a film room!) slowly scrolling through, playing, replaying, slow-playing, skipping bits, feeling a little too relaxed for a university student - okay I did take a tonne of notes though!

A bout de souffle

When I lived in Oxford and went to University in 2004, I happened upon a copy of Amelie. This film immediately became the second of my two most prized film possessions. Equal only to the Godfather trilogy. Sadly, a year later it was borrowed never to be returned (along with the Godfather trilogy - seriously sad ever since!). I have not yet replaced either, because it feels the greatest pleasure knowing eventually I will have a copy and so I let that little odd pleasure linger a little longer.

In the meantime, very often, and right this minute, I indulge in the pleasures of Yann Tiersen's soundtrack for the Amelie film. It is my morning alarm wakeup. It is my go-to good-feel, and it is carried everywhere in my mobile phone!

My favourite currently is the La Valse d'Amelie. The Orchestra Version - I find the opening so utterly enamouring, the entire piece is full of charm and quaint Paris city busy-ness. I find myself riding my bicycle through the streets, my wicker basket at the front full of books, bread, cheese, red wine, and of course, my teeny tiny little dog Francoise (because teacup-sized girl dogs seem 'normal') - I know, I know, but it's just what I see when I feel the music play.

The only thing that enchants me similarly, is the piano version. Which I am completely in love with. It makes my heart sing. As the last key plays my heart breaks into a million pieces, play on, don't end now.

French Dancing

But as I enter the world that is La Valse des Vieux Os (no link here as EMI have blocked New Zealand's link to the youtube page due to copyright...sad! do search - it is lovely) I then feel myself being twirled around a dance floor by my sweetheart after an evening filled with food, wine, and friends. Twirling, twirling, in the true sense of the word 'dance'. This soon turns to sombre and we slow down to remember past lives, loves, minutes spent apart. We stroll arm-in-arm along the quiet narrow streets to our little apartment. Happily, I thought I better search the meaning of the song title and understand why I imagine being twirled around a dance floor of old...it is apparently a waltz song for mature patrons...(oh, senior citizens or old bones apparently...now I feel simply ancient!). Ah, Valse - I should have known why I simply have to dance my love!

And don't let me get started on Edith Piaf  for she deserves her own dedicated blog. But, because I simply cannot, must not, resist...here is a little La Vie en Rose for your listening (and viewing) pleasure. Beautiful music to my ears, je t'adore!

I know from experience that the music I listen to with you, around you, in your background will be something you will return to, reminisce with, and have recurring childhood feelings of/memories of/connections with. It is part of our special relationship bond that will not be formed with another single person in this world.

Our combination of music is unique to the three of us.

We are unique to the three of us.

I love you two. In the same, different, and the most special way that only I can love you.

For that and for you both, I am blessed.