Preparing for Paris

 We leave for Paris in one week. 

I haven’t packed, but I have worked out at the gym, prepped and taught my classes, and meditated without a miss for twenty minutes every day.

I’ve done all this to keep from packing.

I’ve also been cleaning for the house-sitters. That’s what I tell myself anyway, but I know they don’t care if there is black grime on the window sills or big dust bunnies under the couch. They’re not going to be hanging out under the couch or on the windowsills, most likely.

I’m doing all this cleaning to avoid packing.

And also for post-Paris Kath.

The one who will be glad to be back among the comfort of her things, but utterly depressed to return to this ugly little town with its crumbling red brick architecture and its utter lack of charm. 

It is so important to me to live among beautiful things. I can’t change the way the town looks, but I can make the best of my home by selecting things that have textures, colors, and shapes that please the senses and meet my needs for order and comfort. And that’s what G and I have done over the years and our home is pretty and comfortable and comforting. 

And when it’s decluttered, and the floors gleam, and the wood shines, and the windows sparkle, it’s nice to be here. I want that feeling when I walk in after having seen Versailles, the Tuileries, and Giverny.

So, while I’ve been emptying bookshelves, dusting books, culling books, moving my bed, and considering new bedroom curtains, I also know that no amount of cleaning and organizing will keep me from longing for the ever-presence of Parisian art, the laid-back vibe of the people, and mostly living in a culture defined by politesse. 

I know I will miss walking everywhere and buying croissants and pain au chocolat, passing elegant women in long wool coats and men with chic scarves, noticing how everyone carries a basket for their daily shopping. 

I will miss saying Bonjour! to shopkeepers, and they saying Bonjour! back.  

My first day home the last time, while walking the dogs on the trail, I passed a woman and said, Bonjour! Just out of habit.

She smiled and said, “Hi.” 

 If I can’t stroll along the Seine and buy a baguette, I might take some comfort in an organized sock drawer and a small vase of flowers on a kitchen windowsill.

Au revoir! Next week I’ll be writing to you from the airport! I hope to have lots of pictures to share in the coming weeks!