A girl on the quai,
I liked her pose, her total focus on the words in front of her. I loved that she was reading without a care in the world for the passing parade. And a book no less, a real book.
She didn’t notice me, nor the bouquinistes on the quai setting up for the afternoon and nor did I want to interupt her reverie, her pure enjoyment of the most glorious Parisian day. I admired her ability to retreat into her fictional world, to lose heself in the pages and to abandon herself to her surroundings.
Sun shining, birds singing and Parisians, Parisians everywhere enjoying a long deserved dose of sunshine.
I walked and walked yesterday. Plans became no plans. It was enough to soak in the sun and admire my surroundings. That first tap of sunlight on the face, the slow warmth on the back after a long winter puts everything on hold. Did I mind that I spent an afternoon in Paris and did nothing?
No. Nothing was everything.
Everything can so often be the small things. Watching, listening and observing. Taking the time to be nowhere in particular; I had forgotten about that particular joy.
I walked along the river, crossed through the cour carré on the western side of the Louvre and made my way to Palais Royal. The cour carré is often a forgotten space; it may be packed and buzzing with visitors in the Napoleon courtyard but behind is a quiet oasis. One of my favourite detours to admire and revel in the past; in particular the architecture and decorative sculptures.
The Palais Royal, unwrapped after a long restoration, is finally back. I have missed her hidden charms behind all that cladding. She was blooming yesterday, showing off her beauty. I watched Parisians in awe over the budding magnolias, a spring in their step as they officially said goodbye to long months of hibernation indoors.
And the women,
Perhaps it was the stellar day that made them go that extra step. The women I saw looked fabulous, all and more that we have discussed and read about.
Yes to trench coats, to leather jackets and to the crossbody bag. Skinny pants were definitely à la mode, this season’s trend for flares must be locked up in the ’70’s cupboard. Sneakers? Don’t forget to pack them. They are on.
Today may be another story, the clouds are rolling in and the ever familiar grey is descending. It doesn’t matter, yesterday was a day to last a lifetime… xv
