Created 3/23/09
Me, I'm an American in Paris-a writer/journalist/columnist/blogger at Salon.com, Vogue at Style.com, HuffPo, & more-for magazines and books, www.betharnold.com. It was my dream to live in France forever until I finally made it happen 6+ years ago. How? Doesn't hurt if you're a little nuts+raring to go. Letter From Paris is… (more) my vision/my world through expat eyes. Back-story at www.chasingmatisse.com.
Expats in Paris began with our Founding Fathers but was imprinted into our consciousness and glamorized with the Lost Generation of Ernest Hemingway, Getrude Stein, F. Scott & Zelda Fitzgerald, other artists and dreamers who made their way here. Millions of Americans live abroad today. We are a force.
But since the Lost Generation walked Paris rues, the world has become globalized and smaller. In the Bush years, America lost its way and its luster to the rest of the world. George W. just about did his country and its citizens in, but now the globe is rediscovering us-our democracy and our values-the Americanness that it admired. Like Stein and the others, I'm compelled to write (& now video)-to process and express my ideas and experience-which are informed by my American roots and ideals.
What you get in my blog is good reporting, my point of view with its international edge, my life in Paris. I also weigh in on what's happening at home, politically and culturally. Fresh eyes and ears are essential, and sometimes distance gives us the ability to see and hear more clearly. New meaning can come from those who aren't getting pounded with the same news, images, and spin every day.
Like Janet Flanner who wrote her Letters from Paris decades ago, I describe the culture of Paris today--the vibe, etc. in France, in Europe, wherever. Whatever catches my interest and imagination are the subjects I cover. I aspire for my Letters From Paris to be as delightful as hers, though mine have a 21st Century New Media twist and are redefined and filtered through it. (less)
paris,
france,
expat,
expats,
expatriate,
political blog,
culture,
international,
style,
lifestyle