I struggle with the word “merry” as applied to Christmas celebrations coming up perhaps as some of you do also. Without wanting to sound emotionally austere, merriness departed from my holiday celebrations after the death of my son 2 years ago. Don’t get me wrong, I continue to strive to find moments of joy and …
Replacing The Merry In Christmas With Meaningful Read More »
Pierre Gassendi was the first to observe and describe the transit of Mercury across the sun in 1631, a rare occurrence that was repeated this past Monday. In the early seventeenth century, he was seen as one of the most gifted scientists, astronomers and philosophers of his time, yet he was also a Catholic priest. …
Pierre Gassendi Built Bridges Between God And Science Read More »
My son André Alexandre loved well made dark chocolate from the best artisanal chocolatiers here. I always enjoyed bringing him some from the finest chocolate makers in Paris each time I flew across the pond to visit him. He also enjoyed going with me to these salons when he was a culinary student at Ferrandi. …
My very first time to arrive in Paris was the beginning of autumn many years ago, when I was a young and naive student. Though it was only September the 5th, I well remember the day. As soon as I stepped off the Air France plane, I was ill-prepared for the shock of the very …
My longings to return to Rocamadour took on a rather sudden mysterious calling again about 7 days ago. Out of the blue, I decided to go back to Rocamadour for another procession of Notre Dame de Rocamadour, this time to celebrate her nativity on September the 8th, which is a major feast day for Catholics …
Ahhh, Paris and lovers. Two inseparable words that comprise the soul of this beautiful city on the Seine. This is a love story that will put a smile in your heart. If you want a feel-good sort of feeling; then read on. Paris is synonymous with lovers intertwined on the banks of the Seine, lovers …
The earth is in constant momentum and so are you! I love staring at Leon Foucault’s pendulum steadily swinging back and forth in the spectacular setting of the Pantheon of Paris. I find it mesmerizing and meditative at the same time. Even hypnotic. The very shiny brass ball stays in perpetual motion thanks to the …
Life is never a long tranquil river as the French say but instead runs you through rapids, over rocks and even slams you on the banks, like a beached whale. Grieving losses is inevitable in our lives despite our best efforts. Some losses leave deep scars that can cripple you. Most of us work very …
In Grieving, Limping Along May Be The Best You Can Do Read More »
It’s that time a year again for high school reunions. This every so often social event may be a banal ritual for some but terrifying for others. High school reunions are often avoided by those who have experienced and retained painful memories of humiliation during their adolescent years. Let’s get real here; there are …
High School Reunions; A Survival Guide for High School PTSD Read More »
My title sounds really very non-productive, doesn’t! But it isn’t my friends for several reasons. Hear me out on this if you can. All you have to do is just read! Doing nothing might be the best thing you can do for yourself in a long time. Actually doing nothing allows for a pathway to …
I had to hang on in trying to stand in the neck-deep hot bubbles fiercely surging and erupting around my head. The strong force of the thermal waters pummeled my torso rocking me to one side to the other, making it difficult to keep my face above water. Overhead loomed a creamy white full moon …
Reflections On Life And Death Submerged In Bubbles In The Swiss Alps Read More »
For all of my beautiful single readers, especially if you believe in angels, this post is for you! You already know that dreaded Saint Valentine’s day is approaching, which can be quite vexing, even painful, for those without love companions. Instead of telling you to be your own valentine and buy yourself some flowers or …