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/ […]

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 […]

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. […]

A New Novel is Well on the Way!

First, I have to apologize that I have been silent for several months. I’ve been working very hard on Book #3 and I admit, I let myself get distracted from regular posts here, but I will make up for lost time with several about our most recent trip to Paris. BUT FIRST a quick update […]

Netsuke, anyone?

Do you know what a netsuke is? According to Google, it’s: “a carved button-like ornament, especially of ivory or wood, formerly worn in Japan to suspend articles from the sash of a kimono.” I got interested in them because I’m reading “The Hare with Amber Eyes” by Edmund de Waal whose family, the Ephrussi family, […]

No, You Can’t Get Everything on the Internet

In today’s world, it feels like you can literally buy anything you want with a quick click of your mouse. When I was a kid, I remember how special it was when one of my parents’ friends would come back from a trip to Europe and bring milk chocolate that tasted better than anything we […]

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