The Artist Way...(The Early Years): Dancehall...Film Production...and Mayhem...and finally...The Breakthrough!

Okay...so I finally had a breakthrough moment yesterday with my script. I realized that trying to finish TWO scripts in 30 days was INSANE even for my over achieving self. So...I decided to focus on the one that is clearest in my mind, and most relevant. The drama. The romantic comedy idea...I think I'm too close to the real life events to tackle that subject in earnest. Djinn Carrenard, a french filmmaker and good brother of mine, have been toying with the idea for years of co-writing and directing an American/French international love story...we shall see.

Okay...let me take this morning to get you guys caught up on my adventures and excursions.

Oh! I found a great link for anyone considering moving to Paris...Practical Life In Paris!

Where was I?

Jeudi (Thursday)...

Jeudi was a pretty easy going day. I spent most of the day cleaning up the apartment, and then working at the Bibliotheque Centre Pompidou. After which, I decided not to take the Metro back home right away. I decided to walk around and explore my surroundings. The Metro system is so thorough in Paris that I knew I would not have a problem finding my way home, regardless of where I ended up.

Gare L'Est

I walked through what I think is the African section of Paris near Place du Chateau Rouge. I hungout over here a few years back when I was in Paris. It's the 18th arrondissment. Over here...it feels like a genuine slice of Africa. The foods, people, and of course the fabrics and arts. You almost forget that it's Paris. I kept walking until I ended up at Gare L'Est train station. I love train stations all over the world. I think it's the wanderer in me. My favorite place is wherever I'm headed next.

Gare L'Est

It was dark when I made it home. I climbed the 124 stairs that comprise the "Twisted Stairs Of Death" to get to my apartment. It's actually 7 flights....but they say I live on the sixth floor because the first floor is zero. You have to walk up to one! I dropped off my computer, and rested for about a half hour and decided to see what else my fabulous neighborhood had to offer. I walked down Rue Saint-Honore and ended up on Avenue des Champs Elysees which turned out to be only a 10 minute walk from the apartment.

Macaroons at McDonald's

The Avenue des Champs Elysees is a lot like Time Square in New York, North Michigan Avenue in Chicago, or Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills...although each city and area is different, they're the same with the number of tourist and locals that frequent the areas, and the high end shops mixed in with the appropriate assortment of Gaps, and McDonald's to make everyone seem at home...lol.

Inside Citroen 1 car per floor

I found the COOLEST car dealership ever. It's called Citroen and it's a French auto company. The cars are okay...they have an electric prototype that I adore...but the architectural design of the showroom is pure genius.

The Electric Prototype

After hanging out for a while I treated myself to dinner at Le Madrigal. They had a cool DJ and the place was packed with tourist and locals.

Le Madrigal on Avenue des Champs-Elysees

I don't know why...but I decided to hop on the Metro and head to Gare Du Nord station after dinner. Perhaps because this is also the location of a video I shot in ~~Mars~~ March of 2008. Or it could have been my restless spirit. I took a few photos and headed home.

Gare Du Nord

Gare Du Nord

I was home by 11:30PM...already looking ahead to what the next day would bring.

Vendredi (Friday)...

Hotel California

Sushi 2007 Red Devils...not dinner!

Friday was another great day. I went to the Bibliotheque...wrote for a while, came home and walked around the neighborhood for a little bit. I stumbled across Hotel California and a little sushi spot called Sushi 2007. I didn't eat there....but they had a tank with some of the most beautiful Red Devil fish! There was also one giant fish in the tank too. I'm not sure what it was, but if it had been smaller...the Red Devils would have ate him up! I use to have one named Claude in D.C.

I actually ate a home cooked meal. My FIRST while in Paris. It was good and cost only 7 euro for the ingredients from the Monoprix. I had rice, green beans, and ~~poulet~~ chicken with mushrooms. To drink, I had strawberry juice. Very good, if I say so myself.


Home cooked meal courtesy of MONOPRIX

Terry Bible, Me, Ad

Charles, Jeffrey, ME

Around midnight my new friend Ad (pronounced Ah-Dee) and french rapper Terry Bible scooped me up and we ended up at a funky dancehall party on the Siene. Don't ask me how I've become "down" with the artist click in Paris...but they seem to find me. The party was on this crazy boat that looked like it was falling apart. The place was packed with French-Africans playing some SERIOUS music. It was a great party. We didn't get there until maybe 1 in the morning and the party was still going strong when we left at 4AM. Most parties in Paris seem to end around 6:30AM. Reminds me of New York and Chicago in that regard.

I met some cool people and enjoyed the entire vibe. My only complaint is that L.A has spoiled me when it comes to no smoking in clubs. When I got home...I definitely smelled like a smoke house. I had to hang my little cashmere sweater and skirt outside on the ledge to air dry. I was afraid that they were going to blow off the balcony down into the courtyard, 124 stairs below...but they did not!

Samedi (Saturday)...

Saturday I was on the guest list for a party hosted by my boy Claude aka Just Dizle the DOPEST DJ in Paris. Check out his stuff on iTunes.

Me and Delo

Diki in the ADR room

I wasn't able to make it because I went to Studio Coppelia to check out my BOY!!!!! Delo while he and his crew worked on their latest film. I can't wait to see the finished product. I'm so happy and proud for them. It's great to see artist, making it happen worldwide.

Me and Charles Cerito

Me and Alain

While at the studio I was introduced to the fabulous Cerito brothers. They have a photography studio called Mamuntu Films. They asked if they could do a studio portrait with me while in Paris...my answer, "Uh...Hell yah!"

They were prepping for an upcoming meeting for distribution, so we laughed and talked in between them working hard on getting a cut ready for viewing.

Delo, Me, Shango, and Alain

Men at work

We didn't leave the studio until after 2 in the morning so they dropped me home and we decided to go out and celebrate in a few days. I LOVE the LOVE that they show me. It's always good connecting with Delo.

Dimanche (Sunday)...

Cedric, Remy, Severin, Ad

Sunday can only be described as FUN! Ad, Remy, Cedric and Severin aka DJ Toni Vegas came to Paris to hang out with me for the day. We walked around all over the city, took pictures, ate good Lebanese food and laughed and joked until our sides hurt. They're definitely a FUN crowd and I really appreciate how many people have extended themselves to me while in Paris. I feel as if so many people are going out of their way to make sure that I have a good time. It is appreciated!