Sarah Jane Smith (photo: The Time Vault)

'Now wait a minute.

There's nothing 'only' about being a girl.'

- Sarah Jane Smith

For so long now, in so many ways, Paris has been a gift. When I'm there, the very air fuels my muse - pulling things out of me that I was not even sure was there: like jewelry and/or my photography. But I never expected to find a Who-vibe in Paris...

La Factory - to read about my first interview, see here.

When I began to photograph Paris, my only thoughts were to try to capture the city of my fantasies, and realize my dream of having my photographs published. I had not an inkling that my adventures in Paris-photography would also require that I develop and hone journalists' skills. But, as I began to plot my first self-assigned photography project, I quickly came to realize that interviewing my subject would be as important as the photos I took - but hey, it's Paris, and I'm so adaptable. My first foray not only went very well, it was revelatory (the results were ultimately not published - but that may change, very soon ;-)    

Standing beside my article

in my interviewee's front window ;-)

My second photography/interview - Pain et Chocolat - did get published (see: the 1st interview here and see what happened to my interviewee after my story was published here). Okay, now you're asking: 'Temple, where does Doctor Who come into play?'

The spirit of Sarah Jane Smith - my journalist's muse

In April 2011, I blogged about the passing of the beloved Elisabeth Sladen and how her 35 year portrayal of Sarah Jane Smith (Dr. Who) informed and effected not only my life, but the lives of countless others. I had relegated Sarah Jane's immense influence to my fond memories of girlhood, to the past.

But, as I'm preparing for my return to Paris in May, I've quickly come to realize  that the spirit of Sarah Jane is intent on having 'her' say. This afternoon, I was discussing, with mom, my plans to interview (and photograph) several people during my May trip. She suggested that it was time for me to get serious about my interviewing skills; and that I should purchase a camcorder and recorder - ping! I had another one of those Ahh-Hah Mimi moments (my name for a Parisian inspiration).

Mom's suggestion literally took my breath away, and got my creative juices bubbling. How cool would it be to film Paris? To capture Paris through sound? To share film & audio at Pour l'Amour or even via an online magazine like Belle Inspiration?

So, here's where I'm at: I'm doing research on the smallest, best quality camcorder and recorder I can find (oh and that will fit into my non-existent artist's budget ;-) and I'm adding yet another section to Pour l'Amour, to house my interviews (print, film, & audio) - The Sarah Jane Files (in dedication to that fearless, fierce, badass, time travelling journalist!) Montage, oui? As per usual, I have no idea what I'm doing, but I'm confident that I'll find my way; and I'm eagerly look forward to the adventure!

Merci Maman, Paris et Sarah Jane ;-)

Vivre! Rire! Aimer!