September in Paris.

Ohhhhhh! Baby Caleb! I wish I knew him better. How exciting. That's one thing that really makes me think about having kids, being able to watch them learn everything. Yes, I think it would make the things we consider a bit mundane in our maturity thrilling again. In essence that's kind of why I moved here in the first place. I feel a bit like a baby, unable to communicate and constantly feeling like I want my mommy. Everything is new again!

Yes! Pére Lachaise Cemetery! Funny you should mention it, as I visited for the first time yesterday. I'm smitten. I resolved to return every morning for a walk and photos, as soon as the gates open at 8am. Today I made good on that resolution.



It's hauntingly beautiful. It's just as you would have it be in your imagination, cobwebs everywhere, things decomposing, in disarray and breaking down, ravens cawing from the rooftops of the tombs. I feel lucky to live only four blocks from it. It's really lovely with the Autumn leaves falling all around and crunching under foot. It's so massive, I think it would be impossible to keep it up in the way you see grave yards in the US being treated. In this condition it starts to talk about time and impermanence, and obviously loss. I feel like it's an honest approach to the concept of death, but maybe I'm being a little too arty here...




A black cat crossed my path there, on both my visits. This cat was very sweet and cuddly, purring a lot and enjoying being scratched and petted. Today I sat on a bench and he crawled into my lap and snuggled up in my scarf. I felt it was an omen of good luck, meeting this cat. My first Parisian cat encounter. I'll have to give this kitty a name, as I plan on meeting him daily. I think he's excited about our visits too.



On my way to the grave yard I picked up a chocolate croissant. Yummmmm.... I was feeling very French, going for a stroll in the cemetery, in fall, wearing a scarf, with my chocolate croissant (I don't know if this is something the French would do, but it's my fantasy dammit!)... except for when I had to do the ordering, then I did not feel very French at all. The pastry guy giggled politely when I placed my order, then I explained in French that I don't speak French..."Désolé, je ne parle pas Français." I've become very adept at saying this phrase, maybe even with a perfect accent! I'm sure this is very confusing to all the Parisians I speak with, as it soon becomes very clear that it is in fact true. They always seem to want to test it though... I need to take some classes soon!



I also went to the Catacombs, Les carrières de Paris. Many, many tunnels full of bones and families and people from the past, under the streets of Paris. Spooky! I've done other, non macabre, touristy things, as well, but who hasn't! So I'll spare you the details.



Today I have to learn how to do laundry, and think about going to talk to someone about getting a bank account here. That's going to take some courage. Every time I start thinking about it I get the urge to take a nap. Ugh. Mommy!!!!!!

Has Caleb started day care yet? I think you said he had. Soon it will be all slumber parties, girlfriends, and prank calls. You ready for that? Is he out of the pants crapping stage yet? hahahahahahaha!!! Sorry, I shouldn't be so juvenile.

Well, I've yammered on long enough here. Give my love to the missus, and kisses for the baby, and tell me everything you've ever wanted to tell me as soon as you get the time!

Un bacio. Mwah!

P.S. I'm sorry to hear you are sick, and about the hair! Gross!