
Solitude matters, and for some people, it’s the air they breathe” ~ Susan Cain
I imagine someday I will go into the light, then immediately see Saint Peter. I haven’t had time to check my hair or have my coffee but Pete says, “I’ve got a surprise for YOU!” Then he opens gold-guilded double doors and there’s MY family. Aye aye aye. The family. They all start talking at once. “How are the kids? Guess who’s dying next? Doesn’t Dad look awesome? We saw you do that ugly cry when you died! Don’t you love not having a body? Go talk to Grandpa…” I dash into a hallway and hiss to myself, “Oh my gaaawwd! I hate surprise parties!” Guy next to me in a red onesie with horns, takes a drag off his cigarette and on the exhale breaths out, “I ain’t God”.
Listen, I love all y’all (that’s plural “you” for those who don’t speak Okie). I do. I love my husband and the incredible bond we have as two people having one lifetime. But I need time alone. To say I’m enjoying my mornings alone in Paris immensely is understated. The introvert in me is being fed and watered every morning. The Husband leaves for school every morning and I am free to roam. I’ve logged 50 miles on foot in seven days just getting lost and found again.
I love the sound and bustle of the street markets, the absolute delight of a shopkeeper greeting me, the elderly men in their suits and hats, the women in dresses and Queen E jackets. I love the grime of the subway and the renewing signs of spring in the gardens. I love the art in the architecture. I simply love Paris. It is my heaven.
Allow my photos to take you on a stroll in the filtered light of Paris mornings.
The Definition of Street Art
Rue Cler Market Street
Alexandre III Bridge
Towers and Tops, Paris 7th
Bicycles for Rent on the Seine
A Chalky Walk
Louvre Lord and Lady
In Flight at the Tuileries
A Game of Chess?
‘Yellow Vests’ Training Camp?–at the Louvre
In the Shadows at the Louvre
Monsieur et Madame Français
Reflecting Old in New, Near Hotel de Ville
Signs of Fashion Week, at Deux Magots
A Peaceful Promenade, Tuileries looking toward the Louvre
Tuileries Carousel
Opéra Garnier
Sky over the River Seine
Steam from Metro, Near Place de la Vendôme
Luxe
Matching Sky and Domes, Grands Magazins of Paris 9th
All images copyrighted 2019
What a fantastic introduction! I lost family members and now wonder how that would be.
As u say, you need time alone. I agree and identify with it.
Besides i would love to experience the magic of Paris. There’s alot of living to be done.
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Oh, what a miracle it would be if we could see them again. But for me, I’d prefer one on one! And maybe Heaven is custom tailored to each of us. Thanks so much for the comment and for reading. Paris should be on your bucket list.
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I agree Alison. I get messages and feel them so content for now. Every woman should experience Paris❤️ i agree.
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Love this! You have a lovely gift of writing and love the photos! I feel like I’m there. Paris is so beautiful…..!
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That is such a nice comment THANK YOU!
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Fascinating tour of Paris. Better guide, can not have. The photos are spectacular, as if one were inside them.
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I’m so glad the photos spoke to you. The morning light is so giving here—and inspiring. It’s such a beautiful and rich city. Thank you so much for the wonderful comment.
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Great post and fantastic pics. LyBD
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You crack me up with your ghost name!😜
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I adore getting lost and found in the city I love. I am often alone but far from lonely. Great post, Alison.
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Thanks for the tour of Paris. Great photos!
I clicked on “Like,” but my mug shot refuses to appear there. Perhaps I’m in the Witness Protection Program and they forgot to tell me.
Be sure to see the comment I left on your turtle blog post. I say y’all, too. It just naturally rolls off my tongue. I love the Southern accent. I hope no one thinks otherwise of me after reading the comments about Where the Crawdads Sing that I’ve left on your earlier blog posts.
Keep enjoying your alone time and all the sights, sounds, and aromas of the streets of Paris.
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My hubby has some strong southern isms and he wonders why people don’t always understand his French. I tell him, “not everyone understands your English, dear”.
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Very nice pictures of a quiet Paris lol!
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It has been quiet in the mornings (by Paris standards). I live it best that way. Thanks for the nice comment.
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Indeed we too ::)
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Perfect title. It sounds heavenly and looks heavenly!
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Thanks! It has been a good one thus far.
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I don’t believe in an afterlife (well, accurately, I usually don’t believe in one!) but if one existed mine would be noisy. And, like you, I like alone time. Love your photos, it looks like an amazing place. I’ve been to France but didn’t make it to Paris and these days travelling and me (I?) don’t agree.
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I’m glad I’m still able to travel. Trying to get it all done now because I know that day is looming when I won’t be so ready or able.
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Oh I loved your pictures. For just a few years I lived in a big city downtown and loved walking through the streets. Many times that became my day’s “exercise.” Your pictures brought that back for me. Thank you.
And St. Peter is going to be on his best behavior when you get to those gates.
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I’ve never lived in a big city so I’m like Country Mouse when I get here. Not sure if I would want it for my life every day though. Apartment living has real disadvantages (e.g. the crazy “gamer” that yells at his TV till 10pm). Thanks for commenting on the photos. I was really happy with some things I was able to capture.
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The world needs crazy gamers too. Just not in the apartment next door!
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You are in heaven Nice pictures
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Thank you. It ya been a great trip so far.
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Hey, you’re making me jealous. I sure would like to be in Paris right now. What a city!
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Aren’t you close though? I thought I remembered you moved to England recently? Possibly I have you confused with another blogger whom I also follow with passion. Paris is awesome. I never tire of it.
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Hi. I live in Pennsylvania. I have been to Paris a few times. Magnificent city.
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Now I have to find my friend I’ve lost in England… thanks for following my blog and commenting from time to time. I feel like we’re friends.
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Amazing photos of an amazing city. Thanks for the stroll along with you!
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It is an amazing city. Thanks for following, Aunt Wanda!
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I am with you on that one, sister: I adore my family and Peter’s, but I also cherish my independence and solitude; I mean, how else am I supposed to think and be creative? I could walk forever exploring new towns and streets and photographing them. And your photos of Paris are AWESOME! I particularly like the one of the couple walking towards you. 💖👍By the way, my husband has the keys to Heaven, in case you need me to put in a word word for you. 😉
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I didn’t know this about you! So we are more kindred than I even knew. I had the best time taking those photos. I have a new method of looking like I’m on my phone while I’m really stalking people (like that adorable couple). What’s this about your hubby having the keys to Heaven? Can he get me a non-smoking room away from the streets?
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His name is Peter and it is St Peter who holds the keys to Heaven. I’ll see what I can do! 😉
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You da best!
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Gorgeous photos; thanks for sharing!
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Thank you for taking the time to look and comment.
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I enjoyed a vicarious troll through early morning Paris…
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Fabulous pictures! Love the lighting. I really have to dig out my real camera and start using it again. I also totally get the need to be alone. One thing I love to do is go to restaurants by myself – don’t ask me why. Susan Cain – is that quote from “Quiet”? That book had an effect on my life.
And now I am all caught up – looking forward to more!
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I do the restaurant alone thing when traveling outside the US. It is so common and so easy. Back home they keep bugging you like you’re taking a good table that might leave a bigger tip. I actually don’t know where the quote came from. I googled my topic and that perfect quote magically appeared. And now I have to add Quiet to my long books to read list. I have missed you and am genuinely happy to hear from you.
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I’ve missed you too! You will like “Quiet” especially if you have loved ones who are introverts – or are one yourself.
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Bravo!
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Great photos – so glad you’re having a good time after all the difficult goings-on since your last trip to Paris. I am making all my comments in one go – I’ve been reading the posts when they come through but via my email notifications. Haven’t made it onto WP until today. Have a couple of posts of my own to catch up on but I haven’t done them owing to the three ‘nesses’ – busy, lazy(i) and ill. The first is always present, the second comes and goes and the third is on its way out.
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I will look forward to catching up. Sorry you have been ill but glad to know you’re better. Thank you, always, for following and commenting. It means so much to me.
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So glad you are finding this peace. Thank you for letting me feel it, too.
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You are such a sweet spirit. Thank you.
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Thank you for a lovely stroll Alison. Greeen with envy that you should be in Paris right now. 😉 Joke. We’ll go in July. Great pix. The first is across Orsay and la Légion d’honneur, right?
Enjoy la ville-lumière.
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I meant the street art pic. 🙂
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I was coming out of Tuileries and paid no attention to what buildings those were.
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Ah! The Tuileries… ❤
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Beautiful pictures
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These are great photographs and so many, wow! I love the one of Cler Fleurs market. Looking forward to the next batch!
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Thank you. That morning the sun and sky were just perfect for pictures.
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Always thought of going to Paris. Your photos are an inspiration to make it happen. Lovely.
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It is most beautiful in the early mornings. I highly recommend going and doing as little as possible! Thanks for stopping by.
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So lovely your photos! Thank you for this post!
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Thank YOU for such a nice comment!
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