toning it down in Paris: realizing and embracing my true self.

As a tourist, it’s hard to feel comfortable in your own skin. Even when you try to blend in, the red of your hair or the bright purple gingham underneath your sweater gives you away; as if the Nikon camera in your messenger bag wasn’t enough.

I learned straight away that I am too loud, less pronunciated, and less confident then most French women. Those who know me will defy my recent learnings preposterous: why, I am confident! However.. I may be learning my sense of confidence may border on the line of narcissism, rather than true self acceptance.

The beauty in all that surrounds me is breathtaking. As we turn every corner, my mind exalts, and my senses turn into overdrive.

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I imagine women in petticoats, lace, and shoestring heels walking in cobblestone streets to the latest opera or after party. Mirages of white curls and wigs flood my mind.

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Today I learned that I am so very capable of mediating my tone to match my environment; this will come in handy stateside, if I choose to remember to follow it. Even though I am bold, with layers of gold and exquisite precious metals, if not kept polished, I may turn green with overgrowth and tarnish.

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By choice then, I must remember to meander through life forever conforming to the space I inhabit, in whichever facet of discovery I wish to explore.

jusqu’a demain.
xoxo

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Cuvée Chamapgne is my favorite because it blends all of the three main grapes traditionally used in fermentation together; slightly sweet and creamy, it will pair with almost any meal.

An afternoon Paris must.

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there’s a first for everything: flying into Paris.

The last time I took a two week vacation was in 2005. The last time I took a vacation solely in purpose of spending time with the sommelier was on our honeymoon in 2008. He slept for almost the entire first two days, the remaining two were spent venturing out to Bayona, Commanders Palace, Cafe du Monde, and a few short walks in the Garden District. My memories are short of that time.

Somehow our other vacations end up being shared in good company, or spent visiting friends and relatives. They are always amazing, like our trip to PDX last summer, but it’s about time for our own wandering into vacation bliss.

For those who don’t know, we have been trying to buy a house the last few months. Let me just say this: please research your mortgage broker thoroughly, as there are many idiots masquerading as proficient people out there. Our closing has been delayed five times due to these “experts.” In addition to immense amounts paperwork stress, we are now in temporary living with my in-laws, which moans to obvious sources of additional tragedy, our things in storage notwithstanding. Plus, I’ve been working quite hard at my day job. Oh, and I have an inflamed heel spur… but enough of my own pity party.

After work activities aside, we are now on our first vacation as a couple in six years. As we fly into Paris, I am hopeful that I can leave my worries on the plane, my high sommelier expectations at the terminal, and my stateside life at baggage claim (with the notable exception of Rhea, of course).

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This is my first mobile post, from the first day, of our first vacation in six years. Check back for more over the next two weeks.

au revoir.

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This post is linked up to the amazing community of Kirsten Oliphant’s Not So Small Stories.