Category Archives: personal essays

my personal paris

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I had an amazing, life-changing realization while in Paris, and I hope I can articulate it properly. It was my third time there, and the number three holds much significance to my husband and I, so that was, I feel, a sign in itself. I grew up dreaming of France, and Paris, and it is has always held a distinct place in my heart and in my mind. I always arrive with renewed child-like wonder, and leave in tears wondering when I will (if ever) see it again. I do not take for granted the fact that I have been multiple times…I am one lucky girl, and I know it! However, something else happened to me this time.

Paris had lost a little bit of it’s sparkle. I know…shocking, especially coming from me. At first it was upsetting to me – I did not (and don’t ever) want to lose my adoration for the city, the French people, and for the culture. The good news is that I have not…but I realized why some of the magic was gone. I finally had found that magic within…in my life, in my love. I no longer needed to cling to the fantasy of what Paris represented to me…I now had it in my heart, and in my soul. True happiness and fulfillment is a new feeling for me. I now have my very own, personal–Paris.

this is my (public) valentine to mr. fleurishing…je t’aime beaucoup hubby.

awaiting spring

Chair

 

With another winter storm on the horizon, I know we are all looking towards spring. I personally am really enjoying the cold and snow, having been down south for, well…too long. So I’m not complaining, but I am also looking forward to the arrival of spring, and this chair in all it’s glory, having shed it’s winter layer. For now, it will remain solitary in the snow.

l’orangerie lilies

 

 

Lilies

Every time I've been in Paris the l'Orangerie museum has been under construction, and I can't even explain my excitement that it was finally open on our recent trip! I grew up loving Monet's art and learning about his life, thanks to my mother. I've devoured pretty much any and all places that house his works, and this was at the top of my must-see list. I was worried that all the build-up to this event would outshine the actual experience, but thankfully, it did not disappoint. They are truly awe-inspiring…I could have sat on the benches and stared ALL day.


 

we shall overcome

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I came into this world 11 years after Martin Luther King Jr.’s death, but his words inspired me greatly as a child, and continue to do so today.  I was so moved by the message and life’s work of King that I wrote and directed a play about his life in my first grade class (I played the role of Coretta Scott King!) He believed in a better America, and in many ways we have lived up to our nation’s original creed, but in my opinion, we still have far to go. The day that Obama was inaugurated, I cried happy tears. For obvious reasons, and because it renewed my belief that our nation will someday embrace the true meaning of these words, and be accepting of ALL.

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal; that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.” 

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