THROUGH MY EYES…..

THROUGH MY EYES…..  Whenever I see something new or learn something new, I try to think about how it applies to my life?  I ask myself “Why is this significant to me?”  That is the only way I seem to be able to relate.  I must make it personal in some way.  I do the same when I read a book.  In other words, I “experience” what I am seeing or reading or watching.  What a great way to go through life!  It makes everything personal.  And, that is taking life to the extreme. I think that is why I was an excellent actress.  I made it all personal.  Problems, yes.  But that is the way I am.  So now, after looking at the gorgeous Mediterranean for hours and hours and taking  the Sea personally along with a LOT of photos, I am walking through the Latin Quarter, taking in everything personally. Haha.  a TERRIBLE way to go sightseeing.   But, I am experiencing each moment – inside and out.  

Honestly, when I heard that I would be living in the Latin Quarter, I imagined a lot of Roman ruins and topless girls dancing in a chorus line, in a kick-line on a big stage.  The Lido and/or the Folies-Bergère.  What did I know?  The LAST thing I imagined was a French philosopher from Brittany teaching students, everyone speaking in the Latin language, about revolutionary ideas in thinking or learning.  I imagined that the Romans once lived in this area, and I would see a lot of ruins. 

I was wrong.  Again.  The Roman ruins were in Nice.  Oh, I think there are a lot of Roman ruins here, but I don’t see them.   I took four years of Latin in High School, but I don’t remember any of it. But I don’t think anyone speaks Latin here at all.  Maybe in classes.  I am not in classes.   That said, I still don’t know much about what I am in the middle of.  And, I am trying to personalize all of it.  As I have said before and will say again, everything seems to be old and used and gorgeous.  Lots of construction and restoring going on.  Like everywhere.  LA was the worse for graffiti and potholes.  I can see why people from all over the world love Paris.  And, they do.  I am beginning to love it, too.  And want to do more, see more, learn more. 

My problem is that I am having a lot of health problems.  My heart wants to soar, and my body keeps speaking to me.  This virus has not been difficult because I stay home a lot anyway.  Steve and I loved staying at home.  My law office was at home.  I love home.  I always have.  I write at home.  So, having a home that feels like “home” is important to me.  When I go out, I am always glad when I get back home.  I had a wonderful apartment in Nice with Steve.  We both loved it.  On Cimiez.  After he died, I had to move to a cheaper apartment.  It never felt like home.  This Studio I am in now does not feel like home.  I am in a holding pattern.  But, with my health problems, I need a place that feels like home. I am looking.   And, with the virus, I need to love my surroundings because I am “at risk”.  I need air and sky and trees outside my window. So, I am seeing my surroundings in “The Latin Quarter” and taking everything personally, knowing that I am a visitor in the area, in a holding pattern.   Haha.  How dismal is that??? 

That said, everything is exciting.  I wake up in the morning excited about the day.  That is pretty amazing, considering these dreary times. As I have said before, I moved to Paris from Nice, after having lived in Nice for four years.  Nice was beautiful, and I want to spend time there in the future. I also want to spend time in Brittany and Normandy.  But “home” will be in Paris.  Somewhere.  Probably not in the Latin Quarter.   But for now, here I am, in the middle of The Latin Quarter, taking a lot of things personally (Haha) and working on beginning a foundation for the rest of my life.  Today is the First Day even though July is my sixth month is Paris. 

I have always loved college towns. I love being a student!  I love learning!  I adored Law School.  Well, here I am in the middle of a historic center of learning, scholarship and artistic achievement in Paris because of the Sorbonne. Students are everywhere!  This is my neighborhood.  Winding streets, flower-adorned balconies on gorgeous buildings and lots of cinemas.  But here, you must know in advance what film you want to see.  Then, you must find out what time that film is showing.  Usually it is only once a day at a specific time.  And, not usually every day.  So, it is film specific.  I watch my films at home, especially now.  

AND, for the record, i have no problems with masks.  That is SO easy and SO nothing to get upset about.  Hello.  There are only a few things to remember.  Sooooo easy.  1) If you don’t need to go out, STAY HOME.  2) Wear a mask ALWAYS. And have one available if you are out in the open.  3) Keep hand sanitizer in your purse ALWAYS. 4) STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE ALWAYS.  That is all you can do, really.  So easy.  We all have enough REAL problems, and that is NOT one of them.  Wear the damn mask and put it under your chin when there is breathing room.  My problem is that my ears are small but doable.  It is fun and lets me hide my lips that usually need some gloss or lipstick. 

OK.  Let’s post some photos.  These are all new (for the most part). And just interesting in one way or another.  Look.  I am an amateur photographer and enjoy taking “shots”.  So, just go with it.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OK, I had fun with that!  I hope you did!   Some good things to leave you with. At my age, THROUGH MY EYES, I am aware that I still feel young inside my head.   Virus, smirus!  I give thanks for another day. Each day. I am eating better food and LOVE the Mediterranean Diet. Delicious fish everywhere!!  I get a lot of good sleep.  I enjoy moments in the park.  Watching people.  I am learning French.  I look forward to traveling.  I look forward to finding my “home”.  I don’t take medicines.  I treasure each moment. I treasure my family.  I am very proud of them.  I have found good doctors. The sun is out today.

THROUGH MY EYES, I focus on growing better, smarter, wiser.

Best, JAY  (just a fun sign -off photo by my friend Helene!)