Rêver de Paris…

Under Contemplative Daydream.

May 2, 2021

I’m starting to day dream again, my head slowly rising out of the fog. A heavy fog of a formidable 14 months of fear, death, hype, denial, destruction, growth, cultivation of community among a country divided, various heartaches that have left me reflective, and sad, yet never broken, often inspired and a better person because of it. Out of the fog a discovery of unmatched strength and love.

Today, listening to Gregory Porter, I arm chair traveled for the first time in awhile. I toured Parisian apartments online, excited at the idea that France is considering opening its borders to vaccinated American in the next few months. That alone is worth getting the vaccine isn’t it : )!

Vaccines, day dreams and tentatively planning feels like the warmth of hope. I feel a stirring of possibility. yet, I feel stiff, in dream and bone. I feel slower, tired. A private getaway sounds perfect, Alone in France speaks to me.

Like a butterfly floating about Paris, wonderfully lost, high amongst the cream colored Haussmanns, gliding in and out of cobblestone neighborhoods and french traffic lined along Pont Alexandre III. Glimpsing my orange and winged reflection in the dark sunglasses of the impecable french. A lazy drift, on a summer wind, dipping Monarch wings into the Seine…

April 25, 2021

I hear you…You’re whispering my name, tickeling my mind. Paris is calling…

September 11, 2016 – A special 10 day trip to Paris with Lauren for her High school graduation

Dear Paris,

I’ve returned! I can hardly believe it after a year of planning and dreaming, I’m back and Paris has welcomed me with ease. I arranged for a car to pick Lauren and I up at the CDG airport, a treat to be sure. As soon as we walked through customs I saw a sign that said “Bienvenue Leora and Lauren!” My heart soared. Billion was the driver from Blacklane Car services. A fantastic young man, fluent in English with a great smile and service. He grabbed our bags, escorting us to a beautiful, black Mercedes Benz. Billion did everything right, punctuating fine service with his french accent causing Lauren and I to giggle like school girls.

Our Small flat is located in the heart of the 5th arrondissement, the Latin Quarter near Sorbonne, Jardin du Luxombourg and a healthy walk to Notre Dame. Exactly were I wanted to be.

Arriving early in the morning, we afforded ourselves a nap. The sound of a live jazz tune played in the distance, a trumpet player outside the apartment window 6 stories down played an intoxicating melody, lulling me in and out of a warm lazy slumber. I felt as if I had time traveled through a sweet dream to a place I had been before.

Like an excited child on Christmas morning, I wanted to jump up and down on the bed. “Lets go, lets go” I sang, waking Lauren, excited, we quickly dressed and went out to stroll the neighborhood with the idea of stocking our kitchen. A gloriously beautiful day, pleasantly warm, blue skies with giant billowing clouds and the sweet sound of the french language all around us. The neighborhood was filled with people enjoying their day. Everything seems more romantic in Paris, one of the reasons that I love this city. People, be it romantic couples, families, friends, business acquaintances, all are leisurely sitting outside cafe’s without a care in the world, sipping espresso and wine, lingering over long meals, enjoying each others company, laughing and gazing into each others eyes with genuine interest and adoration.

Enchanted by the warm summer evening, the cobblestone streets and the architecture, Lauren and I walked for hours admiring the dress of the Parisians and the beauty of the French. We stopped for gelato, and panini’s, trying our hand at the french language…laughable and fun!

Making our way back to the apartment I noticed armed military police with large German Shepard dogs patrolling the neighborhood and tight alleyways that were filling up with lively college students. Always alert when I travel, but more so with my child in a large foreign city that has had its share of terrorism and violence, I reminded myself that Paris is safe, like San Francisco or New York. Relaxing and returning to the rhythm of the city, I walked with my head high, ever observant, thinking of Paris as a love waiting for me to discover its hidden secrets yet respecting it while holding gratitude in my heart for my return.

Returning to our street we slipped into a cute corner market that made the ordinary seem exotic, the grocer greeted us with a joyful Bonjour and where milk became lait and cheese became fromage. After spending an exorbitant amount of time browsing and admiring everything in le petite marche’ we picked up some of our favorite foods and fixings for a pasta dinner. In France, at 18 years of age Lauren is legal to drink, so to celebrate her graduation we picked up a bottle of Pascal Jolivet Sancerre Sauvage Rose from Loire, France and a bottle of real french Champagne from of course Champagne, France!
Bon appétit belle Lauren!

June 9, 2016 – 90 days until I return to Paris, France

Dear Paris,

 I’ve been dreaming of you like a forlorn lover. I’m returning to bask in the romance of you if only for a little while. I want to rummage through your flea markets, and get lost in your alleyways and labyrinth rues, I want to walk over every cobblestone bridge and kiss the Seine with a sweet smile and gaze at the Eiffel tower and know that I am home. I want to roam your exquisite museums, cathedrals, and marvel at foregone statues and lore.

I want to indulge your in fresh breads, cheeses, and creamy pastries, drink a case of your wine, and sip your strong, rich espresso’s and taste you on my lips.

February 23, 2014 –

One hour until my train leaves for London and I’m still happily lost in Paris!

Paris my love,

You have captivated me!

It is as if we have fallen in love and are held in a tight embrace, reluctant to leave each other.

You entice me with your mesmerizing streets and alley way cafes’, begging me not to leave. Me holding on to you for one last embrace, wrapping myself with your mystery, wanting more of your beauty and romance.

I have fallen deeply in love with your people, your art, your history, your food, your language and soul. One hour until my train leaves for London and I don’t care if I miss it!

” A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of Life.” ~ Thomas Jefferson