cafes in paris

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I declared to Mother the other day that perhaps I will go to cooking school in Paris after I graduate college. ("Mm-hm," she said.) I think all of the cooking shows that I've been watching since getting my wisdom teeth out have been influencing me. But goodness knows that the food and cafes in France convinced me of this declaration as well, particularly the cafes. The relaxed atmosphere, the little wine glasses on each table, the scrumptious haricots verts, the sauces, the smaller portions, the cafe tables facing the street, the open windows, the waiters who come out with chalkboards . . .
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views of paris

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And so we went to Paris. And now we are home. It was lovely and more than I even imagined it could be. I had anticipated that all the cliches of Paris were made-up touristy ideas. But, really, for the most part, they weren't. Old women walked down the street with several baguettes underneath their arms. Lovers were constantly making out--on the subway, in the museum, at the cafe. I never saw a French woman or man in a t-shirt or sneakers or shorts; they do indeed know how to dress well. People leisurely sit around the cafes for hours, smoking and drinking wine. And the French really do quite often say "oh, la, la!"
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I took almost 3000 pictures on the trip, not just of Paris, but also Strasbourg, Rothenburg, Dover, Oxford, and London. (Goodness knows how patient my family was as I constantly lagged behind them in order to take pictures. And by the end of the trip they were making fun of my "Perfect! Just one more!" Um, if that picture is perfect, why do you need just one more? And, of course, one more would turn into ten more.) More on the other cities and some of our adventures later, but for now, a few pictures of Paris:

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Also, quick note: all photos are taken by me except for the fifth from the bottom, which is by Amy. And by the way, you should check out her blog; she's in Oxford for the summer and writing frequent updates!
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all's grace,
Jessina

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amy

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This past weekend my sister and I had a splendid weekend at home together by ourselves. These past few weeks we had both been quite stressed with school-related activities, so when Amy arrived home from college on Saturday evening, we both just felt like simply lying on the couch, talking, and relishing in that wonderful understanding that only a sister provides. So after an excursion to the grocery store and a homemade dinner, we watched Bright Star (which we thought even in all of its poetic beauty--it's about John Keats--and beautiful design, it was still, ahem, quite interesting).
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On Sunday, we awoke to a glorious spring-like day. As I drove to church, the sun was rising, the sky was blue, the air was warm, and the birds were cheeping. There are few things in the world that I love more than a sunny Sunday in spring, particularly one with my sister. So later in the afternoon, Amy and I decided to take advantage of the weather and we drove over to a lovely little lake that is down the road from our house so that I could take some pictures of her.
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So meet my sister and ten of my favorite things about her:

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1 | the obvious: she is beautiful

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2 | she knows how to bring the fun into any situation and convinces my occasionally over-disciplined self to lax up and enjoy life a bit more
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3 | there is some sort of understanding between us where I know that she knows what I really mean even if I can't perfectly express it with words

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4 | she is thoughtful and reflective and very analytical
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5 | she has the most stunningly gorgeous almond-shaped eyes
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6 | her "scrunchy nose" laugh is contagious and cute
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7 | she likes A Severe Mercy and A Circle of Quiet, the 1999 version of Mansfield Park, JJ Heller, reading poetry, choreographing dances, listening to sermons by Tim Keller, and cooking yummy food
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8 | she randomly skypes me throughout the day to chat, sends me long letters in the mail that brighten up an ordinary day, and texts me often just to let me know that she is praying for me
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9 | she walks barefoot into the frigidly cold water for me so that I can get a better picture
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10 | she is consistently trying to improve herself

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And there are so many other things I could say.
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I miss you, Amy.
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much love,
Jessina
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megan

-I remember the first time we met. It was a cold, dreary January day and my sister Amy and I were just starting dance classes at a new studio. Amy and I were rather nervous, to say the least. When the class started, the teacher announced a time to spread out on the floor and just stretch. So Amy and I sort of found our own little corner apart from the others to stretch by ourselves. But a moment later soft-voiced, red-headed Megan tranced over to us and and with her shy smile, plopped down on the floor to stretch beside us. And then she started sweetly and quietly bombarding us with questions: "Where do you live? What's your favorite book? How many siblings do you have? Who's your favorite author?"-I remember thinking from that moment that this must be one kind-hearted girl. She had left her little comfort zone with her other friends to welcome the "new girls" and had graciously reached out to get to know us. I decided then and there that I wanted to be friends with this red-headed girl. And am I ever so grateful that she was okay with that idea! :)----Megan left for college a month ago. But two days before she left we met up for a trip to the bookstore (we've been talking about books ever since she asked me that first day who my favorite author was), some lounging around a coffeshop, and a photoshoot.-
Megan has this penchant for being extraordinarily elegant at the same time as being extraordinarily fun. I wish I could pull that off as well as she can!-
--But one of the things I love most about Megan is her sincerity. It seems to me that she is always seeking to know and understand the Lord better and discerning how to seek His glory and follow His will in her life. And this desire of hers is so sincere. It's not made up just so that she looks like a better "Christian." She is genuine. And I admire that so much.---She also happens to be awfully pretty.-

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One final thing I love about Megan: her laugh.
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Megan, thanks for being such a sweet, caring, and genuine friend! I miss you!-grace & peace,Jessina-

braden & christy

-When Kristen first told us that we would be doing a photoshoot with Braden and Christy, I got just a bit nervous. You see, I've listened to sermons online that Braden has given and have heard his name mentioned here and there in the past few years. And to know that I was going to go and take pictures of him and his wife frightened me somewhat. But when I met Braden and Christy for the first time in the school parking lot in cute, downtown Laytonsville, their kindness and warmth overflowed. And I immediately relaxed. -Seriously, these two are so sweet and kind. It was such a privilege to get to know them a bit.-- -I want to grow up to be like Christy. She exudes such a beautiful and gentle and quiet spirit.--And, I am in love with her dress. So gorgeous! -And I am also in love with this picture. Ever since I started photography, I've wanted to take a picture like this. I know it's not anything new or creative, but I like it all the same. And Braden and Christy's outfits worked perfectly with the white brick wall. Love it!
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-Laytonsville was adorable and a perfect place for a photoshoot. As we were leaving and walking back down the main street, I kept spotting different areas that I wished I would have had time to shoot at. I loved all the gingerbread-style houses and the American flags waving up and down the street. Just perfect.--This next one is one of my favorites from the evening. --
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-For the most part, Braden and Christy seemed gentle and reserved and book-ish to me (apparently they like good food and old movies too), but...
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-...they also had a goofy side that came out here and there. :)
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They also graced us with some dancing. The sunlight was delicious! Oh, how I love summer.-


-But here's the joy, my friend and I are one;
Sweet flatt'ry, then she loves but me alone.(Shakespeare, Sonnets, 42)
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-Braden and Christy, it was truly an honor to get to know you a bit! Thank you for your graciousness and kindness to me and for the beautiful example of love that you have set. Happy (almost) 7th Anniversary! -

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grace & peace,
Jessina