After Paris-before Newsletter

My dear Friends

All being well, I will publish the Newsletter from the Arbury local library on Monday morning, Christmas eve. Just to let you know that Paris was absolutely wonderful. Bitterly cold, they call it over there 'un rude hiver'. There is no exact translation in English, we could say 'a crude, bitter, cruel winter.' Nonetheless, one Parisien lady said it was good for them, as it had been a long time since it had been so cold, and to me it was actually purifying, like the snow which didn't come, because it was too cold.

Alexia was in good form, a bit tired as she is having to work long days in her new enterpirse. But we spent the evenings together and all weekend. Her parents joined us as we walked along the shops in Bercy-a rather unusual and posh neighbourhood of interesting shops. As we walked, I noticed tram lines on the ground. Jean-Francois explained that the place was formerly a stockyard for wine, and his brother had worked there in the beginning. Quite a change to what it was now!

Alexia and I visited the Musee du Cluny - we were both staggered by the Tapestries of The Lady and the Unicorn, woven in the 14th Century.Incredibly beautiful and moving, there are 5 of them in a sequence. Alexia even more than me felt they were a unity. I saw parallels to the Song of Songs, and of course in the Christian tradition the Unicorn is associated with Christ. Eventually I told Alexia that I had to go-it was just too overpowering. So then I took her on a tour of the other mediaeval art, new to her, which I was able to explain a little.

The Musee de Cluny is virtually on the Boulevard San Michel. This is where much of the busking of my wild youth took place. As sson as we entered a cafe near the Sorbonne, I immediately remembered it from what was nearly 40 years ago! Now all of my memories are good and I am planning yet another trip-this time in May to 'pick the muguet'-the lily of the valley associated with Mary. Most French people probably don't know that but they take 1st May as a national holiday anyway!

So-I have found 'un petit coin' a little corner, en route to Toronto, where I feel happy and loved.

In advance, JOY peace and blessings for Christmas and New Year, Newsletter coming soon.

Love and shalom
Sister Gila