The Out-La's

From Captain January, 1936.

(I prefer the original, B&W version, but couldn't find it.)

Love is All You Need

Universal Love is a quality that allows a person to see beauty in every aspect of life. (Simply put) it's an altruistic love for everything and everyone.

Yes, it's Valentine's Day- a holiday otherwise known as "Singles Awareness Day." But don't depress! Even if you're a bird flying solo, you can still celebrate love, Universally.

Most religions and philosophies in some way encompass the concept of Universal Love. In the Buddhist religion, the philosophy and practice of Universal Love is known as "Metta." Metta is basically a strong wish for the welfare and happiness of others- an unselfish, all-embracing love for every person and every thing. A pretty nice objective, right?

So, even if you didn't receive a heart-shaped box, a romantic dinner and a dozen roses this year, you can always use this holiday as a pretext to give love, universally, without romantic conditions.

"(All You Need is Love) was an inspired song and they really wanted to give the world a clear message saying that love is everything."- Brian Epstein.

The song was broadcast live, via satellite on "Our World," the first global television link. It was watched by 400 million people in 26 countries.

Happy Universal Love Day to all the lone birds and love birds out there! I hope your day is brimming with happiness and affection.

Paco Says:

Happy Friday! I hope you have a marvelous, long week-end!

"(Paco) originally had an architect's education but became known as the enfant terrible of the French fashion world in the 1960s..."

A Very Merry Unbirthday to Me!

On Friday, I'll be doing this: Over here:

(Come!) I'm ready to redeem myself after last year's birthday "celebration"... because last year, for the big THREE-OH, I somehow became significantly less "Holly" and significantly more like the crazy lady at the 53 second mark:

It wasn't pretty.

This year, I've resolved to maintain my composure and make the best of a sad situation! Birthdays are supposed to be fun, right? (Wrong!) But, it's better than staying at home, right? So, since I haven't yet figured out how to freeze time and keep everything and everyone as-is, I suppose I may as well drink up! (Pass the Kleenex!)

Come On Get Happy!

How sweet are these Bakelite smiley buttons? If you want some of your own, they can typically be found on Etsy or eBay- just search "Bakelite button" or "Bakelite smile button."

Have a Happy Weekend!

Must See/ Must Hear

By now you've all heard about An Education, but have you seen it? You must. The film is centered on a young, English Catholic schoolgirl in the 1950's, played by Carey Mulligan. Her character is reminiscent of Marianne Faithfull, pre-Rolling Stones- obsessed with Literature, and all things French (including Jacques Brel and Juliette Greco). She's my kinda gal, basically. Anyway, the film got me thinking about "La Greco"- the 1950's actress and troubadour of the French chanson. She was an inspiration to writers, philosophers, and artists, representing the beat-generation and bohemian lifestyle. Greco dressed entirely in black, wore white lipstick, and had long, dark hair- a stark contrast to the blond bombshells popularized by American cinema at the time. She had a love affair with Miles Davis; in fact, the two remained close until his death.

Above is an early photo of Greco, with Miles Davis, most likely around 1949. (Yes, it's her- cosmetic surgery was available, even back then.) The photo below is most likely from the 1950's.

It must have felt liberating for young people in post-war France to finally be able to listen to jazz music and talk freely about politics and philosophy. Those activities were punishable during the occupation.

This clip is of Juliette singing one of her most famous songs "Déshabillez-moi" which in English, would translate to "Undress Me." Enjoy!