Cold and rainy day

I thought it was summer but apparently the world had better plans. In this chill I can reflect. I have so much about my life that I am so appreciative of. I have an incredible husband who makes my life joyous and unbelievable. I have a bunch of girls in my life that are less like friends and more like sisters (Nikki L, Nakita, Robbi, Chrissy and Kristen) and I could not be happier to have them in my life. I have a lovely home, a supportive family and I don't really need for anything. As much as depression and bipolar issues like to sometimes take hold I really feel so much satisfaction in life knowing that I am living the life I always wanted. I have so much to be thankful for that it really makes the bad stuff so much easier to deal with. So thank you to everyone in my life that I am close to. You will never understand how much you mean to me and how much you help me everyday!

28 July 2014

The Pickle

Once upon a time there was a pickle spear. It was crisp and zesty and sat comfortably next to a sandwich and fries. One day, the pickle became curious as to why he was there so he asked the sandwich.

“Sandwich, why am I here? It doesn't make sense. I get put on burgers and sandwiches so why am I in spear form next to you?”

“That is a good question pickle. You see, many years ago, people traveled hundreds and thousands of miles over lands and seas to come to America. That caused people to do weird things like put pickles on top of and next to sandwiches,” responded the sandwich.

“Pretty much you are pointless!” chuckled the fries. This made pickle sad.

“Don't be sad pickle, they are just sad to be cut up potatoes,” reassured sandwich.

Pickles was still confused as to why he sat next to a sandwich but he felt comfort in knowing no one really understood why he existed. He also didn't think too hard on it because he was lunch and a happy pickle lover ate him right up. The end.

29 July 2014

Farewell to the Moon, Hello to the Sun

She lounged back in her pool chair wishing away the moon. Absorbing the warm rays, dewy sweat graced her face and chest. Her slim figure sat still as the breeze wafted over her. She craved the sun, welcoming its touch on her light skin. She felt the tingle of the sun's touch and smiled at the mutual love they shared for each other.

“Oh sweet sun! Stay, don't go away. Keep me happy and warm. Stay! Stay and never go to bed so the garish moon can rise!” she pleaded.

The sun heard her pleas and decided to give her a response. As she watched, the sun shifted and molded until a piece of it warped off into the shape of a man. She was mystified and curious. Was this the sun she loved so much in human form? He couldn't possibly be human, he did not look human. He was like a glowing flame straight from the sun in human form.

“I come to you from the sun, a gift for all your devotion,” the sun form announced, “I have come to take you with me.”

She was in awe and thrilled at her gift. She could not stop staring at him. He was a perfect, glowing form and she just wanted to touch him.

“Where will we go my new love?” she asked.

With that, the sun reached out its arm and touched her. She began the feel her whole body get extremely hot and suddenly she was completely inflamed. She felt all her worries and fears wash away and suddenly she felt whole.

“We are going to the heavens where the moon never visits, my new star,” he reached his hand out to take hers and she could not help but look at her new glowing skin. She took his hand and they shot up into the heavens to live forever without the night.

My husband took me for a froyo date

He is pretty awesome and took me to Nella's for some frozen yogurt. He is simply the best.

Also I have to give a shout out to my BFF's Nakita, Nikki and Robbi. They are three people who support me the most and who I would do anything in the world for! Having people in your life that love you and support you through the good and bad are the best people to have. They make your world brighter on gloomy days and they make the good days all that much grander!

Okay enough gushing about the awesome people I get to have in my life! Here are some stories!

26 July 2014

The Meadow

A gust of wind rustled the wheat field, making it look like dancing flakes of gold on the horizon. She spread out her arms and walked through the field letting it completely engulf her body. Her sun kissed blonde hair whipped in the breeze and mingled with the wheat. She let the wheat pass under her arms and the flow of air grace her cheeks. She walked past the wheat field and into a valley of tall, green grass. Doting the grass were tiny blue flowers. She glided through the grass picking up flowers and creating a little bouquet. As the sun reached it's peak, she found a tree and curled up beneath it. With a deep breath she took in the lovely perfumed aroma of her new bouquet and hummed a song. The sun was bright and warm and the breeze was cool and comforting. As she sat under the tree she listened to the world. It spoke to her about the essence of life, the importance of taking time for the natural world and the pure delight of letting the earth reach every inch of your senses. She closed her eyes and felt the moist dirt beneath her palms. The day, this day, was all hers and hers alone. She fell asleep dreaming of little blue flowers being carried away by tiny green fairies.

27 July 2014

Love Me

Love me she said. Need me she cried. He looked at her sad face and felt nothing. I can't he said. I am not like that he insisted. Goodbye she said. Please don't go he lied. She turned away and left him behind. He shrugged his shoulders and got in his car. Her world was rocked and her heart was broken. He did not care and she cared too much. She waned his heart and he wanted his own life. She wanted to be loved and willing gave him her love. He wanted to be loved but could not give it in return. She faced her new world, a world without him by her side, and sat in her room with tear stung eyes. She felt sadness, anger and frustration but most of all she felt almost nothing at all. He did not love her but she still loved him and in the end they would have to live without each other no matter the pain. Love is never easy but when it is truly not right, love can be cruel. For the faint of heart, love can be down right ruthless. Love me she said, nothing was his reply.

I would like to go back to Paris now.

As you will read in my poem today, I am very sad. I have never actually felt so heartbroken over leaving a city. I think it had a lot to do with how much and how long I planned for this trip. It also has a lot to do with how much I love Paris and the culture. I really had such an incredible time there and it will forever sit in my heart but going there just makes me long to go back even more! I found what I was looking for and now I have to find something new to dive head first into. I guess it is time to get serious about writing a book! Once I get more passionate about that maybe I won't feel so sad. At least I have my memories and I am so happy I had someone to share them with. 

24 July 2014

The Prison Break

My kids thought they could hole me up in a nursing home and not think they would have any responsibilities. Boy will they be surprised when they here I am missing. I raised my children very well and took great care of them. They are now doctors and lawyers and landowners but somewhere in my raising them they got selfish and entitled. I got older and had a little bit harder of a time getting around. I needed a little help cleaning and doing chores. My lawyer son took over my estate and stuck me in an old folks home. They never visit and my grandkids are simply rude and mean to me. What those jerks don't realize is that I am a much smarter woman than they take me for. My late husband and I have always put cash away and our friend Betty knows where it is at. Betty lost her husband the same year I did and after I was stuck here, she helped me plan my escape! Right now I am sitting on a beach in Hawaii. My children have surely been informed that I am gone and soon enough they will figure out where I am. They will try to get me back to the home but I am not going. Betty's son is also a lawyer and is helping me get my estate back. I am just going to sit back, soak up the sun and drink my Bahama mama like I should have a long time ago. This granny broke out of her prison and left her jailers behind!

25 July 2014

Sad

What is there to do now,

Thirteen years and it is all over.

I planned and planned

Then had an incredible journey,

My heart was beyond fulfilled

And my memories are numerous

But I feel a void now.

I looked forward to this for so long,

Hard work and compromise got me to Paris

Now I just have sadness at leaving.

The culture, the food, the clothes and the sights,

Things I craved and still can't get enough of.

I sit at home not knowing what to do

As my heart sings a song of sadness,

Aching for my favorite place again.

Never have I felt so melancholy

About leaving a destination,

I feel like I no longer have a purpose.

I am sure I will soon find meaning

Until then I will reminisce,

Think about where I went with my love

And try to find new bearing for my passions.

  

Happy and sad to be home.

Paris was simply amazing, the flight home was horrible. We sat in front of crazy people who could not comprehend that you are allowed to put your seat back once the plane is up. They yelled at us in some Eastern European language, insisting that they had no leg space and we needed to put up our seats. They slammed stuff around behind my chair and banged on my seat. The more even called me a b****. Luckily the flight attendant told them that we were allowed to put our seats back (yes they actually complained once Scott put his seat back) and they calmed down for the last two hours of an eight hour flight. To make things better, our flight from New York was nearly 2 hours delayed and most of that was spent sitting on the tarmac taxing to the runway. We made it home safe and sound though and today was exhausting for no other reason except Scott had to work and we both were worn out. I wish we could spend more time in Paris but I am happy to be in my own home with my friends and family again. Tomorrow I am going to go through all my pictures and delete the useless ones then post them! I hope everyone is having a good day and I can't wait to share more pictures of my adventures with my husband!

One last foggy view of my favorite place

22 July 2014

The Buddy Diaries: My People Have Left Me

My people packed many bags a very long time ago and have not come back. They left us all here with a lady my people are familiar with. She is very nice and I do like her but I am unsure as to where my people have gone or when they will be home. We have a new guest in our home and no one is particularly fond of her. She is like Sage and that seems to really anger Sage. They seem to fight constantly and Sage has been very cruel to our new guest. At one point, Myssa tried to learn her name but she attacked Myssa and Jack and I had to chase the new cat away. Myssa clearly appreciated that because she doesn't hiss at us as often anymore. I miss my people and I fear they have abandoned us. I like our new owner but I really do hope my people come back soon. I am going to sit in my kennel now and hope that this new guest will leave soon and I will get my people back.

23 July 2014

Goodbye Paris

Sitting on the window sill, I watch the clouds and fog hover around the Eiffel Tower for the last time, on this trip at least. The click clack of shoes walking off to the metro wafts up from the street and the laughter of children fills the air. The moisture is thick in the air on this cool morning and it feels like a slight drizzle may puncture the sky. The sounds of the city are calmer this day, maybe they know we are leaving today. Below us on the street a truck is broken down and quickly men work to repair it. It is a one way street and luckily it is an odd day. It wasn't very busy and only a couple cars tried to make it down the street. I take in one more deep breath of the Parisian air. It is unlike any other city. The smell of the boulangerie mixed with the wetness lingering in the air give your nose a sweet and pleasant aroma to sniff. The smells, the sounds, the sights and the feel of the city give a bittersweet tug at my heart. I am so sad to leave. I want to sit in my window sill until the end of days and never leave the beautiful scene before me. As sad as I am, I do miss home. I miss my routine and animals and I miss my life. The adventure we had was once in a lifetime, one you could never forget. Goodbye Paris, I will miss you deeply. My heart has forever left a piece behind. I sit in the window sill this final time to capture one last complete essence of stay here. Like a frozen moment in my memory, I will hold my dream view tightly in my thoughts. I will smell the city, hear the sounds and feel everything once more so as to never forget the incredible place I was able stay for two weeks with my husband.

My heart is so sad to say goodbye to Paris

I am so ready to go home see all of my family and friends and sleep in my bed and take a shower in my bathroom but that does not make the finale of this trip any easier. The past two days have been really great. We FINALLY went to the top of the Eiffel Tower and that was just down right intoxicating. We have tried several times to go but we were either too tired or the top was closed because of it being late and there being too many people. We walked up the first level which doesn't look too difficult but it is. You think you are almost there only to see that you aren't even halfway. The first level is really neat. There is a restaurant and some glass viewing spots to look down on. You are high of the ground but you aren't too high in comparison to the rest of the tower. After having fun walking around and finding a bathroom, we climbed up (yes we took the stairs again) to the second level. That was astonishing! There were several little shops and even a small sandwich shop! We didn't spend much time there because there were far too many people up there. We found the line for tickets to the top and waited. Luckily there was an interesting family behind us who had some fun kids. The kids ran around and made lots of noise. We found out as we progressed in line that the boy had turned 5 that day. He apparently woke up that morning and announced to his parents "I am fully charged!" Let me tell you, he absolutely was! He was like a little energizer bunny just running and talking and playing nonstop with his sister. They were great amusement as we waited. The best part had to be the ride to the top. It is exhilarating to watch the ground get smaller and smaller as you shoot up to the top. For me, it was incredibly emotional. I have waited 13 years to make that ascent and I finally got it! At the top you get the grandest view or the grandest city! You can see for miles and miles! The city just never ends! It goes on and on and on until you can't see anything anymore. We bought some champagne (YOU CAN BUY CHAMPAGNE AT THE TOP) and took more pictures than we needed. It is truly a spectacular feeling to be that high up in the sky on such a strong structure. You feel so powerful on top and I am sure that is what Eiffel wanted for his tower. There are two sections to the top. There is in lower inside deck that contains directions towards world monuments and buildings and Gustav Eiffel's office and then a short set of stairs takes you to the top viewing deck outside! You can see everything up there! Every museum, every building, every cathedral! It is simply mind blowing! I could not have asked for a better day.

We closed that day up with a visit to Sacre Coeur and the Moulin Rouge (very interesting area) and a night out at some bars. Today was fairly relaxing. We attempted to go to the catacombs but it was a 2 hour wait and he have waited enough for things. We didn't want to waste more time waiting. Instead we hopped over to an old graveyard and saw all the beautifully ornate graves. Some of them looked like little houses, not resting places for the dead. Out of respect we didn't stay long. Instead we wandered aimlessly and shopped. Scott bought a very nice sketch book and some pens and I finished up my clothes shopping and souvenir shopping. Walking around aimlessly through Paris is an experience everyone should have. You get the pleasure of finding things you never would see otherwise. We stumbled into countless little cafés and boutiques and even some incredible cathedrals. Today we walked into a cathedral that is over 1500 years old. It was the first cathedral in Paris and still holds a lot of it's Roman and medieval decoration to it. Bring in those cathedrals is just phenomenal. The ceilings are so high and the art work is so advanced. You just do not see structures like that anymore and they did it all without our modern conveniences and technology! Those are places I will never forget.

To end the day we went back to Les Deux Magots for a dinner in honor of Ernest Hemingway's birthday. The thing I think I will miss the most is the food. The food here is moutwateringly spectacular! It is perfectly made, perfectly seasoned and just perfectly presented! Food will just never be the same for me! And the macaroons! You have not lived until you have had real Parisian macaroons! Our trip may be over but this trip starts a new adventure for the Fennell family and I cannot wait for it all to begin. Thank you all for reading about our adventures through Paris! I will have all the pictures and more details over the next week. I am off to bed so we can fly off to home!

He is so handsome!

View from the top!

A wax figure of Gustav Eiffel in his recreated office which was actually there at the top!

Our anniversary!

I broke my flip flop and even wore through two other sets of shoes. I had to use string until we could find new shoes.

Oldest cathedral in Paris

On more for good measure

My little window sill!

20 July 2014

Summertime In Paris

Hot and muggy, the days are long in the city. The sun rises around 5 am and sets closer to 11 pm. The people take their time to wake up and get going. As the shops open their shutters, the tourists are already clambering to get a peak at their first attraction. Most Parisians have left the city, opting for the cooler southern beaches and lack of tourists. The humidity is on high an the wind is totally MIA as people snap their photos and go on with their day. In the parks, numerous lovers go to kiss each other and eat fresh baguettes. It feels as if the heat will never cease but the metro rolls on and the crowds still smile. Paris is the city of lights, the city of love, the city to visit and the heat doesn't stop it. The summer only makes the city grow. The pigeons and sparrows fly around enjoying the influx of life and at every turn is a street performer looking for a euro here or there. Laissez-faire is the way of life, not a choice, so the masses slowly walk on down the streets and window shop for the new it styles. Summertime in Paris has a magical presence, the city is at it's brightest and the culture is at it's peak. Shine bright lovely Paris, many love you and many can't wait to experience you.

21 July 2014

Eiffel's Tower

He wanted to build something to represent Paris and an iron tower was just what he had in mind. The city's metro lines and the Iron age inspired his design. “How ugly, how garish, how awful” they said as construction began on the enormous structure. Hundreds of men worked tirelessly to erect the tower and new cranes had to be built to add the top. People still hated it. They didn't understand why a man of his abilities would make something so far from Parisian style. Lucky for the people, Gustav Eiffel was ahead of his time. He knew what a success this monument would be and he knew it would strive to be the greatest representation of Paris anyone could build. He ignored all his critics and let the World's Fair do his bidding. Travelers came from far and wide, all of them astonished at what they were greeted to. An iron beauty towering in the sky opened the fair to them. They gasped and clapped as the French flag was given it's coveted place, high a top the tower, higher than any flag could possibly wave. Eiffel meant for it to be temporary and ignored all the negative, little did he know that Paris would make his structure permanent. A symbol of the nation, a symbol of the land, Eiffel dreamt up a creation that would forever symbolize an entire nation. Eiffel was known for many things in his life but his tower wold make him immortal.

The world is in Paris right now...

At least that is how I feel. THERE ARE SO MANY PEOPLE! I realize now why people hate tourists and we have been lucky enough to not be completely identified as foreigners. We have actually had people speak to us immediately in French because we don't look or act the tourist part. The amount of people is stifling but the worst part is how utterly rude and obnoxious tourists can be. being in Paris is no different than being in any large city. Parisians are actually very kind people. They are happy to help and they love to take life easy. What they hate is when you stop in the middle of the sidewalk and take pictures (at least move out of the way) and they hate when you disturb the beauty of the city or moment. If you are a tourist anywhere in the world my number one tip would be to enjoy the trip and it is okay to not take pictures of EVERYTHING!!! Be respectful when a sign says no pictures or no flash, pay attention to signs and please, for the love of all that is holy, DO NOT stick your camera and ipad and phone in other people's faces to get a picture. Look at the thing you want a picture of. Enjoy it. Take in every aspect of it and then once you have fully breathed in that image, snap a quick picture for memory. I will be done ranting about tourists now because there are far more exciting things to discuss!

For example Monet and Marie Antoinette! This weekend we stepped out of Paris a little to enjoy the outskirts of town. We initially wanted to go to Normandy but abandoned that idea because it would take four hours in total to drive and we don't have our international driver's license so we didn't want to risk any trouble. Instead we took a train into Vernon, had a sweet little lunch at a very local café there then took a taxi into Giverny to see Monet's house and gardens. The famous place that he lived was donated to Giverny by his son so that it could be maintained and made into a museum for the incredible artist. First of all, the French countryside is so blissfully wonderful. The houses are so old and rustic and many still have thatched roofs. Monet's garden was truly a sight to be seen! There were countless flowers and walkways around the grounds. Any flower or plant you could think of and it was there. Pink, blue, purple, orange, red with yellow tips, you name it and it was a color to be seen there. At one point we were sitting on a bench and heard a loud splash. I knew it had to be a frog so I investigated and sure enough there was a frog! It was huge and green and I loved it! We got to also have the privilege of laying our eyes on Monet's famous lily pond. I cannot describe to you the lush beauty of that place. There were countless lilies and lily pads and the weeping willows made it feel like you were in a magical wonderland. It is truly no wonder so many people paint and have painted in his gardens! 

Since yesterday was so magical, we decided to visit Versailles to continue the beauty. We went with a group and rode California Cruiser bikes to the Palace at Versailles from near the train stop. Most people just go to the palace but there is SO much more to Versailles than the palace. We rode through the expansive property and saw all of Marie Antoinette's domain. We saw the little village that was built for her and it even had real animals in the farms like the ones from her day! We rode along paths that had trees towering over it as if it were protecting you from the garish sun. Everything was so green and luscious! Before the tour even began we were taken to the outdoors markets of Versailles. The smell was unbelievable and for a good reason! There were chickens roasting and bread baking and more fruits and vegetables than a person could eat in a life time! We got a fresh, hot baguette, some Comté cheese, salami and chorizo salami, a small bottle of wine and a couple of apricots. After we rode our bikes and took in some sights we stopped for lunch at the Grand Canal on the Versailles grounds. To say it was like a mystical fairy tale land would be an understatement. It was a little rainy and it just gave the trees and grass the most beautiful dewy look. We ate our delicious treats from the market and relaxed for a bit. It was simply amazing to just sit and be in such an old and extravagant garden! I wanted to protest getting up (and I really should have) but I wanted to see the big palace! The fact that an entire court lived in this castle blows my mind. It was really a special thing for me to see the home of Marie Antoinette. She is my favorite historical figure and I so cherish the memories I have of seeing the Paris she knew. I walked where she walked and saw some of the things she saw. The walls hold most of her life in them and I got to see those walls. The only down side brings us to the beginning of this post. There were far too many people and I did not get to enjoy the inside as much as I would have liked. Also, half the castle was shut down because of renovations. I was very heartbroken at all of this but I am only 26. Maybe one day if I have a daughter I will take her there and teach her about the things I love so much.

Speaking of a daughter... I posted a picture the other day of a ring I bought. I received some jewelry from my mother-in-law, that belonged to her mother, before I got married. It was then that I realized that no on left anything for my mother to give to me. No one left her any family jewelry to pass on or even for her to appreciate. Now my mom isn't really the jewelry type but I do know that she would have really appreciated being thought of and handed down some stuff. I decided on this trip that I was going to find a ring at a little antique shop or boutique and I did! I want this ring to be something I pass on down to a daughter when she grows up. If I never have a daughter then I will give the ring to my first daughter-in-law to have a baby. I just want something the can be a family heirloom. It may not be fancy or very expensive but it will be mine to pass on. I will wear it everyday and give it the love it deserves.

I am going to leave you with a few pictures and some stories as it is nearly midnight here. I am almost ready to come home and visit my furry animals! 

Monet's garden!

The lily pond at Monet's house!

It is so green here!

Bike tour! lucky for us we are from Denver and bikes are not new or uncommon, some people in the group were not so lucky!

Part of the Grand Canal at the Palace of Versailles

Our very French lunch: one baguette, a giant chunk of cheese, two types of salami and red wine!

My view as I relaxed after lunch!

Another shot to show how pretty the sky was :)

Versailles!

18 July 2014

Village Mouse

The little brown village mouse had such an easy life. He scurried all over the village snatching up bread crumbs and conversing with his friends. Life could not be more pleasant for the mouse. One day, the little brown mouse noticed a lot of work going on in the village. All of the animals were gathered around. After many, many months it was discovered that the village was getting a train! Whatever would they do in such a simple village with a train? At first, the mouse did not like the train. I was loud, it brought lots of people and it smelled horrible. The systems around the train were so confusing as well. The little brown mouse got lost one day and did not return home for three days. His family thought he had been eaten. As time went on, the little brown mouse figured out the gutters around the train and learned that the train was actually a blessing. He got to meet so many new people and the influx of travelers brought him even more food to bring home to his family! The little brown village mouse may have disliked the new train in the beginning but he learned how to find happiness in it. His family and all of the animals in the village ate like kings from that day on.

19 July 2014

I Hate People

Bumping and shoving,

Pushing and crowding,

Lack of respect for everyone

And general disregard for their smell,

I hate people.

They take too many pictures,

Not appreciating the memory,

Or the time they have in new lands,

Just snapping away hungrily,

I hate people.

Now not all people are bad,

Plenty are kind and thoughtful,

But tourism brings out the worst in folks,

Making pretty places hell,

Sometimes, I just hate people.

I figured out why Parisians leave Paris in the summer.

Today was rough. It was about 100 degrees and humid. That is not the worst part. the worst part is the fact that there isn't even the hint of a breeze. None. Not even a warm breeze. Everything is just wet and you feel like you are melting. On the bright side we finished the Louvre and we went to the top of the Arc de Triomphe and we even got in the modern art museum in! The modern art museum was horrible. I just do not understand modern art but we got to see some Picasso's and Dali's so that was cool. Tonight we are going on a dinner cruise and to the top of the Eiffel Tower! 

Being in Paris has taught me a lot. One thing it taught is to truly appreciate deodorant. Mind you mostly tourists are here so the stigma that Parisians stink is almost true. Some do. they wear heavy leather jackets on 100 degree days. Mostly it is the tourists that stink. I know why they sell smelly pouches now. I have also learned that Parisians are either indifferent to everyone or very kind. A lady today very nicely helped us with the metro and she didn't speak very good English. It was incredibly nice of her to assist because we were clearly confused and it was so busy! 

I may not have much time to write this weekend because we are going to Normandy and Mont Saint Michel on Saturday and to Versailles on Sunday. I am BEYOND excited for Versailles! I have already gathered up enough Marie Antoinette stuff to last me a lifetime! I cannot wait to see where she lived and pay her tribute!  

I must day goodbye now and get ready for the dinner cruise!

Francois I. King of France and frenemy of Henry VIII

Random painting in the Louvre.

View from Arc de Triomphe 

You have to climb the stairs to get to the top of the Arc de Triomphe

Tomb of the unknown soldier

Apparently a board with a string in front of it is modern art. I don't get it.

I said to Scott after looking at a bunch of modern art that I didn't like it. I said that any joker could do it and it was barely art. I only won't say it isn't art because I don't believe in that. Then I said that it takes away from real artists because one day some guy thought something was ironic and cool and sold it for lots of money which in turn leads some douche bag to break a light bulb and arrange the pieces and sell that for thousands of dollars. A few minutes later we found this picture.

It is just a sheet. We don't get it!

16 July 2014

Sushi

She had never been so nervous for a date before and she didn't know why. She had known him for years and frankly never liked him until just recently. Watching him race really set him apart from other guys. He was older than her usual boyfriends and far more established in life. He was also nice and so handsome! He picked her up for lunch and took her to a local sushi place. They talked like they had known each other for years and had never skipped a beat. He was so suave and cool, even when she spilled her water all over the table. She never wanted the date to end and, lucky for her, neither did he. He took her to go see Kung Fu Panda and they had a blast. They parted ways that evening but they didn't part from each other's hearts. They sit now in Paris, admiring the other's charms as they fall more in love and make plans for their family to come.

17 July 2014

Mon Pamplemousse

Mon pamplemousse and I

We took a grand adventure.

We visited the ancient prison

That housed Marie Antoinette

And others condemned by the Revolution.

I kissed mon pamplemousse

And took in the Parisian noises

Then we headed to a café

For mochas and ham.

We sauntered down the block

To the Gothic cathedral we know so well.

The gargoyles watched fervently

And the stained glass painted the alters,

Mon pamplemousse was more impressed

By the cathedral was stumbled into before.

It was ornate and yes it was tall

But it wasn't as grandiose

As those built just before

The monarchy's fall,

But that was no matter,

It was all such a galore.

We saw the old Paris streets

He bought me a ring,

Then we walked to Shakespeare and Company

To indulge my literary mind.

With culture still being needed,

We walked to the Louvre

Only to be kicked out quite quickly

And with nowhere to go.

We came home to rest,

Snoring is what mon pamplemousse does best,

Before leaving for another hot spot

Where Hemingway grabbed a bite to eat.

I love mon pamplemousse

He is certainly the best.

He makes Paris more pleasant

Than anyone could have guessed.

Six years ago yesterday...

I went on my first date with Scott. We haven't really been apart since that very first date and I wouldn't have it any other way. No matter how happy or unhappy we get and no matter the ups or downs, I would never want anyone else by my side. He is a wonderful husband and he will one day be a wonderful father!

The past two days have been nuts! We spent the entire day yesterday at the Louvre. I have never seen so many people in my life! It is such an incredible place to be as well. There are hundreds of statues that go from room to room and floor to floor. There are the apartments from previous monarchs still intact and recreated. There are things in that museum that are so ornate and so extravagant that you can't even fathom how it was made and how it was used. My favorite part was the section on Marie Antoinette. I wasn't very big but I will get my fill of the Queen when we go to Versailles on Sunday. We got to see all the famous contributions to the Louvre (yes that means the Mona Lisa) and we saw some not so exciting things like the excessive amounts of the same ancient figurines and tiny statues. After the Louvre (and a nap to recover) we ended up at this bar. It was tiny but that wasn't the amusing part. When you order you get a book of drinks, a dry erase board and a marker. You have to draw the picture associated with your drink to order and then it is given to you in a bottle. Yes a baby bottle that you get to take home with you. They give you board games to play and had fun posters of cartoons all over! It was such a neat and random bar!

Today we visited the Conciergerie where the revolutionary prisoners were held before trial and execution. It housed everyone from nobodies to Robespierre and Marie Antoinette. It was fascinating to see how the conditions were of such a terrifying place. Next we went to Notre-Dame. We bought a candle from there and took it home with us which was cool because it goes towards the upkeep of the cathedral. The stained glass inside is just incredible. The ceilings feel like they could touch heaven and the stained glass tells so many stories in all the different patterns.We also visited the ancient city streets from when the Romans were in Paris and we got to shop at Shakespeare and Company!!! It is a very famous book store here in Paris. Tonight we are going to another café frequented by Hemingway and we are going to ascend the Eiffel Tower! I must go now because the apartment is stifling and Scott is hungry! Love from Paris! 

 Our baby bottle drinks

Marie Antoinette

Her first cell

Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette's names on the wall of those killed during the Reign of Terror

Her symbol 

Us at Notre-Dame

Shakespeare and Company

Tomorrow I will tell you the story about this ring

14 July 2014

Bastille Day

Food was scarce,

People were angry,

The monarchy was falling,

Nothing could be done.

Many years the kings spent it all,

Extravagant cathedrals,

Expensive castles,

And aide to a war that wasn't their own.

This help to the Americans,

It wasn't all bad,

It gave them an idea,

A revolution could be theirs too!

They stormed the Bastille,

They took up arms,

Blood was shed and life was lost.

The monarchy would fall

And even more blood would spill.

The king would die followed by his queen,

All classes became sans title.

The revolutionary leaders would turn on each other,

Heads were lost by the thousands.

After many years a democracy would be set,

The revolutionaries never lived to see it,

But the fall of Bastille set it in motion.

Liberté, égalite, fraternité

Liberty, equality, brotherhood,

The motto they lived and died for,

The motto of freedom,

Vive la France!

15 July 2014

A Conversation Between Statues

Closing time at the Louvre. The people have gone, the staff has departed and the lights have gone down. All that remains is the little bit of light left outside and the emergency lights inside. Venus

de Milo yawns and stretches out her back and neck.

“Okay can I get all of the Aphrodite and Venus statues to follow me to our usual gathering spot! Let's make it choppy ladies! We haven't got all night. I haven't the arms to rush you all so let's get a move on. Dionysus none of last nights funny business.”

“Look at those girls go!” whistled Caesar.

“So typical of you macho ruling men,” huffed Artemis.

“Okay everyone play nice. It is obviously summertime. My eyes are burning from all the camera flashes.”

“Yeah well my ears are going out from all the random languages spoken around here Poseidon. You would think they would learn to be quiet in a museum,” replied Hera.

“Ladies! Let's go before the baby cherubs start to follow or the emperors take the room!” yelled Venus.

The Louvre was extremely busy during the day but that was nothing compared to how busy the artwork was at night. Just before dawn, all of the paintings and sculptures and everything else began to hush and go back to their original places, all in wait for the next evening's fun after the crowds.