Area 'fille' fulfills dream to travel, walks barefoot in Paris

I suppose some news about Paris is in order, especially after the long blogging hiatus. Basically Paris was wonderful; I had the most wonderful wonderful time and it was all I had dreamed it would be. Everyday was sunny which meant we walked as much as possible and saw many of my favorite parts of the city: le Marais, Monmartre, les jardins, and of course many other small surprises of farm-fresh markets, charming streets, and small parks were discovered. I was so caught up in the wonder of Paris that I didn't once think back to the snowy wonderland I had just left or worry about the mountain of work I had to return to. Paris enveloped my entire state of being. I was so caught up in the moment that I didn't recall my past or anticipate the future; Paris was my reality and my state of mind. It felt otherworldly. So what did I do? Oh a little of everything really...went to museums, read my book in the park, took photos of all my meals, walked everywhere, spoke as much French as possible, and had a really really fabulous time. I miss it already. Paris je t'aime.

Magnolia tree in bloom

Louvre in all its glory


Le Marché Aux Puces

Best hot chocolate in the world at Angelina's


French fille extraordinaire Anaïs et Moi at Pop in

Someone special

gave me these.

home, home.

The tragedy of my trip to Paris was that it had to end. I really shouldn't complain since it was honestly one of the best vacations I have ever had, but I can't stop myself from wishing I was still there...

A plane, a ticket, & me

I am leaving for Paris in 4 days...oh my! I am suddenly very nervous & overwhelmed. Not that I am complaining, just that it's approaching rapidly and I feel like I suddenly have a lot to do and I don't know where to begin...don't even get me started on how I'm supposed to accomplish this ever growing list when I have almost no money to my name. I don't know how I ever thought I could finance a trip to Paris. Reality is certainly beginning to set in as I realize that I will be limited to doing very very little because I simply can't afford to do much. Nevertheless I don't think this will put a damper on my trip since I have no intention of making this a shopping trip or an extravagant vacation. I'm coming to Paris because I love the city, the people, the language, and the culture. I plan on visiting with friends, hopefully renting a bike, walking as much as possible, possibly trying to visit one museum per day, and making sure to spend at least 2 hours everyday reading & writing & observing in a cafe. I think I'll also be taking one tiny side trip to Normandie to visit my friend's parents for a day or so which will be nice to visit the countryside. I still can't believe I'm actually going to Paris. Paris Paris Paris! Sometimes I forget and then someone will casually remind me or say something about it and I immediately fall into this child-like sense of excitement and joy realizing that I am leaving the country. I am going on vacation by myself; with myself. I am doing exactly what I want to do. I am living the life I want to live. My life and principles according to me, no one else. Money & common sense need not apply.

Modern Romance

2 billets pour le théâtre
2 desserts élégants
2 verres de vin rouge

plutôt contente...

Let the countdown begin

10 days until I leave for Paris. (!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!)

Silence is golden (black & white is key)

This week was awful awful and horrible horrible. (Minus the fact, of course, that I bought a plane ticket to Paris yesterday!!) This weekend, par contre, will be an excess of parties and wine and mimes galore! Allow me to qualify the mime part...Darling Friend is having a mime-themed party at her house ce soir; which means I get to be chic with my little parisien beret and all black clothing...and no one can talk. Because this is how mimes live. In a world of silence, sadness, reflection, and when they work at birthday parties, maybe a little bit of joy. DF and I went to get drinks after work last night and I thought I heard her ask me,

"What do mimes mean?"

I'll admit I was taken aback by such a philosophical question over vodka tonics; I responded,

"I think that, deep down inside, they're really just a sad and troubled people."

DF looked confused. She and asked me again,

"What do you think mimes eat?"

"Oh, I don't know...silent food? Certainly not pretzels, nothing too loud or salty. Maybe applesauce?"

DF and I also came to the conclusion that mimes probably eat an inordinate amount of black and white food...therefore hard boiled eggs and oreos were a natural choice for hors d'oeuvres. I have no doubt that this will be a super party.