Yesterday morning the fog covered the hills above the village like a cupped hand. Everything was a bit muted, even the birds seemed to be humming under their wings. It took me back to my few hours roaming through Paris not so long ago.
For then too it was a gray day but my heart began pumping it with color so that I was painting outside the lines.
You see, I had a friend to meet. Isn’t it something…an anticipation that builds until it whirls like a carrousel?
I could hardly focus on my surroundings but focus I did or at least I tried. To see Paris for Paris’ sake…
…and that meant taking in not one but two art exhibitions in the space of nearly as many hours.
It was exceptional to see the City of Light as loved by the photographers of the Magnum collective. So many of the city’s most classic moments were captured and defined by photographers such as Henri Cartier-Bresson that I felt floating free in a past where I felt I belonged despite having never been.
It was a bit of time out of time until I stepped outside the Hotel de Ville and was reminded of recent events that had shocked the world, putting me smack back into 2015.
And yet La Conciergerie was mere steps away and I could nearly hear Marie Antoinette crying to be freed from her prison cell there…
…or Audrey Hepburn joyously shouting “Take the picture! Take the picture!” while floating past The Winged Victory of Samothrace at the Louvre.
Is this why we love Paris?
It is the host to so many of our stories – the imaginary, the real or those dancing in-between.
All we have to do is somehow place ourselves in that unique landscape, put a finger to the wind and pull on the blur.
As the night shrouded Paris in the fogs opposite, I boarded the train for Provence.
The doors to the TGV slid together, shutting sound and the wheels rolled out until I couldn’t hear them anymore. I took my camera out of my bag and set it in my lap. It held my story – or at least what it had been for those few hours. My cheek felt cool against the window as the bright lights dissolved. Paris was letting me go.
“Au revoir,” I whispered. Until we meet again.
Leslie, I had no idea that you had spent so much time in Paris! I would be so curious to know what your reaction would be to the city today…
And I sincerely hope that all of your hard work paid off!
Heather on Paris…a sublime combination! I have been underground with a complex case for the last 3 weeks, and pretty much ensconced in my work study 7 day/wk since mid-January. Reading this post was the perfect way to begin my re-emergencing. I spent a great deal of time in Paris from age 16 to 31…probably more than 100 visits and some pockets of time living there…but I have not come to know her in this later stage of my life. Thank you for bringing her to me, for my savoring until I return and guidance when I do. Fondly, Leslie in Oregon
Every May & every September .. and the time between gets longer and longer and longer …….
Hello Heather,
You covered a great distance in such a short visit. All your images are beautiful. Paris is long overdue a visit from us.
Hope your weekend is special
Helen xx
I can see you striding through Paris, revisiting favourite places, and trying to catch a glimpse of perhaps something new. Hold it all in your heart Heather, until the next time.
xxTracy
Dear Heather, what a delightful account and though Paris is at the top of my list, I have yet to spend time there in spite of all my travels! Soon, very soon!
xoxo
Karena
The Arts by Karena
Bunnies by Hunt Slonem!
Lovely Heather! You always make me feel at home with your descriptions. I love Paris and I miss it everywhere I go … I was strolling on those places with you while reading and watching the photos and I felt the same pain when you left by train…. your thoughts were mine…(empathy) . Have a nice week end my dear!
That's what Paris is in my memory – a blur! But I'm so glad you were able to pay a quick visit and take in your favorite sights, plus 2 exhibits!! Is this your first time back as a photographer??? I loved the mix of black/white and color; loved the carousel, the people dancing. Now your fans are craving for you to go back – "more! more!", the people cry! Thanks for the lovely, quick visit! Le sigh.
Merci beaucoup, Emily!
Oh my Goodness, wouldn't that be something?? Especially as we love all of the same places and all of the same things! What a beautiful idea, friend. That made me smile to imagine, thank you. 🙂