Place de la Madeleine – Leon Gimpel Mars 1914
A collection of 1914 Parisien photographs, John Powell sent me a link to bring a bit of sparkle into my day. Wasn't that kind! John Powell, if you remember is the lovely American man who invited French Husband and I to come and stay in his home in Merida, Mexico. We had never met John, and were happily surprised by his generous act of kindness. His only request was that if we came to Merida that we stay at least two weeks. We stayed a month.
For most people random acts of kindness is easier to say than to do, easier to write as a motto than to actually live. Random acts of kindness shouldn't have to be considered as extraordinary, or accomplished by someone who has a generous spirit, nor wears a heart on their sleeve, or has money in their pockets. Random acts of kindness use to be common courtesy, a natural response, a way to engage in community.
Famille Rue du Pot de Fer – 24 juin 1914
The link John sent to me says: "As surprising as this may seem, there are many photographs of Paris shot in direct color from 1907 to 1930.
Then and now on a street corner in Paris.
Looking through these old photos of Paris, not much had changed… sure the clothes were dated somewhat, motorcycles replaced carts, though the color made these old photos, that we usually see in black and white, come alive.
Alive as in present tense.
Place de la Republique, Paris 1918
There I am at the brocante.
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