church – stephenlirakis.com

VIEWS OVER PARIS

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/stephenl/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 388

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/stephenl/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 394

Deprecated: trim(): Passing null to parameter #1 ($string) of type string is deprecated in /home/stephenl/public_html/wp-content/plugins/sexybookmarks/public.php on line 400

TENSIONS ARE STILL APPARENT IN PARIS

The tower of the sacre coeur remained closed today; guarded by the army. tensions have not abated in Paris.

THE HUNT IS OVER

Today, the first chapter of “Charlie Hedbo” is finished. There is more to come. Life is many parts of Paris continued as if nothing had occurred; in other places there were hostages. In the streets there was non-the-less a certain tension. Anytime I was near someone with a gun, I could not walk fast enough.

A DAY TO REMEMBER

As many of you may be aware that 12 people were killed today in Paris at the offices of “Charles Hedbo”, a satirical magazine that had been poking fun at the Muslim religion.

I have had inquiries from many asking if we are safe and the answer is yes. I was in a museum not far from the event; heard lots of police sirens and thought nothing of it; that is, until the director of the museum came to me and asked if I was aware of the events that had taken place. The response was swift. Police and Gendarmes on every corner and any place people congregated.

I will note that through the christmas holiday Paris was on a heightened alert. Armed police and army everywhere. Unfortunately, today was the day.

RAINY DAY PHOTOS

Weather has a profound effect on everything we do. the way we dress, what we decide to do in a day. Where is decide to do it. How we decide to do it. Whether we like it or not weather is a primary concern.

Walking in Paris today in the rain changed everything. I was more protective of my camera, which in turn changed the way I took photographs; or if I would even choose to take one.

NOTRE DAME, ABOVE PARIS

The weather cleared for a time, so I thought I would risk waiting in line and climbing (386 steps up and then down) the tower of Notre Dame. Fortune smiled on me and the day cleared even more and I was able to see for the first time the view and the fantasy of the stone carvers of Notre Dame. It is not a stretch get from these gargoyles to fairy tales. And what must have gone through the minds of the men carving these beasts. What a treat.

DEVILS AND ANGELS

The remarkable exhibit of Marcel Duchamp at the Centre Pompidou was another thought provoking event. The models of Frank Gehry’s work resemble what my 3-4 year old grandchildren might create. There is no denying the finished product,but what courage the client exhibited by deciding to go forward based on what they were shown.

The day ended with a treat to the boys choir of St. Eustache singing christmas carols. Just as remarkable are the acoustics of the church of that size; not swallowing those delicate voices.