Mild evening in Paris

Buona sera Parigi, or as the French say, "bon soir Paris". It is mild and rainy here in the great white north, and as I watch Mother Nature flood our hockey rink, I think about how, although we are half a world apart, our weather forecast is practically identical tonight, so I feel closer to you then ever.
Mild and rainy in Paris with temperatures well above zero. Why if I were in Paris tonight, I would be roaming the shiny cobblestone streets with my favorite Monet print umbrella, my white flared A-line rain coat, and of course, the turquoise ankle-high stiletto rain boot. Relax Paris! They are a kitten heel - barely 2 inches high - more than practical and safe on slippery sloping streets.
After an hour or two of walking arm in arm along Les Champs Elysees with dear husband, it's time to take a much-needed rest and stop for a before-bed latte. "Make mine decaf, s'il vous plait monsieur, with one sugar, (une sucre), and non-fat milk (lait ecreme). Merci beaucoup!" Husband has been mulling the chalkboard over and finally concludes that he will settle for a shot of cafe americano. So what if it keeps him up all night? Afterall, we are in Paris, aren't we? Why sleep when you can stare out into the night sky, drinking in the moon, the stars, and all of the sights and lights that only Paris can offer.
Once again Paris, our dream together is interrupted by the door chimes. The young brood is at the door and they are clamoring for their dinner. I promise to be back soon Paris, as I plan on spending the rest of my evening (post-family dinner and kitchen clean-up) nestled up with the kittens as we peruse site after site of Paris apartments, Paris tours, Paris decor, and last, but not least, my dear Paris, flights and hotel accommodations.
See you in my dreams tonight Paris,
a la prochaine!!!

My thoughts are in Haiti

Thoughts of Paris and all of it's beauty have shifted this week to thoughts of Haiti and all of it's suffering and devastation. The aftermath of possibly the worst earthquake in history is all-consuming. The images of the vicitims burned in mass graves, the ruins and rubble, the faces of the survivors - injured, helpless and hopeless - a society already living well beyond third world conditions. The thousands upon thousands that have lost their lives and the unknown numbers of the thousands still waiting to be rescued.
Priorities have changed, dreams of travel and visiting sights I have been longing to see, are all on hold right now. Now the focus is on helping, praying, and hoping.
So goodbye for now, my dear Paris. I know that someday we will meet, but in this present moment, I choose to shift all of my thoughts, prayers and energy to the people of Haiti. May God be with them.

Bonne annee mon cher Paris!

My darling Paris, bonne et heureuse annee is what I say! Just think Paris - 2010 has descended upon us which can only mean - the future is now and our time together will be fast approaching. Now that the absessed molar situation is almost under control, I can refocus my thoughts from antibiotics and narcotics to flight tickets and hotel bookings. The Paris fund is steadily growing thanks to the forget family and the mass of change they leave behind in their dirty laundry pockets. The New Year is always exciting - fresh of new ideas, projects, resolutions, and the one I know I will follow through on this year, my dearest Paris, is to finally meet. I will embrace you my Paris, I promise. With sorrow and grief having been on the menu this past year, my thoughts have shifted to the making and breaking of plans. How tomorrow may never come, how someday may never arrive and how today is our one and only. Therefore my dear Paris, this is why I am determined to refrain from any further frivolous spending. For example, there is no need for yet another zebra chair, another black and white rug, nor another art deco lamp. My focus is as good as tunnel vision. All I see now as I peruse the aisles of my beloved Home Sense is the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Flea Market, and my once in a lifetime Chanel suit purchase.

Life is short my dear Paris, although you need not worry about that - for you will live on forever. Yes love, romance, and much laughter are on the agenda for 2010 and Paris, only you can help deliver those goods. My suitcases are just about packed, and the fact that I've had to go out and buy more underwear to wear until we meet, well, consider that a purchase of necessity. One can't start off a fresh New Year without fresh new foundation garments is what I say!

It's a shame husband still refuses to make the change from brief to fitted boxer - far more attractive, as I repeatedly tell him, briefs belong on boys and old men in nursing homes. Am I being too harsh, too unfair, too meddling, my dear Paris? Should a wife keep her nose out of her husband's briefs? Why that would be the best piece of advice I could ever offer a young bride. If in doubt about the briefs or boxers one just found lying on the floor haphazardly, simply toss them in the dirty laundry and do not bother checking if they are fresh. No good could come of that scenario is what I say! Well Paris, amid all of the excitement of planning my trip, I notice I am rambling about mundane domestic goings on. Best to focus on the love, romance and laughter and leave the mundane daily routines to the mundane people. You and I are free spirits my dear Paris. Like young lovers, I am counting down the days until we are together. Au revoir mon Paris, je t'aime beaucoup. Attends-moi - j'arrive