France - July 2017, Summer

The hot sun is slightly lower in the sky, reflecting off the white lined pages of the journal my hands cling to. A cooling wind makes my wispy hairs dance across my face.

Today has been restful after yesterday's walk around the Château de Chamarande. The trees surrounding the Château and the art inside the Château create a film on repeat in my mind. My noisy new shoes and spoken french form the soundtrack.

The scene changes to today at lunch; a chocolate cake, powdered sugar sprinkled finely over its round surface, and three candles. One pink candle, one blue, and one orange.

Again the scene changes, I am sitting in an arm chair outdoors, legs curled up, hair in a loose bun, a small cup of coffee sits in front of me. Even though it is hot, and sweat runs down the back of my neck, I sip the dark coffee.

The first week in France is over. Some words to summarize: fireworks, parties, sushi, walks, cathedral, châteaux, sunshine and rain, fruits, and books.


"Wherever you go becomes a part of you somehow." -Anita Desai






"Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving." - Terry Pratchett, A Hat Full of Sky

* Note:

When I return home photos will be added to all these posts. I can't wait so thank you for your patience.