If you look up flaneur in a French dictionary, you might come across a definition that seems less than flattering, making reference to someone who likes to loiter, stroll, loaf or lounge. When I was taking my last photography class, I was invited to be a flaneur. To loiter, and stroll. To loaf and lounge luxuriously. The idea was to slow down, stop even, and notice the little things around you. Depending on where you choose to loiter, you are going to notice very different things. A busy city street will yield something very different than a country lane or a farmer's market. Either way, it's worth checking out. The things that buzz and hum, or blare and trumpet. Go ahead, loiter. Let me know what you see.
3 comments:
When I retire, I shall be a flaneur.
Love the pix, especially the petals on the ground.
I always love to see your images. Seeing through your eyes is always a treat, because you reveal the beauty of the world in ways that do remind me to be a flaneur. You know the Georgia O'Keeffe quote? "Nobody sees a flower really; it is so small. We haven't time, and to see takes time, like to have a friend takes time." This was in with my grandmother's photos, many of which were of flowers. Thanks! Dan
Jane, you are already a very talented flaneur!
Dan, thank you so much!
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