Nice like the city

I got home last night. Becky and I went to Nice for a few days. It was cloudy or rainy most of the time but beautiful nonetheless. We saw two parades. Nice claims to be the capital of Carnaval. Um...I beg to differ. However, the trip inspired me to see all the Carnavals of the world. That means I've still got to head to Venice, Brasil, Columbia, and San Luis Obispo. The first parade threw flowers. I think flowers beat beads. There's nothing like catching a giant leaf and dragging it around for the rest of the evening. It becomes me. And there's also nothing like correcting a group of French kids on their grammar. Becky carries a French dictionary with her at all times and, thus, was able to specify that it is, in fact, "UNE orchidée" and not "UN." We are so cool. Pictures will come as soon as I get them on a CD.

We got lost maybe 4 or 5 times during our trip and crossed half of Nice on foot in search of a sandwich. That's always fun. We went to the Matisse museum. I found a new favorite artist. We explored Roman ruins, medieval ruins. Now, I suppose I'll crack open the books.

I'm on vacation!!!

Just a quick note to let you know I'll be in Nice this week to celebrate "Le Carnaval." I wonder if it's anything like Mardi Gras in New Orleans. We shall see. Many adventures to be had, I'm sure. Salut! Gros bisous! Ciao ciao meow meow, Eléanor

Here and there

As I drift to sleep, my mind fast forwards 5 months. I see familiar faces. There is laughter. I think of adventures I will uncover. I plan the meals I will make. I realize I will miss the people. I will miss walking to get anywhere and everywhere. I will miss ancient buildings and churches, tall stone churches that press in on me when I enter. No, no, no. This can't be. I drag my heels in the thick, red soil. I do not want to go back. You cannot make me. I drag my fingers through my thick, red hair. It could be shorter. It was spunky when short but I want it to be long.

Why can't we enjoy each season for what it is? Why does my hair always have to be shorter or longer? Do I always have to be there and never here? This is my plea: to be where I am now and feel the sun against my face. Five months later, I will kiss those faces with my smile. Ten years after that, I will be and be and be. All the while, I will be with You.

Snapshots

I like smuggling dark chocolate into grammar class.

I like the face Yi Mei makes when she laughs.

I like taking notes in red ink.

I fill my pages with swirls.

I sneak up to the school's attic.

Where the pigeons live.

I think of where to place my hands and feet.

Scaling a wall requires good technique.

I like the sound boots make on cobblestone streets.

Especially when I'm wearing them.

On her quest to find a home, Eléanor starts to realize it's found in the hearts of people

Journal entry, February 1st

I realize that relationships are what matter. And I knew that but let me elaborate. I went to tea with Becky this afternoon. We first went to the Place de Vendôme. As we sat on a bench and watched the sun descend, I realized how much of an impact Becky has had on my life. I recalled the first time I met Rae--I thought she reminded me of Becky. When I first met Tara, I thought of Becky. But Becky is surely her own person. We sat on that bench and the memories started to flood back. Memories that were hidden, dormant for a time. I had specific images of tree climbing, Becky's house, the French surrealist film we saw at the Prytania theatre. I forgot I spent so much time with her. I can never let her go. No matter what distance separates us, no matter how much time passes. She is my homecoming.

After a turn through the park, we went to a "tea salon," sat on the floor with Frédérique the snake, we sketched a tree in honor of the magnolia that lost its life in the floods of hurricane Katrina. Becky loved that tree that stood in front of her house. So when I am grieving, God brings this wonderful girl back into my life, this wonderful friend. ...with Becky, being 10 seems like just yesterday.

...All the glory goes to God. His timing is perfect!


A la carte

I'm going to start teaching English to one of my Japanese friends! I am so excited but have no clue where to begin! Aunt Jo, you would be proud.