Marty Almquist
screen shot of Kirkus Review

My Book Journey Continues. What about yours?

Well, it’s been almost two months since my book was sent out into the world and it’s been a fun ride so far! This is the first time I’ve solicited outside reviews and I’m especially proud of the Kirkus Review, which I’ve always felt was a reputable reviewer of some of my favorite books. https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/marty-almquist/you-never-knew-me/ […]

Cover for You Never Knew Me

My book is now out in the world!

It’s been a journey for sure, with many different iterations and many different story arcs, but my book is finally on Amazon! Since this is my third book, I wanted to see if I could work with one of the large publishing houses, but there is no direct access to those guys. You have to […]

The entrance to the Musee des Arts Forains

For the kid in all of us. The Musée des Arts Forains, or in English, the Fairground Museum

If you were walking on the street and glanced over at the bright red doors, you might just pass by, with maybe a passing thought that it looks like an interesting building. But it’s much more than that. Available to visit only by prior reservation, the Musée des Arts Forains is a wonderland of objects, […]

Les Enfants du Paradis movie poster

Boulevard du Crime/Théatre Déjazet

One of my favorite movies of all time is Les Enfants du Paradis, the Children of Paradise. Directed by Marcel Carné, it was filmed in 1944 in Paris. DURING World War II! It is crazy to me that they could have been filming in Paris when it was occupied by Germans, and for me, that […]

French Bar A Vins menu

Frenchie Bar À Vins

Greg Marchand is taking over the Rue du Nil, in the 2nd arrondisement in Paris, and believe me, you’re going to want to go see what all the fuss is about. The original restaurant, Frenchie, is virtually impossible to get a reservation for (reservations open up three weeks ahead and sell out within hours). Marchand […]

A neighborhood in Paris, France with the Eiffel Tower in the background. Image compliments of

Emily in Paris is following me!

In November, in a wander through the Marais, we stopped at a charming little restaurant, Le Temps des Cerises. We ate escargots (among other delicious dishes) and after lunch continued our way down to the Seine. A month later, I was catching up on watching Emily in Paris, Season 3, and in Episode Two, imagine […]

Art museums in Paris, France.

Albert Edelfelt: An artist you’ve never heard of

I love Impressionist painting. I love the light and I love the warmth of the people portrayed. I had never heard of Albert Edelfelt, but the ads for the exhibit around Paris convinced us to head over to the Petit Palais and find out more about him. Albert Edelfelt is a Finnish artist who lived […]

Marty enjoying the apartment in Paris, France.

Revised Manuscript is Done!

With these weird times, and my infrequent visits to Paris, I have not felt motivated to write new blog posts, but hope that now that we are seeing a little light at the end of the COVID tunnel, life can start to return to normal, or whatever the new normal is. Big news for me […]

A french baker named Didier explaining how to make baguettes.

Baguette and Croissant making anyone? A bright memory to cherish before these strange times

Like so many people, we had to cut our time in Paris short to return to the US because of the virus. I’m glad we are back with family and friends, but I miss Paris already, and I want this blog to be full of positive things to help me, and any of you reading […]

Chocolate Shop in Paris, France

Is there anything better than good quality chocolate?

I love chocolate. I will admit it. But I am NOT willing to waste calories on cheap, run-of-the-mill, over-the-counter chocolate. It has to be good quality and delicious. I’ve also never been a fan of boxed chocolates, like Sees Candies, or Godiva. Until now. It turns out I just needed to find the right one. […]

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