I have always believed that birthdays are not just another calendar year or notch on your life dateline. There is much more to it than blowing out candles on a special cake and drinking bubbly, both of which I love to do! I recently celebrated another birthday about two weeks ago with much gratitude! This …
Birthdays, More Than Candles, Cake and Champagne Read More »
I am not at all surprised, but I can see the French rolling their eyes when they read the demands especially requested by Team USA for their separate headquarters in Eaubonne, a village about 20 minutes north of Paris. The staff of the US team, and some athletes will stay in the huge athletic center …
Team USA, 25 tonnes of Ice Cubes and Portable Air Conditioners for Paris Olympics Read More »
There’s definitely an increased buzz in the streets. Though Paris is full of tourists year-round, the energy seems pumped up more than usual. Olympic fever is mounting, but parts of Paris have never looked so barricaded, an unfortunate necessity these days to protect human lives during the games. These restrictions are disrupting public transport, both …
Olympic Fever is Rising , Unfortunately So Are Barricades Read More »
The sounds of waves roaring into shore and the energy of the ocean always beckons me, regardless of the weather. Good thing, as the sun disappeared for most of my beach trip after the first evening, while Paris strangely basked in the sun. Rain and blustery, howling winds awakened us the following morning. That never …
It is impossible to forget May Day here, because as soon as I step out in the streets, Paris will be literally flooded with perfumed Lily of the Valley flowers. Even before today, the grocery stores have been selling Lilies of the Valley and I have seen people buy loads of them to give as …
May Day In Paris, Muguet Flowers And A Bit Of Happiness Read More »
The Winter Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere will soon be here! After a few days of sunshine, the sky clouded over again with that unique Parisian steely grayness, that the impressionists painted so well, and my heart is filled with much gratitude for my blessings. The winter solstice is the day before our sun starts …
The Winter Solstice and Christmas. My Christian Perspective Read More »
Restorations take place all the time in Paris. One of the things I admire about French culture, is that old edifices are more likely to be restored than torn down and replaced with some modern building. That certainly is the case with Notre Dame and a recently visited medieval jewel in the Marais. On a personal …
Restorations: Notre Dame de Paris, a Medieval Monastery and Me Read More »
Some of you may have noticed and questioned why I have not been posting regularly for a while. Not out of choice, mind you. Instead, I had been called to do a new modeling project. Since April, I have been hanging around white-coated photographers, posing for rather shadowy black and white photos. Unfortunately, I wasn’t …
As I write, there is a patch of hot sun slowly creeping across my back. I am sitting at my dinning table with the balcony door open for the last few drifts of early morning cool air before I have to close the door. If I had shutters or even a curtain, they would be …
Queen Catherine de Medici paced nervously back and forth along the majestic eastern gallery of the Louvre palace trying to keep her wits about her. She had a hard time thinking of anything else but what Cosme Ruggieri, her favorite astrologist had just told her. As her eyes nervously scanned the outlines of the church …
Catherine de Medici, Her Obsession With Astrologers And The Occult Read More »
It is so ironic that la Conciergerie, the medieval prison where Marie Antoinette, spent her final days being insulted, taunted, humiliated, and hated has been the star draw for this haunting yet stunning edifice! Advertised as Marie Antoinette’s prison, I decided to go back again after several years. The first time, years ago, I felt too …
La Conciergerie Where Marie Antoinette Spent Her Final Days Read More »
Look toward the Light when the shadows of life pull you down. Offer gratitude for your blessings and the breath of life. Bathe others in kindness and love and seek joy wherever you may find it. I am grateful I finally made it to Cauterets, a picturesque jewel of a ski village graced with …
Sun, Snow and Healing Waters High in the Pyrenees at Cauterets Read More »