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 …
I would have loved to have stayed all night gazing at all the very softest of pastel colors Fragonard excelled in his paintings of romantic love and libertinage. Eroticism in his era was more mentally evocative and veiled, allowing the observer much more freedom to project his/her own sensuality and erotica, rather than being limited …
Sensual Paintings and Perfumes, Paris Nuit Blanche 2015 Read More »
It was just way too much! At least for me! Fête du Gastronomie, Heures Heureuses des Tartines, Fête des Jardins, Gazons Paris and Paris Sans Voitures(without cars). Down right impossible to enjoy them to the fullest, and practically impossible to get but a few smidgens here and there! Why did the mayor of Paris …
Certainly the ghost of Napoléon Bonaparte was floating around École Militaire this weekend, proud as a peacock for sure. He was only 15 years old when he first entered École Militaire de Paris, having been already designated as a “promising student” from his former military school in Champagne. The sky was as blue and sunny …
École Militaire, Napoléon Bonaparte’s Student Days Read More »
How many times have some of you lamented with much grief and sorrow that someone you loved never returned your affection. Left with only with a broken heart and bitter crumbs from a failed relationship, you limp through life seeking the “why” of it all. I want to tell you that what your weeping eyes …