tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post2865983713044623487..comments2024-03-28T13:46:02.547-04:00Comments on Jungle Red Writers: J.T. Ellison--A Place of the HeartJungle Red Writershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16646429819267618412noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-88466993504665496702017-09-11T20:40:31.950-04:002017-09-11T20:40:31.950-04:00Loved being with you all -- thanks for being patie...Loved being with you all -- thanks for being patient until I had a decent internet connection. Have a fabulous week, all, and thanks for letting me be a part of Jungle Reds! XOJT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-50558193171358086882017-09-11T20:39:44.358-04:002017-09-11T20:39:44.358-04:00Memories are such a gift, though! And thanks for b...Memories are such a gift, though! And thanks for bringing the first Asian place marker! I've never been, and I'm not sure I want to go, but I would love to see a few of the significant spots. One day, perhaps!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-86924370352428007562017-09-11T20:38:44.813-04:002017-09-11T20:38:44.813-04:00David, I was literally in a Starbucks in Seattle t...David, I was literally in a Starbucks in Seattle this morning. I felt compelled.... But I hear you -- a small indie coffeeshop or a big commercial one, both give such an amazing plethora of people to watch. Great choice in PA, too!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-63284232119614158692017-09-11T20:37:33.454-04:002017-09-11T20:37:33.454-04:00As a native of Colorado, I so hear you on Wyoming....As a native of Colorado, I so hear you on Wyoming. It's what Colorado was thirty years ago, still unspoiled in many ways. I was there last summer after a trip through the Badlands and it was remarkable how beautiful it was.JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-90145419757056445362017-09-11T20:36:12.395-04:002017-09-11T20:36:12.395-04:00Thank you so much, Jenn! I wasn't to go to Nov...Thank you so much, Jenn! I wasn't to go to Novia Scotia so much -- I need to do that soon. Hmm.... maybe THAT is the next trip! Hope you enjoy LIE TO ME!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-49942911883409283162017-09-11T20:35:27.294-04:002017-09-11T20:35:27.294-04:00Oh, I love London. So much fun, so familiar yet di...Oh, I love London. So much fun, so familiar yet different. One of my favorite spots. And yes, I will go back to Paris. I think I know how to find the magic now -- it's thee to be experienced if you are open to it and readily travel off the beaten path. Secret Paris spots are so much fun to find!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-45735069659019855452017-09-11T20:34:06.486-04:002017-09-11T20:34:06.486-04:00Bex, you sound like a visitor, which is such a dif...Bex, you sound like a visitor, which is such a different mental space than traveling. Oh, and you've gone to so many places I've only dreamed of. Working on that bucket list! JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-44929290890565130522017-09-11T20:32:49.128-04:002017-09-11T20:32:49.128-04:00Levanto! Spezia was the one place I didn't enj...Levanto! Spezia was the one place I didn't enjoy my meal in Italy, but that's because the fish had a head, tail, aspic, etc., and I'm a big wuss. But the boat rides in that area are so lovely! I'm so happy you have a spot that you can escape to, even if it's only in your mind. Feel better soon!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-28640605244867466122017-09-11T20:30:56.892-04:002017-09-11T20:30:56.892-04:00Ah, petite, Montreal is such a lovely place -- I a...Ah, petite, Montreal is such a lovely place -- I also fell in love with Ottawa. It's like going to Paris but so much closer. I loved how multicultural it was -- and I met my husband three days after I went, so it does hold. special spot in my heart!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-61175620227719446402017-09-11T20:29:18.638-04:002017-09-11T20:29:18.638-04:00Teri, we are looking for that spot, too. I don'...Teri, we are looking for that spot, too. I don't know if I can settle on just one place of the heart, but I'm trying!!! I'm so sorry you had a rough year but so glad you were able to find some joy, too. Blessings!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-46984965954565793072017-09-11T20:28:16.344-04:002017-09-11T20:28:16.344-04:00Kathy, it's such a special place, and each per...Kathy, it's such a special place, and each person seems to have their own experience with the city, too. I hadn't gone because I was afraid -- afraid they'd be rude, afraid I'd embarrass myself, afraid of so many silly things. And none of it was true. It's really affected my future trip planning, too!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-41654789884804359132017-09-11T20:26:55.910-04:002017-09-11T20:26:55.910-04:00Celia, how fabulous! I love the cloud of perfume t...Celia, how fabulous! I love the cloud of perfume trick -- I'm allergic to many on my skin so I'm going to have to try this. My grandmother used to do it that way -- seems she knew something! And I love how monsieur encouraged you instead of discouraged. I think that's the key to a great experience overseas -- someone who wants to make your trip special and help. I hope you get back again soon!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-46766530741368267462017-09-11T20:24:23.414-04:002017-09-11T20:24:23.414-04:00Karen, hi! Good to see you here. May I suggest rea...Karen, hi! Good to see you here. May I suggest reading Eleanor Brown's new book A PARIS ALL YOUR OWN? It's a series of essays by authors on their Paris stories, and is utterly delightful. And a beautiful metaphor for the secrets of cities!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-67727497860736410542017-09-11T20:13:41.972-04:002017-09-11T20:13:41.972-04:00Nashville feels like that to me, though our skylin...Nashville feels like that to me, though our skyline is constantly evolving. Our food situation is absolutely off the hook right now, too. But Deborah, you've hit on another of my special place s-- Scotland. Inverness and the Highlands, especially. Oh, I could go to Isle of Skye tomorrow.....JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-50966469107694286302017-09-11T20:12:20.419-04:002017-09-11T20:12:20.419-04:00Bonsoir, Ann! If you've done the 7th may I sug...Bonsoir, Ann! If you've done the 7th may I suggest slipping over to the 15th? There are some awesome places there -- Le Zinc has the best French onion soup in all of Paris, and Le Suffren is so delicious, with such fun views. The 15th is really one of my favorites because there are no tourists. It's real Paris.JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-21105960092153433452017-09-11T20:10:17.830-04:002017-09-11T20:10:17.830-04:00How exciting, Lesa! (and hi!) I think our next tri...How exciting, Lesa! (and hi!) I think our next trip might be to Ireland. What a fabulous spot -- I haven't been since I was 18 and all I remember was green and how freaked I was being upside down, dangling over the Blarney Stone. Need to do that again!!!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-22389803399697374562017-09-11T20:08:49.000-04:002017-09-11T20:08:49.000-04:00Hallie, what a joy it was to spend time with you a...Hallie, what a joy it was to spend time with you at Book Passage and environs! That view!!!!!!! It was a pleasure, and I agree -- New York has that exceptional ability to give you pearls if you simply look for them without expectation. What's your favorite restaurant? I have several but I love Remi and Novitá.<br />JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-20191514144967439672017-09-11T20:05:20.475-04:002017-09-11T20:05:20.475-04:00In vino veritas, Karen... Hugs to you, too!In vino veritas, Karen... Hugs to you, too!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-81983180688470385582017-09-11T20:04:43.229-04:002017-09-11T20:04:43.229-04:00Jim, I am so glad you mentioned finding holy groun...Jim, I am so glad you mentioned finding holy ground wherever we stand. If pressed to move I don't know that I'd be able to find a spot that I'd be able to say this. This is the place. I am out on tour this week and have already stood in several spots and stared at the vistas and felt my heart expand and my breathing deepen. A deck during sunset in Tiburon, California; a small lakeside walkway in Excelsior, MN; Seattle on a sunny, warm afternoon, the pines reaching to the sky (that was today): all brought me peace and joy. Be where you are, right?JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-11707919561003854122017-09-11T20:01:32.886-04:002017-09-11T20:01:32.886-04:00Ah, the Virtual Montparnasse... I still feel that&...Ah, the Virtual Montparnasse... I still feel that's what our online creative community is in many respects. I love the idea of staying in Montparnasse in with a bunch of writers and truly sucking the marrow out of the city. Have so much fun!!!!! (And do eat at La Coupole. The ceiling itself is worth the trip.)JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-1332299844071621512017-09-11T19:59:40.203-04:002017-09-11T19:59:40.203-04:00Gigi, how fabulous! I love that you have a local l...Gigi, how fabulous! I love that you have a local locale as your favorite. I feel the same way when I get to Denver -- ah, home! And Nashville, too, now. And D.C., when I see it in the movies, those gorgeous long pan shots of the monuments. (I love a lot of places, obviously). <br /><br />The legacy you've created is wonderful. So many blessings on you for doing that. Our young artists need all the nurturing they can get, and having a local who cares enough to make that happen for them is incredible. <br /><br />JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-1900746800398931792017-09-11T19:52:03.053-04:002017-09-11T19:52:03.053-04:00Hi Hank - thanks so much for having me! You are to...Hi Hank - thanks so much for having me! You are too kind, you know I feel the same toward you! So my French woman was so gallic -- a nose that was almost too big and beakish, brown hair in a long bob that grazed her collarbones, brown eyes, a fabulous scarf over black top and pants. She was eating steak tartare and was so focused on her companion I almost wondered if they were in the flush of a new affair. Her profile was so interesting I stared the whole meal. She was captivating and beautiful and perfect and so quintessentially French. <br /><br />As far as my language skills -- I actually did well, and was very open that I wanted to learn. There was only one waiter who was a butthead, the rest were open and funny and helped me get the words right. One even sent us to a restaurant his friend owned for a meal. Yes, they spoke in English, but happily worked with us on our vocabulary. I found the stores were quite happy to help us if we walked in and said Bonjour madam, monsieur. Amazing how a little effort helped. <br /><br />I found that you get out what you put into Paris. I put a lot in, and got a LOT out. JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-9419611306546146052017-09-11T19:46:05.667-04:002017-09-11T19:46:05.667-04:00Joan, I absolutely love that. I'm working on m...Joan, I absolutely love that. I'm working on making my home my dream spot, too. Thanks for the kind words on LTM, too!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-89492644064944251522017-09-11T10:16:22.843-04:002017-09-11T10:16:22.843-04:00This post makes me want to visit Paris so badly! S...This post makes me want to visit Paris so badly! Such lovely descriptions.<br /><br />For me, South Korea is the place of my heart because it captures the years of my life that represented freedom and adventure. I spent over three years teaching English there after graduating from college and it was a magical time. The places that are especially important to me are Yesan (the small rural town I lived and taught in), Seoul (which I visited almost every weekend and had such an amazing energy), and Busan (a lovely port town).<br /><br />Even though I have plans to visit again in the future, I know it won't be the same. The people who made my time there so significant have all moved on. Different time, different place. But oh, the memories...Mia P. Manansalahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10769140102638604922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1001156153899984046.post-83138713771112301572017-09-10T02:22:06.672-04:002017-09-10T02:22:06.672-04:00Y'all are so amazing!!! I promise to be back t...Y'all are so amazing!!! I promise to be back tomorrow to answer and converse. It was a long day at the fabulous Book Passage mystery conference here in San Fran! Sweet dreams-more tomorrow!!!JT Ellisonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034115593738265631noreply@blogger.com