We have been back in France now for 18 days, and in Paris for the last week. So how does it feel to be back in Paris? The first word that comes to my mind is ‘familiar.’ Though it is quite a different vibe than The Pearl, it does not seem foreign. I am doing better with the language than I remembered, and better than I thought I would, trés bien. Walking the streets, sitting in cafes and shops just feels comfortable.

One of the first places I went in Paris is to my favorite art supply store, Adam of Montparnasse, founded in 1898, it is almost as old as the city we live in, Portland, Oregon.

On June 11, 2026 the artist David Hockney died at the age of 88. Wikipieda says “he was considered one of the most influential British artists of the 20th and 21st centuries.” Toward the end of his life he adopted Normandie as his home for eight years before returning to England. We saw his “A Year in Normandy” while visiting the Bayeux Tapistry. It is a 290 ft frieze done by over 100 iPad paintings – it was so motivating. I did this painting in a bit of his style, thank you David for the inspirations.

Our dear friends, Shirley & Jim now live in Paris permanently, it has been so good to spend time with them. We met at the Market in Montparnesse then had lunch at La Libierté. I had a perfect salad, with gizzards, foi gras, prosciutto, et al. Shirley has had a lot of fun ribbing me about the gizzards ever since, she doesn’t know what she missed.

Lots of opportunities for people sketching here.

I should do more postcards, but I did one at least and it is on its way – hope it gets to its recipient before we get home.

Sunday we went to Shirley and Jim’s apartment for Sunday Lunch, Tricia and I did the cooking. They have such a beautiful place, and such a loud fire alarm – the faux filet (sirloin) that I seared set it off and it took forever for us to silence it, thanks to Jim he found a button that worked before summoning the entire fire department. As always with them it was easy relaxation with a lot of laughter.

Be sure to check Tricia’s post today as it will have a guest blogger, The Paris Correspondent, AKA Shirley.

On Monday we met up with our friend Florence. We know her and her family from their time in Seattle and are looking forward to seeing the whole family at our apartment on Sunday. We met Florence at Maslow 1er, next to the Seine. Florence took this photo as she was following us, look closely and you can pick out Tricia and moi.

Tuesday we went with S&J on a Canal St. Martin cruise. So interesting going under the city on a boat and through eight sets of locks.

Then of course it was time for lunch, so we went to one of their favorite places, Carette. Check out my broiled sea bass, with roasted aubergine and tomato, along with sautéed green beans.

After lunch Shirley introduced us to the owner of one of her favorite shops – Mathilde at Bring France Home, near Place des Vosges.

Last night I was again pondering the travel crowds. We don’t see many where we are in Paris now, other than what you would expect being just a block from a major train station. But Monday we actually went to see the restored Notre Dame. It was worth it, but oh the throngs.

We have been gone a long time, some enduring memories. So glad we came. Tricia and I both post a lot of travel quotes about the importance of travel in understanding ourselves, others, and appreciating our world. We have met some new people, and spent time with family and friends. We have renewed our affection for France, and found new appreciation for The Pearl.

I hope your week has gone well, that you have spent time with a friend or two, seen something amazing, and of course did a sketch.