Buddhist Thought for the Day

'Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.'
The Buddha

'Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience.

It isn't more complicated than that.

It is opening to or recieving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant,

just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.'

Sylvia Boorstein

(Photo copyright: Kirsten Steen)

Saying Goodbye~Axi

Our beloved house guest, Axi (short for Axel), who came to stay with us

regularly 2-3 times a year when his parents were away,

had to be put down this past week.

A 20-year old family member,

his parents are in deep grief.

While I hadn't intended to,

I ended up being in the room with him

after the needle went in.

I had done it once before with my one-and-only 20-year old BooBoo Girl.

I held her in my arms and watched her go as her light faded,

thinking I could never do it again.

Thursday, I loved on this poor old man's ailing body

while he went to sleep for the last time.

I told him how good he was; how much we loved him

and how very much we would miss him.

And we do~

and await our next path's crossing.

(For those who have lost a pet,

there is a website and poem for those of us

grieving and left behind.

Go to:
http://www.rainbowbridge.com/Poem.htm)

Le Montparnasse 1900~ Missing Paris Day

On our last night in Paris we decided to try

a restaurant in the Montparnasse section

that I'd seen walking by the night before.

The rich Art Nouveau and Brasserie style

of the early 1900's called to me.

Every space filled with beauty...

Like stepping back in time,

the interior made one feel like

a long dress should be the formal dress code.

Or 1920's flapper style!

As if the iron lamps and carved wood weren't enough,
this illuminated stained glass ceiling
takes one's breath away.







The building has been registered as
a Historical Monument since 1984.








I was prepared
for the best part of the experience to be the decor,
as is sometimes
the case.

But the traditional French brasserie cuisine

was delightful.

We chose the price fixed menu

which for me meant finally

getting my Steak Frites

(ongelet de beouf and fries).

And my Creme Caramel was

perfect!

On your next visit to Paris

plan a meal at Le Montparnasse 1900,

59 Boulevard de Montparnasse in the 6th.

Most French restaurants are already a treat
but this was a treat for all the senses.

It was the perfect ending

to our French fun!

(All photographs copyright and property of Kirsten Steen)

Confiserie in Montparnasse~ Walks in Paris

While taking a walk recently in the Montparnasse area

I stumbled upon this colorful little Confiserie (sweet shop).

I can't help myself when I run across these windows.

I can't let them sit without being photographed.

I want to remember these goodies forever...

and pay homage to the pride taken in each tiny piece.

And someday I will return and sit in their delightful garden~

tasting chocolates and sipping tea!

(Photographs copyright: Kirsten Steen)

LaDuree

Just a few days left in Paris

and since everyone seems to love pictures of LaDuree

I thought I would post this week with a photo of those

delicious macarons!

There will be a longer post with details from our lunch there

but that will have to wait.

As Paris awaits...

A bientot!