Ajiri Aki, Joie, Messy Nessy Cabinet

 

I never arrive early ⏰ for anything. Also I can’t spell 😵‍💫

On Thursday I arrived an HOUR early, thinking I was late. 

In France you’re always supposed to arrive at least 15+ minutes late to a dinner, soirée, Apéro, etc. 

La la la la la. Most ADHDers have time blindness. 

Anyhoo I got to see the magic 🪄 take place 

As the divine hostess with the mostest, 

Ajiri Aki of Madame de la Maison set up a tabletop. 

Of a swath of exotic fruits 

And vegetables 

Easily like any Italian or Dutch classic

Renaissance 

Still life painting.

I was told, “DO NOT TAKE PICTURES! I’m not ready!”

I grabbed a pen ✍️ and started doodling…

It all looked like a Dufy painting 🖼️ thinking maybe I’ll try that at home…🤔

Meet the magician, Ajiri Aki!

The guests have arrived

At the correct time…

AFTER 7:00 pm (not at 6:15)

Nessy introduces Ajiri to us.

Perhaps you heard of Ajiri’s beautiful book 📕 

Called JOIE: A Parisian's Guide to Celebrating the Good Life.

‘Ajiri Aki shares her story from Nigeria to Texas and how she ended up in Paris and became a leading voice in the world of tableware antiques, hosting the most magical gatherings at home, the struggles of moving to a new country yet still finding joy, how she started her business Madame de la Maison, and her new book, Joie.’

The intro page from my Kindle…

For more instant details I love this Podcast with Zeva Bellel.

Watch Ajiri shopping treasures at Marché aux Puces.

Ajiri gave us all an on-the-spot written assignment: 

List 5 small things or practices that bring you joy on a daily or a weekly basis. 

While others told of their profound Joies, I had ice cream 🍦 at # 1. Saffron Ginger from Christian Constant, 40, rue des Écoles to be exact.

What a Fabulous evening! Ajiri is such a positive inspiration ❤️

I came home and tried to paint 🎨 DUFY still lives…none of which brought me JOIE 🙄 

Back to painting Paris rooftops. More to come 👍

My Eiffel Tower letters are hanging in Messy Nessy’s window. Hurray! You can get them there on 19, rue de Bievre, 75005 or on Etsy.

The walk home by Notre Dame was stunning.