Things are not especially peaceful in Paris at the moment. There are complicated problems with no easy solutions, not only in France, but also here in the states and all around the world. I pray daily for a peaceful resolution to all of it.

When I visited in April, Paris was delightful.

Notre Dame is gloriously bright inside after the post-fire restoration.

I survived the long line Saturday morning, not without a little drama from a couple of well-dressed, queue-jumping young women, but eventually, I was inside. Worth the wait and more glorious that I’ve ever seen it.

Sunday afternoon, I caught a train to La Rochelle, but in the morning, I strolled around the quiet streets, especially Rue Montorgueil, one of my favorites–what a luxury that now seems.

I don’t know if I’d always seen the terraces full of people, but after all these years, I finally noticed that each restaurant, café, bistrot, brasserie, whatever, has its own chair pattern and colors. I strolled around the nearly deserted streets snapping photos before they filled back up, even had a lovely conversation with one early arrival. 

I love these pix so much. They remind me of that gorgeous morning and the beauty of Paris.

Merci, d’exister, Paris ! I hope things calm down there soon.

Meanwhile let’s be people of compassion and kindness, those who listen and are slow to anger, those who care about the plight of others. Many thanks to all of you who have shown such kindness to me over the years. You are appreciated and remembered.

Grace, peace and hope to all of you!