Headed Back Home

How quickly time flies. I've been in paris already for a month, and fly back home to Los Angeles tomorrow. But I leave Paris very satisfied, as always, going home with a piece of this city in my heart. The true friendships I have made here only deepen; I cherish them greatly. The work I have accomplished and the inspiration this city has provided has been enormous. The long walks down streets that host the most buildings that are nothing less than candy to the eyes, the cafes, the exhibitions - even the metro rides, shopping sprees and bookstores, the conversations and dinners and parties...

I go home with a full heart, with gratitude, and enough work in my portfolio to start the new year right.

A bientot.

A Rare Day

Snow in Paris is a rare happening, but I was lucky enough to awaken to a surprising day filled with snow flurries. They didn't stick much to the streets, which became more of a slushy mess in the gutters, but instead blanketed the parks and buildings and trees in a veil of white. It was a beautiful sight.
It made me feel happy. I think it was an omen, that this year is going to be filled with new and unusual things...

Living in Paris

I have to say that living in Paris is a very different experience than visiting Paris. I have been renting apartments here for over a year now, for anywhere from one month to 3 1/2 months at a time, and I have worked with a company called Paris Attitude, that I happened upon on the internet. I have to say that each and every apartment (now in my 4th apartment), has been exactly as they show it to be on their website. I have worked with Caroline Cremades, who I finally met about 6 months ago, and can't imagine working with anyone but her - she's just been terrific in making everything flow very easily.

So for any of you thinking of traveling to this part of the world, do take a look at their website...

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