Yesterday I met the altogether lovely Corine of the beautiful, wise, well-written and funny blog Hidden in France. As soon as I saw this French beauty I knew it was her without saying a single word. We met at a fantastic book store/cafe in Studio City called Aroma Cafe which Corine suggested. It is in a fantastic, charming and very hip section of L.A. ( i.e., far from Valencia).It is someplace I am definitely going back to( they allow la chien to dine indoors with their people; at the table next to us a well behaved pup who was enjoying some potatoes).
Even more lovely than the cafe within a bookstore was the time I spent with Corine. It was like meeting a soul sister with who I share countless synchronities. We definitely share the fish out of water syndrome and a longing and love for Paris as well as a passion for writing and an appreciation for fantastically delicious eggs Benedict. For the time we sat in Aroma Cafe I forgot I was in L.A. and I was as happy as if I was in Paris. I literally sat with my back to the baby section of the bookstore. If I had chosen to I could have turned around to see a whole case full of books that would have reminded me that I was not in Paris. Luckily, my view of Corinne and a framed map of Paris made the illusion complete and I was transported out of my ordinary world.
As I walked back to my car after we said au revoir I decided to do something that I have been resisting doing since I arrived back in California in July, I mean RESISTING. I decided to change my cell number from an Austin number to a L.A. number. That act of having a local number means to me acceptance that I really and truly live here.
Yet, another day when I was happy to be in L.A. I know, it’s serious.
Just a reminder for those interested, only eight days until our wee Westie arrives in L.A. Le sigh!
Thee is much to smile at in this post. So I am
Can’t wait to meet the new member of your family. We have two dogs, but won’t always as they are now senior dog citizens. I am very partial to Westies. I will be following the journey of the new family member closely.
Dear Samos Sestre,
See what a good writer you are?
Your post made me smile too! And I cannot WAIT for the Westie to get to you!!!! Did you pick a name yet?
And uh oh, you’re starting to make me think of a different LA than I know.
It is so great that you are starting to have more hedonic days than not, and that you can find a corner of Paris in LA.
xx
That was lovely! And, it was so great that you managed to have lunch with a new friend..:-)
Is that a photo of your Westie? Soooo sweet!
Sounds like an absolutely lovely lunch
So glad you had a wonderful time! It is always so nice to meet friends and discover new coffee houses
So exciting about the new addition to your family! The Westie is adorable! And congrats on the cell phone number change – very big step.
Have a Happy Holidays!!!
Sounds heavenly. I wish I could have joined you. That puppy is the cutest. I can’t wait for you to get her. I am glad you are feeling better.
So exciting – I love when bloggers meet IRL
xoxox,
CC
I am absolutely interested in your little baby Westie girl! Yay!!! Only 8 more days until snugglefests and cuddle puddles! You will be sooooooo in love with her.
~Just Ducky
If you start singing Randy Newman, I’m going to really worry.
Though I suppose the pet makes up for your new and strange infatuation with Los Angeles.
Michelle: I cannot wait to meet her either. The breeder sends notes to tell me the doggy is anxious to meet me. I write notes back asking that she tell doggy how anxious we are to have her here. I have lost my mind.
It is fun.
Corfu Cuz: I can’t either. I am giddy with anticipation. I am trying to hold off on the Petco shopping spree until after Christmas. I cannot have all her stuff in the house and not have her. It would be torture.
It turns out if you know where to look and who to hang with all of L.A. does not totally suck.;-)
Imogen: Add this place to your places to visit when in L.A. It is a really fun area. I found a few great shops on the street that Aroma is on. And, I found a cheese store that has an aged goat Gouda that is so good that the piece I bought for He-weasel and me has already been consumed by the two of us.
Sounds like a wonderful cafe day in L.A.!Hooray!
Vodka Mom: It was so nice and almost like out of a movie. To have stupid baby books behind me, Paris in front of me and hollandaise sauce.
Pretty face: No, that is someone else’s Westie. I have no new photos of mine to share. But I will soon!!!
Congrats on the new digits~
Paula:Really, the onslaught of lovely L.A. friends has been amazing. I never imagined that I could find anything to like about here and that is really starting to change.
The decision to change the number is a huge one. I haven’t called T-Moblile yet, but I will.;-)
Happy Holidays to you!!!
Julianne: When you come to L.A. I will talk you there. It is just the kind of place that I think you would love. And, do check out Corine’s blog, I really think you will like her.
I am so anxious, nervous, and excited for puppy to arrive.
It’s a good thing you started 2009 early–a good year so far, yes? I love that you changed your number. It’s such a good sign of being where you are.
Thanks for the introduction to Corine. I will be reading her often.
Westie countdown continues. We are excited with you!
Couture Carrie:I have had a whole lot of blogger meet ups lately and I am loving it!!
Just Ducky: I cannot thank you enough. I am reading Great Owners, Great dogs and I feel much more prepared for puppy girl!
Randal: I will never LOVE L.A. I just don’t hate it as much. There still is some hate, fret not.
Puppy does have me in an altered states.
Comedy Goddess: I like your poetic comment!:-)
KT: I have yet to get them. But, the first step is deciding. Step two of acting can take more time.;-)
Kirie:I really do feel like the horrible 2008 ended a few weeks back. It is nice to be rid of it.
Corine is a great writer with a lovely spirit. I really think you will enjoy her blog as much as I do.
I am much more excited about New Years Eve than I am Christmas as that is when we get puppy girl.
Wow how super to meet Corine from Hidden in France..I have been reading a blog for a while now..sounds like you had a brilliant day. How lovely
Anne:She is really and truly as lovely as her fantastic blog. It was such a great day.
I can’t TELL you how delighted it makes me to hear of this too-long-in-coming turn of events. Seriously, lady. One of my best Hanukkah presents ever.
And now is the time when we do the dance of joy!!! I can’t wait to see your new puppy and hear fabulous stories of your adventures taking her to the bookstore/coffee shop.
Sal:You are so sweet and a light in my life. I hope the Badger of Hanukkah is as good to you as you richly deserve. The Christmas weasel has been good to me so far!;-)
Kristen: I promise that there will be a day when that puppy and I visit that cafe. There will be pictures and stories about how people couldn’t stop themselves from telling me how adorable she is.;-)
Westies are the BEST little dogs! You must be SO excited!
And great to see you feeling lighter and brighter. I haven’t read Hidden in France….but will now go and look!
Ah, happiness . . . enjoy! Can’t wait to meet Ms. Westie. Meanwhile, Merry, merry Christmas to you, dreaming of Paris in LA!
bisous,
A local phone number is a HUGE commitment! Have you committed yourself to a name for the new pupette?
8 DAYS!!!???
I simply can NOT wait!!!!
Justme:You know the funny thing, I have never even met a Westie before. She will be the first one I know. Odd that I fell so in love without ever knowing one.
Thanks! And, I highly suggest checking out her blog. Wonderful writer and a beautiful blog.
Materfamilias:Thank you, Mater! I wish you the happiest of holidays. Bisoux.
Derfina: It is a huge commitment and hence my slowness to make it. No puppy name has yet to be chosen.
I will list the short list after Christmas.
The changing of one’s area code is serious business. I took me 4 years of living in NYC to change to a local area code. When I finally did, it meant that I was here to stay. Congrats! And seriously… you’re going to have to start an entirely new blog for the new pup because I want to see tons of pics every day!
Carol: It is way too long. I feel like a kid at Christmas waiting for Santa. Only this is sooooo much better!!!:-)
Sassy: Thank you for understanding the gravitas of my decision. I really see that you understand the significance.I am not willing to say that we are here to stay. But, I am willing to admit that this is where we are now. I do plan/hope and invoke deities to get out of us L.A. but 2010.
Don’t tempt me! I might have to do a puppy blog. All Westies all the time!:-)
Miss J can imagine no better way to celebratet eh holidays then by addign a furry friend to one’s life. Congrats, La B.
Miss Janey: Lovely to see you. And, thank you. I hope your holidays are filled with synhroncity Santas and all manner of wonderful surprises.xo
glad it’s not long till you get you’re dog back! I also love you’re new blog look! sorry for the lack of recent commenting – I’ve had the flu. again! xx
i love corine’s hidden in france! wonderful post!
We definitely share the fish out of water syndrome and a longing and love for Paris as well as a passion for writing and an appreciation for fantastically delicious eggs Benedict.
i love it!
ps happy christmas, la belette rouge ; )
I am so glad these happy times are continuing. Enjoy!
And the Westie photos are just so adorable.
Big City Bumpkin:I am so sorry to hear that you have been sick. Poor you!!
Pleased you like my new look. I am loving it.
xoxo
Paul:She is such a beautiful soul. I feel so fortunate that this sparkling French spirit is a little less hidden.
It is so extraordinary to have so much in common with someone you’ve just met.
Happy Christmas to you, Paul!!
xoxo
Mardel: Thank you. It was such a nice day.
And, Westie photos are so endlessly joy inducing that I could just google them for hours.
Hope you ate having a lovely holiday week!:-)
Sending you warm wishes from Provence for a beautiful Christmas, Belette! We take off tomorrow for the annual French food marathon at Pacal’s parents. Pray for me.
oh cute cute puppy….. i want one LBR, can you tell santa i need a puppy….
Oh, ma belle how great, seems you had a marvelous time, it’s so lovely when bloggers meet. I want a blogger meeting!!!!!!
OMG I’m looking forward that the lovely new family member will arrive…
Have a Happy Xmas time, my dear
xoxo
Hi sweet LB!!!
Simply want to wish you & hubby & adorable new member a MERRY Christmas dear! ~Blessings as always*
Kisses;MMMWAHHH!!!
So how much would it cost to get a Parisian phone number? If you can keep an Austin one in LA, surely you can do that too. Perhaps I’ll get a sunny Greek island one.
Ah, the other kind of numerology! Can’t focus on it, sorry. I’m too busy looking at that puppy and squealing!!!
Frenchee Le Trip:I don’t think I have ever received a Christmas greeting from Provence before. Very exciting. A French food marathon?? You poor thing! I really feel for you. Have a fantastic time and a very Merry Christmas.
Savvy Mode:I have told Santa. Santa suggested mentioning to your wish your boyfriend too.
Seeker:It will happen. It just will take me a little time to make it to your neck of the woods.
Puppy will be hear soon. I cannot wait!!
Happy Christmas to you, my dear friend.
Hugs and kisses.
xoxo
DCup:I know it sounds a little woo-woo but I feel sure that by taking this step it will have an impact on my life. It is a little wackadoo that it brings up soooo much feeling just to change my phone number.
LENORENEVERMORE: Bonjour, mon amie!!Merry Christmas to you and beaucoup bisous.xoxo
Susan:I will ask the people at T-Mobile if it is possible to get a Parisian number. That would be lovely. I’ll ask about Greece too.;-)
K.Line: Hee-hee, Numerology!! That may be the cutest Westie puppy picture I have ever seen.
I´m happy that things have turned out well with you lately! It must be exciting to meet blogger friends in person. How well has the illusion of them matched in reality ? Could you write about it sometimes…of the expectations,etc ? Have a lovely Christmas !
Hey, I love this post! It just makes me happy to hear you digging your town…whee!
And that dog photo is too much – so adorable!
Hope you have many more days like this in a row…
XO
Anna
I’m happi to learn that things are improving every day, La Bel.
No, that wasn’t a typo, I meant “happi.”
Because my word verification is “happi”!
I’m really happy that you found these spots in LA. Now, when I travel to the US these will be the places I must visit!