Giverny: A Gorgeous Getaway (and one dream down)

Yesterday I did something I’ve been wanting to do for as long as I can remember.

I went to visit the house and gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny. It’s not so much the iconic impressionist painter’s works that have had me dreaming of Giverny – though they are of course quite impressive.

No, it’s that images of the actual place that inspired him grafted themselves onto my mind at a young age; I mean, how flippin’ beautiful can you get?

Why then has it taken me so many years to go? It’s under an hour’s journey from Paris, a simple train (then short bus) ride to arrive.

Isn’t this often the case with dreams, though, even (especially?) those that we can readily achieve? What do you think holds us back?

I’ve been battling a bit of the blues lately, but I also know how to kick myself in the butt, too. Just do it, Sion. See the gorgeous world and its gifts.

Some dreams are huge; they seem like mountains must be moved. But some…oh some have a clear shape, a concrete form, and are quite easy to make happen. The smallest joys can bring the biggest rewards.

This is what it looks like when one of those dreams comes true.

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Magic Moment: Glen Hansard at Shakespeare & Co

Last Tuesday Glen Hansard played an afternoon acoustic set in Shakespeare & Company bookshop. Hansard is perhaps best known  for his part in the movie “Once,” but he’s a veteran musician (with The Frames and more recently The Swell Season).

What a privilege to be in such an intimate space listening to gorgeous, unadorned music! One voice and a guitar. That’s it.

“Lots of traveling takes a toll on the flesh,” Hansard said, “but not the soul. Voice may sound broken but it’s singing its heart out.”

His voice sure didn’t sound broken to me. Strong, emotional, and yes, full of heart. In an age of cynicism I find Hansard’s earnestness – those life and love songs he belts out at the top of his lungs – so refreshing.

(Poor quality video, but to give you an idea):

Shakespeare & Co’s upstairs library doesn’t hold many people; we packed in as we could. Hansard recounted the first time he came to play in Paris in 1993 or ’94. He heard that Serge Gainsbourg and Samuel Beckett were buried in Montparnasse cemetery near the Irish bar where they were booked. He decided to pay his respects.

Best Proposal Ever!

I just couldn’t resist posting this proposal. It made me so happy! (And cry tears of joy).

Have a great weekend and enjoy!

Soaking up Sunshine; Stocking up on Books

Lazing around Le Square du Vert-Galant

Pont Neuf Bridge

Luxembourg Gardens

Spring. Is. Amazing.

It makes me want to dance!

Paris: 50 People, 1 Question (What Makes You Happy?)

February is traditionally a tough month for me.

Not only is it one of the coldest (I woke up to snow covering the ground yesterday!), but the promise of spring still feels so far away. The sky is gray; days short. Then there’s that whole V-day thing right in the middle of it, but we shan’t talk about that.

I’ve been pretty social so far this month, but sometimes, all I feel like doing is being a hermit.

Hunkering down has its benefits, though. It’s a time of reflection, as well.

Lest it sound like I have a case of the winter blues…well, yes, true. But I’m really happy, too.

Here’s a video that asks people in the streets of Paris that very question: what makes you happy? It seems a simple question, but as you’ll see, people at first have a hard time answering.

It may sound strange, but this is part of what I’m sorting through these days. What does make me happy? What do I want to be doing? Where am I heading? What is my purpose? And what about this thing called love?

Thankfully, a whole ton of things give me joy and I get on a roll as soon as I start: the sun, a smile, finding just the right word. Friends. Family. A good book. A cup of tea. Chocolat chaud. Kindness. Seeing a friend’s face, even though we’re an ocean apart (thanks, Skype). Light seeping through the window. Surprises. This American Life.

And of course, Paris. Watch the video then share if you’d like. I’d love to hear:
what makes you happy?