Weekly Roundup 6: Moments and Memoirs // October 9–15, 2017

Six weeks! These are so fun! I’ve always loved journaling, so this is a great way to journal through both words and photos.

Here is a quick recap of some of my favorite moments and memoirs of the week:

1- Lunch date with a long-time friend. One of my former teammates came through Paris and we had the chance to catch up over lunch. One of the things we talked about is values and priorities—if you are spending all of your money on material things, but don’t have a passport, “you are loosing.” I couldn’t agree more. Traveling, quite simply, makes us better people. It is the highest ROI I know of. Invest wisely.

I discovered a lovely restaurant today over a lunch with my long-time friend. Anyone see the greeter at the door?! __ One perk of living in Paris is I actually see a lot of people as they come on vacation or pass through. __ I think I could eat a meal with many people from my childhood and not feel like we still have anything in common. But when I get together with old gymnastics teammates, that is really never the case. We went through so many formative experiences together that it is hard to break those bonds. __ Keep being awesome, @amandaseales! It was so great to catch up!

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 10, 2017 at 1:15pm PDT

The faithful greater at @juvenileswinebar. Inoxe is there to greet each guest as they come, wish them a good day as they leave, watch the world go by, and inspect the floor to be sure nothing has been left behind!

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 12, 2017 at 9:26am PDT

 

2- This was a theme that stayed on my mind throughout the week. I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Just love these little birds made from maps. Made me think of a convo I had this week… prioritizing travel (among other things) over “frivolous material stuff” because that is one way we evolve as a person and evolve our understanding of other people and the world, not a closet of shoes. _ Has travel changed you? Can it actually change the world? Is it a priority to you? Do you see it as a high ROI? I’d love to hear your thoughts!

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 13, 2017 at 9:18am PDT

 

3- Apparently it was the week of philosophy and thought provocation.

A quote from Scottish situational artist @robertmontgomerystudio (who often hijacks public space to leave thought-provoking messages). _ As seen at @eachxother

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 13, 2017 at 3:16am PDT

 

4- I headed over to the Tuileries Garden and explore a bit after an appointment just a few blocks away. It is so close to my office, and I’m going to start trying to make it over there more often. Maybe one day I’ll even run!

Just a park, some sculpture and an autumn run amongst the changing trees! _ Paris parks give me such a strong urge to take up running. Too bad my back doesn’t get on board…

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 13, 2017 at 2:51pm PDT

Paris has the most charming carousels! This one is in the Tuileries garden (the former palace gardens of the Louvre). • What are you up to this weekend?! . . #jardindestuileries #louvre #louvreparis #weekendfun #carousel #tuileries

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 14, 2017 at 1:54am PDT

 

5- I walked a little extra on my way home so I could talk to my dad on the phone and ended up at the Palais Royal. Amazingly, it was nearly empty (which is a rare sight!)

Rule of thirds meets symmetry. _ Back when I first started to learn photography in high school, I learned that a photo with a subject in the center was a no-no. But damnit if I don’t love some symmetry… I seem to always be centering any photo that can offer me any type of symmetry. :: Any other lovers of symmetry and balance out there?!

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 14, 2017 at 3:43pm PDT

 

6- Found this cute little restaurant hidden in an alley in the 5th while we were doing some Iceland trip shopping.

A quote from Scottish situational artist @robertmontgomerystudio (who often hijacks public space to leave thought-provoking messages). _ As seen at @eachxother

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 13, 2017 at 3:16am PDT

 

7- I explored a park just down the street from us while coming home from the post office. Such a gem! And, thanks to Instagram, I learned that it’s namesake, Phillippe Pinel, had a crazy story attached to him! He’s reputed to be the man who “freed the mad from their chains” in the Parisian asylums in the 1800’s and ushered in the era of moral treatment for the mentally ill (specifically at the Bîcetre asylum). The things you can learn on Instagram!

Other than the trees, you would never know it is fall today! Sunny and hot! ::: I explored a park near our flat today while running errands. We never even know it was there until we toured the city with the mayor a few weeks ago! #lekremlinbicêtre

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 14, 2017 at 6:17am PDT

Found this little stream in the park this weekend. With apples in it of all things! This photo almost feels like a painting to me… something about the light and the colors. Or, maybe it’s the !

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 15, 2017 at 3:13pm PDT

 

8- And there was this: my favorite boulangerie (bakery) in Paris. It’s just so beautiful!

This is one of my absolute favorite boulangeries in Paris (from an aesthetic perspective). I love finding gorgeous buildings that are used everyday things! Some even say this is “the best boulangerie in Paris,” except they don’t even sell baguettes anymore.

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 9, 2017 at 12:38pm PDT

 

9- And this restaurant in the perfect shade of blue.

Lunchtime wandering. _ Headed down the street because the blue caught my eye and the street was empty. Then, I got “photobombed,” but loved the unplanned motion and contrast it brought.

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 12, 2017 at 4:09am PDT

 

10- And finally, I decided that a lion is my spirit animal. Do you have one with which you identify?

An injured lion still wants to roar. ~ Randy Pausch _ In the realm of spirit animals, the lion wins the prize for most relentless fighter in the face of life challenges. The lion spirit animal represents courage, strength in overcoming difficulties. _ Sounds like my spirit animal might just be a lion and it might just be what brought me all the way to Paris! _ What is your spirit animal?!

A post shared by MELISSA ╳ An American in Paris (@bonjour.melissa) on Oct 11, 2017 at 10:41am PDT

And there it is! A tad late, but I’m still claiming the habit status! 🙂

For even more moments and memoirs from this week, check out my Instagram @bonjour.melissa (and @project.aimfly for my health/fitness journey)!

  for the ♥ of moments,

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