It had been years and years since I last was in Paris.
And I honestly can’t remember the last time I was able to wander quietly on my own, just to see and dream…
Perhaps just before leaving for Provence nearly ten years ago?
And so, last Thursday, as I only had a few hours to tick off the clock, I didn’t waste time.
I visited my favorite areas on the right bank wisely, as if investing in the memories that they would provide until who knows when, again.
And of course that included walking through the arches of the Palais Royal in the 1st Arrondissement – that little jewel box in the very heart of Paris, that just might be the heart of Paris for it pumps out an oxygen that makes us all breathe…
…that undefinable perfume…
…of something like Beauty, Romance, Elegance, Art and Time…blended so carefully that only the best within you knows that it is spelled P. A. R. I. S.
And so what was I doing there you ask?
Well, I was there to see a beautiful blonde. Yes, that is the very one above. Some of you might recognize her as Ellie or Eleanor A. O’Connell Decret who writes at Have Some Decorum. I have mentioned her to you before. She is, quite frankly, one of the most amazing women that I have ever met. It was a stunning experience in the best possible sense and one that meant so much to me on a personal level that I want to keep that gift for myself. I know that you will understand. But I do have to give the credit to someone who is also so very exceptional, my friend Elizabeth Kirkpatrick, known to many as La Contessa at The Vintage Contessa. It was her idea that I meet Ellie as a surprise and she made it happen entirely. I can never thank you enough, Elizabeth.
Today is Ellie’s birthday. She emanates many of the ingredients of that same enchanting perfume as found in the Palais Royal, where I paced with excitement only a few minutes before arriving at her door. As with her lovely portrait here, there is no black and white for this one, just a blaze of color.
Happy Birthday, Ellie! Keep fighting the good fight, you are loved by many all over the world…
All thanks to you, my wonderful friend. I wish the world knew how incredible you are in so many ways…you have one of the biggest and most generous hearts that I know!
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!
And the next time, we should try to find a way to explore the Palais Royal…together!
Oh I am so glad that you enjoyed it! Alas (for the better or for the worse), I was snapping like a fiend and there will be more…!!
Paris is magical. Thank you for sharing your little piece of it. And your extraordinary friend with us.
Heather how very exciting! I have just begun following Ellie and her blog "Have Some Decorum."
Her story is incredible and she is a marvel of a woman. Of course I am sure we would all love to hear more about your visit!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
A New Gallery in Town!
The inspirational people we meet around the world through our blogosphere lives absolutely delights me. Through you I have 'met' the Contessa and Ellie and countless others. What a blessing is this techno friendship circle!
As always beautifully written. I am sure it was a most memorable trip.
Wonderful photos, and what a treat for both you and Ellie to have this meet-up. Doing a little dance of happiness for you.
Dear Heather, what a fleeting and precious visit you have had to Paris. One which you will treasure for many years to come. xxTracy
Lovely
Heather, I meant to say that I loved your images, as always! Especially the difference between the drama of the black and white images as opposed to the warmth of the photo of Ellie. BTW, in the second photo, it looked like some wonderful detailed mise-en-scene, with the woman walking through the Place du Palais Royal, in her black striped coat, perfectly complementing the black striped bollards! A little piece of wonderful artistic synchronicity!
Cheers,
Deborah