Visit Leanne Cole’s Monochrome Madness!
Paris at dusk
Late afternoon was Cybele’s favourite time. She loved to be with her grandmother. Often when her mother had locked her out she would go over to Mamie’s small flat. It was very dim inside the hallway and Cybele would take the key from Mamie’s hiding place, ride the lift and quietly open the door. She often found Mamie lying on the sofa with all the curtains drawn. Her grandmother suffered from migraine headaches. They were exacerbated by worry about her granddaughter running around the streets after school like a homeless waif. Babette, Mamie’s irresponsible daughter, had all but abandoned the poor child. Little more than a child herself when she gave birth to Cybele, Babette had decided to pursue a career as a cabaret singer in Montmartre.
Cybele would replenish the cold cloth on her grandmother’s forehead and wait patiently for her to recover. When Mamie was feeling better, she would get up and take Cybele to the little cafe near the Ile de la Cité. They sat together, sipping Perrier and espresso, and watched the sun go down before returning home to a late supper.
The warmth of the pavement wafted upward with the smells of fresh croissants and coffee. Paris came alive at this time of day, filled with the laughter and chatter of people walking into an evening adventure as the glow of a setting sun cast a luminous grace over the transgressions of the city’s streets.
After supper Mamie played records on an old gramophone. She sang along with the old French songs and operatic arias while Cybele danced. During summer’s long twilight they dressed up in their best clothes and went out to join the rest of the city for the evening promenade along the Seine.
( to be continued?) Another snippet from my story rucksack.
La vie en rose- Edith Piaf
the runes of the gatekeeper's daughter- dedicated to Nick 
Loved the story and smells and sounds and places you describe about one of my favourite places in the world. Thank you!
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so pleased you like it Landa!! I’m with you! Thank you my dear!!
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Wonderful story, Cybele. It reminds me a little of The Little Princess–one of my favorite books when I was growing up. And your photos are marvelous. I especially like the portrait. Lovely and evocative. Like you, I’ve wished I was French….and then, Italian…. I guess I’m a restless “soul.”
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yes! oh to have grown up in Paris!! 😀
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Looking forward to a continuation of this series – the shots of Paris is particularly inviting.
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oh dear, now I’ll have to get to work on it lol!! Thank you Eliza!!
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impressive and emotional… ❤ I loved my maternal granny sooo much, I often miss her, RIP.
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Oh I think of mine too!! So glad it brought you a memory of love! thank you Melanie!
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How lovely this all is Hannah … story telling and photos.
Your little waif photograph is full of pathos …
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thanks so much Poppy!
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What a beautiful little autobiographical snippet, Cybele. There’s nothing more wonderful than a close relationship between a grandmother and granddaughter. My granny was such fun and I loved her dearly. She had French ancestors, which mean that I have, too! I love all those pictures of Paris, but I agree with Andrea, the picture of the parlor with the flowers is my favourite, too.
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thank you Sarah, I am so glad you liked my little waif! – but not strictly autobiographical! Well, I wish I could say I grew up in Paris!!! Poetic licence and remembering the time I did spend there. Hugs my friend!
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There you are, Cybele. You’re so magical that I would probably believe it if you said that you grew up in Paris, another dimension, or a distant galaxy!
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lovely compliment my dear!!
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Love the room with the poppies! and the little girl – excellent images! A
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thank you! 🙂
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a welcome to Cybele’s
amazing existence 🙂
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thank you for that sweet comment Smile!
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Lovely, evocative story Cybele, Iove the picture with the flowers at the windows.
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thanks so much Andrea! Paris has magic!
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Love the B&W…
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thanks Robert- you’re getting caught up!! 🙂
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Such a lovely story .. and these images are quite lovely. More please 😃
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Many many thanks Julie!!
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Like the shots, especially the MM one.
Great use of light and it has good detail.
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Many thanks “Stu” 🙂
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Your images and story made me feel like I was in Paris! Beautiful 😊.
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Allons!! Thank you Pam!!
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😊
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Love the portrait shot Cyb….very atmospheric
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thanks so much Mark!
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Loved the story. Love the art even more.Thank you for sharing♥
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thank you so much my friend!
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Wonderful photos and story as well. I spent many hours with my grandmother as a child and have the best of memories.
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I am so honoured that the story brought up such wonderful memories. Merci!!
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C’est histoire magnifique! J’aime bien les photos et je suis adore Paris.
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ahh, Tu parle bien ma chere Deb! Merci beaucoup et nous vivons comme des Parisiens. 😀 and excuse my fractured French
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That’s a wonderful grandmother-granddaughter bond you’ve showcased, Cybele! Loved the story. (And the pictures, of course.)
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thank you so much Anita, I think a grandmother can have a special magic with children!
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That was so evocative, Hanna. I lived for three months in a very similar apartment building, three blocks from the Eiffel Tower. The story brought back some lovely memories.
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I am so pleased that post brought lovely memories Kate!! That’s something any writer would love to know! Thank you!
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Enjoyed the tale and your images are truly wonderful.
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I thank you my friend!!
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It’s funny how when you meet people from a distance there’s still a connection
I love Paris I so want to go back Some day
The next best thing was Quebec
As Sheldon Always
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serendipity!! oh yes, and Quebec City is quite magical.
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I love the second photo
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I can see why! Thank you Gavin!
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wonderful
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thanks so much Julz!!
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Touching combination…
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thank you Sally!
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Such a beautiful, emotive portrait! Very much in the style of 20’s chic 🙂
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thank you so much Sarah! It does have a touch of French Film Noir I think!!
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Absolument mon amie!
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🙂
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I do really love the third photo. Is it a true story, Cybele? If it is, I really cannot wait to read it more…
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thank you Nurul!! Not entirely true but I will try for more!!
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Edith Piaf and gorgeous pics, what more could I want x
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hey there – so glad you like!!!
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Oh I love Piaf. And I LOVED the pictures and the story. Wonderful
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🙂
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Touched my heart, oh Edit Piaf ..so many memories.
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thank you Paula!
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Loved the feel and concept of this story. Might I suggest you consider swapping the third paragraph to become the opening one? I feel it helps draw the reader in better. Hope you dont mind the small critique?
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Good advice. I often revise and revise again after posting something as I’m often behind in a deadline lol. (switched the first two sentences)
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PS: thank you for your critique and your reading of the little tale. I hope you will read some others I have written too!!
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Beautiful images Cybele – no wonder you wanted to explore.
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oh yes, I wish I could travel forever!! 😀 Thanks Aidy!
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That first image is a wonderful portrait, Hannah!
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so pleased you like it Sue!! Thanks!
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You are welcome, Hannah!
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If this is an autobiography it is very touching. Love the photo of the child.
I used to roam around the hidden attic paths between buildings at night out of the flat in London after my mother went out. She thought I was asleep. The landlady caught me and me were forced to move.
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awww! now there is another story Sherry! Thank you for sharing it and thanks for your compliment! Mine is not autobiographical to speak but inspired by someone else!!
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I see. 🙂
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Again, very nice.
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thanks Disperser!!
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What a great story and photos. Will there be more? And who is that beautiful little waif in the first photo? Love that old music. I must say her singing kind of reminds me of Marlene Dietrich! One of those tunes that gets in your head! Have a great rest of the week! 😀
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So glad you enjoyed this post. That is our little Tegg!! I must be getting old as I like all that vintage stuff!! Blessings on your week my friend!!
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Such a beautifully evocative tale, Cybele. You manage to stir all the senses in your lovely descriptions. I was transported to those warm Parisian streets, with the smell of croissants in the air, and thoroughly enjoyed the summer twilight along the Seine. Your photos are gorgeous and complement your story perfectly. Excellent choice of music, too. Edith Piaf and Paris go hand in hand.
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Many thanks for your wonderful comment Millie! I hope I can get back to Paris soon. I agree about Piaf!
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