A is for Art...B is for Buchwald

Bonjour from Campagne Maison

A & B

I am participating in AlphabeThursday. Sorry, Ms. Matlock, for being late for class, but since the letters A & B are part of the learning curve, I caught up on my homework and am turning in a double assignment today.

Art Buchwald

Originally purchased for a decor prop, "I'll Always Have Paris!" has graced the top of my coffee table book collection for some time. I picked it up the other day and after randomly reading a few entries, my yearning to visit Paris was instantly sparked. I think the word for that occasion is "serendipity"!!

Art Buchwald was a household word during the 50's-60's. A syndicated columnist, he lived in Paris and wrote for the Paris Herald Tribune. He is a Pulitzer Prize winner and a member of the prestigious American Academy of Arts and Letters. His columns were published in 550 newspapers worldwide.

This book of his memoirs was dedicated to his wife, Ann. When he told her about the dedication, she asked him why, and he said..."because Paris belonged to both of us. The book is our story--not just mine. I can't write about my life without including you as the star". Ann passed away in July 1994, before Art completed the book, but he read passages to her during his daily visits with her before her death. She looked forward to "correcting his facts and adding details that he had forgotten".

I laughed, I cried, I read and I dreamed. Art passed away January 18, 2007. Famous for his satirical outlook on life, in his own words his final goodbyes could be summed up in the song, "What's it all about, Alfie?" In my minds eye, I can see him and Ann sitting quietly somewhere around the Palais de Chaillot gazing up at the Eiffel Tower across the river Seine....

"because a beautiful city like Paris has to be enjoyed with someone you love. There is so much to do and so much to see that the magic must be shared. I shared my Paris history almost exclusively with Ann'--Art Buchwald, "I'll Aways Have Paris!" pg 230

I am linking to AlphabeThursday.

Thanks for stopping by the farmhouse for a visit today. We love having company.


Au revoir,