I stand on the edge on an adventure, dazed and thrilled at once. Not sure how I got here, but I am filled with excitement. I do not remember how this trip originated. It could have been my desire to see Paris one more time, or possibly my chronic longing for a whole month in France, or maybe just good old-fashioned wanderlust. Regardless with my 50th birthday looming, I grimly decided to be like “Nike” and “just do it”. Grimly, because my first obstacle was taking off an entire month from my job as coordinator of a sexual assault program. I worried it around in my mind until I decided I was going to do whatever it took to give myself this present. I wasted all that energy because it was as simple as asking. The next obstacle was, who would care for my naughty little Lucy. Her grandma said "of course, who else?" Though after a recent visit to my parents I have to wonder if boarding the little stinker (she is a dog you know!) might not be the better bet! “Too many things to smell in the country to listen to my Momma!”
The final hurdle was all up to me and God, could I save enough to be gone that long? So setting my intention (In Spanish one intends, and the same word is interchangeable with to think) I began to save. Now nine months later I am fourteen days away from beginning my long awaited trip. I am pretty sure that my loved ones will be glad for me to get going, so that they no longer have to listen to my rhapsodizing about my plans. My father, rather disgruntledly tells me I should just move to France. Maybe for some of my friends this was a welcome break from passionate diatribes about violence against women. Regardless I will be gone/there soon.
So, what will a month with no obligations look like for me? I have set up several cooking classes with a company called Cooking with Class. Part way through the month I am going to a dinner with my Fordorite buddies from on line. Many of whom have contributed to my plans. I also have reservations at the Hidden Kitchen, an experience I am anticipating with oral glee!
I am dreaming of long walks, reading in parks, coffee or wine in cafes watching people and having absolutely no agenda. I am wondering what I will learn to cook, will I be able to master the macarons and croissants I long to me able to make. I have considered the fact that I might be lonely, but I have an acquaintance there and in addition a friend’s sister is in Paris for a work-study program. Too, I have never known a stranger, pretty useful stuff as a nurse. I also tend to be pretty self-sufficient so I am really not so concerned. As usual, the result of my work, I am sure, I am concerned about my safety but the apartment (also known as my apartment, I think the rental price gives me the right to call it that for the next six weeks) is in, I am assured, a safe part of town. I have been alone in Paris once before and I did not feel unsafe. I think the older I get the bigger chicken I become, or maybe that too, is from my work. I shall just have to employ all the tips that we humans think keep us safe and remember to say my prayers!
I have decided to communicate with those who care on a blog! This
is pretty exciting for me, a nearly fifty-year-old woman who got
so much grief about my writing skills. But after a couple of
semesters of Indianapolis Women Writing for a Change, I now have
enough confidence to give it a try. I have gone back and forth
questioning if I want this to be so public. However it seems to be a
good way to communicate with several people in a complete way.
"And all shall be well,
And all shall be well,
And all manner of things shall be well"
Julian of Norwich
