Origins Blogfest 2012



When did YOUR Writing Dreams begin?



Tell us for the Origins Blogfest . . . when did you first pick up that pen or sit in front of that keypad and begin to create a story, or a column, a poem, or a book? (Not for school or because you had to, but because you wanted to write something down that was in your head)


When did I first start writing stories?

I’m not sure, I kept getting sidetracked.  But . . .

It could have been when I sent in my first article to a teen magazine and received my first nice rejection. Insert appropriate teen angst, but at least I had a reply.

It could have been when I was hired on the strength of my cover letter, not my experience, and the woman told me why. She liked my words. Then, I landed a job where writing was the focus, but the purpose definitely non-fiction. It was a learning time.

My writing genre: Science Fiction and Suspense/Crime novels.


Thanks for dropping by. Hope you can share one of your writing memories in the comments below.

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The Origins Blogfest is brought to you by 4 co-host Bloggers: (you can sign up on these sites)

DL at Cruisin' Altitude
Alex at Alex J. Cavanaugh
Matt at The Quintessentially Questionable Query Experiement
Katie at Creepy Query Girl


Want to participate?

First, sign up to participate via the handy dandy Linky tool at DL's site or any of the other host blogs above.  The Linky list, details, and badges are found there. Have fun checking out the list!

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PARIS - Architecture Smorgasbord



Notre Dame Cathedral 2010 by DG Hudson


Man has always strived for beauty in his cathedrals and churches, though what was stylish in one era is considered dated a few hundred years later. Regardless of style, we can appreciate the buildings for the detail, the statues, the beautiful stained glass windows and the graceful arches of the exteriors. 

This post highlights a few of the churches and other interesting buildings we saw on our walks around Paris. There are numerous websites for those wanting more information. This is just a sampling, a smorgasbord.

Fearsome Waterspouts of Notre Dame by DGH

Notre Dame Cathedral

Notre Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris) completed in 1345, boasts individually made gargoyles and was one of the early churches incorporating flying buttresses. At one time, the exterior and the detail were painted, rather than the stone grey they appear today. It’s a building of interest from every side, with a beautiful circular stained-glass window in the front between the two towers. (Link below for interior photos).

A large square facing the front of the cathedral is a common gathering place for tourists, locals wanting to catch some sun while having their lunch, and the pigeons hoping to catch a few crumbs. The large statue of Charlemagne on one side watches over the square. The Crypt Archeologique, a home for the Roman ruins found beneath the area, resides in another corner.

Charlemagne in Notre Dame square - by DG Hudson

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Notre_Dame_de_Paris  Notre Dame Cathedral

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Sacré-Cœur Basilica

Montmartre's highlight at the top of the hill.



Sacré-Cœur - Montmartre, Paris - by DG Hudson


Sacré-Cœur Basilica (Sacred Heart) at the top of Montmartre butte towers over the city of Paris, the stark white of the stone shining against the blue sky. This travertine stone cleans itself as it exudes calcite, a nice touch. The basilica construction started in 1875, in what was considered a rebellious section of the city, and was completed in 1914.

Wide steps at the front of the church allow visitors to rest and enjoy the vista before going inside the basilica or making their way back down through the winding streets of Montmartre. 

Remember the Da Vinci Code?



Sacré-Cœur, Montmartre, Paris - by DG Hudson


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basilique_du_Sacr%C3%A9-C%C5%93ur,_Paris Sacré-Cœur Basilica

http://www.aviewoncities.com/paris/sacrecoeur.htm  A View on Cities

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St. Germaine des Pres




The Bell Tower of St. Germaine des Pres - by Green Eye


The Church of St. Germaine des Pres, built in 542 AD to house holy relics, is the oldest church in Paris.  It's on the Left Bank in the 6th arrondisement. The church combines Gothic style with the Romanesque design of the older part of the church, a nave and the last bell tower. 

René Descartes, the philosopher-mathematician, is buried in this church. Just down the street is the famed Les Deux Magots, and around the corner the equally famed Café Flore. Not a bad neighbourhood.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint-Germain-des-Pr%C3%A9s  St. Germaine des Pres

http://www.french-at-a-touch.com/French_Regions/Ile-de-France/saint_germaine.htm  French at a touch web site


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Versailles

Gilt at the palace of the Sun King.





In the inner courtyard at Versailles by DGH


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Place du Châtelet  - On the Right Bank between the 1st and 4th Arrondisements  stands the tower below.   This is how it looked in 2010 with the sun behind.

Place du Chatelet near Les Halles - by Green Eye

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Arc de Triomphe
 
Under the arches of the Arc de Triomphe are inscribed names of battles fought during the Napoleonic era.  The grave of the Unknown Soldier rests beneath here. 
 



Arc de Triomphe - History etched in stone - by DGH

 
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Musee D'Orsay
 
A former Paris - Orleans Railway station now serves as a beautiful art gallery for Impressionist art.  Some other styles do make a showing.  No photos are allowed inside the gallery in order to preserve the art.  This building is the inspiration for the one featured in the movie, Hugo.
 

Musee D'Orsay Detail, Left Bank, Paris - by DG Hudson

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What are some distinctive landmarks for the city you live in or a place you like to visit? 
 
Most places have at least one unique feature.  Key West has a large conch shell welcoming you to the city (called the Conch Republic for a short time).  Landmarks can be buildings, statues, or retro advert pieces still standing.  Can you name one?
 
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