Does WHAT fit? This is about… the Operative Question for me has always been – Do I / THEY / HE / SHE / IT fit? My intuition has been one of my best friends throughout my life. And, slowly but surely, I have begun counting on it to lead the way. So, upon reflection, I have decided that the question I have asked myself since early life is, “Does it fit?” or “Do I fit?”. I am still asking it daily – “Does it fit?” Of course, there is no one to answer me other than my intuition. And, the answer is “Yes”, or “No”, or “The jury is still out.” (e.g. I am not sure yet.) That applies to clothes, people, situations, professions, furniture placement, shoes, friends, events, or (as my kids would say, “Whatever”. (sigh)
For me, Los Angeles fit! Gainesville, Georgia, didn’t. San Francisco didn’t. New York City didn’t. Atlanta didn’t. …as locales go. Pacific Palisades fit! Santa Monica didn’t. Marina Del Rey didn’t. Beverly Hills? Sorta – the jury is still out. Encino, CA, didn’t. And now, after much deliberation, I have decided that – in the South of France – Cap d’Ail fit. Roquebrune Cap Martin fit. Paris fits. Nice doesn’t. There is a list of other places nearby that don’t. No need to list them here. So, I want to live these years in a place that fits. And, bottom line, I usually don’t go back – once I decide that something doesn’t fit. That also applies to organizations and social events and religious institutions and religious beliefs and friends.
In six weeks, I have movers booked to move some things to Paris for me. I have rented what amounts to an Airbnb in the Sixth Arrondissement for a year. That will give me time “to look around” and find what’s next. So, I must definitely count on two moves ahead of me. No problem. I am just happy this owner will let me bring my piano. Most people are OK with a cat. A piano is problematic. This one is a “medium” Steinway in bad repair. (Long story for another time). So, I am divesting myself of worldly goods and keeping the piano. Amazing. Never thought I could do it. But I have and I am. That just says how much I want to move to Paris. I can’t afford two or more moves and stuff (furniture, art, pots and pans. Etc.)
A short word about Paris. ALL MY LIFE, I have identified with Paris. My earliest memory is when I was identifying as “Honey Bunch” and reading all of the Honey Bunch books by Helen Louise Thorndyke in that series. “Honey Bunch: A Little Girl in the City”. “Honey Bunch: Her First Visit on the Farm”. I thought Honey Bunch should go to Paris. Now, how did I know that Paris existed? I don’t remember.
And, when I was introduced to Eloise at the Plaza, I thought Eloise should visit a Paris hotel. It wasn’t that far from NYC. Ok, ok, just go with it.
And, it was on from there. High School, University of Wisconsin “Of Thee I Sing – part of Diana Devereaux, Conversational French classes, The Sorbonne, 1957 European Tour, 1998, 2008. Lots of dreams about, and fantasies of. Watercolors of. French movies. You get the picture. Now, all of it has changed. Well, so have I. It is time. I went (compliments of a dear friend) in October 2019 for a week to see if it fits. YES! It fits! I would go now, but the apartment has tenants. So, I have to wait. World and Body, please behave so that I can get there.
Regarding careers, I want to report that acting fits. Practicing Employment Litigation fit. (sexual harassment, discrimination, wrongful termination). Helping a damaged employee fight a bully fit. Now I have officially retired. And, I have received a Certificate of Inclusion in the “TOP 100 REGISTRY”. It reads, “This certificate is proudly presented to Jay W. MacIntosh, Esq. The above-named recipient is recognized for outstanding career achievement and exemplary leadership. This honor affirms and proclaims their inclusion in the Top 100 Registry. Dated July 11, 2019. No. 569403. My biography is now featured in the Featured Members of upcoming Top 100 Registry Publication that will be distributed worldwide to more than one hundred thousand subscribers.
Needless to say, this makes me very proud, looking back. At this point, I am living in the present and taking the next step! There is still more to do. There are places to go and people to see. I have NO IDEA of what lies ahead. I just keep taking the next step. (singing) “We’ve got a lot of livin’ to do. “
Now, a meme or two! My thanks to the original poster on Facebook.
Happy Holidays!
Best, Jay
JAYSPEAK 