I first met Chula on a street in Paris. I admit to being terrible at recognizing celebrities, but there was something about Chula that made me take notice. (She was outside the gallery during my photography exhibition vernissage.) She seemed to be on a journey of discovery—proud, curious, and mischievous all at the same time. Part explorer. Part poster child for wide-eyed innocence. But 100% Sheltie. She was my first dog superstar … a soon-to-be-famous canine author.
The recently-released book Dog Trots Globe is Chula’s story (as barked to Sherry Long). It’s a memoir of sorts, but also a practical guide and loving look at the adventures of a dog visiting France. Chula lives a life to be envied … and, on her first journey to Europe, she split her time between the excitement of Paris and the sunny sights, smells, and sounds of Saint-Rémy-de-Provence. She’s 9 years old (roughly 63 in human years), so an international excursion was long overdue. “New tricks” were there for the taking. Every moment was a discovery. And, as a result of Chula’s thoughts on the world, we humans see, smell, and hear a little differently.
The book is hard to categorize. It’s an amalgam of memoir, travel narrative, guide book, history tidbits, French culture, language lessons, and dog puns. It provides everything from tips on airplane travel for animals to what paperwork is needed to take your pet to France to what kind of train ticket is needed for your dog (yes, c’est vrai). It includes vivid, sensory descriptions of a dog’s life (complimented by colorful photos and illustrations) … capturing the “how to’s” of living under bistro tables, honing the art of catching spilt croissant flakes, and distinguishing among the infinite number of French cheeses.
Illustration by Darius Detwiler
Throughout the book, Chula learns things that we humans might want to know, such as how the Eiffel Tower gets painted, the outdoor market schedule for towns in Provence, and what happens at the Saint Rémy Transhumance (a celebration of sheep … 3000 of them).
I’m glad to have met Chula. In fact (full disclosure), she devotes a chapter to her visit to my photography exhibition, including her favorite photographs (she’s got good taste!) … and her agonizing discovery that her “socks” are too dirty for her to truly fit in with the elegant guests at the vernissage.
I’m glad to have met her because her book is beautifully presented and reaches out to a wide audience. One can imagine reading Dog Trots Globe with a child, discussing it with Francophiles and dog lovers, or using it for some (four-legged or two-legged) armchair traveling. And, if you download the iPad version, you get an original music score, video clips, and the opportunity to spend some up close and personal time with each photograph.
Most of all, I’m glad to have met Chula because she has made me see the world a little differently. Every moment is an adventure, deserving of the full attention of all the senses.
Note: You can order Dog Trots Globe at amazon.com or download for the iPad. You can find some “extras” at http://www.oic-books.com/extras.
Meredith Mullins is an internationally exhibited America photographer and writer who lives in Paris. She is the author of the award-winning book “In A Paris Moment” and an instructor of photography. Upcoming classes include a Holiday Photographic expedition on December 5 and a Words and Images course (writing and photography) beginning on January 16, 2012. For more information on these and other courses, visit www.meredithmullins.artspan.com. Meredith is also available for private photography instruction/exploration in Paris. Sign up for an information-filled, creative lesson! Her original photographs are available directly through the artist. [email protected] or (www.meredithmullins.artspan.com)
Dirty "socks" at the vernissage
All photos by Sheron Long
Eye Prefer Paris on Twitter
I just launched a fun new daily Twitter post- Paris Photo du Jour. Every day I will post a photo of Paris. Follow me on Twitter - http://twitter.com/eyepreferparis
Eye Prefer Paris Photos for Sale
I am happy to announce the sale of prints of my Eye Prefer Paris Photos. I am offering 17 of my most popular and iconic images for sale including my courtyards, doors, architectural details, statues, and monuments. They will make great gifts for all your Francophile friends, relatives, and colleagues but don't forget to buy some for yourself.
Click here to see photos and for full details including sizes, prices, and shipping. Here is a sample of some of the photos.
New! Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes
I am happy to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Cooking Classes. Come take an ethnic culinary journey with me and chef and caterer Charlotte Puckette, co-author of the bestseller The Ethnic Paris Cookbook (with Olivia Kiang-Snaije). First we will shop at a Paris green-market for the freshest ingredients and then return to Charlotte's professional kitchen near the Eiffel Tower to cook a three-course lunch. After, we will indulge in the delicious feast we prepared along with hand-selected wines.
Cost: 185 euros per person (about $240)
Time: 9:30AM- 2PM (approximately 4 1/2 hours)
Location: We will meet by a metro station close to the market
Class days: Tuesday,Wednesday, Thursday,Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Minimum of 2 students, maximum 6 students.
Click here to sign up for the next class or for more info.
I am pleased as punch to announce the launch of Eye Prefer Paris Tours, which are 3-hour walking tours I will personally be leading. The Eye Prefer Paris Tour includes many of the places I have written about such as small museums & galleries, restaurants, cafes & food markets, secret addresses, fashion & home boutiques, parks, and much more.
Tours cost 195 euros for up to 3 people, and 65 euros for each additional person. I look forward to meeting you on my tours and it will be my pleasure and delight to show you my insiders Paris.
Check it out at www.eyepreferparistours.com
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