Francophile Friday: Merci, Too

{Merci, Too: ink & watercolour illustration © Shell-Sherree}

I sit here at my studio desk and look to my right at my fading leopard-print letter rack and inspiration board hanging above it, and count almost a dozen handwritten quotes that have settled there since the new year alone.  Most along the lines of love, gratitude and faith.

So when I came across another cheery photo of Paris store Merci while seeking inspiration for today's illustration, I took the hint.  Any excuse to give thanks. If this looks familiar and you're making a note to decline the offer of a second glass of absinthe with dinner, relax ~ la fée verte is not at work {nor is the green fairy}.  This is indeed the second time I've illustrated Merci ~ which I think makes it a first.  I mean, the first time I've illustrated a place for the second time {excepting the Eiffel Tower, but she is in a category all her own}.  I mean... not to worry.  {Pass the absinthe...}  In the spirit of keeping things fresh, the cheeky little Fiat Cinquecento has pinker cheeks this time around and our kitty mascot is bringing you pawfuls of flowers to say, "I hope you know you are beautiful beyond measure."  {You can check out Virginia Jones's lovely Merci photos over here.  Look, more eye candy!}  And on that note...

Happy Francophile Friday to you!

Update Friday 19th April:  I'm so sorry, I'll be taking a blog breather here and there for the next little while.  Turns out today is such a day.  I'll stay in touch and notify of my next post on my Facebook page.  Until next time, take care and bisous to you...

24 comments

  1. Ciao, bella, and a big grazie from me, even though you continue to ignore the most beautiful city in the world. (No, I don't mean Brisbane!)

    Finally, the sun has remembered that is supposed to shine; I felt quite hot today.

    Arrivederci. Baci.

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  2. It is indeed a happy Friday! Especially seeing that you can get a cat to sit in a car and smile. I tip my hat to you

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  3. That adorable car suits adorable kitty to a tee, dear Shell. Big hugs and brrts from us to you two. :)

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  4. Hahaha! Thank you for the grazie e baci, Y, in spite of yet another snub to that exquisite love of yours. I haven't forgotten. I hear patience is a virtue {one I have to work at!} Enjoy that Venice sunshine.

    Thanks, PA! My black cat prior to Ella, Count Basie, grew up travelling in the car with me to and from work and continued to do so for quite a few years. She loved it! Ella did not experience that wacky upbringing. She does not smile in the car.

    Favourite Vintage Finds ~ mwah! Wishing you and your furson a contented weekend.

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  5. Merci to you, Shell, for a lovely start to the weekend! That looks like a cute car for buzzing around town. (Like Ella, Macie is not much on riding in cars; she does not smile in the car, either.)
    Wishing you a delightful weekend!

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  6. Merci, Shell, I'm always happy to receive the cheer you bring.

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  7. And speaking of cards, I'm delivering another of your creations tomorrow, along with a housewarming gift. People always exclaim, "What a darling card!"

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  8. Ms M - I suspect it wouldn't matter how cute the car, Ella and Macie would not be swayed.

    That's darling news, Petrea! Thank you.

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  9. It's taken me two days to get here, but (speaking of) I'm so thankful that when I finally do, I find another wonderful image that takes me away and straight to Paris. Merci, ma belle! I'd dearly love to borrow this little vehicle and zip around the city with you. (You'll have to drive though, okay?)

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  10. Haha! I wimped out on driving in Italy years ago, so I'll make amends for my wussiness and drive for you in Paris, Alexa. {But parking the car is another kettle of fish altogether...}

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  11. Darn, now I have to choose between this adorable pink Fiat and a pink scooter for zipping around Paris. You make them both so appealing! It's wonderful to see what inspires you to create such lovely illustrations.

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  12. Thanks, Katie! Going back a few years, I worked with a lovely guy who often used the expression, "For problems such as this, we should pray."

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  13. "For problems such as this, we should pray." Ain't that the truth.

    Merci for the lovely illo, Shell.

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  14. Followed the link - what a pretty store!
    And your watercolor of it - so so amazing.

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  15. p.s. Have you ever been to the Mariage Freres tea salon (I think there's two in Paris)? That's the first place I'd go in Paris!

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  16. Always my pleasure, dear Cali. He also loved quoting from Spinal Tap, so he had eclectic taste in quotes. :)

    I haven't been to Mariage Frères, Joyti, but I'd like to ~ their vibe is lovely. {And thank you!}

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  17. Elle est jolie tout plein ta Topolino cinquecento rose sans oublier le minou ! J'adore
    Je t'embrasse
    Danielle

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  18. Merci, Danielle! On ne peut pas oublier le minou. :) Bisous, ma chère.

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  19. Merci for the oodles and oodles of eye candy! I love both your illos, and Virginia's photo is fabulous. I think when you beep a Fiat horn, it must go meep, meep! No wonder kitty looks right at home in one.

    I heard that Fiat has an electric car at a very good price. I'm tempted although I'm not sure Tommy & Louise would fit. It's a car made for kitties, not pitties.

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  20. Susan ~ meep meep! I'm sure you're right. And maybe a convertible version of the electric Fiat would give Tommy & Louise the necessary head and shoulder room. ;)

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  21. I could have sworn I left a comment, and now I fear Susan has gotten into the absinthe and there's nothing left to share. Just as well, because I'm driving this pink beauty.

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  22. The absinthe stole your comment, hiker. That stuff is hilarious but suspect. Meep meep.

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  23. You do bring cheer, as Petrea said. Merci beaucoup! And it is so nice to have you on Facebook now.:)

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  24. Thanks, Shanna! And it's really good to see you on FB, too. :)

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Merci, grazie, thank you for joining our conversation lounge. Your smile lights up the room. Even more beautifully than our crystal chandelier. x

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