Why scream, when a whisper will do? There are two ways I could talk about Paris...as I have before, with grand, articulate methods of adoration...OR...as I will today, in a calm, private whisper. Paris and I got reaquainted in quite ways. Walks up the Champs Elysees, sitting in a park watching the buslte, the creaking of the Louvre floors as I ventured up to my favorite Vermeer painting to have a conversation with the details of his art. I walked by this Grand Roule (big wheel) each day I was in Paris. It illuminated me.
Eating a succulent pear with the juice running down my arm as I slice it. Searching for a perfect baguette on a Sunday morning. Leaving my camera behind for the most part, and taking personal photos with my own memory. A cold, quiet walk through the cemetery on a rainy day. Looking out the window at the rooftops of Parisian apartments and feeling at home. Speaking French with everyone (I speak like a Canadian, apparently, at least that is what people kept telling me.) I took a stroll up the Christmas-Ready Champs Elysees almost nightly, taking in the Marche de Noel and watching the French be French.
Arriving in Paris, I immerged from a metro stop just by my favorite arc, in front of the Louvre, on Thanksgiving day-- feeling more grateful than I have in a long time. Paris is my friend, my confidant, my companion, my home, my seasons, my secret. Paris and I had long conversations. Paris and I understand one another. Paris and I take things slowly. Paris and I are grateful the other exists.
20 comments:
Wow... Beautiful! I would love to go someday. Hope your French went well.
How fun!
Wonderful...I recently returned to Paris as well, and by that I mean to Paris in the pages of Victor Hugo's Les Miserables. I know the streets are different, the lights are different, but like you I love the return.
Hopefully one day I will make it in person.
Your life never ceases to amaze me. Once again...living vicariously...
Love the pictures and the details! When I was in Paris it was Christmas/New Year's and it was such a magical feeling. I'm glad you are safely returned!
You make me want to go to paris
Sounds lovely, my dear. One day, I will experience Paris myself. I look forward to it.
Until then, I shall vicariously through my adventurous, and well-traveled friend D'Arcy.
Welcome home. :-)
Kia ora D'Arcy,
Welcome back. A whisper is far more beautiful, and I can sense you in all these lovely moments.
Aroha,
Robb
I loved this post. I am a sucker for a great pic of Champs Elysees, and this is a good one.
You make me wish I could be a piece of lint on your jacket. How many times have you been there?
Sounds like the two of you will be happy together for a long time.
And I would imagine that speaking like a Canadian is a huge compliment over speaking like an American.
Welcome home, D'Arcy girl! I'm ever so glad you and Paris were able to get reaquainted. I would love to get back there myself someday. Love the post!
It's wonderful how a place can suit our personality and needs so fully. Some cities were truly designed by those who understand a romantic woman. I remember how I felt glorious in Paris, as opposed to frenetic in my hometown, NYC.
I've been to Paris many times, yet, it's never enough. I lived there for a year, and that hardly seems to scratch the surface, then I try to return at least once a year. This trip went far too fast, as i had to come home a day early, I didn't even get back to my old neighborhood.
yes, cities and people are both living and breathing, and in my view, can have a relationship.
This last week Paris whispered to me that it might be time to go back for a while , I don't know quite how to swing that, maybe a summer job? Anyone know a way for me to get a job and an apartment in Paris? Let me know, I'm ready.
Welcome back. Glad you had fun--even though I'm jealous.
Paris is an elegant Goddess.
The city of light inspires all and your photos hint at her heavenly powers.
Moving to France is easy, become the full time artist that you already are. Paint, write, and show us all how to live more deeply and intimately each moment.
Thanks D'Arcy! It will be good for Mal to have a lil bro or sis...really it will be good for us all! I just hope this morning sickness stuff leaves as quickly as it came:P
Glad you had a wonderful time in Paris, and I hope you find a way to get there this summer!
Welcome back! So good to talk with you today. :)
Moi aussi. J'adore Paris--ses monuments, son histoire, ses secrets, ses rues, son energie. N'importe quand; je l'adore et elle me manque.
Your love affair with Paris sounds like mine with Madrid.
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