Anyway, we had some chores that she wanted done as we add our personal touches to our apartment. Things like additional pillows for the sofa so that she can sit more comfortably as it is very deep. Also I wanted some material for making a tea cozy in which we will cover our new teapot. So to that end, I headed over to Montmartre where there a so many fabric stores and I was sure I could find material for a tea cozy.
Of course I neglected to get a translation for quilted/insulated fabric so I wandered around several blocks and went into a couple stores to ask if they had any, Hah! I'm certain they had it but trying to explain it without having something to point at was a Marcel Marceau nightmare. And it didn't work! Too esoteric I think. Anyway I was footing it up a small rue when I found some sitting on a table on the sidewalk, I stopped and I think it must have been a little sewing shop with some fabrics around, so I purchased a half meter which will be enough to make around 10 cozies, allowing for a couple aborted attempts.
I also sauntered around the Place du Tertre, the historic square on top of Montmartre, and took photos. I decided that it would be interesting to take photos of the people working up there as artists and in the bar/restaurants. As I was getting ready to leave I sat at a bench just outside the square and next to a small church, where I fell into a conversation (basic to say the least) with a couple artists who ply their trade for the tourists. I told them I didn't have money for an impromptu portrait, and they were fine with that. So I asked how many sales per day they made; the first said he did on average 3-4 per day for 20 euros per likeness, the second said he had not had a sale in 3 days so no money coming in. The first fellow, who makes silhouettes, said he make one to show me how he did it and there would be no charge. Sit still for a few minutes he said and went to work. Less than 10 minutes later he showed me his work. I looked at it and, you know how this will end, was amazed at his dexterity on cutting with scissors. Of course I could not just take it as a souvenir even though he offered it to me, I think with sincerity. The upshot, I paid for the silhouette which is now my profile picture, a fitting use indeed. I also gave the other artist a little 'pour boire' with the comment that the first money is usually hardest to get, so this was a little jump start. They were both extremely genial and a wonderful finish to the day. I took a photo and have posted it here you can see his box with a profile showing. Besides a good conversation with genuine connection and sharing of ideas is worth the price of admission, especially for a plouc.
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