Thursday, April 28, 2011

Toc! Toc!


Toc! Toc! Qui est-là?

The massive doors of Paris, closed to the outsider, the stranger. present a mystery. Without a key or a secret code for entry, the stories inside remain hidden.

While walking the streets, camera at the ready, I got very close to the dark wooden door to photograph the ornate hardware. On about the third click of the camera, the door opened inward suddenly... I do not know who gasped first, but I almost fell on him and he nearly stepped into me. I quickly withdrew and then we both laughed at the surprise. (Whew)

41 comments:

Sylvia K said...

Oh, what a fun post and a great capture, Genie! I love it! Glad you both laughed! Hope your week is going well! Enjoy!

Sylvia

martinealison said...

Je remarque un oeil de boeuf sur ta porte... j'aurais bien aimé être là avec toi pour rire de ça... Bisous

Karena said...

Gorgeous Genie I love unique doors and hardware!

xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena

jb said...

Lilac!

Anonymous said...

J'imagine bien votre surprise de chacun. Mais sais-tu comment s'appelle cet ustensile qui sert à frapper la porte?
....
....
Un heurtoir!


http://richardmoisan.blogspot.com/

beau gosse said...

Beautiful, Genie! I spied the peep hole also! Glad you didn't get bowled over! =)

This is Belgium said...

Ha Ha ! wish you had taken the picture of the man also to math him to the house behind the door but also to show us his surprise at seeing you in action !
beautiful 'heurtoir' !

Anonymous said...

Oh genie, what a fantastic door! I would love to see what is behind it and you did even if it was by accident - how funny x

Dianne said...

Toc toc indeed! Now was he a handsome French Monsieur ou non?

Deborah Lawrenson said...

But you don't get photos like yours without curiosity...!

Jennifer said...

I've been surprised like that before too. Happy to hear that you both got a good laugh out of it. :)

Samantha Vérant said...

This going to sound odd, but I love knockers! (And doors)

Malyss said...

Mysteries behind doors.. sometimes bad surprises, sometimes very good ones!i like your story!

Alexa said...

Good catch and good story! Do you suppose this is an old one retrofitted with a peep-eye or a new one made to look old? Either way, it's gorgeous.

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

The French door knockers are so beautiful. How ironic that the door opened while you were photographing it. Glad it had a happy ending.
Sam

Louise said...

I love hearing the story behind the photo. What a wonderful memory. The doors and knockers are always captivating.

M said...

This was funny (at least for me who was just watching) -- he was a handsome monsieur dressed in a business suit. If I remember correctly, after laughing, he made a comment about the old doors. The photo turned out great!!

Anonymous said...

What a lovely way to meet a stranger! I think introductions might have been in order...lunch dates arranged, an evening at the Paris opera, perhaps? We will never know what opportunities you passed up on, Genie! (I think you'd rather just want to see behind that door!)

Cildemer said...

Love it! And love the story behind it too:o)
What a nice way to meet the Prince Charming;o)

***
Bises et belle journée, Genie****

Virginia said...

Oh I love this. I think I might have the same door knocker somewhere ! HA I'll bet your were surprised!!!
V

brattcat said...

How this post made me smile. We obsessive photographers sometimes forget where we are, what we're doing, and suddenly a door opens and we find ourselves face to face with our subjects and the subjects behind our subjects. Thank you for your kind and thoughtful words. It was pure joy to spend a few days with Jilly and Malyss. I hope you are all okay after these violent storms.

Anonymous said...

I hope you came out unscathed from yesterday's weather that just makes me cry. The video of that poor Tuscaloosa student filming the twister, poor baby breathing so hard out of fear - ugh - just broke my heart. We came close last evening. Too close for comfort. Thinking of you ~ xox Alexandra

TheChieftess said...

So glad you both laughed!!! And got the picture!!!

Halcyon said...

Beautiful knocker with a great story!

PJ said...

It's the love of details that makes the French so endlessly fascinating. What a grand statement.

cieldequimper said...

Laisser-passer? :-)

Unknown said...

have a great time my dear, big hugh Kathrin

starman1695 said...

That's a cute story.

Unknown said...

Funny story and you can't knock a great photo. Ha

Harriet said...

What a great story and photo!

Loree said...

LOL. That is a beautiful door knocker.

Birdman said...

Wonderful knocker and wood grain door.

biebkriebels said...

That is a funny story, maby your clicks were so loud,he went to look who's on the door....

Jack said...

That is pretty funny, Genie. I love architectural details like this. But, it can't be very old if it has that round viewing eye integrated into the design. Even if relatively new, I applaud them for the design.

I have been surprised today how many commenters want to hoist me up on that wall without first making a statue of me. Sheesh.

Clueless in Boston said...

Great detail on the door. I too love details like this on doors.

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

To all -- Sometimes my curiosity gets me into hot water (trouble) but Marie was keeping watch (with camera in hand of course)...

The gentleman who came bounding out of the door did not rattle or peek outside as I heard the sound of the door moving about the instant I saw him nose to nose!

Sadly, I do not think that this is an ancient heurtoir but an ornament of perhaps 100 years in age? Certainly, we would call this an antique in the US but not that old for France. Still, I would love to have this on my front door!

I think that this surprise encounter is one of the reasons I love Paris and all of France. I really enjoy talking to people and when you cannot communicate it is frustrating. I may not speak the most perfect French and "talk around" the subject at times, I do like making the connection.

Thank you for all the comments today... merci, mes amis!

Randy said...

Wow that really is a big knocker! Enjoy your Friday!

BrandNewStudio said...

Beautiful
GoodCreations

Vreni said...

Beautiful! I love how many details you see in Paris!

Genie -- Paris and Beyond said...

Randy -- You are a mess...

Brand New -- Merci... I hope you will visit again

Vreni -- Merci! I swing from global view to details and try to hit everything in between.

jb said...

Go on - at least ask "Lilac who?"