Change in Plans

My daughter Kate text messaged me on Thursday and wrote, "Is the offer still on the table for me to join you in Paris?" So of course, within 24 hours, I had my daughter packing her bag and flew her out to be with me here in Paris. Before she goes off to college this summer, I know that these are truly the last moments I have to really spend long spans of quality time with her, so I am delighted she came. It changes the dynamics of my last 10 days in Paris, but that's what spontaneity is all about.

I'm so glad she's here, and we have this time together, in the most beautiful city in the world.

Mon Anniversaire

Today is my birthday, yet another one celebrated in Paris. Had a wonderful day doing just the things I wanted to do, and this evening friends are stopping by to see my new apartment, and then taking me out to a new thai restaurant. It's a crazy short week, with Christmas landing in the middle (and Chanukah's already here!). Christmas eve I know will be lovely, spent with a friend's family (which I adore) and some of their friends, and on Christmas I am going to the ballet, to see an homage to Maurice Bejart - what could be better?

My time in Paris always seems to pass quickly - I guess that's a good thing - it means I am busy and certainly am enjoying my time here as always. After Christmas I hope to disappear for a few days and slow everything down by concentrating on work; hibernating with my computer and just drawing away....

Seeing A New Part of Paris

Every day in Paris doesn't have to hold some earth shattering event - sometimes just walking a new street or discovering a new gargoyle is enough. Today it was a new chocolate shop in the 9th, called Etoile d"Or (new to me). The owner, Denise Acabo, a look alike to Pippi Longstocking, was genuinely enthusiatic about her caramels and chocolates, particularly the Bernachon chocolate only her store carries, all the way from Lyon. Afterwards, a friend walked me around the 9th arr., an area I really hadn't discovered before, and it was just a charming, revitalized area, filled with fabulous little patisseries and all kinds of marvelous shops. Strolling sown some residential streets, I happened upon this door knocker (the photo above), and I couldn't help but be charmed by it. A small inconsequential detail, yet so very beautiful.

I am touched by the small things in life these days. Not by the grand gifts, or the things we can own, but by the beautiful things we can take in with our eyes & the amazing people who grace my life.

Landed in Paris

Finally arrived. Arrived with no luggage. Other than the fact that I was traveling with some of my most expensive clothes, I thought, ok, doesn't matter, I'm in Paris. Turns out another Parisian mistakenly took my luggage, and returned it to me this evening, so all is in place. And I am back in Paris. To be with friends, to be inspired for work, to let life take a different pace.

I am back in Paris

Headed Back To Paris

Can't believe how quickly the days are passing, and I am on that long flight back to Paris in just 5 days. Before I leave I decided to have an all girls bash at my home, women celebrating women and enjoying the holidays together before my departure.

But I can already imagine my life again in Paris; waking up late to those cold winter mornings, planning a day of which art shows to see, or what streets to walk for inspiration in stores for work, what friends to meet in a cafe, or new metro adventure to take. Shopping down the row of stores on Franc Bourgeois for fruit and meat and cheese and wine. Long walks in the cold with my scarf to keep my neck warm. Savoring shopping in Les Halles for inspiration for new textile designs.

And of course, feeling the holidays spirit and talking in the decorations in such a beautiful setting as Paris.

Can't wait.