Welcome to My Peace in Paris - Blog Post #1

If you are like me, you dream of strolling down cobblestone streets, sipping espresso in quaint cafes, munching on a "jambon-beurre" baguette while taking in Paris, and feasting on a menu "prix fixe" in an iconic bistro! This iconic city, known for its romantic ambiance and cultural richness, is a destination that should be on everyone's travel bucket list.

When did I fall in love with Paris? I remember being a child, intrigued by the IDEA of Paris. At 12 years of age, I started saving my babysitting money to go on a trip to Europe in high school. In my freshman year, I did a research project on living in Paris; little did I know at this time that one day I would be living in Paris in college.

In the summer of 1988, I took my first plane ride on a class trip to England, Scotland, and France with a group of 60+ teachers and students through #acistours. The trip was life-changing, and I remember returning to the U.S. knowing that I had to find a way to return one day. While studying art at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, I received a scholarship to study in Paris from June 1992 to June 1993. Elated to start this adventure, I eagerly packed my bags, and arrived with two suitcases, a desire to learn all I could in that year, and an enthusiasm for this beautiful city I still hold today!

My year in Paris during college was a whirlwind of discovery and emotion, marked by spontaneous weekend trips chosen by blindly pointing at a map, the intense challenge of achieving fluency in French, and a heartbreak that culminated in tossing Marine Corps dog tags into the Seine. Alongside this, I found solace in a French boyfriend who helped mend my heart and formed a lasting friendship with my roommate Emmanuelle, a bond that has endured for over 30 years.

In 1993, I graduated college with degrees in art and French, along with certifications to teach both subjects in K-12. My first job was a dream come true, teaching French levels 1 through 4 and printmaking at my alma mater. During my first year, I led a group of students on a life-changing trip to Paris and discovered that these annual visits were a rejuvenating balm for my heart and soul. After marrying my husband Steve and moving to North Carolina, followed by California, and lastly Virginia, I continued to lead trips to Paris.

Over the years, countless friends and loved ones have joined me, either in person or virtually, as I cherished every moment of my Parisian adventures. I vividly remember one day in Sainte-Chapelle, where tears streamed down my face as I realized I had found the place that brought me the greatest happiness. The joy of strolling down the streets of Le Marais, locking arms with Emmanuelle as we shared stories of motherhood and the challenges of being a woman in today's world, remains etched in my heart. These memories sustain me each time I return to the U.S., ready to face the reality of my everyday life.

Paris holds a special place in my heart, and I can't wait to share my favorite experiences with you on this blog. Picture yourself beside me as I relish the stunning view of Paris from Galeries Lafayette with my son, immerse in the mesmerizing beauty of a Monet at L'Orangerie, or delight in a decadent "Café Gourmand" at a charming sidewalk café. Join me on this exhilarating journey of love and discovery in the City of Light. Bienvenue!!!