I haven’t written much because, I mean… words just aren’t enough. Anyway, I published a piece today that I’d written two days ago in regards to the events in Texas. I just couldn’t ignore it.

I’m not trying to return to normal here, or forget what happened in Texas, but I am continuing my escape into art — which is what we need when reality doesn’t make sense.

In touring several museums this week, I saw many pieces done by artists during, or post-war. All of them having been affected by what they’d experienced, including Monet, who had retreated to Giverny.

Yesterday, I had my longest Métro rides yet. At one point, I asked a young man with two kids to confirm my direction, and he generously showed me — and his kids animatedly pointed it all out on the map, confirming my travels. Another sweet encounter. After a stop and platform change, I had a 7-minute walk to the museum where I passed two full playgrounds of kids dashing about in one, and joyfully squealing at a puppet show in another, and my heart was heavy again at the reminder of the senseless deaths in Texas.

This week, I toured the Palais Garnier, le musée de l’Orangerie, and le musée Marmottan Monet, where Berthe Morisot (artiste préféré) is being featured. I’m checking off a lot of boxes and trying not to add too many more.

My camera and heart, mind, and soul are full. I’ve share more on my Instagram page, but I haven’t even gotten to the Monet pieces I saw yesterday.

After touring Marmottan for hours, a friend and I went to dinner in the 16th arrondissement. I essentially had surf and turf, since we discreetly shared nos plats. Of course everything was indescribably delicious. We basically closed the restaurant. LOL! And we weren’t done.

We live in different districts so we looked at a map trying to figure out how to ride home together. We grabbed a cab when we realized busses had stopped for the night.

As we passed the Eiffel Tower, all lit up in her evening wear, I realized I hadn’t seen her sparkle yet. My friend insisted – so we hopped out of the cab — ran to the lawn and sat, waiting for the appointed hour. She was magical! After the sparkles, she was dark for the night, her day was done and she needed her beauty rest.

Now, we still needed a way home. Phone batteries were low, but I managed to order an Uber, and we laughed the whole way home.

I love it here.

Today, I’m heading to Père Lachaise Cimetière for my last cultural event of the month with Alliance Française. I’ve taken advantage of so many of these free events, seeing things I never would have. I’m so grateful for all of these experiences and the people of Paris.