I generally only buy lobsters once a year, for the New Year’s holiday, and however much I love the taste, the ordeal of preparing them for the pot even once a year is enough. I am envious of those of you who probably don’t give such things a second thought. For a native Louisianian who …
Paris is totally breathtakingly beautiful year round, but at Christmas it is even more spectacular! The Champs Élysées along with the whole city of lights sparkles with as many bright colours as baubles on a Christmas tree. Christmas markets galore, smells of spicy vin chaud, hot chocolate and roasting chestnuts fill the brisk air. …
Wow! What a combination of diverse activities provoking opposite feelings this weekend! Sainte Barbe artillery show, and sumptuous Saveur Christmas gourmet salon, both to the glory of France! Who would have guessed that poor Saint Barbara is the patron saint of such tough guys as artillery men and firemen! The Fête Sainte Barbe is actually a …
Weekend of Artillery, Gourmet Treats And Mixed Feelings Read More »
I know this sounds rather wacky, because that was my first thought too! But, Paris is Paris and never fails to come up with unheard of events and activities to dazzle you in sometimes strange but enjoyable ways. Fortunately this seemingly weird festivity took place a week before the attacks, because I doubt that I, …
Last week I talked about the symptoms of collective trauma, and they are already playing out with many Parisians. The city has not gotten back to normal yet, which I do not think is surprising, but some doomsayers are wondering if it ever will be the same. There are tangible figures indicating that the city …
The survivors of the most recent Paris terrorist attacks are all predictably going to have varying degrees of Acute Stress Disorder and or PTSD symptoms, from having witnessed the killings around them. The citizenry at large can be also vulnerable to experiencing a milder form of trauma aftermath, even though they did not directly …
Collective Trauma, Acute Stress Disorder and PTSD Read More »
I am in mourning and sorrow for all victims of this evil incarnate that rained upon this beautiful city. I would like to ask you to light a candle and place it in your window as many Parisians are doing in remembrance of those whose lives were lost and the many still struggling to survive …
Please Light A Candle In Your Window For The Victims Read More »
After the many years of living here, I have developed a Pavlovian association of certain seasons with certain events. October, when the first wrinkled brown leaves start to scatter along the sidewalks and the air takes on a certain cool crispness, I start to think of chocolate! It has nothing to do with wanting …
Believe it or not, I just celebrated my very first Halloween outing in Paris! The French still have an on and off relationship with Halloween, which has had a bumpy enough broom ride to throw off any well meaning witch, with multiple takeoffs and crashes (like the adorable Google doodle)! The majority of the Halloween happenings …
Ghosts are everywhere, and perhaps even more likely to be found in these very ancient châteaux scattered throughout France. I have always thought of the many wonderful stories to be told if only those old stones could talk, to those who have the sensitivities to hear. You either believe in ghosts or you don’t and …
I know seasonal affective disorder very well not only in my practice , but I personally have suffered from it for many years. By October the 15 th, I am aware of subtle changes in my mood and level of energy. The onset of symptoms is indeed insidious as it is caused by the diminishing …
Seasonal Affective Disorder, My Own Lamentations Read More »
It was that time again to harvest the grapes in Montmartre, which goes all out to celebrate this event. Yesterday was an absolutely gorgeous sunny autumn day for meandering around the narrow labyrinth of streets in hilly Montmartre. I don’t go for the wine, nor to see the harvest, however picturesque that is, but just …