Paris

The idea to travel to Paris and live for a month came to me a couple years ago.  As I wanted my daughter to experience France when she was 10 years old, the same age when I lived in Versailles with my Parents and Brother in 1980.  Well 2009 came and went and I did not go, nay sayers - mostly my Mom. 

The yearning has not gone away.

But now in 2010 things look bleak as I am about to go into battle with my Ex and travelling to Paris just would not look good.  Never mind that I worked hard and saved over the last 3 years since he walked away.  The money to go to France is there.  Just doesn't look good.  Besides my fear at my unemployment state that I currently reside.

The summer is not over.  As of now I listen to Paris cafe music, studying at Stanford a Paris history class, and doing "French" things.  One of the things is going to the de Young museum with my daughter and her friend to see the Birth of Impressionism ~ Masterpieces from the Musee D'Orsay.

My daughter is drawn to Edgar Degas who draws many ballet scenes.  The painting above is The Dancing Lesson. 1873-1876. 

This Degas guy was a character.  When his Father estate was settled they found out that his Brother was in debt and in order to save family name Degas sold everything he had.  Only later to be recognized as an impressionist which was insulting to him.  The name was made up to describe this new modern way of painting and to make fun of it.  As the established art at the time was classical renaissance.  Art of mythology and religious subjects was considered art, not paintings of ordinary people and ordinary activities!  Turbulent times were not isolated to just the art world as Franco-Prussian War or Franco-German War was a part of life with Degas and his friends serving, many friends not returning.  In 1870 Paris was under siege and famine and disease ran rampant.  There were shops selling rat and dog meat - disgusting but when you are starving...Sadly the arguementative Degas pushed away his friends, ending up going blind, and wandering the streets of Paris.

So fasinating is history...I love reading and learning other's stories.  Because humans are basically similar, facing challenges, enjoying life, living in times of war, friends, friend's problems, surviving issues, craving expression - much the same issues.  

Okay got to go, my strategy of sleepover/playdate backfired into more work as my daughter's once clean room looks like a bomb hit it. LOL

Friend Moving away...how did the time get away from us?

“Make the most…and reinvigorate yourself. Make a date with a favorite funny girl- all those giggles and guffaws boost endorphins, and social connections elevate the spirit.”
~March 2010 Better Homes and Gardens

Last night was Haley’s play at a beautiful house in Saratoga, surrounded by a magical garden as the sun streamed through the trees the children said their lines loudly and with vigor (and the lines were long!) Afterwards we feasted on a Greek potluck and got to talk to the other parents. The highlight of the evening was seeing my dear Russian friend who confirmed the rumors that she would be leaving for Europe. My happiness at seeing her turned sad, we have 1 month to enjoy each other. Her Husband said I must come visit and the wheels in my mind start spinning yet at the moment I cannot come up with a plan. [picture of us playing in the snow with our girls]

Moments – why did I let them slip away? We have not gone out for months. What was I doing? 

Last night a friend asked me what I did today and I could not answer.  I can easily recall the big events that make up life, such as the play, but the mundane activities slip away, lost in cooking, laundry, gardening, working, talking on the phone, visiting others, exercise, care of self, care of daughter, care of dogs…

Talking of dogs…here’s another quote from Better Homes and Gardens, plus Chloe Pictures.


“Playing with your pet can reduce stress, a big energy zapper. Give your anxieties a breather and play fetch with Buddy.”

*Note no birds were hurt during filming