Wednesday was the UN’s International Day of Happiness and France’s National Macaron Day. I defy anyone to nosh on macarons, pull up Pharrell William’s Happy on their iPod and not bust a sugar-high move or two. Joy always transcends embarrassing one’s self.
I’m an Iowa girl. Seeing the Midwest under water is heart-breaking. Colorado has experienced over 3,000 avalanches this winter. Uncertainty reigns everywhere. So where’s the happy dance in all that?
Here’s my answer. While it’s essential to be Present, caring for what you can control, let’s agree to all needing a daily dose of Joy Juice. To laugh. To smile. “The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.”
Celebrating. That’s Oprah. She also suggests moving out of your comfort zone. Well, Ms. O., D-O-N-E. At times this winter, I’ve been wobbly, feeling a bubble off, maybe. But here’s what I tell myself. Feeling awkward or uncomfortable? Get over it. No one else is paying attention to that. If my self esteem takes a hit, shake it off. Recently I received an e-mail from Emma, my 16-year old granddaughter, that began, “OMG, Grandma, you’re such a Rebel.” I don’t need Joy Juice or Oprah, I have Emma!
If you’re interested in learning about this Rebel’s stellar Paris itinerary the past two weeks…..
HERE’S THE SCOOP
Last winter I scheduled guided Paris Walks. This year I walked Paris. I’ve tasted and rubbernecked my way through this vibrant city. Hopefully the walking will lessen the consequences of my don’t-hold-back eating.
If there’s a crowded street food line, I’ve joined it. Today it was Lebanese. Being clueless, I muttered “Je ne sais rien,”
“Knowing nothing” earned me a comrade-in-line who planned my order. When I stepped up to the counter, the owner smiled, saying in perfect English, “We will get you all fixed up.” (And he did, with Shawarma au bœuf libanais.)
Without today’s technology my trip couldn’t happen. I use my iPhone for travel itineraries and check-ins, museum tickets, walking maps and photographs. It’s my security blanket. It’s also a link to the life I live. I’m never lonely because I’m not alone. There’s a steady flow of texts and e-mails from friends and my Gant and Cali families.
The best tech magic, however, was last week when Clara, a sophomore, competed in a southern Cali track invitational 200 miles from Bishop. Her sister Emma texted this picture to Melissa. Within the hour, that text landed in Paris followed shortly by Clara’s text saying she’d jumped her personal best, winning second place. That was the same day I saw Van Gogh’s “Self Portrait with a Bandaged Ear” (which came in second place to Clara’s second place). Life does not get better.
I’ve settled into a comfortable rhythm visiting museums, churches and sites. At Fondation Louis Vuitton, I wandered through English industrialist Samuel Courtauld’s collection of impressionist painters…twice. I watched an amazing 30-minute light/musical immersion of Van Gogh’s paintings at the Atelier des Lumières. The Petit Palais didn’t disappoint nor did Musée Cernuschi which has a remarkable Asian art collection.
One afternoon I stopped by the Panthéon to honor the greats buried in its necropolis. I had a list and found them all – Jean Moulin, the Curie’s, Louis Braille and also Voltaire, Rousseau, Hugo, Zola, Descartes and Dumas. It felt good to do that.
Although there’s still much to do this week, I’ll soon fly home and will be very happy to be in Aspen.
Safe travels home! SO glad you got to see Dorie, Patty and Mardi!!! What fun. xoxo
Always fun to catch up with you via your blog! Safe travels and see you soon in Colorado. Amy
You are such an inspiration for us all! Loved the quotes in this blog and good reminders. Oh the Foundation LV is my favorite and how would I love to see the umbrellas this spring! And that cauliflower….thank you for sharing!
So much to love about this blog. But I love your comment Je Ne sais rien comment, which immediately made me think of je ne regrette rien and edith piaf. You have it all covered.
The food pictures are amazing. I am curious about your dining budget…not calories but francs. You absolutely look fabulous dahling.
Cannot wait to see you.
you are a treasure 🙂
Travel safely! It’s always nice to be “home”.
I’ve loved your blog, and the review of your activities was sensational!
Don’t leave! I’ll be there on the 3rd!!!
Loved this post! I’m always disappointed when you leave Paris because I feel like I’m there with you in some small measure, whenever you blog about my favorite city in the world, but looking forward to having you back home in Aspen soon! Safe travels my friend!!
OOhh la la! Your photos and commentary have brightened this girl’s day. Who knew that cauliflower could be so artsy? Many thanks for all your good ideas and inspirational thought.
Rita
Think our challah baking group in Aspen could make those cinammon rolls!? Hahaha! They look delicious. Safe travels back to CO. Bon voyage.
Looks like you had an amazing time! Love the photos.
Such fun to revisit Paris through your eyes! It was SO lovely to see you (three times!) and spend some time with you!
Great blog Mary. You’ve given me a lot to munch on–food and thought. Oh and, OMG, if I had Clara’s legs I’d be ruling the world!
once again, a fabulous post. The pictures of the umbrellas was stunning – all I could think of was the Venetian glass scultpure at the Bellagio…..fabulous! I will miss you being in Paris and posting your adventures…it is like we are there with you, and our trip,is about to end. And I really wanted to drag you to Italy for a day or two while I am there in April to give you a taste of Castello Banfi with friends and family. Oh well, next year??
xoxo
Karen