Soar-Dream-France

Paris Perspectives

After a visit to the Venus De Milo in the Louvre, we passed through a gallery full of statues that spoke to me.  I caught a few different shots that I loved, and remind me today of the importance of perspective.  There was an old training exercise we used to do where you have someone step up on a chair and tell you what they see and feel from that vantage point.  Moving people to look at life and their world from another perspective, isn't always easy when feet are firmly planted in one place.  I try to be open.  I try to see my surroundings from different vantage points and different seasons. I often step outside of myself and do the same.  This work assignment has pushed those limits for me. I have moved the lens of the camera I have trained on myself in and out in an effort to focus and find clarity.  Both will come. Both will go. And, there will always be something new to add into the equation.  I wonder if it will ever be as easy as it was in the Louvre...to just walk around to the other side of the statue!

Paris Parfumeur-Flagonard

Before I left on this weekend bus trip to Paris, I asked everyone what would be their MUST SEE spots if you only had a weekend.  When our tour guide mentioned going to a parfumeur, I was puzzled to say the least.  Fragonard was not on my list or anyone else's, but I decided to just go along and make the most of it.  I had that luxury since I had been to Paris many times before.  Other members of the tour did not feel the same and struck out on their own for the reported alloted time.  Our guide through the establishment was beautiful, funny and an exceptional saleswoman.  I decided to treat myself to one of their eau de toilettes...éclat.  It is perfect for me-subtle, musky, and charming.  Once we left Fragonard, the bus took everyone to the Eiffel Tower.  Here, Mira and I began our 36 hour adventure on our own in Paris.  This trip reconfirmed for me that I am a solo traveler.  I teased Mira that she shouldn't be surprised to see me crossing the Pont Neuf on my walker when I'm 80! And, I would be really happy if that turns out to be possible!

More Montmartre-ing

Passing by this storefront in Montmartre, this beautiful, young musician caught my eye and screamed: "Please take my photo!" I could have taken a photo of each and every storefront in Montmartre and had enough material to get me through the end of the year with unique, beautiful, and interesting, Montmartre moments to share. One of my favorite things to do in Montmartre is to discover a shop where an artist is at work through the window.  I stand and watch and frequently feel that I have been privy to a private world where this artist is happy and comfortable creating.  I could have spent all day Sunday wandering around in Montmartre...soaking up the atmosphere, shooting shots, having a leisurely vin rouge.  Alas, that was not to be on this trip.  Paris is saying-please come back soon.  I must.

More Accordions-Metro Moments

Mira and I were sitting on those fold down seats right at the door of the entrance to the metro on our way to the Louvre after our visit to Montmartre, when this young man jumped in and began playing.  We'd already been softened up by our colorful friend from yesterday's post, and here a trio of pieces were played just for us.  He was quite charming, full of smiles, and we tipped well.  It's always interesting to watch the pattern to tipping musicians on the metro and elsewhere.  You can find free music everywhere in Paris. Not only is Paris speaking to me, but Paris singing to me too!

Accordions Everywhere

Accordion players appear all over Paris.  They may pop in and out of the metro or stake out a spot and play for the passersby.  I love accordions.  I discovered this beautiful, colorful, young woman staking out her spot close to Sacre Coeur on Sunday Morning.  The colors and flowers pulled me to her, but it was the music and her mischievous smile that held me there and got the tip.  I've pondered learning to play the accordion.  When I was in the process of buying the Chatette, I would stay in Cahors with Stu and Mad.  Each evening, I would walk up the Rue Gambetta to return to their home, and pass the Accordion School.  When Kat and Tom were with me that November of 2001-we stopped at the window and watched the Accordion Class in action.  Maybe there's an accordion and an accordion class in my future!

Paris Murmurs

En-route to Frankfurt through Paris, I posted some empty chairs and posed a question.  Sunday morning, my colleague and I sat on the "inside" of the same location and this is what we saw.  It was fun to share a chocolate croissant, have coffee, use the toilette and then catch the funicular up to Sacre Coeur and wander around Montmartre.  I'll be sharing some of my favorite photos of Montmartre over the next few days. Paris is speaking to me.  Each stop the voice becomes louder and clearer. On my way to Frankfurt, I knew I needed to have more time in Paris.  On this trip, I realized that not only do I need more time in Paris, but I need more time in Paris on my own to reconnect there in some important way that I'm not even sure I'm aware of.  I know it's important.  I'll know it when it happens, but for now I'm thinking that a few days on my own in Paris may be a gift to me sometime after my April return to Cadrieu.  You know that I will keep you posted.

 

Cruising on the Seine

Back from Paris on the bus late, and trying to get it together to get to work this morning...I just wanted to drop a quick photo on you before I go with a promise to be back with many more through the next days and weeks.  Our nightime cruise with the Vedettes du Pont-Neuf on the Seine offered many photo ops and fun.  A Bientôt! 

Man Law

Over the half-way hump in my rotational assignment, I've found that I'm enjoying our after work get togethers at the hotel Happy Hour even more.  In addition to a number of other people who are doing something similar to me, we have a crew of military, x-military, and some never military civilian types too.  We have hooted about textile free together.  Last night we hooted about "Man-Law".  The guys had a list that kept growing.  It started with "pink" is out and exploded from there.  Evidently, there is some organization called "Man Law" that has a board and membership.  After last night, I'm going to have to look it up and see what I can find out.  The guys have promised to give me a list for future reference.  It wasn't the list so much as the facial expressions and gestures that had me giggling uncontrollably. I'm happy that we're all proud to be who we are.  There doesn't need to be a law about that.  I think my friend in the photo could be a member of "Man Law", don't you?  He guards one of the museum courtyards in Stuttgart. But I don't know, upon closer examination I think there might be something in the man law about no feathers on the hood of your armour!

I'm off to Paris this evening for the weekend.  I hope to be back on Monday with lots of photos and blog topics.  Have a great weekend!

Feline French Immersion

I'm getting my pet reports from time to time from Cadrieu.  I laughed when Greg told me that Sam was doing well at Christiane's and had hung out under the dining room table during his Tuesday afternoon French lesson.  He told me that she distracted his French lesson a bit, which I apologized for.  But then I had a questions for him:  Is my Samedi cat speaking French yet?  With all this "immersion" her French might be better than mine!

Centering in the Light

Yesterday's candles did much to prepare me for the kind of day I was going to have.  I had a sense of alert all morning, and with very good reason.  When I got back to the hotel last night, I reflected on my day and was so very grateful that I had centered in the peace in a way that allowed me to keep moving through the day and do what I needed to do each step along the way.  I still collapsed when I got back.  As I sit here facing another day-I figure the more peace and light I can muster, the better!