I met Noelle years ago and I've wanted to take her portrait since then. She is a wonderful person inside in out. I hope you enjoy these photographs as much as I do.
For me, Mondays in Bangkok meant an afternoon
spent with a wonderful family. Cordelia, introduced us
when she heard they were looking for an English tutor. My weekly visits were
focused on tutoringMaëlysa, 16 year-old
and Quitterie, an 11 year-old girl. In addition to tutoring English, I became a
friend and, sometimes during long French conversations, I felt like part of
their family. I found both parents and all four girls absolutely genuine,
sweet, brilliant, and eager to learn. After a few lessons I learned that these
girls and their mother had moved to Bangkok to support their father in his
career. All of them missed France, their friends, family, and life back home, but the sacrifices they made in order to stay together as a happy family is beyond words. Best of luck to Maëlys, Oriane, Quitterie, and
Soline. This tight-knit family's next stop? Shanghai!"
When I think of my mother, I think of her strong hands, warm hugs, big smiles, red lipstick, beautiful smile, farm life, cows and chickens, unconditional love, cocktail hour, tea time, baking, cooking, her patience, and never ending support.
"My mother had no end of tragedy in her life. She would make herself get up and take a deep breath and go out and do laundry. Hang up sheets."
-Patti Smith