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…
And I can just see you doing it, G. 🙂
Yay! I am so excited that you saw that!! But I have to admit something truly embarrassing…I didn't! Not until I saw it on the screen and then I was SO bummed…I truly would have stalked that woman to get a perfect photo if I had known. This is yet another example of why I will never be a real photographer!
Brava is right!! Elizabeth's neighbors call her their "Fairy Godmother" and now I know why…well, I have for some time actually, she is wonderfulwonderful! And thank you for understanding, Deborah. 🙂
Thank you! I am glad you like them! And yes to every word that you used to describe Ellie…I just would add that she is incredibly loving and kind.
Yay, Sister! You of all people know how much went into this day and what it meant to me…and thank you for getting the Wizard of Oz switch into color for Ellie…on purpose! Aha! Looove youuuu….
She has the most amazing energy, Lorrie. 🙂
Do you know that you were the only person she told?! And trust me, Ellie is the true gift. I wasn't even the ribbon!
Ah, great question Judith! But stomping around Paris is more like it as I wore my Hugo Boss combat boots (they are so comfortable). And not surprisingly, I wore all black – skinny pants, leather trimmed tshirt, vintage Yamamoto jacket with tails and an oversize vintage men's Costume National tux coat. It was freeeeezing so thank Goodness I had my favorite black pashmina (at least with a thin red and gold plaid!) to try and keep me warm…Oh! And I had my favorite leopard print calf hair tote on my arm with camera snuggled inside…
Heeheehee. Does that help? 😉
I loved your poem, Bill.
Thank you Loree, I will! It was truly such an amazing day…it took me several to get back up to speed afterwards!!