The Writing Wolf

North to Alaska is on TV again and once more there is the lovely Capucine. For me, when I was growing up, she the epitomized all that was French and all that one aspired to be in terms of looks and grace. Capucine was a Golden Globe-nominated French actress and fashion model best known for her role as Simone Clouseau in the 1963 comedy The Pink Panther and as Michelle "Angel" in North to Alaska. Born Germaine Lefebvre in Saint-Raphaël, in the South of France, Cpucine  soon exhibited an independent, non-conformist personality. She attended school in France and received a B.A. in foreign languages. At 17, while riding in a carriage in Paris, a commercial photographer noticed her. Her elegance and sophistication soon brought her to the attention of modeling agencies where she became a regular fashion model for such fashion houses as Givenchy. Capucine was great friends with Audrey Hepburn , the two having met while modelling in the 40s. They shared an apartment toge...

I fell in love with Edith Piaf a very long time ago. I was fourteen and crazy for all things French. At that time in our lives most of us fantasize about finding the great love. Girls did it when I was young and I hope they do it still. We try to imagine what it will be like.  Most of my ideas about love came from reading Françoise Sagan  ; "a charming little monster".  Then I discovered Piaf and love on a completely different level; love in the bones and soul as well in the heart and the flesh. Piaff's voice wreaks of pain, as my breath must have wreaked of the forbidden Gauloises Disque Bleu cigarettes. I can't remember how I came to own a recording of La Vie En Rose.  But I can remember the days leading up to my 15th birthday very well.  In the twilight, not wanting to switch the light on to spoil the mood and dreaming to the sound of her voice singing this over and over again; "When he takes me in his arms and speaks softly to me, I see life in r...

   In the darkness Drums are beating Telling of a ancient wrong Do you hear them Oh my Sister? Can you sing Old sorrow's song? Did your Mother Tell the story As you sat beside her hearth? Did your Father Tell your Brother As they trod the forest path? Song of sorrow Song of history Like a birthmark on the skin Only love can heal the wound now! Only love forgive the sin Love sung out By hearth, In forest Let the heart song Now begin