Mon Grand-Pere: Le Ballon Rouge

I am 1/8 French, I believe. My great-grandfather came from Paris, France. I lived with my grandfather {grand-pere} for 8 + years in the same house and I will never forget how we would watch "Le Ballon Rouge" together. It's one of my earliest memories and probably the catalyst of my French obsession. I was the first Zurcher to return to the land of my great-grandfather in 100 years. I visited the address an Rue de Eugene Flachat where the last Zurcher resided, but wasn't able to find anybody.

Statue of Eugene Flachat

It was a memorable, exciting trip for me and I am counting the days {though it's more like years right now} until I return. I add my sentiments to Gertrude Stein's famous quote,
"America is my country, but Paris is my hometown."

Amani & I at the top of the Eiffel Tower

I love names. I'll say this now so you won't be surprised, but I'm already planning to name one of my children Paris. {Hopefully, for the child's sake, it will be a girl.}

The other names I like are Easton, Alexis Celeste, and Elle.

{If you want to have some fun, head over to What A Lovely Name. You can browse through thousands of names, as well as their meanings. It's a pretty cute website, too.}

On the subject of babies and red balloons, and no, I'm not announcing anything, I have a pretty good idea of how I will decorate my baby's nursery. It will look something like this: