You welcome me over and over again as I return to hold your hand and lose myself upon your cobblestone streets. Deep-seated joy arises as we land at Charles de Gaulle, and the RER carries me across your threshold. The center of my being expands, and I fall in love again. Along…
Tag: Paris
Instructions for Soul Strolling
First, say ‘yes’ to soul strolling. Carry your soul tenderly. When necessary, and often, ask for hugs. Breathe deeply, relishing the pause. Slow down and listen in the stillness. Embrace the night as a dear friend. Walk with intention, holding loosely your expectations. Savor the ordinary. Laugh often. Eat well. Kick up your heels and…
Laughing Ladies
Strolling around the corner in the Jardin du Luxembourg I can hardly believe my eyes – four of you ensconced upon your marble bench emitting laughter and joy through your sculpted presence. My heart skipping a beat as I laugh out loud with you. Giddily enjoying one another’s company, sitting about in your…
Soul biking in Paris
Yesterday I was able to take my soul for a biking day in Paris. It’s been something I’ve wanted to do for quite sometime and after a very helpful chat with a customer service rep at Velib, I was able to follow my desire and enjoy the adventure. From quiet, wind blowing through my hair,…
‘ The universe knows, be like water’ – going with the flow in Paris
What is water? Element, sustenance, changing, flowing, moving, stagnant, still, stormy… That’s what today has been like for me in Paris. Granted, in the big scheme of things, I’m in Paris! I’m here on my own for a few days before my husband joins me on route home from India. My intention has been to…
Change and ‘taking my soul for a stroll’
I’ve been angsty, irritable, happy, sad, excited and a whole range of emotions in between. My Dad’s voice echoes in my mind, “ShaSha, are you feeling fair to midland?” Yes, is my resounding internal reply. I had one of those ‘aha’ moments in the midst of my morning household cleaning, laundering, tidying up phase today:…
Stories from my childhood – Travel
For as long as I can recall I have loved, longed, and yearned for travel. It’s a funny thing this desire to journey near or far, experience different cultures, listen to other languages, taste different cuisine and explore. I am thankful and fortunate to have been raised by parents who also enjoyed adventuring out from…
Urban Paris Pilgrimage: Where sole greets soul….
I’ve been absent from writing for a few months. Yet, here I am, showing up to the page, letting you lovely readers know that there is one spot remaining for our Urban Paris Pilgrimage: where sole greets soul, May 2 – 9, 2015. Why I’ve been absent from the page is a long list of…
What shape is my life?
Conversation with a scallop shell You’ve been calling to me from your marine mollusk home for quite some time – Whispering to me via gifts from friends Pendants on necklaces Surprising me in a box wrapped with string Words inscribed “Unless you leave room for serendipity, how can the divine enter in? The beginning of…
Paris Pilgrimage Magic
“Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it.” Goethe Years ago I dreamed of wandering the streets, neighborhoods, museums, and restaurants of Paris with a group of women. I wasn’t sure how it was going to happen, nor the logistics of facilitating such a venture,…
My love affair with Paris
My love affair with Paris began in 8th grade. I had this rather odd, quirky French teacher at my high school. He was dramatic, expressive, and could hardly wait for us to ‘fall in love with French’. (And no, I did not fall in love with him). In order to demonstrate the verb, tomber (to…
Ode to Paris
Thomas Jefferson wrote about you, dear friend, “A walk about Paris will provide lessons in history, beauty, and in the point of life.” And so right he was You captured and delighted my heart At the wonderful age of 21, When I stood atop your Tour Eiffel and proclaimed To the wind, ‘I shall return’…
Sharon Richards 