It has been quite some time since my last blog post, but when I am compelled to write, I write. My first sighting of the Eiffel Tower was like seeing a celebrity for the first time, there she is…I was overwhelmed. I had never been to Paris, but it had always been a place I wanted to experience and capture. This image was the beginning of my journey back to the place I loved, the world of art history at its finest. The setting was old, my eyes were fresh and my camera was ready to start documenting my own history as it unfolded before me.
The excitement began with the fast and furious cab ride from the airport to the hotel. The driver was seasoned in maneuvering the narrow cobblestone streets of Paris and I felt like I was part of this crazy video game I had no control over. I starred at every building, every window and every street corner…it was exhilarating. When we sat down at our first cafe this was my view. I watched the city breathe in and out as the clouds passed by and kept saying to myself…I am really here.
Once our bellies were stocked with energy we mapped our course and started our journey through town. It was truly like experiencing the Hollywood walk of fame. The Arc de Triomphe was a sight to behold and with every step closer I became more and more starstruck. The craftsmanship was breathtaking and the most beautiful I had ever seen in my entire life.
As the the adventure continued we headed to the Pantheon, modelled after the one in Rome. Like a moth to a flame I was drawn to the structure and it was the view through the pillars that I found most engaging. I love looking at things with different perspectives and this moment was no exception. Nestled behind the Pantheon was the Church of Saint Etienne du Mont with its infamous purple door…absolutely gorgeous. I have always had a love for unique doors, perhaps it’s the idea of it taking me into an exciting new world that is so attractive.
A new day and a new adventure. As we entered the Luxembourg Gardens, it was like stepping into a Monet painting. I remember the exact moment when all I could see were my children closely walking together and my heart was full. How did I get so lucky to have this frame captured in time forever with such a magnificent backdrop? As soon as we turned the corner it was a wonderland of artistic expression. I gazed at each statue and thought about who they could of been and what stories they could of told. I was truly in awe of every facial feature, every wrinkle in their garment and of course…the position of their hands.
Little did we know we had saved the best for last. The Louvre Museum was the most grand I have ever witnessed . It didn’t matter that it was closed that day, I could of spent hours savoring every nook and cranny of this giant art piece and be completely content. As my eyes tilted upwards there was always a figure looking back at me. I never felt so small, but at the same time my awareness never felt so significant.
I knew this was only a glimpse into a world I had never seen and I wanted to taste more, photograph more and definitely share more. I did not travel as a child and grew up fearful of change and felt safer in my own bubble of comfort and ignorance. I also grew up a creative and someone that imagined herself painting in France and photographing the streets of Rome. This duality weighed heavily on my shoulders for many years. It was not until I entered my mid forties that I began to face those fears head on. This trip definitely ignited something within me that I had not felt since my art history days in college. I find it ironic that some women, like myself, look at aging as a curse when it is actually our time of brilliance. Now in my mid fifties I can confidently say, “My wisdom is my beauty.”
La Fin
