I can't believe we are in the midst of the spring season. In the middle of March I made my trip to France. It happened that I arrived the day before the "Celebration of Life" for Patricia LaPlante-Collins. It was a celebration with words from several of her friends and music with a jazz combo. There were a host of American ex-patriates as well as French attendees. The grand-daughter of Richard Wright was also there. Patricia had a host of acquaintances. My reason for using that word is that fact that she had been found in her apartment having bee dead for a couple of weeks. It was only after her ex-husband had not heard from her that he had her apartment opened and she was found. Although I have been in Cimetière Père LaChaise to see monuments of my favorite French writers, philosophers, musicians, etc., I never thought that I would attend a funeral at the Columbarium. After the celebration, we walked to the nearby cafe and had wine and aux d'oeuvres. I was glad that I was able to attend and at the same time saddened by the event. Part of my routine on my trips to Paris was to go to Patricia's soirées on Sunday evenings. In addition, I would meet her during the week to catch up on life while having a drink at Café St. Victor. That routine is now finished; it is part of the past.
I was able to take the train to Amsterdam (March 19)and had lunch with one of my early confirmation students from Advent Lutheran Church in Cleveland. I had not seen Janet Thompson in about 40 years. She is now a law professor and was spending a sabbatical in the Groningen, Netherlands. We met for lunch and talked until we had to catch our respective trains. It was so uplifting to hear about her life, family and career.
I am in the midst of working on a presentation/article on Americans in France. I went to Tours (March 18) to interview two Americans who are now living there. It was a delightful interview. Matthew grew up in Gettysburg and lives with his French husband in Tours.
I made a quick trip to Erquy to visit with Maryvonne and Christian. It was a one day, no, one afternoon trip due to my not looking at my email until that Wednesday morning at about 3 AM. I was able to get a seat on the noon train to Lamballe. I sent a text message to Maryvonne. She and Christian were able to pick me up at that station. We had time to have lunch, take a walk to the beach and then head back to Lamballe for my 6:18 PM train to Rennes and then to Paris. They were so gracious about the mix-up and I think they enjoyed the crazy schedule. They have become really good friends.
Another adventure for me was attending Livres Paris (Book Fair) with publishers from France, the European Union, China, Russia, and Africa. Books upon books. I was good and only bought 4 books. I also indulged in clams from Brittany.
I worshiped at Notre Dame. I always enjoy liturgy there because I think of all those who worshiped there for over 800 years. I took a picture of the chancel area before worship. Little did i and anyone else know that there would be a fire there on April 17 during Holy Week.
I had lunch with Catherine Ferguson and a movie and dinner with Yves
I returned on March 22. I think this was a powerful trip. France continues to be a place that brings me calm.
