The Bold Soul: A Writer's Life in Paris

Chasing pigeons at Saint Sulpice

A little tyke amusing himself by chasing the pigeons in front of Saint Sulpice. A closer look at the fountain, which is very large and really beautiful. During the past years when there was a huge restoration project of the facade and towers at Saint Sulpice, the fountain wasn't operational. It's nice to see it flowing at last. The non-matching towers of Saint Sulpice. I noticed that the one on the right seems to have big holes in the masonry (click the image to see more closely), which surprised me as that side of the facade was restored a couple of years ago, followed by the left side. I don't know if those were holes left by war-time activity or if there is some other reason there are chunks of stone missing. Read more →

Un sentiment d'urgences

Since I moved to Paris, I have had a number of "life experiences" that have allowed me to observe and think about cultural differences (or similarities) between my country of origin and my adopted home here in France. I've been to a friend's French wedding. Although I had my own wedding in New Jersey, I got to have a French wedding reception here. I've been to two French baptisms. I served for a very brief time on a committee of non-residents at my local mairie, so I got to dabble a little in French civic affairs. I've been admitted to a small private French hospital and had major surgery with French doctors. I've had French Christmas here a few times now, so I'm comfortable with the family traditions. I've finally found both a French doctor and dentist I like and can communicate with easily (now if I could only find a good gynecologist). I haven't voted yet, but I'm well on my way to being able to do that, once I get approved within the next year for French (dual) citizenship. There are two particular life experiences, however, that I have not been eager to experience. One, I am happy... Read more →

Toes in the water

I took these photos last week while still on our holiday in Saint Raphael. I was marveling that the weather was fine enough that I could put my feet in the sea in January, something I'd never be able to do in January in at the Jersy Shore. But now these images feel a bit metaphorical... since I'm about to dip my toes into the publishing waters again. Let's hope the waters are going to be fine there, too. Read more →

The last 10 pages

The finish line is finally in sight. Of course, this is simply the end of the massive revisions I have been working on for (so embarrassed to admit this) the past YEAR. There is still a lot of work to do: finding an agent, getting some feedback, making more revisions, finding a publisher... and cashing a big, fat check. But first... I have to get to "Fin". * * * * * Later that same day, 12:58pm... And... DONE. Read more →

It's that time again

The winter sales begin tomorrow! Get your credit cards and a plane ticket, and get shopping! Read more →

Oyster cat

Waiting for the daily delivery. He looks impatient; they must be late. Read more →

Rays of sunshine

Back in Paris at last. Where the sun will basically be non-existent for at least the next three months. I am sitting here trying to recall the feeling of the warm sunshine on my face; was it only yesterday I felt it? Seems already too long ago. But still, this is Paris, and no matter how dreary and grey the actual weather may be, I still love coming back here after an absence. I have no travel plans at all for the forseeable future, so now is the time to get back in touch with the city and what I enjoy about it. On the train to Paris yesterday, I spent some time editing my manuscript and was suddenly happy to realize I only have about 30 pages left to go! Which means I ought to finish in the upcoming week, and will once again start farming around for a good literary agent. It's embarrassing to realize it was a year ago that I sent out the first two query letters and that it's taken me a whole other year to get back to the point where I'm ready to try again. Note to self: work on your work ethic.... Read more →

Chocolat

In summer, we come here for the ice cream. In winter, it's hot chocolate. Either way, we get to relax and look at the sea. Read more →