Sunshine, blue skies, warm breeze, sailboats in the harbor, fish nets catching eels, palm trees and a motorcycle that sucks up dog poop (really!) That was a first. Welcome to Gruissan. First stop after parking was a visit to the cooperative La Cave de Gruissan. Shelves with products from the area: mustard, olive oil, tapenades,…
Tag: France
Narbonne, Carcassone, Cassoulet, and Vineyards: France – October, 2018
“Let’s stroll by the seaside, take a walk by the seaside, soak up sun by the seaside, sip espresso by the seaside.” This has a delightful melody in my head; which, unfortunately, dear reader, you are unable to hear. Invitation: next time you stroll by the seaside, see which version you create 🙂 Dimanche, Sunday,…
Occitanie, South West France, October, 2018
“may my heart always be open to little birds who are the secrets of living.” E.E. Cummings I awoke to the sound of chattering birds, roosters greeting the morning, and a gentle breeze blowing the curtains. Hotel Riberach in BĂ©lesta was ‘home’ for 3 nights. The hotel, restaurant and cave (winery) have a snail as their…
“These are a few of my favorite things…” Restaurants and Bistros: Paris, France
I’ve experienced many delicious meals in Paris over the past number of years: from restaurants and bistros, to boulangeries and cafĂ©s, in an assortment of arrondissements throughout the city. For my friends, family and fellow SoulStrollers, SoulStrolling, here’s a ‘few of my faves’ for your perusal, sampling and upcoming adventures. Frâiche – Thanks to my husband, Dave…
Étretat, Arromanches-les-Bains, Anguerny: Normandy, France, October, 2017
“Étretat is becoming more and more amazing. Now is the real moment….” Claude Monet, February, 1883. My soulstrolling pal Kayce Hughlett prompted our weekend adventure from Paris to Normandy. Following her intuition, we found ourselves driving through the countryside from Trouville/Deauville to Étretat on a Friday evening in October. A mutual friend adores Étretat and recommended…
Suspending time: Paris, October 2017
“Y-a-t-il plus belle façon de suspendre le temps?” Is there a better way to suspend time? Oh how this phrase strikes a chord within. My heart’s been missing Paris. Alisha Wielfaert was in Paris recently and referred to the city as her “soul’s home.” This is true for me. For some, time feels suspended simply by…
SoulStrolling and Savoring in the 9th and 18th Arrondissements, Paris, October 2017
“C’est un rayon de soleil dans votre assiette.” It’s a ray of sunshine on your plate. My taste buds and Paris have an ongoing love affair. I recently spent the month of October soulstrolling and savoring Paris. Home was an airbnb on Rue D’Orsel in the 18th, (close to Sacre Coeur) with 3 weeks spent walking…
Conversation with Owl in Paris, March 2017
Owl is my word for the year. She chose me. Soulstrolling the streets of Paris last week, Owl appeared often: hanging as a backpack in the shop window on Rue Mouffetard, on a magnet in a tourist shop, at the Brocante Antique fair outside Paris (Foire de Chatou), and peering out through an art gallery…
A Day in Reims, France – Part Two
“We can continually recall beauty through the practice of memory, through daily acts of imagination that seize the moments that once seized our hearts.” Phil Cousineau, The Art of Pilgrimage. With stomachs rumbling and lunch calling we wove our way through the streets of Reims to Anna S. la table amoureuse. Lavender hued walls with golden…
A day in Reims, France – Part One
Oprah Winfrey uses the word, “marvelism” and Phil Cousineau writes in The Art of Pilgrimage, “How will you remember to remember when you return home?” It’s been almost 3 months since I returned home from 3 weeks in Paris. Usually, my pen is quick to the page, eager to share the bounty from my travels….
Inhale and Inhabit
A prompt, a word, it’s a curious thing where they might lead when you pay attention. I’m participating in 31 Days of SoulStrolling and today’s prompt is – inhale.  My mind went on a meandering journey when I first read the prompt. My first association to the word was about the use of drugs. “Oh, I tried…
5 weeks in France, Part 2 – Patterns Below my Feet
5 weeks in France, Part 2 – Patterns Below my Feet I have this thing with floors. Actually, I have this thing with what’s below my feet. I’ve noticed this for a long time. It’s not a new thing. I find myself wearing shoes/soles that reflect my soul. “Travel by foot. There is so much…
Sharon Richards 