A week

Life has continued to prove fascinating. And as I try my best to harness the free-spirit that is present in every opportunity, I am finding that this energy from one event can easily lead to another. This past week proved to be yet one clear example of just how strange this journey can be. Through various actions or inactions, I came to experience...

Meeting my distant cousin Louis, in Paris. While we have not officially verified that we are cousins, the mere fact that we have the same last name and our ancestral heritage leads back to a similar geographical region, is proof enough for me. And why question something this ironic. Life is too short to not enjoy the delight in finding a cousin while living in a foreign country. Louis and I ended up spending a morning together in Paris sipping coffee, ice skating in the Plaza of the Hotel de Ville, and having lunch. That touch of a hand to someone with whom you may share a distant ancestral relation, is incredibly comforting.

This same evening, several people joined in celebrating Rachel's 21st birthday. Partying in Paris, this really cannot be beat. From the unmistakable tone of techno dance music, to those lovely French swear words being used by the overly-drunk as they are asked to leave the establishment, the world's large cities each have a unique story that plays itself out each and every day. If you have your ears open, you just may hear it.

Mid-week I spent a lovely evening at a fellow English teacher's house for dinner along with two of her friends. Once again, my taste buds were treated to the loveliest of multi-course French dinners (hors d'oeuvres, appetizers, champagne, wine, main course, variety of cheeses, dessert, and coffee). There we were, three French ladies and myself, sitting and discussing politics, current events, and personal stories, in French.

The next day, I awoke a bit late. Treated myself to homemade, chocolate chip pancakes and several cups of coffee. Then, Rachel and I assisted Carole, the daughter of Sheila and Gilles, with setting out jewelery in her shop. Carole is opening a new jewelery store here in St. Dizier and is attempting to have it fully stocked and open prior to Christmas. So, Rachel and I had the delight of playing with gold and silver jewelery for the afternoon. There is something of true visual delight when you are empowered to arrange jewelery and accessories as you see fit, according to color and style.

As I entered my favorite pastry shop on the way home this week, I was truly humbled to have become a regular. Just as the last customer turned to leave, the lovely lady grabbed my favorite bread (the Polka) and then asked to verify that I also wanted the sacristan (chocolaty-sugary goodness) this day. And while I wasn't really in need of bread that day, the very fact that my usual order was remembered and being prepared before I even asked for it, left me in awe. Maybe it was the scent of the sweet concoctions that got me, but I was not at all regretful for purchasing both items this day.

My senses had a great feast this week. I can only hope that this incredible life continues to prove as fascinating as it did in these last seven days. If I continue to allow the energy to lead me, I think it will only get better.