eClaire

deconstructed thoughts

2011-10-13T02:05:00.000+02:00

please click me
Just passing through today folks.

One of those uninforming but perhaps intriguing posts. I'll let you know what's I've been viewing - if not what I've been doing. I'm sort of uninspired to do so at the moment. Although a small update wouldn't hurt.

I've recently started working at Utah Mountain Adventures (a rock/ice/ski guiding company) in Salt Lake City. I'm still teaching Rock and ice Climbing courses for the University of Utah. I'm exploring gluten free worlds and preaching teh wonders of WinCo to anyone who will answer my phone calls. I'm waking up early staring out my window. I'm grading papers for a Linguistics course and reffing soccer games. I'm trying to be a good friend, person, daughter, granddaughter and sister. I'm drinking tea often and keeping iced coffee in my fridge. I'm taking time to listen to my mental hiccups and ask my father questions about his life and knowledge. I'm trying to track down a dear friend. I'm fighting distraction and over ambition simultaneously. I'm experiencing some things for the first time and truly examining them.

That's it.

xxxxx

Claire Winter Gorton

Slippery: 12 September 2011

2011-09-27T01:03:00.000+02:00

So leeeeesten.

3 6 5

The miles - the meals - the memories.

12.9.2009
>>>
12.9.10
>>>>
12.9.11
Also known as: 9 . 10 . 11 !!!
This year's 12th of September was spent in post wedding come-down from a high induced by good food, friends, family and dancing. The Wedding was better than the royal one, I'll say that without any reservations. My 12th was actually spent hugging Caitlin Goodbye hoping to see her in November and hugging Krissy goodbye knowing I'd see her later that day most likely. MY SISTER IS MARRIED.

So another year has passed and I accomplished and enjoyed a great number of things. It wasn't all good and it wasn't that bad. I've got a solid handle on myself currently and feel that it may rain, or become bouleversé - but I'm able to smack it out of the Park anyhow. As long as Grace is around with Joho nearby.

I'm angry taking this photo(ANOTHER?), but consequently it's the only one that's surfaced of Gercie and me...thanks Barb.

The things that died and bloomed this year for the poignant culmination of today is enlightening. I'm glad September 12th exists to be my own personal Big Picture Day. Long Run Day. Overarching Meaning Day. How perfectly prevailing, this life.
xxx
Claire Winter Gorton

Fun and funny and a funicular.

2011-09-02T19:47:00.000+02:00

click me please

That's teh soundtrack for this post, per usual.

I'm still out of sorts, but slowly getting back on my train. I've moved into my temporary residence, doing a favor for a friend whilst she has her kitchen renovated. I'm currently sitting in front of a massive window - it painfully reminds me of chambre A4419. I'm drinking a tea in my robe, and trying not to think about the near future. I'm going to show you some items across which I've stumbled.


A movement from day to night in one still.

So, being a bum isn't all it is cracked up to be. I'm not exactly sure who has cracked up what, but I have come to learn that productivity is absolutely necessary for my happiness. Thanks USA, that's what I get from you. Ok, my words aren't worth a whole lot today, let's stick to music, images, and videos, eh.

I am very excited about going back to MI on Sunday for my dear Sister's wedding. I cannot believe it is finally here! And! I get to see Caitlin because she is flying around the world to come to the wedding. It is going to be beautiful and I get to enjoy some Fall in the beautiful Northern Michigan parts. I guess life isn't so blah, just a massive transition is taking place. I need to grasp something tightly, yet everything is changing and to what should I hold on? Just like Paul says, I am tumbling in turmoil and whoaaaa, so this is what she means...slip sliding away......


An effort by the WWF to bring global warming and the melting of the ice caps to attention (In Berlin)

I want to wear yellow eyeliner today.

From the blog Canelle et Vanille in Espellettte, France.

This may be the most disjointed blog post I've ever done - how fitting because that's how my life is right now. Ironic.

Here is an amazing video for Lanvin. How telling, the models can't dance, but still look beautiful. And then When Alber Elbaz comes out and dances a goofy little dance, - class.

Good riddance to this post,
cwg

nili rudi

2011-08-17T07:01:00.002+02:00

please - click me

I have returned.
and then I left again - on a jet plane to MI to see the marriage of a close cousin - we share a middle name.
and then back again - to the great lake of salt and the nearby city I call home currently. I'm sorta done flying. Except for teh fact that today I bought another plane ticket to fly back for my dear sister's, Gercie's wedding in September. aïïïëeee.

This summer has been somewhat of a blur and the organization of my desk shows it. Wine glasses that were used the night before my departure to Africa still sit upon my desk. Beautiful but purpose-less items purchased from obscure vendors in Asia litter where I normally write my extensive lists. A burger menu from a late night outing in Amsterdam sits waiting to be put on my wall - a wall that is empty due to my moving out in 2 weeks. Flowers I plucked and stuck in the Patron bottle stopper top have wilted, died and dried. All on my desk.

The haphazard and spontaneous summer I've had has leaked inevitably from my mind over to my physical space. Mehhh, Fuck it. Disorder can create magnificent and chaotic patterns in it's own right. I should harness this raw form of function and see what happens....but I do love lists. I think the unfettered and disheveled schedule is what has been ordered. Life's throwing me for a loop and making me practice something with which I struggle sometimes - patience. Well, I should clarify. I'm quite patient when it comes to others, but when I'm told to sit idle, to be internally patient, well, I lack a certain serenity that in the 1800's would have quickly given me the black mark of being unfit to hold the XX sequence. SERENITY NOW. ish?

So here I am today, wishing I was still showering under a bucket drinking sharp, strong, and satisfying ginger ale. Or staring at my feet, enjoying teh simplicity of my inhale/exhale sequence whilst forging on up the scree as the sun burns and the wind strips me of any evidence of another's presence. Instead, I settle for a run and stared as the sun set on the valley, the day, and my unkempt mind.

Part of me craves to firmly plant my feet on a mountain top and claim the world for my own - and part of me yearns to then fling myself off to twist, fly and let the world claim me.

isn't that simply beautiful?

Until next time, x

Claire Winter

Quicklyyyyyy

2011-07-09T20:16:00.000+02:00

Join me, in my thought process:
The current Dig

Caitykins, Summer, Ice cream and healthiness

A week from Sunday...


Me sister, Gerce, her bachelorette party is tonight!

How can this (N)EVER work?

Oy

2011-06-16T08:50:00.000+02:00

SO this trip, I brought along the book "Love in the time of cholera"

I am not a romantic.
I do not wish for Prince Charming or a Fairy Tale life.
I do not want songs written about me.
I would not prefer a syrupy love that melts the heart.

But, by golly, this book has brought out the romantic in me. This book turned my mind and heart to romance and the sweet act of all things romantic.

Tragedy along with the good, all for Love!

What happened? The sea breezes and lovers words of this book have enraptured me....at leas for the time being.
perhaps it will all burst when i return tot he US, but for now I live in a different world. aieeeeee.

Until next time, yours,
Claire Winter Gorton

P.S. Headed to London in T-minus 30 minutes! XX

A beginning to remember

2011-05-23T20:47:00.001+02:00

Ok so km figuring out the blog on the ipad, and apparently m'y keyboard is set in set in french...along With the auto correct. So this could de an interesting Time for a bit untel the sangs are all worked out. Or maybe i'll simply start writing in french.

So far i have had quite the eventful start. I went to brighton on saturday to do Some training for the africa this Summer and m'y face got sunburrrrrrrnt. it is horrible. I'll have to post Some mixtures as i look simple ridiculous.

Thon, i of course get food poisoning. l'été pu tire this....claire' vomiting,lying on the airplane bathroom flood the entire flight to lax. Being taken everywhere in a wheelchair because i'm too weak to walk. Yoles! Well That is supposes to say yikes! A

I've had enough With gris auto correct and think i'll stage off into Space for a bit instezd...until NeXT Time.
Cwg

Leave all your Love and your Longing behind.

2011-04-13T04:25:00.001+02:00

Control+click me!

No words today - at least not mine.

"Sweet, there is nothing left to say
     But this, that love is never lost,
Keen Winter* stabs the breasts of May
     Whose crimson roses burn her* frost,
          Ships tempest-tossed
Will find harbour in some bay,
          And so we may."

Excerpt from "Her Voice" by Oscar Wilde

Illustrations:
-Angela Trentin
-Raphael Vicenzi

Enjoy your day - or what's left of it depending on where you are in the world.
xxxx
Claire

*slight changes for fitting my mood, meaning and mind.

Relative

2011-04-11T07:10:00.000+02:00

CTRL click me!

Although time is extremely relative, it is comforting at teh same time.
A push.
The big check mark on an overarching to-do list will gain satisfaction - but to what end? In all the aspects of my life, everything thus far experienced, graduating college will be an accomplishment. Despite the social relativity that is a result from the graduation, I do believe I will not feel any different. As far as my life will extend, my micro checks on a fantasized DARS reports hold no bearing to my internal self-appreciation. I've always been moving forward and this transition isn't really any different in my mind. There's no need to trump it up, no comparative semblance necessary.

I guess to sum : graduating college is over rated. This may stem from my privileged situation, but I mean it in more of a sense that this is only walking through a doorway and in no way a defining moment in my life. Something I've discovered for/about/within myself is that I don't measure my accomplishments by things that can be cataloged on paper. Simply because they aren't the hardest aspects of life - at least for me in my personal experiences. All in all, graduating college was fairly simple. When teh work is set out, doing it isn't. I don't shy from hard work.

SO, on that note - here is what stands between me and my college degree:
FR 4550:
-1 more three page paper(french)
-one oral exam(french)
-read 11 more chapters(french)

FR4650
-read 2 more books(french)
-one more 4 page paper(french)
-one oral exam (french)

POLS 5710
-one 6 page paper (english)
-nine more articles (english)
-one final (english)
-one more book (english)

CLCS 4990
-one short response paper one page (english)
-senior thesis paper(english)

HIST 1510
-one more 4 page paper (english)
-one final (english)

Ballet 2310
-one more paper (english)
(and all of the classes of course!)

That in three class weeks and one finals week. INCRED! I do believe that is it for me for the evening. Or it should be. xxxxxxxx
Claire Winter Gorton

Weekends make the difference

2011-04-09T18:54:00.000+02:00

CLICK

SO I'm nearing a possible end here in Utah, and I don't want to leave. I know this isn't really a surprise - perhaps I will give a little visual explanation.

I've recently become involved with the climbing program at the University, and it has gotten me back in the outdoors on my weekends. I think that's what makes a difference in a location. What you can do on teh weekends. Dinner out, ballets, dollar theatres, cute neighborhoods - any good city will have these. But when I can go and repel a massive arch and hike through majesty such as Moab, that's when I know I need to stay.

La Réveillon
     The sky is laced with fitful red,
      The circling mists and shadows flee,
     The dawn is rising from the sea,
Like a White Lady from her bed.

     And jagged brazen arrows fall
     Athwart the feathers of the night,
     And a long wave of yellow light
Breaks silently on tower and hall,

     And spreading wide across the wold,
     Wakes into flight some fluttering bird,
     And all the chestnut tops are stirred,
And all the branches streaked with gold.
               -Oscar Wilde

La Fuite de la Lune
     To outer senses there is peace
     A dreamy peace on either hand,
     Deep silence in the shadowy land,
Deep silence where the shadows cease.

     Save for a cry that echoes shrill
     From some lone bird disconsolate,
     A corncrake calling to its mate;
The answer from the misty hill.

     And suddenly the moon withdraws
     Her sickle from the lightening skies,
    And her sombre cavern flies,
Wrapped in a veil of yellow gauze.
          - Oscar Wilde

Keep it up, friends.
xx
Claire Winter

Holy Sh*t

2011-03-31T06:04:00.000+02:00

click it and be annoyed

I bought my gap and gown today. I opted out of the "stole of gratitude". I didn't think it would be instrumental in the ceremony or my gratitude surrounding my graduating.

Is this really happening? YES.

Although according to my transcript I still have around 40 credits to get. Stupid admissions - my french credits are sitting there waiting to be verified. GET ON WITH IT, EH?

that is all. xxx
Claire

Life's looking out-

2011-03-30T05:46:00.001+02:00

click - a different sort of one today
Life is not looking up - or down, but out.

It's looking out my back door, looking out of the looking glass, looking out of sorts, and looking out for me.

I have 5 weeks until I graduate from college - yikes! but hey, this too shall pass. Perhaps the wrong sort of adage for teh mood, but a telling and striking one nonetheless. I should put some pictures of Spring Break up...I just have to get them from the other members first as I didn't take any. I know, I'm bad.

I've also noticed that I am certainly less loquacious this year and I do believe it stems from the fact that I write often here. In France I didn't have papers for school. Here I most definitely do and I think it nabs a little of my thirst for writing. Different hole in the shower head (Patrisha) but water is still exiting.

But here is a little something - something something for an audience that you are. xxx

"I'd love to take you home with me and tuck you into bed
I'd love to see what makes you tick inside your pretty head
I'd love to hear you laugh tonight, I'd love to hear you weep
I'd love to listen to you while you're screaming in your sleep"
-Danny Elfman in Oingo Boingo song called Insanity. look it up.

AWESOME:

Yours-
cwg

How does this happen?

2011-03-20T01:58:00.000+01:00

Click it again

Hello world, although I've been living in you - I've been without you.

I am about to go out to dinner but I thought I'd send out a little wave.

...with a thought, for everyone. Take a look (it's in a book.... among other places)

An Artist named Chase. He paints snow.

Yours,

Claire Winter xxx

This very air, come and go with me.

2011-02-10T19:57:00.001+01:00

-First
-Second

-A Pity, We Were Such a Good Invention-

They amputated
Your thighs off my hips.
As far as I'm concerned
They are all surgeons. All of them.

They dismantled us
Each from the other.
As far as I'm concerned
They are all engineers. All of them.

A pity. We were such a good
And loving invention.
An aeroplane made from a man and wife.
Wings and everything.
We hovered a little above the earth.

We even flew a little.

-Yehuda Amaichai

-Lover Lay Down-

Walk with me, walk with you
Hold my hand your hands
So much we have dreamed
And you were so much younger
Hard to explain that we are stronger

-DMB

-The Wind-

I listen to the wind
To the wind of my soul
Where I'll end up well I think,
Only God really knows
I've sat upon the setting sun
But never, never never never
I never wanted water once
No, never, never, never

I listen to my words but
They fall far below
I let my music take me where
My heart wants to go
I swam upon the devil's lake
But never, never never never
I'll never make the same mistake
No, never, never, never

-Cat Stevens

Here's to hoping....

Claire Gorton

Just a mood

2011-02-08T01:55:00.000+01:00

xxxx

mmmhmmm

ohhhhh

A snowy evening, a tumultuous morning, an inspiring midday, a productive afternoon - an unknown future.

Good things come to those who wait.

Claire

warmies

2011-01-21T01:52:00.000+01:00

click me

So I recently had to get glasses.
I went from 20/15 vision to 20/20 vision. SO my doctor decided to get me some glasses for my nearsighted vision. In order to quell any further deterioration.
Or that's what you're hearing.

So here I am. Now an intellectual.

Goodnight!
Claire

2010 at an end

2011-01-05T20:12:00.000+01:00

Simple click

Entering into a decade where everyone will (finally) say twenty-current year instead of two thousand current year is a good feeling. Outside of the verbal consequences of this coming year, I have many, many things to which to look forward. But I do believe I will digress right now and head over to the lost land of Nostalgia for a brief visit with old memories.

A year ago I was ROLFing it with Max and Nick either in Austria or thereabouts. It amazes me that 6 months have passes since I returned to the USA. 6 months since I turned 21(to the day). 6 months being half of my time in France. ANd what have I done since being home? Time is cruising by me and I need to kick it into gear.

When I arrived in France, soon thereafter I created a "honey do list", a sort of checklist of things I wanted to experience while in Europe. I am now making one for my last semester at Uni. My last undergraduate semester of being Ute. It dawned on me today I have been back in Utah for at least 4 months and had not been to Southern Utah once or even gone on a camping trip. Incredible. I've been lacking in this blog, mostly because I felt what I wanted/needed to express wasn't material for a blog. And in comparison to what I posted int he previous year in DC et al, it felt shamefully boring. But new beginnings and mental resignations are liberating. Liberation is an independent process that often is of the mental sort.

For this first bit I may be a tad, let's say, dramatically and mundanely charged whilst I learn around what this blog will revolve. But I think my inner voice and cream filling will start to ooze and life will be so much sweeter. So Cheers - Cheers to friends across the globe. Cheers to family close by. Cheers to balance. Cheers to ice cream. Cheers to working hard for what you believe. Cheers to 2011.

Stay in touch folks and write your thank-you's.
Fondly,
Claire Winter
Geographer "Can't you wait"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fzg24ynncOY

SO

2010-11-23T20:50:00.000+01:00

November hasn't been a good month for me. Blogging and otherwise. But Thanksgiving (my favorite holiday, well tied with the Fourth of July) is just around the corner and I need ot keep my head up.

I will attach a few photos, although my life is exceedingly boring these days.

A view on my commute home

Me and Cocoa, my neighbor's dog whom I steal from time to time.

Saddle of Mt. Olympus on a Saturday morning

Until next time...xx

some comparaisons

2010-11-03T20:02:00.000+01:00

click click click

I'm in a rut. I would really like someone to pull me out of it. I;m searching for creative inspiration to heighten my living experience....but for some reason I think this is more of a physical rather than mental rut. I need a tanglible, endorphin creating, 10 digit accessible, action-filled catalyst. But these help too:

I find this most amusing. And as they said, telling.
http://trendland.net/2010/11/02/paris-vs-new-york-illustrations/

I watched Food Inc. yesterday for a class, donc this is resonating particularly well...
http://trendland.net/2010/11/01/david-maisels-terminal-mirages/

I kind of want to live in their store....
http://trendland.net/2010/11/01/cire-trudon-ny-store/

I have a volleyball game tonight and I am SO EXCITED. I am ready to deflate a ball on the ten foot line.
x

Hannie

2010-11-03T02:37:00.003+01:00

Click-ay moi

This is a dedication post. I have a very good friend and I really miss her. We have been separated (of various degrees) since we headed off to college. It is a little daunting that we may never live in the same city again (although I will try and find a job in NYC in order to stop this from happening) I know we will be friends for life. Though I do often long for days of blunderball, supermario, applesauce and reading in the sun.

Simply, I miss you.

This kind of day (in a great way).

2010-10-18T22:13:00.003+02:00

Subconscious endorphins, dance with one hand waving free, bone city inspiring music (for me, of late).

Goran Bregovic
--->Absolutely a socks and short shorts slippy feet on the floor grooving, pas de deux in that surreal dusk light movement beat noise. One word: funktastic

Hugo
---> The 99 problems song and video - heel stomping translation across spheres into fluid heat and a rhythmic sensation akin to osmosis imbibition of sound. One word: bacchanalian

I love music that makes me feel like I'm living it.
x
cwg

P.S. click on the names!

1041 Logan Avenue

2010-10-17T20:20:00.002+02:00

Click ME (in a new tab)

My home...though still waiting for our couch. Leah has yet to pick it up and I am not giving in.

The view isn't of the same caliber, I can't yell to CP out my window and I don't get magnificent sunsets over a small french town, but the morning sunshine is superb and there's a lot more room to dance.
x

Hunches

2010-10-05T06:46:00.000+02:00

Yes, I do

“I'm not upset that you lied to me, I'm upset that from now on I can't believe you”

-Friedrich Nietzsche

“A half-truth is a whole lie”

-Yiddish Proverb

“A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.”

-William Blake quotes

Tables turned --> --> --> --> -->

“We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves.”

- Eric Hoffer quotes

“People do not believe lies because they have to, but because they want to”

-Malcolm Muggeridge

“The man who fears no truth has nothing to fear from lies.”

-Thomas Jefferson

-----

“Sex is full of lies. The body tries to tell the truth. But, it's usually too battered with rules to be heard, and bound with pretenses so it can hardly move. We cripple ourselves with lies.”

-Jim Morrison

ironic

-cwg

Jeremy sucks

2010-10-04T21:57:00.000+02:00

(what I want to do)

I think fall may be setting in here- or starting to. I went to work this morning and the sun was shining spectacularly through these bulbous clouds around the mountains. The best part? I could see it was snowing in the mountains. weeeeee.

Still looking for this man, through my window.

Here is some really cool furniture that I would love to have in my house. or even better, to give as a present. By South African artist Katie Thompson.

A general feeling....
"In the depths of her soul, she was waiting for something to happen. Like a sailor in distress, she kept scanning the solitude of her life with anxious eyes, straining to sight some far-off white sail in the mists of the horizon. She did not know how it would come to her, what wind would bring it to her, to what shores it would carry her, whether it would be a launch or a towering three-decker, laden with sorrow or filled to the gunwales with bliss. But every morning when she awoke she expected it to arrive that day; she listened to every sound, periodically leapt to her feet with a start and was surprised when she saw it had not come; then, at sundown,sadder than ever, she longed for the next day. "
- Madame Bovary

Restless and browsing,
Claire Winter Gorton

Sugar Popcorn

2010-09-26T01:21:00.000+02:00

OST

This is how I feel.

All I need is the fabulous dress.
Someone exciting come into my life. Someone worth walking out the door - to follow that at which I am looking through the window.

Claire Winter Gorton

Again?

2010-09-23T19:04:00.001+02:00

click the click

I feel it again. In my bones. This inadequacy. I haven't felt this way for a while.
But the overwhelming memory of my first 4 months in France is all rushing back.

And why do I feel this way again? What other reason but the little child of France? - French

I am beginning to resent people telling me to slow down. So what if I operate at three different levels all at once and they are seemingly unrelated. I don't want to be told these "compliments" that are only being told to you because you need to change. What kind of joke is that? You're just too in shape to actually play this sport with others....so if you could just fatten up a little bit and slow down, maybe we'll let you exist happily in our game.

I think I am complaining about something most people would call a high class problem. But there is still the word problem. Whatever, I should shut up. Work harder. Damnit - will I ever be good, sufficiently fluent in french. It discourages me from learning other languages. ok, buck up toots.

Claire

Here are some recent cooking adventures from the weekends. I justify them as they make leftovers and therefore save time during the week.

Red Pepper Soup

and Potato Summer Squash Torte

WANTS or needs?

2010-09-22T03:53:00.000+02:00

click it, click it real good.

I want every single of these pieces.

I can't explain how much I miss France and the glamour of life.
I miss the living of my life.
I miss being able to breathe.
I miss *really* being able to find, shop, and enjoy my dinner.
I miss being social.
I miss wondering what things I can conquer with my day - as opposed to having it planned.
I miss getting a boule de noix de coco if I fancy it.
I miss wandering - through sunny streets, pages of books, and my mind.

-cwg

September 12

2010-09-19T20:50:00.000+02:00

First and then it switched to This

Again, where I have gone - where I will go.

http://e-claireg.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html

September 12, 2008
>
12 septembre, 2009
>
12 September, 2010

I am very eager to see where my next September 12th will take me, but I am very content to the live the days between then and now.

À la prochaine,
Claire Winter Gorton

Mes nouvelles

2010-09-12T06:54:00.000+02:00

clickkkkkk

So an update - my life may be more exciting that I thought - but still lacking from last year. and Let's not even get started on the glamour issue.

SO I am moved into my house and absolutely loving it. I will take pictures tomorrow as it is dark right now and therefore not a good idea for flattering pictures of 1041 Logan.

As of now I have some good news. It looks as though I am going to be graduating this May! No strings attached! I mean bona fide graduation in May. I don't think I have to take any classes over teh summer semester - Balla!

Another tid-bit of juicy goodness, I was selected to work this semester with the Utah Education Association. It is a very exciting opportunity as I can observe first hand how education systems function, interact within itself and the community, as well as meet some new and very interesting people. Which we all know I love to pick brains and so I hope they know what they're getting into!

I am also reffing volleyball for Campus Recreation this season - a fun and laid back job that will then get me into working with the OP again once ski(busy) season swings into being. In addition I am tutoring a friend in French and I am surprised at how much fun it is and how much it is helping me stay on top of things like grammar and nuances that aren't worked over in French classes - but that I used while living there.

Oh the joy that stems from loving life - I am happy with the way my commitments shaped up this semester. Also I absolutely love this house. I love coming home to it - I love its location - I love my kitchen - Home.

I was browsing Nat'l geographic and found an article detailing how a new species of frogs have been discovered after previously being mistaken countless times for young or adolescent of age. I mean look at it! Hard to think it is fully grown.

This other photo is a beautiful mélange of a photographer and another artist who came together and realized how brilliant their talents are when put together. And thank the lord they figured it out - because I love it! Thank you Tina Berning and Michaelangelo di Battista, thank you. You're inspiring. And awe-inspiring.

Glamour, still looking for you and trying so hard to be creative. but you're elusive nonetheless in my current situation. But Raga and Bone can help. Jessica, do you need a babysitter/shopping getaway....but maybe in like a month when I have a couple of paychecks...

Ok folks, I am off to clean my beloved kitchen. : ]
xx
Claire

Love these booths

2010-08-31T20:09:00.000+02:00

Love this song

I am feeling accomplished.

I am eating my lunch from my homemade dinner from last night that is phenomenal. Spicy from red pepper flakes, fresh from the parsley and super savory from the sautéd broccoli and zucchini. Yum! ANd I just finished my french homework which I just got on a rampage and was detailed and critiquing how Louis XIV thought a king should be....Boy do we have some conflicting ideas.

I have a table and stools in my kitchn which I found on KSL and I ADORE.

I have a dining room table that is beautiful and so useful and storable.

I have a washer and dryer in my house. SWEET VICTORY. Oh my lord my dreams have come true!

I aced my interview and was offered a part-time job at the Utah Education Association yesterday.

I have freshly baked Banana bread in my kitchen.

My kitchen has a perpetual smell of baked goods and freshly cooked trucs.

I am headed off to Bozeman tomorrow ro see my sister and Beau Frère....not exactly an accomplishment but the drive there will be.

I have planned the garden for my backyard.

I have planned my schedule and I will be graduating in May. Sweet god of ice cream bless me sideways.

I have an electric Kettle in my House. Ohhhhhh Cpoo.

Life is pretty fabulous, putains.

I used to do this exact thing in my field in Michigan. I would run through the bourgamot and Queen Anne's Lace with my hands aching to touch every single bloom, but only light enough to brush and try to siphon a little bit of it's loveliness. I would stare at teh sky and get lost in my world of impossible and seemingly impossible things - which are my favorite things on which to spend thought. I would roll around inf the tall grass and wonder why I didn't have a plot of grass for a mattress instead of my box spring (I now know why, bugs and longevity). I used to get lost in this world on purpose in order to sense what was bigger than me. I have now seen many, many, many things that are much larger than I, and I so long to return to that field and whisper my discoveries into the dandelions as I blow them into the sky. I want to add to my nest of incubating ideas and notions in order to give nutrients to new ones. I will.

Yours,
Claire Winter Gorton

----note: picture from the MoMA.

SL,UT

2010-08-27T00:16:00.000+02:00

clicky clicky
I have returned to the land of green jell-o. OH Hiiiiiiiiiiii SLC.
I have moved into my new house. Bought a table and am in the middle of repainting my desk. Oh and I started classes and boy, school is fun! Forgot how much I loved this. But also, my school will be extremely hard this year. I mean not too hard, but I have some serious leg work to be doing.

I am in a playful mood. I also have to re-define this blog as keeping up with the Claire Jones' doesn't really apply anymore. I am back stateside and not going to be traveling and doing so many interesting and foreign (for most of you) things.

Again, playful.

Here are things I have come across that keep me smiling and dreaming.

My life lacks glamour at the moment. How do I get it to revenir? It is easy when you live in the French Riveria - but Salt Lake City, Utah?
La prochaine tâche.

à la prchaine.
cwg

Jules Julien

2010-08-12T15:49:00.000+02:00

A couple posts back I had attached a piece by Jules Julien and since I have just fallen head over heels. I love his illustrations - I cannot get enough. I want to find them in print somewhere, somehow, but I cannot seem to find anything. If anyone can shed some light....

Here is a google search of his illustrations.
http://www.google.com/images?oe=UTF-8&gfns=1&q=jules%20julien%20illustrations&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=og&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wi&biw=1280&bih=648

Yours,
Claire

ready for rentrer

2010-08-10T16:36:00.001+02:00

#1
#2

I have this week to take care of business in Michigan. I have two dentist appts this week and have been rifling through the garage to see what I can scavenge for the 1041 Logan. I have been discussing things with Leah and am very excited to create my an dour space. I have even planned out and created a game plan for a garden in the back. A HOUSE!

I am simply taking care of business here in Mount Pleasant at the moment. But in a slow, I don;t care about anything sort of pace. Not too productive. Am I still able to kick it into high gear (when I get back to UT)? I think SO! Will it be like riding a bike. I think NOT. But oh well, yo Sam, A change is gonna come and I am ready and willing. I'm feeling a little bit like this today. And I would really love if I could hang out with polar bears. I mean, not as a pet - just a companion.

But here in MI I have actually been doing a lot. In a loose sense of the term. Little Thises and Thats whom I perceive as needing to be done. Meh. I think something I'm really starting to discover beyond my acknowledgment of its existence - is my adaptability. But furthermore, I am not only adaptable, but malleable. I can take some shape, spread some mud on my face, walk a certain way and could come very close to teh word conform to my surroundings. Except I never quite give in. But in addition, it isn't about the place and stereotypes or physical manifestations. I seem to be able to read and feel and live the mindsets of places. Which is why when I get somewhere I cannot climb (or fall) to that particular level, I feel restless, useless and utterly confused. But no more. I think I shall carry a bit of mind from a couple of places where I've felt right in step and they will keep the boots on.

Things to do, seeds to buy, beds to move, clothes to dry and another beginning of sorts.
xxx
Claire

A hairy monday afternoon.

2010-07-26T22:46:00.001+02:00

Push control and click

I'm sitting, bandaged from donating plasma this morning. I haven't yet decided if it is worth it. Poked, prodded, then weighed with a scale and eyes as to whether or not I am worthy to have my fluids slowly pumped out of me by my own hand's power. Next time I'm bringing a sweatshirt. The only thing - there is a guy, with an inviting demeanor and smile that works there. As I was scheduling my next appointment, I started to ask him when the next time he worked as I would then schedule accordingly. But quickly decided that it was a fruitless idea as I am in MP for around 3 more weeks...and not really even in MP for 2 of those weeks. Until next time?

This is my view currently. Sydney. BAH. She sheds all over me and kneads my face while I sleep. Mews and steps into my lap when the window is less entertaining for her needs. BAH.

These, on the other hand, fill me with a small shred of guilt as well as large amount of excitement for the domestic excursions on which I am about to embark. I hope to emulate and then morph these pieces into 1041 Logan Ave done my Claire. I am going to bake bread on a wednesday evening across a talking screen with an Aussie accent. I am going to make and eat soldiers for breakfast before class on tuesday and think of benji. I am going to make fabulous meals with table settings that are no more and no less than exactly what they should be. And even Sydney knows that there will be liquor. It will be flowing from the year 2005 into a spicy nalgene bottle for a veggie packed libation on the way to class. I am sincèrement looking forward to having a house, a home for a bit. A place where I can cook, read, sleep and dance from inside to outside seamlessly. I like to travel, but you have to go everywhere *from* somewhere. I feel that the everywhere is so much more where when the somewhere is constant. It is the control in my life of unvarying variables. The freedom of the word "somewhere" is explicit and understood. Somewhere could be many places, even anywhere - as long as the return to somewhere happens. I'm gearing up for this next year.

Just a thought

2010-07-15T00:01:00.000+02:00

simply this (click)

I give permission to anyone who reads this blog to physically slap my wrist and verbally abuse me if I ever have a profile picture, display picture, or any public picture of any sort that is me kissing my boyfriend, significant other, husband. Noted on my record, I hold YOU accountable. Thank you and have a great day.

xx
Claire Winter Gorton

P.S. I just love the dress. (and the song)

A Southern FlavoUr

2010-07-13T17:40:00.001+02:00

A forever memory

How I will miss Aix en Provence, Josh's weed patch, our beautiful poppies, the backyard park, to defenestrate things, Monday cleanings, and Josh's ever-present pleading to cook in his kitchen. All things Cuques.

Someday I will return and Olivier will say to me "I've watched over it all, throughout the years. I've seen Beau d'Erik grow old and have little vélo babies. I've felt countless Poppy Massacres occur. I've heard trance/house music go in and out and in and back out of style - while never differentiating between songs. I've been here, thank you Josh."

And then Olivier will sing a small song in provençal that will be stolen by the tri-powered days of the greedy mistral wind out to the sea.

xxx
Foncée

Daily Wanderings

2010-07-12T17:10:00.000+02:00

click it and fade out

Incredibly Beautiful.

Wait for it.....

ahhhh - art.

Now, onto the art of finding a job. I think I am just going to be working odd jobs for the summer until I return; this doesn't lend to my schedule or routine. I feel a lot of reading, soccer, and planning coming to the fore.

xxx
Claire Winter

This I would normally knock and tell them

2010-07-11T00:58:00.000+02:00

just control + click it yah?

For C Poo. We do have it all.

Do you know Roby, I couldn't be any more jealous of her?

xxxx

-Claire Winter Gorton-

2 clicks off and straight on until morning

2010-07-04T16:48:00.001+02:00

The New Tab Deal
I am currently sitting in a Holiday Inn Express Hotel drinking water, listening to TMC, and not wearing any pants. It is comforting (at least for me) that some things won't change.

I have returned to the US of A. My poor, poor sister. Good thing she really loves me because I have been somewhat of a pain. Among the pointing out of corn fields and the immensity of a super Wal-Mart, she sticks with me. Through the gagging as I see signs for bacon chalupas (what even is that???) and then the people who actually eat them, she just nods and pats my back.

After living a dream world, I am hitting reality. Not only in the sense of what is this country I hold citizenship within, but also the fact that I AM a United States Citizen and I was GROWN saturated in all of it. Now talk about culture shock, here I left Europe knowing who I am and what I wanted and I am confronted with the Ugly Truth that actually is me. I've been emotional, and not nostalgic, but I mean high, lows, sideways and upside downs. Phew. So, after the Atlantic Ocean and in between the brick wall and the heartland I realized I had to return to MP.

Ok, so I grew up in Mount Pleasant, MI - which I just found out (thank you wiki) has a population of 27,000 permanent members. This doesn't include the students, but that is still pretty small foutre. I am returning to MP in two days and realized I am completely unprepared. I haven't been there in over a year and honestly have nothing to say to about 98% of the population. I look at Caitlin, and Ben and Josh who are returning home to London and Sydney...boy do I need my little roby for some help here. How do I return from SLC, let alone Aix? I mean I was sitting around last night with a bunch of the people in the wedding party and we were sharing some laughs - but this divide was there in our speech, outlooks and persona. I really missed my friends ad I really hate MP and I haven't even returned yet.

But I have decided that I am going to only be positive from here on out and maybe even bring a little lovin' back to eclaire. I did have some pretty fabulous times growing up in MP, gotta make good things happen, non?

I mean I grew into who I am now in Mount Pleasant, so things can be done. You can probably pick me out - as I am the one deviating from the team pose of "medals on neck and face forward towards the camera". If you know me today, you know I still stand like that, quite often actually.

I also had some amazing friends in MP, and we had some fun hating MP and a few people there. I am at least looking forward to seeing my friends...and maybe hating on those people a little bit. In a positive manner, only. shoot. what?

Happy, Happy, Happy, Happy day. I WILL BE LEAVING! Cannot wait to get back on the pitch with these mecs and show them some euro style foot.

Oh Lori. How my car was so good to me and we had so many good times together. Like the time I left grace's house junior year around 4 in the afternoon, almost fell asleep at the wheel, pulled into Mill Pond park and fell asleep for 3 hours in the hatch. She was always so comfortable. Anyhow, the best is yet to come, and soon enough I'll be going West.

Happy Fourth of July! The now non-event is finally upon me at midnight.
À +,
Claire Winter Foncée Gorton

The end of chapter 9

2010-07-01T09:27:00.000+02:00

tab-age

I'm on my last day across the pond. The last year had been unreal, from arriving in D.C. to all of my amazing experiences during my study abroad. I feel so privileged. I am facing westward once more and completely sure of my step. I am about to traverse foreign airports, with no less than 4 difference kinds of currency in my wallet, a phone full of contacts on several continents, and much knowledge and ability saturating my being leaving me with a bright and youthful look on this Atlantic crossing.

It is true, I am not completely ready to go home in all senses of that sentence. I want to stay in Europe. I want to live this enchanted life that I've made into a reality over the past 10 months. But as I chase the sun around our globe, I can smile on my return to the US of A because it is not a return to a seemingly endless engagement with the continent. I have a year left at UT and after that my mind brims over with all the roads presenting themselves.

Speaking to a good friend, we discussed our ability and fortune to be depended upon, but our ever-present independence. I return knowing that there are few things for which I find myself falling weak, and one is the the functionary need for independence...and another is Grace. I love many things, but right now there is a world to conquer. I don't want a big fancy name, or to be a dame, but we'll see.

Cheers.

The Last Post from Cuques

2010-06-24T11:49:00.000+02:00

Des matins

Morning coffee or tea

My nook ( so close to CP)

dernier partiel

2010-06-21T23:15:00.000+02:00

So woah.

cliquez-moi

my last days. my last exam. my last meals. my last hugs. my last rides. my heart beats number these.

All life is like this, and it better be. I expect nothing less. Irreplaceable. Soldier on.

More to come after my exam and when I start breathing and before I start holding my breath.

xxx
cwg

Oh hiiiiiii Maxi.

Available in thought bubbles near you.

2010-06-01T23:26:00.000+02:00

the drill (but in a new tab)

ça reste un mois...

Why does something inevitable still have that ability to sneak up and knock your feet out from under you?

Claire Winter

48 hours and counting

2010-05-26T09:24:00.001+02:00

Just click it in a new tab please

This is what is happening in my mind

This is me trying to hide it...

....is it working?

See you later?
Claire

The heart of my Aix

2010-05-23T10:34:00.004+02:00

> Click ME < in a new tab

Chin-Chin, Prost, Santé, Skål, Na zdraví, SKULL IT, Proost, Salud, and Cheers mes petits lapins.

In every lovely summer's day...

...in that small café...

...the park across the way.....

I'll always think of you that way...

...I'll find you, in the morning sun....

....I'll be seeing you.

Every time I smell lavender, or roasting chestnuts, or the sweet scent of fresh brioche wafting up the street, I will close my eyes and see images chiseled onto the back of my eyelids. Josh laboriously tasting his newest ice cream choice......Caitlin walking with a stride as big as her boundless imagination.....Roby eyes closed as she imbibes the sun as well as her ever-present coffee.....Ben speaking with reverence about his breakfast and then renewed animation for his next meal.

This time now, these moments where you can feel time tick, rushing past you like a wave you've spotted and tried to ride in, are upon me. This time now, is like the end of that ice cream. Piled, giant and overwhelming endless at the beginning and now dwindled to the half melted dregs that you're vainly trying to save and cherish. These days in Aix are starting to scrape the bottom of the bowl. The spoonful is less full day by day, but still just as sweet.

Claire Winter Gorton

"The limit does not exist!"

2010-05-20T18:37:00.002+02:00

CLICK in a new tab

"Enough or not...it will have to do"

CC

2010-05-15T10:35:00.000+02:00

silence.

I never want to miss opportunities. I never want to fall behind on emails. I never want to lose touch with someone for whom I care deeply. I must be conscientious of these things. Time has this way of flowing, overwhelming you into unconsciousness. Life is one foot in front of the other, and if you don't direct your footsteps, you will still be marching ever forward. Keep track of it, friends. Keep track of friends.

Whatever it is CC, you can handle it.

Don't rest in peace,

take whatever the f*ck comes at a running stride.

I know you will.

-Claire Winter Gorton

L'entrée

2010-05-14T13:28:00.000+02:00

Audio Supplement...getting used to this yet? NEW TAB
Something's blowing in on a wind from the East......

......and it isn't and ash cloud.

Only five more exams!

(is that supposed to be encouraging???)

-Claire Winter

FRdlM et endgame?

2010-05-07T12:05:00.001+02:00

< audio supplement to open in a new tab>

"...in the depths of her soul, she was waiting for something to happen. Like a sailor in distress, she kept scanning the solitude of her life with anxious eyes, straining to sight some far-off white sail in the mists of the horizon. She did not know how it would come to her, what wind would bring it to her, to what shores it would carry her, whether it would be a launch or a towering three-decker, laden with sorrow or filled to the gunwales with bliss. But every morning when she awoke she expected it to arrive that day; she listened to every sound, periodically leapt to her feet with a start and was surprised when she saw it had not come; then, at sundown,sadder than ever, she longed for the next day. - Madame Bovary

"Men always want to be a woman's first love. That is their clumsy vanity. We women have a more subtle instinct about things. What we like is to be a man's last romance." -A Woman of No Importance

Claire Winter

To the brim

2010-05-05T11:16:00.000+02:00

I feel like this in a bath too.

...and if only it were popcorn

How I feel pt 1

How I feel pt 2

Claire

P.S. Don't listen to the LOTR OST when studying or beginning your day - it makes one feel entirely too dramatic and important.

ça reste vers 8 lundi

2010-05-03T10:24:00.000+02:00

On my morning runs, I see people I know. As I hit the vrai Aixoise mark, it is time to start packing up. It is time to fight the current again.

I am hoping that this knocker or one like it will adorn my next house. Even though I love it here, I cannot deny the itch that haunts the soles of my feet and it creeps. Starting in the center as a soft whisper stealing into my heart and limbs "Go West young Man, go West". Maybe I am more of an United States American than I realize, or more likely I am just pulled westward by the fierce and raw attitude that still skulks between the setting horizon and living free.

Claire Foncée

Today is the two month mark

2010-05-01T16:41:00.002+02:00

Two months from now I will be in London, gearing for my trip home to the United States of America.

It seems unreal that this experience, this way of life with which I have become completely enamored over the past eight months will be a memory in two short months.

This ten month period, for which I have been planning, dreaming, scheming, preparing and waiting since 8th grade will be over. This is a turning point. To me, this is where my Real Life begins.

My Real Life has been in the making for sometime. I have grades and records and accomplishments that will follow me and will weigh heavily on my Real Life. However, my return "home" marks the moment where my childhood ambitions and outline ends; here is where things begin to hold new sorts of dimensions. I am entering a world where I am viewed completely differently.

My 21st birthday is four days after I re-enter the States. This transformation couldn't have more physical manifestations if I had planned it. I don't mean to say that the moment I get to Chicago, or MI or SLC I will be a bona-fide adult with an 401K and stock portfolio. But more, that all the things I have been planning since a young girl (sauf getting my own house and husband and other items that still seem too far off to contemplate) will have been checked off, documented and filed away in the container which holds all that is me.

It would be now that I am making Part B. I am entering that new phase where I have to start over. I am rebuilding my life goals, dreams and sense of self. In essence, my life no longer holds internships and summer jobs but is lengthened into careers and investments.

This isn't something I shy away from and I think can thank France for that in a large part. This eight months has poked me in my ticklish and weak places. I have been exposed to enough to know I am utterly ignorant and I like it. I learned enough about ME to step up and face that youth, ignorance, inexperience, and general incompetence.

How do I feel at the end of the day? A mélange of things, but they might overall be described as restlessness or anger. Why couldn't I have been more prepared for this year in matters of self? I am eager and anxious to experience life and all that I have brewing in the furthest reaches of my conscience.

As I look at the calendar and see all this things I could have, thought I would have done this past year I want to collapse. But then I think of returning to SLC.

Ahhhh, here's where I get those basic and instinctual feelings of being human. I am for once going back, back to something familiar and easy. I am going to return with a tremendously different way of entering and interacting in situations. How different will SLC look to me? How AMERICAN will it and all my people seem. Talk about a roller-coaster, I am going to have to re-learn all their names at least.

I don't want to go "home". But there isn't anywhere else to go. Except forward and yadda yadda yadda. Now I am going to study. It is a satisfying way to spend the last 60 days you have in a place you love and never want to leave. Wait......no it isn't.

Outside l'IEP (my school) in the sunshine

Claire Foncée

Simple things

2010-04-29T12:45:00.001+02:00

this post's audial supplement (open in a new tab)

...are usually the best.

They dot my path to home, all the way up and into the cup.

Un vrai palais.

Silhouettes and ice cream.

Praha, České republiky

Let's call the whole thing off, eh?
-Claire
Dweller on the Threshold by Van Morrison

To infinity and beyond.

2010-04-23T09:22:00.002+02:00

Green is good. Life and love, those are good too. Home is aixceptionally good. Spring is a time of cleansing and rejuvenation. As much as I love the sun and basking in it - A good spring rain can raise a challenge with its clear meaning and explosion on the senses.

A spring rain lends to a clear head and fresh sense of living. Appreciation comes as natural as blinking when you feel as if the entire world is breathing. I feel most in tune with the world during spring. I am brought back to my species' instincts. I can see the rotating and endless cycle that I am swimming through and I know how life should be lived.

I also think this swimsuit would make the whole thing more brilliant.

Claire
Thistle and Weeds by Mumford and Sons

Th "un" just isn't anymore

2010-04-14T10:21:00.001+02:00

I broke an unbreakable water bottle. I wasn't even doing anything. I just dropped it on a cobblestone bus stop in Copenhagen. HONESTLY. Being the exception to every rule (good example: getting free fruit at the market. Example of bad: visa situation) gets really old.

NALGENES are MARKETED on being unbreakable. !!!!!! I literally pitch them to everyone saying they are unbreakable and throw them at things and run them over with cars to prove it. Yet the cobblestone in Copenhagen is just a different caliber. Maybe it has diamonds all over it (though I think I would have noticed) and therefore is the hardest known substance to man.

It also could be the fact that I have put boiling water in it many, many, many a cold night camping.

It could also be the 3 years I've had it.

It could also be the diamond encrusted cobblestones.

It could maybe be the attractive danish men everywhere....though I don't think so.

Hmmm. Bottom line?

I'm THIRSTY.

Claire Foncée
Song: Listening to Caitlin talk to her sister sally :)

P.S. I'm in Berlin!

Oh Dear

2010-04-10T23:02:00.002+02:00

How do I begin?
Amsterdam? We shall begin there.
So I wake up after 2 hours of sleep, still recovering from the CRIT (which I have yet to chronicle for you) and with the onset of a cold at 3h40 AM in order to catch the shuttle to the airport for my 6h30 flight to Eindhoven in the Netherlands. I packed like a pro this trip and at the airport my bag only weighed 7.5 kilos ( I used my ice climbing day pack) and therefore moving and shaking was a breeze.

Things go off without a hitch, I get to Eindhoven, in a surreal manner because I fell asleep and with my fatigued state felt like I was just plopped in teh Netherlands. Amazing a 2 hour flight and poof. Just like that. SO I take my 1.5 train to Amsterdam staring at the countryside and ironically watching The Girl with the Pearl Earring (even more weird I got it in french and so Scarlett and Colin are dubbed...bizarre...) so I am watching Dutch countryside on my screen and speed past out my window. But I get to Amsterdam and IT. IS. GORGEOUS.

I don't want to get all mushy and stuff but I had a beautiful day and basically fell in love with Amsterdam. It has found the perfect, happy medium between old charm and updated efficiency. I think I would like to live there some day.

Well my time in Amsterdam was exceptionally enjoyable and I had such a memorable time. A mix of all the things you hope to attain while traveling. I slept in, I shopped at the local market, I stayed out late, I travelled to a small nearby town, I gorged myself on local treats, I visited a major tourist attraction, I stayed in with friends and made dinner, I saw a concert, I went to a (few) museums, I lounged in the sunshine, I laughed, I smiled, without cares or schedules. I just lived.

I also broke my device that uploads my pictures to my computer.*** So that wasn’t so great but a small hiccup. I am now in Copenhagen with Robyn and Caitlin. Boy, do I love them. Spending time with them – we could be anywhere – but it is only augmented by our locations.

But I am off like a prom dress---
Claire Foncée

***These photos are borrowed from Roby because of the aforementioned misfortune

One of those stories...

2010-04-02T01:13:00.000+02:00

...I will repeat when I'm 80 over and over trying to relate to my grandkids.

It is currently 1h05 France time. My flight takes off at 6h35 from MRSin Marseille. I have to catch the 4h40 shuttle. I am quite prepared, except not hat well rested but so ready nonetheless.

On another note I was hit by (rather squashed between two) car(s) today. Yeah yeah it finally happened. I was on my way to the train station to get my 12-25 card and once I was pried out from in-between (the car who did hte backing didn't even notice) I raced off to get my card with a bleeding ankle and a feeling that it could have been a lot worse.

You see how this is just a passing reference to being smashed in-between two cars? Well that's because I have too much in my life to worry about such things. I had a weekend of utter debauchery and came back to my last week of classes before heading off to Amsterdam among other places for three weeks. I haven't really stopped this week.

I will do a proper KRIT blog, most likely on the train tomorrow. But let's just say that some (MOST) of it was not grandparent appropriate - so said post will not be explicit. But now. Bed? for 2 hours. 2 hours? A nap I guess, better than nothing.

I'll be in touch.
Foncée
Song "2 atoms in a molecule" Noah and the Whale

Le CRIT

2010-03-24T09:08:00.000+01:00

Today is a beautiful mercredi morning. I just ate my oatmeal and read some Newsweek and decided since I am not bringing my computer with me, I would write an update and explain some fun things that are going to happen.

There is an event called "Le CRIT". Don't ask me what it stands for because I cannot remember. It is a nation-wide competition of all the political institutes in France. Many sports are competing and we take our own load of pom-pom girls! Who cheer for all the teams, including the girls. Pretty stoked about that. We leave on Thursday night at 6 pm and then have a 14 hour drive to Strasbourg. We are there until Sunday.

Now, I've heard this is half sport competition and half GIANT PARTY. I mean honestly. The fee for our way was 110 Euro, but that includes transport, ALL food, lodging AND alcohol. And yesterday in the informational meeting, someone yelled out "do we get hard stuff too, or are you only buying beer??" and our organizers responded, "yes yes, we have hard alcohol don't worry". WTF?? I mean this event has so many things that would NEVER be allowed to happen in UT or at the U of U. I think not even at other schools that don't have a dry campus. WOW. The US really needs to catch up with the times in regards to alcohol. My aussie friends have A UNI BAR. YES! A UNIversity BAR. On campus, yes yes yes, you heard me.

But It is Wednesday and am leaving tomorrow and believe me we are going to be taking pictures. We have a party last night for my team (a pre-crit party) and I had to wear soccer socks, a mini-skirt and my soccer shoes. Honestly? Yes. And no I did not take pictures - quite purposefully.

So here's to France and their alcoholic university sponsored events. Santé!

Claire Winter
"Easy Skanking" Bob Marley
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pf1Eh9OJdDg

my most important skyper

2010-03-22T14:59:00.000+01:00

A call home.

I really don't understand people who don't like dogs.*

Today it is raining and I am eating lunch while listening to Cold Mountain (OST). I went for a run this morning and at the end I stopped and picked some wild flowers. Yes, I like Mondays.

Claire Winter Gorton
Song: Anthem by Gabriel Yared on the Cold Mountain OST

*dogs don't include things that resemble overgrown rats

Wind from the East

2010-03-19T14:05:00.000+01:00

Another Tuesday of fabulous eating.

I found Orzo! In the Greek restaurant. ???

I love her and I think she loved it.

I'm missing something, not quite sure what it is. Honestly, it might be Grace. But I think it is something more, maybe even one of those things that I haven't had yet, but I feel the primal longing. Like a home or shelter. But I can't put a finger on it.

Winter
Romeo and Juliet by Dire Straits
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tim4VzHUUyQ

Mixed Reviews

2010-03-16T19:58:00.001+01:00

I went to Monaco on Sunday.

It was a gorgeous day with some truly spring sunshine falling all over the place. Located on these fantastic seaside cliffs overlooking the blue, blue sea, Monaco couldn't have been topped by many places for a day trip on a Sunday in March.

We wandered through Monaco. We went to the océanographie musée. We had coffee overlooking teh Mediterranean. We walked in and out of cultured spring gardens. Overall it was a fabulous day spent with good friends, and it got us out of Aix on a Sunday - which can be increasingly like a boat and give you cabin fever after the Winter months. Good friends, drinks, and sunshine in the Mediterranean is not bad.

cocktails à Café de Paris

Here are some memories.

Although Monaco was lovely, and I enjoyed myself. I was drowning in all the flexing and I was choking on the superficial exploits that line Monaco's every metaphorical and literal corner and street side. So much money. What's the point?

But beautiful nonetheless.

-Winter
The End by The Doors
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDN9y2vTdUs

How to live the good life on a stipend and a microwave.

2010-03-09T08:58:00.000+01:00

Living in France, people are always asking "how is the food?"

The food is good. There are many things which are just not so easily attainable in the U.S. The bread has a different outlook on being eaten. The shops that dot teh streets offer delicacies for the eyes an stomach, but it is understood you don't need to charge up the nose for them. I will surely miss a crêpe stand at every corner. Or the fresh rabbit stew that is made daily in the market and wafts up through the streets to me sitting in University.

But observing all these things, one realizes you cannot eat a crêpe, or baguette, or even rabbit stew too often. Variety is teh spice of my life. And luckily I live with some very ambitious and food driven exchange students. We actually love food more than a lot of things. We seek quality out on a daily basis. We drool over the thought of having a proper oven or (dare I dream) a food processor. But alas we live in a building where sometimes the windows are broken and shattered for days on end. Or your heat just doesn't work. And it is a guarantee that there are cigarette butts all over your cooking space.

But we could never give up our good food. We don't give in to raman or pre-made quiches or cassolette. We have heart. If even in the simplest ways. I can give you our recipes, and instructions but they're pretty cuques-specific. But last night we made empanadas. YUM.

Ready for the hot cooking thing that we have to use as an oven

Filling-beef, cumin, potatoes, peas, eggs, lemon, worcht, and sage.

ON MANGE!!!

Living in the res, as poor, penniless foreigners. We still eat - it is a source of life for us in more ways than biology. It is our nourishment.

Claire
MASTERPIECE COLLECTION (I recently downloaded this mélange of amazing masterpieces and it makes me so very happy.

Avignon - A day trip

2010-03-07T13:19:00.001+01:00

Whilst eating dinner on Friday night, my friend told me of our plans to visit Avignon the next day. I hadn't really any plans, so I agreed. I mean it IS Avignon, rich with history and beautiful sights (maybe a Russel Crowe or Marion Cotillard?)

We get up the next morning around 6 as we had decided to head into town early and grab some coffee and pastries for a nice toast to the day. It was a good idea and we were soon on our bus at 8:30 to Avignon. For those of you who don't know a lot of Catholic history, at one point the Papacy was in Avignon. I am not sure exactly how many popes passed through there, but it was a respectable amount.

Here is a picture of the Palais du Papes and the square that sits in front of it. We sat here and marinated in our imaginations, giving life to our fanciful thoughts while being kissed by the strong sun of the South of France.

After moseying around teh numerous gardens and towers surrounding the palace. We made our way to a lunch spot that had been recommended. It's inside was simple, charming and well lit. A perfect spot for a lovely afternoon lunch. Although we didn't get our menus for about 20+ minutes, the meal turned out to be delectable and a wonderful medium for enjoying our day trip. Below are pictures of my wares from the meal.

Tarte Provençale

Gateau de Fromage Blanc with a raspberry glaze and sorbet

After Lunch we contentedly walked over to the famous bridge of Avignon from which the famous nursery rhyme was born. It was made around the 11th Century and unfortunately half was washed away in the 1600's. Shame. It was 3.50 Euro just to walk on it, and so we declined though Josh was severely disappointed. Below are the lyrics.

Sur le pont d’Avignon

L'on y danse, l'on y danse
Sur le pont d’Avignon
L'on y danse tous en rond

On the bridge of Avignon
We all dance there, we all dance there
On the bridge of Avignon
We all dance there in a ring.

The Bridge from the Palace

The Bridge

The finish the day off we wach had wandered around the streets of Avignon which had completely filled up since we had last been in the main area. And Avignon is essentially a bigger Aix en Provence. Literally has everything Aix has, but then more of the same. Also not as much of the bourgeoisie (charm?)...feel as Aix has. Although, it does have this MASSIVE wall surrounding the old city. I wish Aix had that. It makes the city so easily imagined sitting there 700 years earlier. Truly an illustration of time. I think I want to go back to Avignon....maybe to live.

Time for a run!

Claire

Song"King of Rodeo" Kings of Leon (hunh, never noticed that)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0pt2ZTwrSMA&feature=related

I didn't know ecstasy could be sent by post.

2010-03-05T15:09:00.000+01:00

No emoticon can describe my feelings right now.

This picture maybe explains it a little.

But I think there is only ONE word:

Supercalifragilisticexpialadocious.

I love you two.

Happiness is edible.

Claire Winter Gorton

Song "All of Me" Michael Bublé

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=goRHgoXByk0

I used to love her....

2010-03-03T22:12:00.000+01:00

....a while ago....

Undercover

Peaked out

....but now it is something stronger

sister calire

"why don't we do it in teh road" Dana Fuchs

Just not enough

2010-03-02T13:30:00.003+01:00

I woke up this morning 45 minutes early, and the sun was shining in through my window and it was blue skies. I smiled, checked the time and closed my eyes feeling content with my remaining cat nap.

I woke up again on time and it was wrong.

I hate mealy apples.

Don't underestimate it.

I want to be here.

Take me.

-Winter

"Holiday" Vampire Weekend

Lundi

2010-03-01T12:06:00.002+01:00

Rio de Gio

Ricky Bobby

stole my heart

simply - an extension of myself

Cleaning, list making, email writing, tea drinking, and window gazing. Everything is improved when you have four legs and a wag around.

Song: "How the heart approaches what it yearns"

Paul Simon

Kalifiéééé!

2010-02-26T11:51:00.004+01:00

Last night I had a game in Avignon that was quite the evening. Part of this was because we were driving there and I am looking around seeing CASTLES and the AVIGNON PAPACY just along our route. This person, from a young, young country will never get used to the history that is just plopped sporadically in Europe.

The other reason last night was eventful was because of my soccer match. I play with a regional team of Aix, females who are studying in the aix-marseille area. We are currently playing for the championship of France. Last night was teh semi-finals (I think...I always get confused between the quarters and the semi's...) - if we won we would play in the finals in Bordeaux.

The game was on a grass pitch, which is fairly unheard of. Although it was super muddy and slightly slippery; that is part of the fun right? What was NOT part of the fun was the referee. UGH. He was calling fouls like we were 12. Seriously I think referees in France, when they conduct female matches, have this idea that we are fragile and not able to take a hit...which doesn't really surprise me. (think back to the "trying to buy a bike" incident)

But in any event, we won 2-1. I scored and we are going to play in the finals next week in Bordeaux! Although I was kindly smacked on the face by my coach and told he expects more of me and I better churn out some more goals next time. (seeing as the first game I played I had 7....) But it was a good night and sadly it was roby's birthday...and I missed our family dinner with cake. But tonight we're going OUT for dinner and then going OUT out and having a good time. So I am off to study and then hopefully play some tennis - although it is quite windy. Ciao!

Most of the team in our "vestier" (locker room)

Me and Belma - she's hilarious and a strong defender. (she came over from Croatia during the war and so she speaks, english [ a little] french and Croation! )

Claire
"Memphis Underground" by Herbie Mann
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_l56yGstL8
closest I could get...

An Old Man in Firenze

2010-02-21T13:37:00.000+01:00

One fine Italian evening, a couple of girls were walking quite happily after having had a fabulous dinner paired with a fantastic local wine. They were headed to the old doors that used to mark the entrance into the old city of Firenze, Italy. They were meandering as the evening was pleasant and the dessert wine had left them quite fulfilled and digesting their succulent dinner with ease.

Upon arriving at the doors and gaping for a few seconds, an old Italian man walked into the square. He was walking a dog. As both our young girls were dog lovers, they made their way over and motioned for permission to pet the dog. The Old Man obliged willingly and started some small talk with our two girls about their origins. The Old Man was quite jovial and seemed content to be walking his dog, talking to our young ladies, and with his life in general. After a few clicks of small talk the Old Man asked the girls' names. With the exchange of them the dog included (phipé) he wished them a pleasant evening (ciao bellas!) and handed them two items hand wrapped and stapled shut. Our girls slipped them in their pockets and returned the goodbye noises and waved goodbye.

Now our girls were on their way to meet a friend and the small carefully wrapped surprises were forgotten in the haste to connect. But after arrival at the meeting point, and in the interim one of the girls put her hand in her pocket and rediscovered her treasure. She was slightly wary of the item, but equally curious.

Upon opening the small present, to her utter delight she discovered a ring fashioned out of gold metal and twisted into it's shape with a knot of carefully interwoven design. This had obviously been carefully crafted by the Old Man (no doubt with Phipé's attentive eyes gazing on) himself. Our girl was touched, how beautiful and kind this Old Man had been. She thought that he was someone who was completely happy and enjoying his life - every day.

The other girl opened hers and it was a ring of similar make but unique and beautiful in its own way. Our two girls never met up with their friend, but went home with a warmness in their centers (beyond the wine) that wafted off and followed their path all the way home.

Even after our girls saw Firenze, and bid goodbye to the fair city, they remembered the Old Man. For one of our girls, the ring has stayed on her long finger ever since. The smile has stayed and the warmness has not faded. Even now she involuntarily smiles when the ring sparkles and catches her eye. Thank you Old Man. Grazie, e buonosera.

Claire Winter Gorton
Song: Johnny Appleseed Joe Strummer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HXNi_C34ZF0

this is for you

2010-02-20T19:34:00.005+01:00

and by you I mean mongrels.

This is Firenze! Try and enjoy it as much as I did. Unattainable, but just put a good effort in, hey?

First are a couple of shots of the BEST sandwich shop in Firenze - we had upwards o f 4 whilst there for 3 nights...

Then the EPIC Duomo, there is actually a picture of me that roby snapped as soon as we came into sight of the view at teh top of the duomo..... it is below...

-claire ( and roby)
Song: we may or may not be watching Gladiator....Can you blame us? Don't judge me.

I think we're IN Pisa...

2010-02-18T00:30:00.004+01:00

Italian Road trip 2010-
Seriously? DO I live this? Do I speed down the French Riveria, with that being the part I'm just trying to get past? Am I entering Italy and immediately impressed and asking myself why i chose France (WHY ON EARTH?) Do I get to eat amazing food with glasses of prosecco and dessert wine on the house? Do I turn down streets on accident and run into ruins of senate buildings and 1500 year old gatherings?

Yes, I do.

I live this and I really do enjoy it. I also enjoy robyn. I have been spending every waking moment sauf showering, bathroom time and sleeping and I have not once felt any sort of emotion except happiness and utter contentedness of being with my surroundings, mindset and company. I could give you all a play by play. I have an hour+ in the car tomorrow and maybe I will do it then. but to be honest, giving the play by play almost de-glorifies teh experience for me. Breaking it down feels like taking a Shakespeare and analyzing exactly what he meant by each word instead of savoring teh rhythm and rolling artistry of the entire piece. That's how I'm living it. in one piece. I mean I understand that I need to document it and show my loved ones what is going on, so here are some pictures and a VERY brief description.

Aix en Provence > Genova (one night) > Pisa > Firenze (three nights) > Roma (which is where I am currently) Goodnight and See you tomorrow (Hopefully!)

So these pictures...as I mentioned before how France just likes to spite people - we were driving down south (more than we already are) and the weather was slightly gloomy but still on the water. Well we were driving on the coast and twisting and turning and yadda yadda yadda and so that means LOTS of tunnels (YES, maxi I held my breath for the beginning {the first 25} of the tunnels but decided to fold because I wanted to have conversations too) and we enter the one that takes us into Italy and AS SOON as we get into Italy the sun is shining. Really? Yes, Thank you Italy! Well, here you go.

-Claire
Song: listening to teh conversation between my father and me.

Les Bougies

2010-02-12T19:12:00.005+01:00

A while ago, I was at Carrefour and decided that I was going to buy some candles(bougies) and stick them in wine bottles for dinnertime. This was a hit and we bring them out whenever we need a little extra touch to the slightly depressing kitchen we are stuck with.

Well, in addition there is a lack of light near my desk area and I decided to do something about it. I been granted with a couple of tea candles and so I lit those, poured it on a rock, stuck a candle in the malleable mess of wax and voila! I figured, Aix hasn't really left the middle ages and if you can't beat 'em -join 'em!

Night and Day

I am not completely sure when my next blog post will be, but I have an inkling that the subject matter will be a little more exciting that my room's light fixtures. Less rigmarole and more pasta.

Claire
Mango Pickle - M I A
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyqTPHWZyOw

hunh

2010-02-09T10:49:00.000+01:00

SO
I'm sick. In form of all I can eat is bread and water. Which leaves me very weak. I don't want to be creative. I don't want to think about things. I just want to be better-which I will be very soon. Mind over matter folks.

I am leaving for Italy on Friday for a 10 day road trip with my dear friend Roby. We are renting a car and driving to Italy. That's about how far we have planned for this. Well we want to drive to find swimsuit weather, but apparently the bridge to Sicily isn't going to be done until 2013. The break starts this Friday, don't think it is gonna work out.

I am going to sleep now. Well maybe. This sickness doesn't really provide for good sleep either. Restless. MIND OVER MATTER. I'll drink some water. And what also makes me really angry is the fact I have a futsal tournoi tonight and I can't play. Well maybe I'll sneak in. I mean I'll go, but maybe I'll sneak on the pitch. Roby and CP will never know.....

from France with mittens,
Claire

of people passed.

2010-01-25T09:23:00.005+01:00

At the very end of my winter holiday, I went to London. It was fabulous. I went to all these historical and meaningful places. I sat in on Parliament and listened to them call each other "My Honorable Gentlemen/Lady, or my Honorable Friend". I saw an almost exact recreation of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre. There is a palpable sense of time continuance in London. It has been there, it is there, and it will be for a while. I went to the Tower of London and having gotten on a huge Elizabeth I kick in the past, I was so enthralled by the carvings on the walls where people had been imprisoned. THERE! RIGHT THERE! They carved that, before they possibly died soon after.

You can't help but think of people that have passed on when walking around places like these; I was also thinking of another one in particular.

I was thinking of my mother. My mother and sister went to the British Isles when Grace was about 14. They did all these things that I have seen in pictures, but this was the first time my travels in Europe had overlapped with theirs. Yes I was thinking about Anne Boleyn and the Earl of Leicester but I was also seeing my mother pass in between the figures in the crowd.

Later I went to Platform 9 3/4. This was harder still. I'd spoken so many times to my mother (especially in my believing years until that fateful day of my 11th birthday) about going to King's Cross and slipping through unnoticed. Or simply seeing it, perhaps catching a glimpse of someone on the off chance that I was a muggle.

It's hard. It's been a while since things can be directly related to my mom. 5 years have passed, I've grown up, moved away (three times) and turned into someone else. Some of you make fun of my Harry Potter (how shall we say it) commitment, but it has this very thick emotional connection to the little ten year girl that was given those books by her mother. I hold to things where she is still real. I mean being in France, there are so many things I want to tell her but if I did get to call her up right now, she would be so lost in the conversation. But not if I spoke about London or our past/future plans that we had. As time passes, some of the pain eases, mentally being able to understand that she's not around. But also, it only gets harder, because the realization keeps popping up at the most important moments in life that gone and forever are hard words.

It's been a hard week in France for various reasons, I would REALLY enjoy some frosted mini-wheats, or any other healthy comfort food. The distance is becoming very clear to me. And, it is far.

Claire
"Clair de Lune" Claude DeBussy
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LXl4y6D-QI

Home

2010-01-20T08:28:00.004+01:00

I am back in Aix. Do you know how I know this? Apart from a basic awareness of my surroundings.

-I was almost killed on my bike.
-I went to use my card, and it didn't work.
+Went to the bank to figure it out, it was closed.
-It is sunny and probably 11 degrees (Celsius fools).
-I've had to wipe cigarette ask off from my eating place.
-The pace of life has slowed down to about 2(pick your label).
-I bought a head of lettuce that looks like a piece of art for 50 centimes.

Home.

-Claire Gorton
Song" Canto Della Terra" Andrea Bocelli
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCrWxKoOhH8&feature=related

Maximilianland

2010-01-12T10:53:00.004+01:00

So after trolling back through the Alps and making stops, one in Munich, you can see the beautiful square below; we then were winding around mountain passes and freezing glacial lakes, to end up in Graz. Though after leaving Salzburg, we decided to go to the Fédération Int'l du Ski (FIS) or the international federation of skiing. It was COLD but it was fun. Actually it wasn't even THAT cold, except for the fact that we were standing on lots of snow. SO our feet were basically lost to us for about 4 hours, but we warmed up with some Austrian stuff. I had a giant Brat (literally the name) Nick and Max had Langos,(this is fried dough basically doused in garlic...) and then for dessert Nick had a chocolate covered banana. (not exactly Austrian, but good nonetheless.

We went inside momentarily to warm up a bit and I got to see some real Austrian dancing and beer festivities. It was hilarious to watch and I wanted to join in. So did Max :] Jeremy: the corner I scan to is for you, I say it was an average of 15.

After the ski jumping, we headed to Graz, Max's city! We went over to his parents' house where I met his mother and saw his father again. Though Nick hadn't met either and it was fun. We had dinner, looked at the most adorable pictures of Max (little BLONDE Max) and just had a great time.

The next day Max had work and so Nick and I took off exploring Graz. We went to many places, one was the clock tower where these little guys dance...see video. You can see that my German skills have improved immensely. I now can say, please, thank you, I love you, and count to about fifty. Then Max picked us up and we just hung out, drank some beer and did what we do best. You decide which one it is.

Now Nick and I are off to explore Graz some more, eat some pastries and climb the Schlossburg! Until next time!

Claire
Song: "Fleigerleid"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-_xXfjB3AM

Rolf adds another member...

2010-01-07T19:50:00.004+01:00

And we picked up Max! Technically he picked us up from the airport but really...

Anyhow, we spent the night in this amazing hotel (that I am saving for when Grace, Joe and I return there) where we were basically the only people staying there. We checked in and drank a few of the Austrian beers max had brought. By that time it was 11:30 and we were hungry. We were headed to the gas station to pick something small up....hmmm closed.

Magically on teh side of the road is a kebab shop! Fantastico! we ate kebabs, washed down with another beer and headed back to the room. Quel bonchance et tout!

Headed to Venezia the next day and it was just gorgeous. I have read countless books about Venice and living it was exactly what I had been hoping for. Streets winding around corners that one could easily imagine venetians dressed in their beautifully recognizable garb darting around corners laughing at teh inside joke that is the navigation. Then periodically climbing up over little bridges across blue-green water was just magical. And because we went in off season it was not even crowded, which was one of the best parts.

Venezia, I will most definitely, Definitely, DEFINITELY be back.

Then today we headed off up through Italy to Verona! Max told me he would take me to Juliet's balcony. And I wanted some gelato. A quick stop for that and lunch (pumpkin torletti...mmmmM!) and we were on the road to AUSTRIA!

Now we're in Insbrusck after a BEAUTIFUL drive around Lake Gardo and up through the mountains. We'ce checked in and are headed out for some schnitzel (after having bought 9 austrian beers) and an adventure! Ciao

Cler
Song: Poker Face Lady Gaga remix
(courtesy of maxi)

ROLF hits France

2010-01-05T12:13:00.004+01:00

Last day in Paris..for a few. I have Nick here, only after I had a small freak out trying to find him. He had told me that he had and international phone and that he would call me when he got off the plane. I gave him directions to a central area and that he should call me from there. I also told him that if I hadn't heard from him by the time 2 and a half hours had gone by since his plane landing...I would come looking for him.

So as you can guess he didn't get in contact. And I'm starting to frrrrreak. It doesn't help that max calls me and starts laughing when I say I've lost Nick. Good ole Max. But I call Roby whilst pacing the Gare du Nord and it sounded something like this...
" What do I honestly do roby? Do I go to the police? but if I go to the police do I just start having them search ALL OF PARIS for a Nick Rosenberger??? Do I go back to the airport and try to retrace his steps?? Do you think he would have taken that cab like he wanted? Do you think he would take it tot he eiffel tower, I mean that's a central Paris landmark. Oh MY GOSH I lost Nick. Where is he? Call me Nick! E-mail me nick! I'm going to the police, wait first I'll page him at the airport. Roby, get me the number to CDG"
Roby" Do you want the Lost and found number?"
She always can make me laugh...
"Wait an unknown number is calling me, hold on..."

And of course it was nick, his phone had died and he couldn't charge it fast enough, and therefore nearly gave me a heart attack. But all's well that ends well right. Yesterday we went to Notre Dame and the Louvre and le tour eiffel. We had a nice dinner around the corner from us and headed home to watch a movie and help Nick return to health. But Now we're headed to Venice!!! And guess who enters the stage again...
Enter Front and Center Maximilian!!!!

Claire
"Vincent" Don Mclean
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dipFMJckZOM

2010

2009-12-31T14:34:00.004+01:00

Well it is far into New Year's Eve today in Paris and it is another decade change. I should ruminate on all the things I have been doing, sharing stories and adventures that have come to pass. But let's just do that another time eh?

I remember the turn of the century fairly easily, my family had a party with close family friends. I drank St. Julian's, positive it was better that any Champagne or alcohol that anyone else was drinking. Eating mini-quiches (God Bless Quiche)and running around with sparklers. I vaguely remember the notion of Y2K and the earth ending yadda yadda yadda, but didn't really understand what it was stemmed from. At Midnight, I had it all planned out: I had my dog under one arm, and the first three HP books and a picture of my family under the other. Those were the most important things to take into the new mill in my 10 year old opinion. And then, at the exact second, I snapped a picture of the Dick Clark Ball dropping and the clock illuminating 11:59:59 1999. I still have the picture and yes it is just as and even more epic than it sounds.

If I had thought about where I would be in 1o years, or even thoughts such as these, do you think Paris would have crossed my mind? Hmmmm, probably not at that point. Amazing the things that have happened in ten years. This is my first really understood decade. I can look back at the naughties (Time magazine has declared it the naughties and I enjoy it) and truly remember each year.

I'm not going to get nostalgic, in fact quite teh opposite. Thinking of all the things I am going to do and all the things I want to do AND KNOWING that they are all possible and it lies in my hands, this knowledge is the most empowering, drug-like high feeling I've ever had. As I walked home this morning on quiet Paris streets as the sun was rising, I felt overwhelmed with...I can't even...hmmm-if there was a word combination of accomplishment, elated, powerful, hungry and content. Just To Think! Where will I be in ten years (and no this isn't an anti-drug channel one commercial....)? I'm guessing Africa. That's just a far-off hope and educated guess. Let's not jinx it. To all: A Happy New Year and know that all these years to come have so much to offer, no matter who you are. Cheers mate!!!!!
In Review:I'll do 22,...just for a nice round number. And by round I mean that 2 is my favorite number and that is 2 2's. Yeah! It wouldn't let me rearrange them, so no particular order.

Claire Winter Foncée Gorton
Song: "Eyes as Candles" by Passion Pit
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZTGg-K4Zytw

National LamPoole's Christmas Vacation + 1 American.

2009-12-22T18:58:00.003+01:00

I am sitting here in our rented car (or as the aussies say, the car they hired) using teh internet. I am on top of the hill above our mountain chalet in the little town of Le Biot int eh French Alps.

I, in wonderful Claire fashion, had some exciting adventures. After my last exam, where my professor told me I was a brilliant young political scientist...but have problems expressing myself in French (YOU THINK?) I headed home to fully pack from my month of traveling and holiday fun. Robyn also had her last exam and MADE me drink champagne...(forced I tell you....) and I packed up Beau D into my dorm room with his newly transplanted leg/pedal (another story for another night) and rushed off to teh bus where I was meting benji to give him his Chrismakkuh present. It started off fine, I was a little heavy loaded but good.

Then the wrapping on benji's present fell off. OH well.

Then I had three minutes until my bus left for the train station.....come on come on come on come on come onnnnn NO. I am walking up to teh station when my bus pulls away. I flag heavily and yell to no avail. Ben looks at me with this look of deep apologies and tell me that he even went around an opened up all of the luggage carriers in order to slow her down. No bust. We exchange words, make goodbye noises and I get ont eh next bus to teh TGV station...should have about 3 minutes to spare if all goes well. I remember I am in France and let out a few expletives (though many in French).

I get to teh train station with 2 minutes to spare and race u teh stairs because for God knows what reason the elevator is broken. I run onto teh platform as the guard is blowing his whistle and scream "attends! attends!!" I am running the train starts moving! He waves at me and I jump on with another couple at my heels. I'm on! I'm really on!! Putains de PHEW!

Well, I get to Paris no sweat, meet up with Caitlin and Matt no sweat and teh Poole's. Meet my family for teh next three weeks and they are all so lovely! AND, I have never seen such a diversified family. it i bizarre, they ahve this quality of Poole-ness to them...but are all different shapes and sizes and hair colors. It is fascinating.

Anyway, we hire the car and BARELY fit inside. I mean luggage on our laps and still barely fit...this is where national LamPOOLE's Christmas vacation comes in. We are driving to le Biot from Lyon and it is taking a little while because of course Aussie's rive ont eh wrong(left) side of the road so it is a little confusing. Plus everything is on French. But we get 8 km from our town and we start to ascend this mountain pass. I'm thinking, not as bad as little cottonwood...no problem. Then I remember...no 4x4....no AWD. I nervously as..."this car has ABS right?" yes, it oes. Phew.

Then it starts to snow.....

30 minutes later. Shoot to all teh children running around outside frolicking int eh snow as the aussies don't really get a lot of the white stuff down unda. (P.S. I will (and already sorta am) speak with an Australian accent before the end of this trip. By gosh its insane. I'm sayying weird differently and other ones I can't remeber because it sounds NORMAL TO ME NOW! AHHHH)

We are stuck int eh snow/can't move becsue teh tires just keep spinning...car is too heavy and no AWD or 4x4...we abandon the car. But our lovely chalet people pick us up and we arrive to salad and hot french lasagna.

Since then we've been munching on chocolat and enjoying the wonderful scenery, going skiing tomorrow. I brought my boots but had to rent skis. When I went tot eh place and saw teh man fitting mine all up A horrible fleeting thought came across my head....I will basically have to re-learn my job at the ORP, I can barely remember anything!!!!!....Oh well.

Ok, going inside to help with dinner and learn some more pertinent Aussie traditions to solidify my amerussie status.

Bonne Fêtes!

Oh and we went to Carrefour and I may or may not have bought "the Tales of Beetle the Bard" in french.....I HAD to right??? To practice my french, right??? Come onnnn, right????. Shut up.
-Claire
Song "I'm yours" new rendition...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S55VH3bIpZ0

That whole communication thing.

2009-12-18T00:39:00.002+01:00

As to prevent Joe from calling the embassy to find me again I will provide a few details of my whereabouts over the next month. I don't know how often I will be able to blog, but I am hoping frequently.

Today:17 décembre 2009: Currently in Paris staying with Caitlin and her friend Matt who is studying here at Science-Po.

17-20th of décembre: In Paris and meeting up Caitlin's family in order to re-group and head to the Alps for Christmas!

20th-28th of décembre: Staying with Caitlin's family in the Alps 20 km away from Geneva.

28-5th of décembre and janvier: Back to Paris for a ROCKIN New Year's Eve and Day celebrations. Then Nicklaus meets up on the 3rd and we fly to.....

5th Janvier: VENICE! We fly to venice and meet up with Sir Maximilian for a stay in Venice and a nice picturesque drive to Graz.

10-13th janvier: Graz, Austria with my boys until I fly to....

13-17th janvier: LONDON TOWN baby with my own personal tour guide Benj. We then meet up with Naz, Caitlin and hopefully Roby for a fun-filled cold, wet, island in the Atlantic adventure.

17th janvier: Fly back to Marseille.....Sad day....except I get to be reunited with my boyfriend....BEAU D!

Claire Winter Gorton
Song: Sounds of Paris....
Sorry no pictures...

When studying gets boring...

2009-12-15T00:46:00.004+01:00

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered weak and weary,
Over many a faint and confused volume of International Org,
While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my dorm room door.
`'Tis just joshua' I muttered, `tapping at my dorm room door -
Only this, and nothing more.'
Ah, distinctly I remember it was in the bleak December,
And each separate dying member, from our heads our hair we tore.
Eagerly I wished the morrow; - vainly I had sought to borrow
The textbooks, my lack of knowledge matched by sorrow - sorrow for what is in store
For Langeron, our sole patron, who truly knew what’s in store,
Oh dear Angels! What’s in store?-
Nameless here for evermore.

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of my shower curtain
Thrilled me - filled me with fantastic terrors never felt before;
So that now, to still the beating of my heart, I stood repeating
`'Tis just Joshua entreating entrance at my dorm room door -
Just late and stressing, cherching food at my dorm room door; -
This it is, and nothing more,'

Presently my soul grew stronger; hesitating then no longer,
`Sir,' said I, `or Madam, truly your forgiveness I implore;
But the fact is I was at study, or facebooking to clear a muddy,
Head, so faintly you came tapping, tapping at my dorm room door,
That I scarce was sure I heard you' - here I opened wide the door; -
Darkness there, and nothing more.

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no cuqu-er ever dared to dream before
But the silence was foreboding, and the darkness only stoking,
My fears of the le guardien, “don’t touch Beau, I’ll close my door!”
This I whispered, an echo murmured back the words, `Is your mind not yet sore?’
Merely this and nothing more.

Back into the dorm room turning, all the l’ONG’s I’m learning
Were interrupted by a tapping near my window, louder than before.
`Surely,' said I, `Surely tis just the pigeons ogling;
Let me see then, what thereat is, and this mystery explore -
Let my heart be still a moment and my mind dare implore; -
'Tis Just Macgregor and of course nothing more!'

Open here I flung the glass, In so hoping fresh air to pass,
But in there stepped a smoking rooster undeniably from France.
Not the least of manners made he; not a minute stopped or stayed he;
But, knocking me on shoulder sore, he flew to perch above my chamber door -
Perched upon my best green fleece, just above my chamber door -
Perched, and smoked, and nothing more.

Then this red, feathered bird beguiling my sad fancy into smiling,
By the smirking and flirtatious countenance it wore,
`Though thy cheeks be well-defined, thou,' I said, `art sure no friend of mine.
Ghastly smelling and rude rooster wandering from the night club tour -
Tell me what thy lordly name is on this night you stop at my door!'
Quoth the rooster, `Nevermore.'

Much I marvelled this ungainly fowl to hear discourse so plainly,
Though its answer little meaning - little relevancy bore;
For we cannot help agreeing that no living human being
Ever yet was blessed with seeing bird above his chamber door -
Bird or beast above the green fleece upon his chamber door,
With such name as `Nevermore.'

But the rooster, sitting lonely on the fuzzy jumper, it spoke only,
That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour.
Nothing further then he uttered – not even when I buttered -
some vegemite, until I muttered ‘Org’s Int’l, tis what I study for -
On the morrow I will ace thee, as my hopes are highly for.'
Then the bird said, `Nevermore.'

Startled at the stillness broken by reply so cockily spoken,
`Doubtless,' said I, `what it utters is it has only practiced for,
Caught from some unhappy master whom unmerciful disaster
Followed fast and followed faster until his orale examen burden was bore-
Till the dirges of his hope that melancholy burden bore
Of "Never-nevermore."'

But the rooster still beguiling all my sad soul into smiling,
Straight I wheeled my desk chair seat in front of bird and fleece and door;
Then, upon the plastic sitting, I betook myself to fitting
this Fancy unto fancy, where puzzle pieces should belong or-
How this rude and fowl fowl, knew my up and coming score
and what he meant in `Nevermore.'

This I sat engaged in guessing, but no syllable expressing
To the fowl whose laughing eyes now burned into my bosom's core;
This and more I sat divining, with thoughts of Langeron reclining
into those of fowl, and l’ONG’s who had governed o'er,
All my thoughts were now floating into this fair bird of yore,
Does he know? What’s in store??!

Then, methought, the air grew damper, like our over-flowing hamper,
with the weight of our exam, these thoughts, they scared me to the core.
`Wretch,' I cried, `thy God hath lent thee - by IEP, it has sent thee
Respite - respite and nepenthe from thy studies, for what is in store!
Quaff, oh quaff this kind nepenthe, tell, will I survive what is in store?!'
Quoth the rooster, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil! -
Whether tempter sent, or whether bread has begged thee here ashore,
Desolate yet all undaunted, A study-guide is all I wanted -
On examen eve, I am haunted - tell me truly, I implore -
What of my subject, l’ONU, l’ASEAN? - tell me - tell me, I implore!'
Quoth the rooster, `Nevermore.'

`Prophet!' said I, `thing of evil! - prophet still, if bird or devil!
By that Heaven that bends above us - by that God we both adore -
Tell this soul with sorrow wrought, if dictophone had I bought,
Would the knowledge I had sought, be at ready for what’s in store?-
will I decipher from my notes, enough data for what’s in store??'
Quoth the rooster, `Nevermore.'

`Be that word your sign of leaving, bird or fiend!' I shrieked upheaving -
`Get thee cigarette put out, and fly to where you came before!
Leave no smoke plume as a token of that lie thy soul hath spoken!
Leave my internet unbroken! – I need it for internat’l Org!
Wipe thy ash from my notes, and leave me to study as before!'
Quoth the rooster, `Nevermore.'

And the rooster, never flitting, still is smoking, still is sitting
On the now ashy green fleece of yore, just above my dorm room door;
And his eyes have all the seeming of a demon's that is dreaming,
And computer screen light is streaming to throw his shadow on the floor;
And my soul from out that shadow, fore’er belongs to int’l org
Shall be lifted - nevermore!

Here is what this poem would had looked like if Edgar Allen Poe Had lived in the 21st century as a foreign exchange student in France...

Claire Winter Gorton
Song: "Joy it brings" DMB

WHOLE LOT MORE!

2009-12-07T14:57:00.003+01:00

Just in case I eat TOO many pain au chocolat or croissants or gaufres.......There is always this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pW1BRiuwPI&feature=related

I am been über busy, and studying for literally 6-7 hours a day....So I have not been very good with this b(log). I have three ideas to write and want to write about but just not the time. Sorry.

But remember YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL!
obviously... "big girl" Mika
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2pW1BRiuwPI&feature=related

Interestingly enough, fat bottomed girls is my favorite queen song...hmmmmm.

Mama said, you can't hurry conversion, no you just have to...

2009-11-26T14:11:00.003+01:00

Lost in Conversion

My room, as you may or may not know is quite European. It has a nice window without a screen (European) and a beautiful view of a provençal town (European/French) with walls made of stone (European) and is the size of a sardine can (albeit clean but EUROPEAN). Well, in order to make it a little more homey and since all my friends and family failed me (I received ZERO pictures) I decided to print off pictures to put up on my wall and add some flare (at least fifteen pieces).

So I pick them and cannot wait to have them up on my wall. I go to fnac to print them off one day before class. Slightly in a hurry, and go through the motions. I pick the smallest size that is a 6x8 because they don’t need to be big and at home the smallest is always big enough.

I return two days later to pick them up. Josh is with me, I pay and go out side and open the package…..

HOLY MOTHER OF PEARL.

Yeah, so 6x8. 6cm by 8cm. Equals A LOT smaller than I pictured n my mind. They are teeeeeeny. About the sixe of a wallet photo. Now because I ordered about 35 o them it isn’t a big deal. I can plaster them all over without my wall looking like my camera puked all over it. Concise, right? Neat, right?

Yeah, we’ll stick with that. Josh said that my face when I open my package will forever be engrained in his mind. I’m guessing t was funny and not because I was light up with joy or ecstasy.

So here is my wall of pictures.

And here is one with some scale. Mmmmm, scale...

Ohhhhh the metric system. Don’t ever be in a hurry when converting.

Claire/Foncée

Song: "Take me Home" Phil Collins

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tdNekHiuvu0

Bright Eyes and Foncée hit Europe

2009-11-23T09:40:00.003+01:00

Hello, quite sorry. Well More just feel like I have to say that, because I've been having the time of my life with my sister over here in France. Except for that one moment where we bickered over what to wear to Monaco. But without some bickering we wouldn't be Grace and Claire. And to give us some credit we were headed to a different country with 4 minutes to spare and a couple of wine glasses in...

So I've been MIA. With my Bucky Dun Gun just Comin' Around. Ish. I've spent the last week (glowing as Caitlin put it) happy as a clam with my sister at my side. We went hiking, we played (DOMINATED) soccer, went to a french wine party at my school, marché-ed, got grace sufficiently high on coffee, late-night-kebab-ed-it, got Grace hit on my some HOT boys (then some that weren't so hot and got stood up for by some chivalrous french men) and all in all a wonderful week in Aix.

NEXT? A weekend in Nice with the one and only Lord Maximilian, el toro himself. :) We took the train to Nice on 3 hours of sleep and I dozed from the gentle swaying of the train and turned my dreams to turqoise blue water. I woke up gazing through my reflection in the window out to the Mediterranean Sea, crashing and pulsing.

Headed down to Old Nice or Veuille Nice as the french fly. We wandered through the streets there, lost in time and each other's company. The thing about being with Grace is this underlying yet overwhelming sense of timelessness. She has always been in my life, and always will. One moment I feel 8 again with my older sister telling me what to do and all the things we're going to do and I'm giddy like an 8 year old. Then I feel 37 where I can see us walking arm in arm in some other magnificent city discussing those crazy years in Utah. Then I'm 16 arguing with her because she is trying to do what is best for me and all I do is pick fights. If you read Harry Potter, sometimes I feel like my head got stuck in one of those time balls like teh death eater in the Department of Mysteries. If you don't read Harry potter, I am probably not friends with you and you don't get any of this anyway ( :D).

I was so utterly happy, just exploring cool leather shops, neat pottery places, tunisien patries, and of course some french bread. Then we headed back to the hotel to meet up with Max!! I felt like the luckiest girl alive. I was in Nice with Grace and Max! I knew a good weekend was on it's way.

To go through all the sights, conversations, laughs, smells, bathroom searching, 100-euro-winning moments would take longer than the weekend we actually spent together. We walked and drank and sat on teh beach watching NUMEROUS swimmers (Cold??) just sort of frog (no pun intended) around in the water. It was a blast from the past, yet so full of promise. Max and I were discussing our next weekend away, and helping Grace plan her trip here in the Spring. It was one of those short moments that you know are just a bead threaded on a long line of string that stretches across the years. Many more to come, each one trumping the last. As I said goodbye to my sister for 5 months and Max for shorter I still couldn't help but smiling. The smile lasted all the way back to the beach where I sat again for the last time this trip, soaking up the sun and waiting for my train. These feelings, moments, sights, stories, THESE are what we live for. Not the ones that are so obviously good. Walking along the beach int eh French Riviera with your sister and favorite Austrian, no. The moments I live for are when those people have left, you're leaving and you technically should be sad. But you can't be. You cannot be sad because you are so full of love and happiness and optimism. Beating the odds, overcoming the situation, that's when you know happiness has permeated your life.

Claire Winter Foncée Gorton
Song: "Electric Avenue" Eddy Grant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IuwxZSIS__4

Pictures are just a few, don't have all of them yet. Enjoy!Family Dinner for Grace!

L'unic meet Grace, Grace, l'Unic.

:DMount Saint Victoire ain't got nothing us.

La Ciotat

2009-11-13T18:37:00.001+01:00

Yesterday went to la Ciotat. Which, is a smaller french city just East of Cassis. We wandered. We ate. We drank coffee. We ate some more (it is a common activity). See the Moules below. Mmmmmm.

We sang Ariel by the sea, Avery style. It was a lovely meandering day. Just to the whims and fancies of Team Awesome (as roby call us). The drive there was spectacular. A day well spent. And well fed, as Joshi woke up earl(ier than he had to)y to buy us croissants and make us a tartine.

Above is the oldest cinéma in the world. First movie ever shown/made. It was 50 seconds long. But how cool is that? Below is the poster for the first movie ever shown.

Pictures?

Many.Enjoy.I did.
Claire Winter Gorton
Song: "So Long,Lonesome" By Explosions in the Sky
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jotDBl1vilg

Sorry

2009-11-08T09:10:00.003+01:00

Every morning I wake up and I immediately look out my window (well, it isn't really a task, seeing as my bed faces the window and then there really isn't anything else to look at in my room, or anywhere to look in general...space shortage) and I see THIS...

And then I immediately ALWAYS want to listen to these songs... It is seriously unavoidable.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IltAsKmVroQ

and

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFjxMGM36Hk&feature=related

Bonjour to you all! I've got a beautiful feeling about this life of mine.
-Claire
Yeah...^ those ones.

Really???

2009-11-02T21:31:00.005+01:00

Yeah. I know. Again. But this time I scored immediately after (A goal, Jess) so we'll call it square.

So tonight I played better ( was playing with the guys), I felt I was in except I realize that playing with the girls at the other level really does hurt me sometimes. My first touch can get sloppy because there is no need for haste when playing with them. But with the guys, it is back to normal where the first touch needs to be in the direction of the next play. I will just have to push harder when playing with the girls.

Hmmmm, although I played better, one of the more embarressing moments of my life happened. The ball went over the fence, and there was a spot to crawl under that was pulled up quite high. Well, I slide under no problem, grab the ball toss it over. Go to slide under again, get under and

SNAG.

Shit.

My hair.

My f-ing hair is caught on the fence. It was simply nothing less than absolutely mortifying. Three guys immediately rush over to help me, I don't know which ones they are as I am stuck on my hands and knees, attached to teh fence, though I believe one was Irish because a "bloody hell" was thrown around (in English, obviously) but one of the French guys said, this is just like prison break. I really could have died. They struggled with my hair for about 1 minute (which was ETERNITY) until I said, yeah, screw this and just ripped it off, I think I left a few behind.....

As I entered the pitch again I said "ça, c'est le différence entre le foot aux garçons et aux filles, non? C'est les cheveux" (this is the difference between guys and girls soccer then eh? It's hair" Agreement was all around. I don't get embarressed very easily, but this is up there in those "crawl under a rock" (NOT a fence) moments. Though, I got back to playing and soon forgot about it. Although, as I was crawling into bed last night, I cringed at the memory...

And later, while scrimmaging, I went for challenge against the 6'6'' tall man who has a solid body...I did not fall over and I think even won the ball, but man I felt like I was playing hockey. One guy, who doesn't really speak to me all that much (or even that much in general) said "Bon joue Claire, bon joue!" I was quite surprised and but knew I would be bruising soon...aaaaaaaandI'm sorrrrrrrre. Pretty much all over, as I have also pulled my left quad. Hmmm. Futsal tourney Thursday night...wish me luck!
clerrrrr
Song: "Love you madly" Cake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPGKR_mLouQ

It's good to be sore

2009-11-01T16:04:00.004+01:00

Yesterday, I went to the olive grove/farm of Roxanne and Nico Derni. They produce olive oil, in addition to small amounts of tapenade and figue vinaigre, but they are mostly olive oil people. They lived in Wisconsin for most of their adult career lives, and decided to retire to a quiet, french town of Salon de Provence to bottle their own olive oil. Yesterday, I saw the magic happen.

I went to the grove with a few dear friends to explore this opportunity that had been presented to me. Steven, The owner of Liberty Heights Fresh (where my lovely sister works) had hooked me up with Roxanne when he discovered that I was to live in Aix. He was actually traveling with his dad, and we got to spend the day together on the grove. We arrive and Rox tells us that two will go into the grove to help Nico and one will join her to make lunch. She chooses me to make lunch so we can chat and catch up a little, and we create a wonderful lunch of amazing french rolls, butter and saucisson, jambon cru, et jambon. Then some clémentins de corsica and for the after bit a big thermos of coffee. yum yum yummmm.
We go out into the fields and eat lunch with my friends and all those working and then I get to work with everyone as well. First we group teh olives that have been shaken off the tree by Nico, and then sort out the big stems and leaves. Then Steven goes along with the blower and sucks out all the smaller leaves. We then follow and case the olives by putting them in crates for Nico to take away on the tractor. next we pick up teh nets and carry the crates to the tractor. Mind you this is a grove of nearly 1400 trees, so this doesn't take 4-50 minutes. We were out there from 11:30 to about 6. But it was so good for the body, mind and soul, I wouldn't have rather done anything else on my Saturday.This property where they live, is literally idyllic. You look out upon the rolling hills of Southern France, over the rows of olive trees, to the rows of almond trees, then to the ancient roman walls built into the hillside. I will never forget that day as long as I live. In addition to the activities, as well as the setting, my comrades left nothing to be desired. Steven was interjecting quips about olives and food and places to go and intermittently asking us questions about Aix, to then proceed to inform us about favorite drinking games. Nico was full of smiles and laughs as he had free labor and happy ones at that, though he did want to kick the Australian out....for obvious reasons.... (BOGES). Though, Caitlin and I were adding real flavour to the situation with our heart (or maybe gut) wrenching renditions of Christmas carols and Disney favourites. Robyn, as always, was just the perfect company for this occasion as she lends her knowledge of agriculture and wit to our new profession of olive harvesters. Yes, we're currently looking for property to buy.We also were fortunate enough to snag a taste of the raw olives...

We ended our fantastic day with some olive oil, tapenade, and cured olive tasting that was one of the most enjoyable situations I have thus experienced in France. I learned so much, and enjoyed myself to the fullest extent. And then! Only more festivities to come as the bât 4 crew hit the town as the cast of Peter Pan....Halloween 2009: Too good to be true.

Claire Winter Gorton
Song: "Upon encountering the crippled elephant" by Clap your hands say Yeah
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K6mRyZw6Wbs&feature=related
(not the right song...but it is not on youtube...the right band though)

Love is a Battlefield

2009-10-31T00:43:00.002+01:00

1. Walking through the streets of Aix singing (loudly) American National songs

2. Buying a croissant and two pain au chocolat at 1 in the morning from the 24 hour boulangerie (can we say Lil Chef? Betos? These places cross borders, cultures, and liquor preferences)

3. Je parle francais, mais pas à toi!

4. Watching Robyn ( a.k.a. Dash) sprint (using only her lower body) all of Craponne on the way home.

5. Joshi lighting up a metaphorical cigarette every 3 minutes.

6. Wishing l'Unic an à demain.

7. Heading home to watch the Hunchback of Notre Dame in french.

As number 4 refers to, I've created a new home. These friends, these places, these collages of sensations are making their way into permanence. Goodnight Aix.

-cwg
Song:Jack and Diane par John Mellencamp
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcJz-x6idd8

de temps en temps

2009-10-24T20:13:00.005+02:00

Hello!
Now that I'm settling back into my life here in Aix, with my visa, I have continued to play soccer. I play around 3-4 times a week and with numerous teams. Tonight, the guys invited me to play and we went over to Stade Carcassonne and got it going on.

SO I played semi-decent. I had some distractions going on and they were getting in the way of my play. Boo, but true. At one point, I took a strong shot and was given some pressure immediately after shooting, and was on one foot so I fell over. And the thing is, we play on gravel....Wait for it...

Yup, and the funny thing was I didn't notice it for a little bit. I then looked down and was like "oy!" and I had smeared it all over my other leg too while playing. I looked great. But don't worry, the french guys said it was sexy. I was a little freaked out by that, (blood does not equal sexy) but they were just being nice. Odd, but nice. I was wearing my red wings t-shirt and just everyone the blood was to match it, and because I just wanted to channel the spirit of hockey.Halloween is soon right??

SO, I then continued to go get groceries for diner with Ben after soccer, and realized I was walking through Aix with this all over my leg. Ha. We were a sight. I'm sure we smelled great oo. Playing soccer for 3 hours straight, GREAT deodorant. Not to mention rubbing shoulders (and hips and legs) with french boys who do NOT wear deodorant.

Yes, we were a sight. Turning heads. It's my job.
-clerrrrr
Song: "Le Territoire" by Brazilian Girls
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPHjNo33kvM&feature=PlayList&p=6686A71ED228A91B&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=3
crappy video. Sorry.

No exaggerating necessary.

2009-10-18T17:20:00.012+02:00

"Now that it's over, it's hilarious. Wait, no, it was hilarious the whole time, because it was you, superstar"
-Alex McKenzie

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Part One: An Intern's Naivity

As you all should know, in order to live in France, you have to have a visa. As Americans, we are allowed a free 90 days of tourist visas, that you can just get stamped in upon arrival at a border. But for long-term stuff, (such as my case) a long séjour visa is needed.

Well, back in June I (on my lunch break of course) went onto the French embassy's website to start my application process for my visa. It was the end of June, almost July to be honest. I read copious amounts of information detailing what I am required to bring to my appointment, what I cannot bring, and how to make one. So I read all this over, twice and decide that since it is Friday I will start to collect all the documents over the weekend and then make an appointment on Monday. (STRIKE ONE---> never leave government appointments until the last minute, which equates to anything under 2 months in advance) Jump to Monday with about 1/2 of needed documents. Make an appointment? Sure! I'm ahead of schedule, so let's just go with it. Riiiight. Reading, reading, clicking, reading, SHIT. Next appointment is the 12th of August. That's the Wednesday before my last day at work and 6 days before I LEAVE DC.

I need my passport number, so I can't even make the appointment. SO little freaked out I get the info and log back on. (STRIKE TWO--->Have your passport number memorized, it is just like your soc. sec. number...which I didn't have memorized either once upon a time and now have french credits from Central Michigan University registered under my name and the person't whose soc. sec. number is one different than mine. But that's a different story.) Now my appointment is on the 13th...(so just minus one day from those figures above.) Can you feel the sweat popping up on your forehead too? Now add 95 degree DC heat with 65% humidity and you're getting to where I was. Ok, so nothing I can do to change anything except get my shiz in order for that day.

13th of August:
I have my documents (originals AND photocopies) all ready in a folder from The Mitchell Group feeling ready to conquer all that is french (STRIKE THREE ---> never be optimistic about dealing with the french. Your demeanor [smile, friendliness, acting happy to be alive, not-smoking, general positive outlook] will piss them off and they will work harder to get you where they are: loathing all that is alive, and some pleasant looking rocks. Go in thinking you'll come out minus one arm or with gonnorhea, then when you actually come out crying and 300 dollars lighter, you'll feel you've gotten off well.) and so looking forward to my stay in their glorious country. I walk through the gate, declare, get signed in, etc etc and head to the visa section.

Part Two: A Nomad's Dilemma
I sit down in the room, waiting for my appointment to be called. I can see that they are a little bit behind (I now know that 20 minutes behind schedule is actually 15 minutes ahead for the french). As I sit there waiting (an-tic-i-payyyy-ting) I am watching a young woman from Trinidad and Tobago trying to get her visa. She is on the Trinidad and Tobago Track and Field team, obviously a legit sort of situation. Well, not for the french. I'm not going into details, but let's just leave it at her walking out crying as the french man tells her he isn't the dentist and she doesn't have to be afraid....amid his sardonic laughter and glowing red eyes. (ok, red eyes are an exggeration) So I'm sitting here thinking, ok Claire; in NO WAY are you to give them any satisfaction of crying, swearing, sweating or anything that isn't your (well-practiced) non-chalant-I-don't-care-if-I-actually-get-this-visa-does-anyone-have-a-cigarette-we-both-hate-our-lives-let's-get-this-over-with face. I VOWED. But I'm nervous. I, of course am from Michigan. Studying in Utah, but living/interning in DC for the summer, which makes it NECESSARY to get my visa from the DC embassy and not the one in San Fran (Utah's district). So I have leeetle time windows that make this work. Addresses had to be changed, mailing arrangements made, and documents pulled from the depths of where ever Peter keeps the secret documents. I walk up to the counter ( my appointment was at 10:30, it is now 11:15) and start the process with a horrible woman who I was silently forcing the universe to having me avoid. The universe is a strong, big thing. I got her, and we work through our process. Well apparently CVS and I weren't on teh same page and I have the wrong pictures. (STRIKE FOUR ----> when getting pictures for documents, don't smile, don't have hair in front of your ears, and do not look human, these will deem them void and unusable for a visa.) Now, you KNOW I cannot F this up. You KNOW that I leave DC the following Tuesday, so I ask this woman if I can go get new pictures for my visa and return. She tells me to be back in an half an hour and the CVS is down the street and on the right I run outside (no exaggerating on the running) Snag a taxi by chance, and haul to the CVS. Get pictures taken that cost 9 dollars (WHAT?) and haul back to teh embassy. Get my clip and rush inside. I look at my pictures, and it appears 7 strands of my hair decided to clump together and fall on my forehead to create a lovely streak of hair just blowing in the slight breeze native to CVS's. Also, I am out of breath and look as if I have a ball of poison in my mouth and can't crush it for risk of dying, all the while trying to not look like a terrorist, any sort of attractive, and tilting my head in 7 different directions after being manhandled by the clerk. 'Cause he knows how to do this *just right, trust him. Gotta have the right angles* yeahhhhh. Grand! This picture is going to follow me around France for the next year, and what a wonderful reminder of this adventure of a day (..we've only just begunnnnn..)

I now have my pictures and ready to be done. There were a few small document snags but nothing that wasn't sorted out with supplementary documents I had thrown in there. They then ask, "so princess (not exaggerating...) when are you going to France. I say that I am first going to Spain and France after. They then ask if I want my passport kept there in case my visa is approved then they can stamp it and send it to me, or if I want it with me and send it back to get stamped in. I want to take it as I am going to Spain and leaving DC (STRIKE FIVE ------> NO BOOKING TICKETS BEFORE A LONG TRIP LIKE THIS. ESPECIALLY WHEN YOU ARE JETSETTING AROUND THE COUNTRY AND NOT GOING BACK TO THE CONSULATE.....) So I ask them,
"ok, I am not going to be in the area coming up, is it possible to send my passport in and get teh visa stamped in?"
"Of course pretty lady, as long as you are approved for the visa. We only stamp visas to people that are approved" (DUH! You can tell he thinks I am an idiot)
"Thank you sir, hopefully I'll be approved and sending it back to you, ave a good day"
I write my address (well Grace's) on an envelope and hope to see it again approved.

SLC, UT Grace's House:
I have a letter. I recognise the chicken scratch as my own and get the jitters immediately. But, knowledge is power and I tear open the letter. Congrats! You're approved. Just come by anytime to the French Consulate on Monday-Friday 8:45-10:00 to get your visa stamped in your passport.
......................
This and the coffee I had just drank succeeded completely in a near full-body meltdown. I call Alex in DC, and he just says "ohhhh superstar. Oh Claire Bear, uhh, just don't panic. " SO after putting a lot of energy into NOT panicking, we decide the best (only) course of action is to go to Spain, go to France and then we'll work this out from that side of the Atlantic. Oh, and no panicking.

Part Three: Purgatory en Provence
Skip ahead a few weeks, and Claire is in France. Tiny bathroom, beautiful view, no internet that basically sums up the first week in France. No way to communicate (which then results in my sister calling, wait, hold up, my sister making Joe call the embassy in France to track me down and make sure they didn't need to hire Liam Neeson to come rescue me.) and basically just eating bread, cheese and avacado feeling like Dorothy Jane Torkelson...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_izcMyPsvYc&feature=PlayList&p=22D4CAC823962FDE&playnext=1&playnext_from=PL&index=86
(at 00:13 through 00:16)

But, luckily, my program is talking care of me slightly. They have arranged a guy to come and pick the four of us that are enrolled in with ISEP. We were going around and doing things for the rest of our time here. Bank accounts, attestation du résidence, internet, cell phone....basically all things vital to living here and all needs requiring a visa. Zoinks.
2nd week.....
3rd week......
Ok, now that I aave spent my existence in France just trying to survive and FINALLY getting internet, I can find the place where I nee to talk to about getting my visa. Bottom line, they said they can't help and I have to send my passport back. Ok, I can work with that, but first let me go to the American Embassy in Marseille, they're on my side right? Robert Langdon and Felix all run to the American Embassy if being chased by crazy popes or henchman looking for James, right?

Ok, I'm in Marseille. The sun is shining, I bought a wonderful tunisienne pastry and headed off to the Embassy. My comrades! Nope. No. Nuh-uh. Think again. I can't even talk to them. I have to have an appointment, to TALK TO THEM. I have to go the bank next door and call them, to see if I can talk to them. Again, it's a no. WHAT? I'm sorry, I have to have an appointment. What if I'm running from the french police? Or just frenchmen in general. "yes, excuse me, I am going to get into a spot of trouble next Wednesday, could we possibly save my ass then? Movies lieeeeeee.

So back to square one. Sending my passport to The Mitchell Group, having it sent to the consulate, then back across the ocean to me. This is what the sous-prefecture (like the mayor's office) AND the American Embassy and the French Embassy in DC have told me. Let's hope for the best right? I proceed to send my passport via the french poste with a tracking number. After I send it, I try to use the tracking number (STRIKE SIX--->Do not expect anything that works in all other situations, countries, parallel universes work in France. It's their thing. To have service and then for it to always be out of order or unexplicably not there. It's like manner and etiquette in France. They have them, and apparently impeccable manners, but there is always something wrong with the situation, or that you've done to warrant their restrain of using them. It's your fault, really.) So, my tracking number doesn't work. It says after four days, to contact la poste to find your package. I wait four days, call the number-apparently that number is forbidden from Skype. I use a friend's phone, la poste just tells me to wait some more. OK, frenchies, this is my PASSPORT. I call Alex at TMG to help me find my package. He makes a few calls (LITERALLY IN 15 minutes) and tells me it arrived in the US 5 days ago, but the french post office didn't know how to send it once it arrived in the US. Come again? What do you mean? They didn't know whether to send it post or by DHL or fed-ex. Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't post from different countries get sent ALL THE TIME? And doesn't it just go from La Poste to USPS, seamlessly? I will never understand.

Well, my passport is safe at least, sitting in a box, but safe. François picks it up for me and we're a go. He takes it to the French Embassy to get me out of purgatory. Nadda. Again, are you surprised? They get all pissy with him, saying I have to DELIVER the passport and THEN they can stamp it. "oH and btw" they say, "because you have her passport, she is now deemed illegal in France."

Holla what?

Yes, Claire the illegal one. Fits, non? So, Mr. Mitchell isn't letting this fly so easily, he makes and appointment with the chief there and the other chief (just so you know, everyone is a chief in France. Chief of something. Maybe of bullshit, or of eating cheese, but they are a Godforsaken chief nonetheless!!!!) and continues to have a 2 hour meeting with these people, and he speaks french, so it is all happening in French. Which gives us a few brownie points, well more like they just took away from the huge negative amount of non-brownie points I'd already earned. meeting goes on, and the french just get more bull-headed as you try to speak to them. Honestly, there are books written about how to deal with french customer service (or lackthereof). They run around in circles (probably with a few smoke breaks in between, because, well, that's just unheard to not smoke for 2 hours straight.)

Well, they say ABSOLUTELY no way they will help. "She must return. Yuuu Americans (spit) tink yuu can geet ahwayyy wivv any-ting. Not wiv France! Jamais!"
Yeah yeah Mr. Chief we get the point, we'll start smoking and skipping work, understood.

Bottom Line. Claire is coming back to the U S A. Ta-da.

Part Four: There and Back Again - A Deportee's Tale
I book my flights. I let my professors know (without cursing the french) I will be missing class as I am having problems with my visa. I find out my friend is returning for a wedding (to Canada-she actually lives like 4hours from MP, crazy huh! Can we say visits...) and we have teh same flight from Marseille to London; I split off to DC and she goes to Toronto. So we get to share a cab to the gare routière and then the bus ride to Marseille and then the flight to London. Her bag is full and heavy with presents for those who love her at home. My bag has a pair of jeans, a fleece, running shoes and running clothes. Hello Rock Creek Park! But I also have mine very empty because I have requests for thing from the US. Peanut butter, oreos, Kashi, pretzels, you know. But in Lodon, we have the most AMAZING English breakfast, OMG. I had treacle tart and almost passed out. Only improved my Hadgrid sitting next to me with some tea. Seriously.

Eric picks me up from the Airport, la de da I can speak in English and not get stared at or feel incredibly guilty. La DE DA. He drops me off at the consulate where a friend is letting me crash (coincidentally in 515 wooooot!) and then I do. CRASH. And I crash hard. Wake up at 5, run, shower and off to TMG and the metro!

I get to TMG, Alex and I set off on our adventure to get to the embassy. Of COURSE it is located in Georgetown and on this estate, because it the FRENCH embassy. Duh. I go in there, wait. Wait. Wait. I;m not surprised int eh slightest this time though. Just happy to not being yelled at so far. Resisting the urge to give everyone the finger. I get called...
"Ahh, princess, we have not forgotten about you. Come here Princess."
(I SWEAR IF THAT MAN EVER CALLS ME PRINCESS AGAIN I AM GOING TO MAKE SOME FOIE GRAS OUT OF HIS LIVER)
I get my stamp and au revoir my way out of there...but NO. They say when I return to France, now I must get a carte de sejour IN my visa, because of "all teh problems you caused, it's very confusing, just talk to someone there about it.) (<---- in french though) Hold up. F-you. whatever. I au revoir (this time through my teeth) and get out of there like a bat out of hell. Though this was worse than hell. Because I think there is deodorant in hell. There isn't in France.

I literally run to Alex's car and just revel in the fact I am not in purgatory anymore. YAY! Later during the day, I am at TMG just helping them do some stuff as to repay them for all of their kindness, and Alex says,
A:"oh yeah, superstar, got a funny story to tell you"
CW:"what?"
A:"So, we didn't tell you this as to freak out, but you know how you were deemed illegal?"
(how could I forget)
CW:"yes, Alex, I do remember that, what of it?"
A:"Oh, well, they reported you to interpol as well. Interpol was coming after you" http://www.interpol.int/public/icpo/default.asp
siiiiiiilenceeeeeeeee.
CW:(three octaves higher) "what????"
A: "yeah they reported you to interpol, but we stopped them from coming after you because you had bought tickets and were coming back.

Funny, right?" Absolutely F-ing HIL-AR-I-OUS. Technically it IS funny because I am safe in my french dorm room with my visa clutched to my heart (am I joking?)
but I am very glad they didn't tell me that before.

Imagine me then. What would I have done? Hide? My friend benji said,
" I would have been like, yes sir, Claire Gorton? I can lead you to her room. I don't know her that well, those Americans you know, always causing trouble. Not like us Brits. right? Sir?"
Thanks Benj.
I think I would have hidden out until my flights. because if they got me I was never getting back. And I would have had all that illegal stuff on my record. Maybe I do now. Yikes. I would have called Maxi.
CW:"Maaaaaax?"
M: What's poppin' cler?"
CW: "I'm wanted by interpol. Help?"
-click-
I really should check my record out, hopefully none of the paperwork went through..... So that's my deportation story. Revel. Chuckle. Gape. Be glad it wasn't you.
Claire Winter Gorton Song: Concerto for Horn and Orchestra third movement by Mozart http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xaV1c_sKD8M

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"So, was the trip to Spain worth all of this?" WE DON'T THINK ABOUT THOSE THINGS, ERIC.
-Eric Crane

Is it just us?

2009-10-11T19:03:00.002+02:00

So recently I was in (two, actually) London Airport(s) and traveling with a friend. After checking our bags and moving through a few lines, I turned to her and said, "Is it just me, or..." and she finished my question saying, "is everyone REALLY nice here?" Now don't get us wrong, everyone was really nice. But, the main difference???

WE WERE NOT IN FRANCE.

This dawned on us, and it was like water flowing over a dam, all these things that made so much more sense. I do like France. I DO. And I will a lot more come Tuesday, but it is copious amounts of funny how true to stereotypes some thing in France are. The people, individuals, aren't stereotypical of what we categorize them as. For example, they are not all snooty, cheese munching, alcoholics who hate America. Wrong. But, it is the bureaucracy and systems that are in place in France that ring true to what you have heard. People: Customer service was invented in North America. Britain and other areas of the world have caught on exceptionally well, but not so much with France. Try to get someone to help you (some whose JOB it is to HELP YOU) and at the end of it you will be not only be apologetic and guilty for asking their help, but might even walk away without anything to show for it. Wha??

Take for example, buses. We went to teh bus place to get our free month of October bus pass. We walk up, give them our best french speaker and ask for one of these in a polite and inquiring manner. In return we get "il n'y a plus" Which means there aren't anymore left. So we ask about details, and the lady will ONLY repeat this sentence to us. SERIOUSLY. So, we ask again about it and possibly getting one else where, and she says, that it'll be 20 euros, but that's a good deal for the month. Ok, so one of us buys one.

We come to find out later, there WERE ones left, she didn't have to pay the 20 euros, and they are FREE. FOR ALL. We had to go to a different place. But all these things apparently were satisfied in the sentence "Il n'y a plus" right? There aren't any left means, "we only have a few left, you have to go to another building, but if you keep asking me I'll just charge you 20 euros to get out of my sight with some bullsh*t reasoning that really doesn't even exist".

The French.

I am currently in DC right now, sorting out some very fun and very exciting details of staying in France. I keep finding out more and more about my story. So when I return to Aix, and have all teh info, I will be sure to blog and write down the HILARIOUS (only because it is over) and completely FRENCH story that is now, well, is now my life.

P.S. Treacle tart is possibly one of teh best desserts I've ever had. England, score one.
Claire
Song: "Give it up or let me go" Dixie Chicks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ITAdd5a7pDs

Derriere!! Derriere!!

2009-10-05T16:41:00.004+02:00

So today I had a practice for soccer. The coach told me it was at 12h30. So I show up at 12:25 thinking I'm gonna be late. Why was I thinking this? I really don't know. I must have forgotten that I LIVE IN FRANCE. Everyone is perpetually late...but it is on time. Right? Yes. Wha???

So the COACH doesn't even show up until quarter to. Nice. Then we start a little later, whatever, I've lost track at this point. But we pass, we volley, we dribble. Yadda yadda yadda, not exciting. We start to scrimmage and this is where it gets fun. I am a communicator on the field. I think it stems from volleyball where communication is so necessary in so many ways. But picture this:

I mess up "shit! NO! I mean merde, crap...NO MERDE".
I was trying to be french a \nd play soccer all at once. About half way through the scrimmage I cursed "Putains!" and then proceeded to do a happy dance about my french cursing becoming subconscious....Yes I was excited about subconsciously cursing. In addition, I would be making plays and yelling "drop! Drop...no derriere. Derriere? Est-ce que je peux dire derriere? and everyone was cracking up. I'm running around screaming broken english and french phrases then cursing in english and then cursing more because it was in english. Then cursing in french and getting happy. It was really fun. But soooohot. 80 degrees...yeah good idea to practice at noon...seriously?

Ben and I have been trying to get football matches on the computer. Too bad the internet is complete shite and doesn't allow us anything except for (as ben so eloquently put it) Darth Vader noises and occasional bloody glimpses of the score. But Ben had his thon and glaze on toast, so don't consider him to be that unhappy. Exhibit A.

Well I have my first big soccer game tonight. I get my uniform everything. But I think I have to buy new shoes. Bummer. But wish me luck and I'll keep you updated!

c'est moi,
Claire
Song "Be good to them always" The Books
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9xPN1LExu3k

Gonna pick up the game

2009-10-04T14:44:00.006+02:00

Ok. I'm Sorry. My blogs have been boring of late. Not that they were particularly gripping before, but the past few have been a new low. It's not that I've been really busy or occupied with other important things. I think I;ve been a tad bit off. Like culture shock and the like. Whatever.

But now I think I am getting back into the swing of things, and I also have the ability to get pictures off my camera!!!! WOOO. SO this mean that you won't just have to look at me holding a something. Or a something in front of my computer. Or just me. Because we all know how old that has been getting.

Here are a lot of pictures. This is a cop-out for now. But still visually pleasing, non?

Sitting in the courtyard of my school.

Out my window

View out my window

Caitlin and me

On the Cours Mirabeau on a sunny Sunday morning on the way to Market

Beautiful-out my window

The Family at dinner(from left to right) Robyn, Ben, Me, and Sebastian

Robyn and me

To Market! To Market!

Les Poissons Les Poisson. Hee hee hee hoh hoh hoh!

Fromageeee

I sit here and eat lunch, or breakfast or dinner if I don't eat with The Family.

Claire
Song "Back to the old house" The Smiths
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NiFzKNmeeSw

Une année

2009-09-29T18:09:00.004+02:00

Honestly. And the days in-between?

September 12, 200812 septembre 2009

Et les jours entre les deux.

Claire Winter Gorton
Song: "Old Man" Neil Young
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rWovzUEe4l8

I just hope its not cigarette ash.

2009-09-27T11:41:00.003+02:00

Market, yessir.
Cheese, bingo bango bongo.
I forgot to get the name of teh cheese. I'm sick. So a little bit out of it. I detest being in public when I'm sick. But I had to go to market. Evidement.

This cheese is quite good. It is actually a tad bit spicy. I think. My taste buds might be tricking me with this cold. Its very creamy and 7/10ths smelly. There is also ask in the middle. That's the black line you see. It is quite a good addition. But, what kind of ash is it. Better not be cigarette ash because I eat enough of that shizz accidentally in my kitchen.

France: Smoking is bad for you. Stop it. It isn't cool anymore. NEWS FLASH.
Do you "readers" exist anymore? Are you gonna send me pictures of us or not? My walls are still blankkkkkkkk.

cwg
Song:"Flock of Words" Trey Anastasio
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9RhQK2e2yA

Bonjour

2009-09-22T09:09:00.003+02:00

Morning jog through Aix.

Sunlight filtering my air

Breathe deep, fresh, then SING
My soundtrack this morning:
"The Weight" sung by John Denver
It's not on youtube...but it is inspiring.