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.

CHARLIE HEDBO
CHARLIE HEDBO
PARIS
PARIS
LES INVALIDES
LES INVALIDES
EFFIEL TOWER
EFFIEL TOWER
NOTRE DAME
NOTRE DAME

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PLACE DE LA CONCORDE
PLACE DE LA CONCORDE
FEEDING THE PIGEONS
FEEDING THE PIGEONS
STAIRS OF THE GRAND ARCHE
STAIRS OF THE GRAND ARCHE

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.

REMEMBERING CHARLIE HEBDO
REMEMBERING CHARLIE HEBDO
COUNT THE POLICE VANS
COUNT THE POLICE VANS
THE MIGHTY PEN
THE MIGHTY PEN
ST. MICHAEL
ST. MICHAEL
VANITAS
VANITAS
LOOKING TO THE SKY
LOOKING TO THE SKY
TOOLS OF THE FUTURE
TOOLS OF THE FUTURE

 

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.

GOSSIP ON THE BUS
GOSSIP ON THE BUS
SNAKES
SNAKES
DRAGONS
DRAGONS

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SAINT AUGUSTIN IN THE RAIN
SAINT AUGUSTIN IN THE RAIN
RUSSIAN CHURCH
RUSSIAN CHURCH
WALKING IN THE RAIN
WALKING IN THE RAIN
BUSY AT THE BUS STOP
BUSY AT THE BUS STOP

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.

 

ABOVE PARIS
ABOVE PARIS
LOOKING DOWN
LOOKING DOWN

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RABBIT MEAL
RABBIT MEAL

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DAYDREAMING
DAYDREAMING
ENJOYING THE VIEW
ENJOYING THE VIEW

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.

BOYS CHOIR AT ST. EUSTACHE
BOYS CHOIR AT ST. EUSTACHE
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
CHRISTMAS CAROLS
CHOIR
CHOIR
ST. EUSTACHE
ST. EUSTACHE
ST. EUSTACHE
ST. EUSTACHE

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GARGOYLE
GARGOYLE

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LOST SOUL
LOST SOUL

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CONDEMNED
CONDEMNED