I haven’t posted for a while, and I’m finding it hard to get going again, so in the spirit of spring cleaning I’m just going to dump out what’s been going on lately. And if you make it to the end there’s a free giveaway contest. :)
1) Last month when Rustic Recluse nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award, I felt guilty for never replying. The award is a recognition from one blogger to another to show they appreciate what you’re doing, and it’s a nice way for like-minded people to support each other. I totally dropped the ball by not acknowledging it.
Then six days later the author of Czeching Out nominated me for the same award, and I was somehow too busy to answer that one. Two weeks later Media Essence did the same. Then it was Write My Brains Out, and big surprise–I didn’t get around to that one either. So obviously I blew it big time, but I’d now like to thank these four wonderful bloggers for their kindness, and I can only say I’m sorry for the late acknowledgement. To all my other readers, please click on their names above and check out their blogs so I can at least repay them with some extra traffic.
2) I’m excited to announce that I’ve been hired by Localers.com as their newest tour guide! Being a Paris guide has always been something that interested me, as it falls directly in line with my passion for sharing the city with others. I’ll be giving walking tours of areas like Montmartre, Ile de la Cité, the Opéra house and the city’s covered passages. More info in a future blog post, coming soon. :)
3) Speaking of coming soon, I always have piles of random Paris projects in my brain (that I may or may not get around to completing), and lately I’ve been thinking of a photo series combining my modern photos with old shots of the same area. This concept isn’t a new one, but I’m trying to find my own take on it. Here are a couple of rough drafts; the first is two combined photos of Rue des Ursins, and the second is the location of the old Hôtel-Dieu hospital that used to be next to Notre Dame.
4) To keep the multimedia vibe going, here’s a creative Paris video I found with animated typography illustrating the city’s neighborhoods. Not only is it clever but it’s a fun challenge to decipher the meaning of each graphic. You’ll see what I mean:
5) And how can I not mention this?! Somehow this blog officially has over 1,000 followers now. One thousand Frye Guys…that’s pretty ridiculous, and pretty awesome. I started blogging two and a half years ago as a way to show my mom what I was up to in France, so it’s safe to say I’m pleasantly surprised at the reader turnout. The French sometimes say merci mille fois, meaning “thanks a thousand times”. I never thought I’d get to do that literally! You all rock.
6) Finally, my Facebook followers (if you’re not one yet, come on over) may already know that an older blog post of mine, Cleaning Brushes with Picasso, was featured in an online publication called Mixed Media Arts Magazine. Here’s a glimpse at what that looked like.
I was glad to be part of such a great magazine, and its founder and editor Barbra Sundquist has generously offered to give one of my readers a free one-year subscription! All that’s left is for me to figure out how to choose one of you, so to keep it as fair as possible here’s how it will work:
Firstly, I’m afraid the magazine is in iPad format only, so the contest only applies to iPad owners. If you’re one of them, it’s simple to enter: just leave a comment below–any comment you like–but be sure to include the initials “MM” somewhere in it. This will signal that you wish to be entered. Then two weeks from today, on Thursday May 2nd, I’ll put all the participants’ names in a hat and choose one randomly.
I’ll put up a new blog post on May 2nd to announce the winner, so be sure to check back to see if you won!
Ahh…spring cleaning feels good.
afrenchfryeinparis.com 
I love your blog! And I ADORE Paris! Put the two together and I have a constant stream of interesting Parisian snippets. Living in the south of France for over a year, your blog continues to inspire my interest and love affair with Paris. Than you French Frye, I cant wait to return to Paris toute suite and partake in one of your tours MM. Congrats and Good Luck! A bientot !
Aw thanks so much Su! It’s great to hear such nice things from my readers. I’ve visited the south once so far, in and around Carcassonne, and I thought it was very cool. Can’t wait to go back. Next time you’re in Paris, look me up for sure!
Im on the Cote d’Azur, its beautiful right now and we are enjoying the sun, unfortunately a weekend of rain is looming….:((
The sun? What’s that? :) We finally got our first bout of spring weather a couple of days ago. I see lots of Parisians taking advantage of it. How is life in the Cote d’Azur? Its always thought of as a vacation destination but I wonder what life as a resident is like as well.
Its great out of season! A bit messy during the peak times, but whats great is the weather really…..from about April to September the weather is constant…..so I hope that the rain is gone for a while. Having said that, checked the weekend weather and rain due, but we are off to Montpellier and Les Baux so not sure what to expect. People in the Cote, are a mixed bag…not many people from the area its very international, i can have a conversation in 3 different languages and its brilliant. There are lot of older people too, but so far I really LOVE IT. We are 10 minutes to the beach, 15 min walk to school, and everything is within fingers reach. I love the busy summer…but its only my second summer here, ask me what I think in a few years!
Congratulations on the astounding achievements. Bonne honeure! I am visiting Paris in October and may have to book a special photographic tour! Wishing you all the best. PJ.
Thanks PJ. Yes, look me up in October!
Holy cow! What a cornucopia of great news and impressive accomplishments, Mr. Frye!! Every single one of these honors and accolades is very well-deserved. Having been fortunate enough to benefit from two of your informal walking tours, I know you’ll be a resounding success as a tour guide. And how cool are those “old meets new” photos you’ve created? I had no idea you were so good with Photoshop and/or time travel. As for that last item on your list, well … je te confesse que ça m’a fait un petit peu jalouse. (But in the best possible, sense of course.) Anyway, congratulations!!
Thanks Heather. Truth be told I cringed a bit after publishing this post cause I worried it could be seen as a bit of a brag-fest, which wasn’t my intention. How cool is the tour guide gig? I knew you’d be happy to hear that one. And I’m glad you liked the photos, I’m gonna keep working on the idea and hopefully get a group of them together for a future blog post.
And no need to be jealous of my modest publishing success–need I remind you of your beautiful calendar on the way? By the way, has that been printed yet?
Aw, Mr. French Frye … I don’t think anyone would read your pots as a brag-fest — least of all this loyal reader (but somewhat slow-on-the-uptake commenter). You’ve put your heart and soul into your work, and it’s wonderful to see that it’s paying off.
Oh, and thanks for reminding me about the calendar. Would you believe I’d forgotten about it already?! It shipped the first week of January. Seems like a lifetime ago already. Anyway, my apologies for the delay in responding. But again … CONGRATULATIONS!!
I love the randomness of your thoughts and all the fab imagery — particularly the incredible VIDEO of the neighborhoods of Paris!! — and I am so happy to hear that you are going to be a tour guide. If only I was going over anytime soon, I would totally request you!!! Congrats on your millennium goal-reaching (yay, readers!!) — and all your awards, too.
Very well deserved, as each one of your posts feels like I have a little pied a terre in Paris! (sorry, no i-pad so i can’t apply for the subscription!!)
Thanks a lot Betty, always great to hear from you. Yes things have been on an “up tick” lately, which happened just in time to be honest. The expat life has its ups and downs and isn’t always as dreamy as people might think. I’m sure you have a good idea of what I mean, with all the traveling you’ve done.
Next time you’re in Paris please do let me know. It would be my pleasure to show you around!
First off let me say, I absolutely love your blog! I look forward to not only reading your articles but looking at the beautiful photos that accompany them. The two together make me long to visit and explore a city that you bring to life with such articulacy and prose.
Secondly, congratulations on joining Localers as a tour guide. They are lucky to have you! I am personally requesting you as my guide when and if I ever get my a_s over there!
Lastly, never be afraid to toot your own horn. To quote a saying I love,
“You must toot your horn as loud as you can, else It won’t be heard over the sound of everyone else tooting theirs.” :)
Keep up the great work!
Susan
Thanks for the kind words and the great quote Susan. I’ll keep that in mind next time I’m having some “tooting” guilt. :) And yes definitely look me up as a tour guide next time you’re here!
Hi Corey, it’s not a bragfest at all – I found it most enjoyable reading (and not just because the contest for my Mixed Media Art Magazine was announced!)
I love your take on the “then and now” Paris photos. I have a book called “Paris Changing” by Christopher Rauschenberg where he does a similar thing comparing Eugene Atget’s classic photos with his own modern day ones. Fascinating stuff for Paris-lovers like us!
I agree Barbra. When walking through Paris I so often try to stop and imagine what certain areas looked like in the past, and those photos really satisfy that urge. I look forward to working on more of them and making a series for a future blog post.
Thanks for commenting!
When I initially commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox
and now each time a comment is added I get three
e-mails with the same comment. Is there any way
you can remove people from that service? Cheers!
Hi Bramy, sorry for all those emails, getting 3 at a time must be some kind of glitch. I’ve looked into this and unfortunately I can’t change the settings on my end. There should be a link at the bottom of each email you receive, allowing you to unsubscribe to the comments. If not, maybe your email provider could block the address? Good luck, and do let me know if you’re still having problems with it!
That\’s the thnnkiig of a creative mind
I lived in Paris for a whole year and I never knew there were once buildings along the Seine, blocking the view of Notre Dame.
That’s why the juxtaposition of old Paris and new Paris works so well, I think. You should definitely pursue it. It makes one rethink what the city is and appreciate how it has changed.
Also, I know you didn’t make it, but that video is fantastic. I really enjoyed it.
Thanks Michael, glad you enjoyed the vid and the photos.
Yes the old/new Paris photos are so much fun and so thought-provoking, I think I will keep it going until I have a nice little batch of them. And you’re right: the endless amount of changes Paris has undergone adds so much to its character and charm, and standing in a modern day spot when I know there used to be something else there a hundred years ago…that excites me for some reason. The photos are a good way to get that feeling across.
Thanks so much for commenting and subscribing! Take care and best of luck.
Congrats! You’re such an honest and true writer and person that I’m not surprised one bit at the good things that are happening to you. They are well-deserved, and you shouldn’t feel any guilt over sharing the news with your cyber-friends and fans. Oh, how I wish I could figure out a way to get to Paris so you could show me all these wonderful things in person!
MM. The Picasso story is one of my favorites, followed by your adventures with the local police when you drove your wife’s car back from the garage. I was laughing out loud reading that one! Keep it going, Corey!
Thanks for the wonderful comment Linda. I’m touched to have great readers who appreciate what I share and who are rooting for me to do well. I’ll try to honor that by keeping this blog going, and with good content to boot. :)
And your MM entry was duly noted! Have a great day and take care.
Ohhhh Paris! Twice there (once for 5 days and another for 5 weeks) and always in my dreams to return. I’ve just found your blog but am hoping you will enter me in your giveaway!
Sure Carole, considered yourself entered. :) Thanks for the kind words and welcome! Always happy to meet fellow Paris lovers.
Dear Mr. Frye,
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your article in Issue 2 of Mixed Media (MM!). That has been my favorite article so far. I hope they will invite you to write more. They way you write, it is easy to imagine that I am there as well, seeing the things you see, sharing your thoughts about that experience, all alone in a building where Picasso worked. Very moving.
I’d love to read more on the art scene in Paris – that of today and yesteryear.
Good luck!
p.s. Also enjoyed the video above. Brought back memories of Paris…
That’s great, I love bringing back memories for people. :)
Oh thanks a lot Louise, so happy you enjoyed the article. That day in Montmartre was a special one, and I’m glad some of that magic was able to come through what I wrote.
I’d like to write more for the magazine also, we’ll see! And I’ll be sure to add you into the giveaway contest…btw the winner will be decided tomorrow on May 2nd, so come back to check!
Hi! I’m trying to learn french and I’ve been trying to find good TV/ movies, books or magazines I could read in french to help me along. Any suggestions? I tried the trial on Rosetta Stone and was looking back at some old notes I took, and already I can figure out certain words and sentences when I read them! It’s exciting! I am still thinking of buying the software when I get the money to. But in the meantime I could use some extra tips. It’s kind of tricky to figure out how to spell a word or phrase when used in a certain context.
Btw I know this is kinda late but…. FÉLICITATIONS! on everything. Avoir une bonne journée. Au revoir! :)
Hi, thanks for your comment. What really gave me a boost more than anything were podcasts that I’d listen to while doing the dishes, going for a walk, or on the subway. Check out the one called Learn French by Podcast, it was my favorite one and last time I checked they offer many audio lessons for free with the option to buy PDF files that accompany each lesson.
I also got my hands on any movies/tv shows on DVD that I could watch with French subtitles. It takes a little getting used to, hearing English sound while reading French text on the bottom, but it’s great for your brain to start associating the two. So take your favorite movie or show, turn on the French subs, and soak it in!
You can also check out this site, which I haven’t delved into but looks promising: http://www.frenchlearner.com
Hope that helps. Best of luck with your learning!
Merci beaucoup! This is very helpful and the website is great.
Good web-site you have right here.
Paris is already a wonderful and beautiful place, things to see and do in Paris makes the city more alive. But with the help of great post by great bloggers it makes Paris I think the most popular and more attractive city in the world.
Thanks so much Simply Paris, I appreciate the kind words!