Visit Leanne Cole’s Monochrome Madness!
Paris at dusk
Late afternoon was Cybele’s favourite time. She loved to be with her grandmother. Often when her mother had locked her out she would go over to Mamie’s small flat. It was very dim inside the hallway and Cybele would take the key from Mamie’s hiding place, ride the lift and quietly open the door. She often found Mamie lying on the sofa with all the curtains drawn. Her grandmother suffered from migraine headaches. They were exacerbated by worry about her granddaughter running around the streets after school like a homeless waif. Babette, Mamie’s irresponsible daughter, had all but abandoned the poor child. Little more than a child herself when she gave birth to Cybele, Babette had decided to pursue a career as a cabaret singer in Montmartre.
Cybele would replenish the cold cloth on her grandmother’s forehead and wait patiently for her to recover. When Mamie was feeling better, she would get up and take Cybele to the little cafe near the Ile de la Cité. They sat together, sipping Perrier and espresso, and watched the sun go down before returning home to a late supper.
The warmth of the pavement wafted upward with the smells of fresh croissants and coffee. Paris came alive at this time of day, filled with the laughter and chatter of people walking into an evening adventure as the glow of a setting sun cast a luminous grace over the transgressions of the city’s streets.
After supper Mamie played records on an old gramophone. She sang along with the old French songs and operatic arias while Cybele danced. During summer’s long twilight they dressed up in their best clothes and went out to join the rest of the city for the evening promenade along the Seine.
( to be continued?) Another snippet from my story rucksack.
La vie en rose- Edith Piaf
Loved the story and smells and sounds and places you describe about one of my favourite places in the world. Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
so pleased you like it Landa!! I’m with you! Thank you my dear!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful story, Cybele. It reminds me a little of The Little Princess–one of my favorite books when I was growing up. And your photos are marvelous. I especially like the portrait. Lovely and evocative. Like you, I’ve wished I was French….and then, Italian…. I guess I’m a restless “soul.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
yes! oh to have grown up in Paris!! 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
Looking forward to a continuation of this series – the shots of Paris is particularly inviting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
oh dear, now I’ll have to get to work on it lol!! Thank you Eliza!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
impressive and emotional… ❤ I loved my maternal granny sooo much, I often miss her, RIP.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I think of mine too!! So glad it brought you a memory of love! thank you Melanie!
LikeLike
How lovely this all is Hannah … story telling and photos.
Your little waif photograph is full of pathos …
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks so much Poppy!
LikeLike
What a beautiful little autobiographical snippet, Cybele. There’s nothing more wonderful than a close relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter. My granny was such fun and I loved her dearly. She had French ancestors, which mean that I have, too! I love all those pictures of Paris, but I agree with Andrea, the picture of the parlor with the flowers is my favourite, too.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you Sarah, I am so glad you liked my little waif! – but not strictly autobiographical! Well, I wish I could say I grew up in Paris!!! Poetic licence and remembering the time I did spend there. Hugs my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
There you are, Cybele. You’re so magical that I would probably believe it if you said that you grew up in Paris, another dimension, or a distant galaxy!
LikeLiked by 1 person
lovely compliment my dear!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the room with the poppies! and the little girl – excellent images! A
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you! 🙂
LikeLike
a welcome to Cybele’s
amazing existence 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
thank you for that sweet comment Smile!
LikeLike
Lovely, evocative story Cybele, Iove the picture with the flowers at the windows.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks so much Andrea! Paris has magic!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the B&W…
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks Robert- you’re getting caught up!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a lovely story .. and these images are quite lovely. More please 😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many many thanks Julie!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Like the shots, especially the MM one.
Great use of light and it has good detail.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Many thanks “Stu” 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Your images and story made me feel like I was in Paris! Beautiful 😊.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Allons!! Thank you Pam!!
LikeLike
😊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Love the portrait shot Cyb….very atmospheric
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks so much Mark!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Loved the story. Love the art even more.Thank you for sharing♥
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you so much my friend!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Wonderful photos and story as well. I spent many hours with my grandmother as a child and have the best of memories.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am so honoured that the story brought up such wonderful memories. Merci!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
C’est histoire magnifique! J’aime bien les photos et je suis adore Paris.
LikeLiked by 2 people
ahh, Tu parle bien ma chere Deb! Merci beaucoup et nous vivons comme des Parisiens. 😀 and excuse my fractured French
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s a wonderful grandmother-granddaughter bond you’ve showcased, Cybele! Loved the story. (And the pictures, of course.)
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you so much Anita, I think a grandmother can have a special magic with children!
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was so evocative, Hanna. I lived for three months in a very similar apartment building, three blocks from the Eiffel Tower. The story brought back some lovely memories.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I am so pleased that post brought lovely memories Kate!! That’s something any writer would love to know! Thank you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Enjoyed the tale and your images are truly wonderful.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I thank you my friend!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s funny how when you meet people from a distance there’s still a connection
I love Paris I so want to go back Some day
The next best thing was Quebec
As Sheldon Always
LikeLiked by 1 person
serendipity!! oh yes, and Quebec City is quite magical.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I love the second photo
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see why! Thank you Gavin!
LikeLiked by 1 person
wonderful
LikeLiked by 1 person
thanks so much Julz!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Touching combination…
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you Sally!
LikeLike
Such a beautiful, emotive portrait! Very much in the style of 20’s chic 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
thank you so much Sarah! It does have a touch of French Film Noir I think!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolument mon amie!
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
I do really love the third photo. Is it a true story, Cybele? If it is, I really cannot wait to read it more…
LikeLiked by 2 people
thank you Nurul!! Not entirely true but I will try for more!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Edith Piaf and gorgeous pics, what more could I want x
LikeLiked by 3 people
hey there – so glad you like!!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh I love Piaf. And I LOVED the pictures and the story. Wonderful
LikeLiked by 2 people
🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Touched my heart, oh Edit Piaf ..so many memories.
LikeLiked by 3 people
thank you Paula!
LikeLike
Loved the feel and concept of this story. Might I suggest you consider swapping the third paragraph to become the opening one? I feel it helps draw the reader in better. Hope you dont mind the small critique?
LikeLiked by 3 people
Good advice. I often revise and revise again after posting something as I’m often behind in a deadline lol. (switched the first two sentences)
LikeLiked by 1 person
PS: thank you for your critique and your reading of the little tale. I hope you will read some others I have written too!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Beautiful images Cybele – no wonder you wanted to explore.
LikeLiked by 3 people
oh yes, I wish I could travel forever!! 😀 Thanks Aidy!
LikeLike
That first image is a wonderful portrait, Hannah!
LikeLiked by 2 people
so pleased you like it Sue!! Thanks!
LikeLiked by 1 person
You are welcome, Hannah!
LikeLiked by 2 people
If this is an autobiography it is very touching. Love the photo of the child.
I used to roam around the hidden attic paths between buildings at night out of the flat in London after my mother went out. She thought I was asleep. The landlady caught me and me were forced to move.
LikeLiked by 3 people
awww! now there is another story Sherry! Thank you for sharing it and thanks for your compliment! Mine is not autobiographical to speak but inspired by someone else!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I see. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
Again, very nice.
LikeLiked by 2 people
thanks Disperser!!
LikeLike
What a great story and photos. Will there be more? And who is that beautiful little waif in the first photo? Love that old music. I must say her singing kind of reminds me of Marlene Dietrich! One of those tunes that gets in your head! Have a great rest of the week! 😀
LikeLiked by 4 people
So glad you enjoyed this post. That is our little Tegg!! I must be getting old as I like all that vintage stuff!! Blessings on your week my friend!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a beautifully evocative tale, Cybele. You manage to stir all the senses in your lovely descriptions. I was transported to those warm Parisian streets, with the smell of croissants in the air, and thoroughly enjoyed the summer twilight along the Seine. Your photos are gorgeous and complement your story perfectly. Excellent choice of music, too. Edith Piaf and Paris go hand in hand.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Many thanks for your wonderful comment Millie! I hope I can get back to Paris soon. I agree about Piaf!
LikeLike