Good morning, Monday. A few thoughts.
This weekend was obviously a terrible one for all of us who were following the horrid news coming from Paris. Many changed their Facebook profile pics to reflect a solidarity with the French people, by putting a French flag overlay on their photos.
Of course people took issue and said what about Kenya? What about Beirut? What about the million of other places on Earth where terror destroys human life every day? So why Paris and not all of the places around the world? The places you may not hear about or see or visit in your lifetime?
Grief is much harder when you are personally connected. You obviously grieve harder for your own family and loved ones. You feel a synergy with distant friends that lose people they love, but when it's your own, it's much tougher. It doesn't lessen the other pain and suffering, it just hurts deeper when it's closer to home. I'm not saying many of us have had the privilege to call Paris home. But many of us feel a connection to Paris that is very, very strong. For those of us who have been there, it's a magical city, unlike any other. My best friend and I were thinking of taking a trip there this Spring to celebrate 20 years of friendship- a friendship steeped in late night conversations about art, fashion, and philosophy. Where else to celebrate such a bond but Paris?
For many, Paris is a place of fantasy, romance, style, and intellect. It is a sensory landmark with the greatest in food, art, beauty- with every sense being stimulated in an almost overwhelming display. I can recall being teary eyed when walking the streets- not believing I finally got to visit a place that has been in my fantasies since childhood, and with the man I love to boot. In fact, growing up, I often envisioned myself getting married there, and later, growing old there. I have always thought Paris would be a wonderful place to grow old- surrounded by charm, beautiful museums, wine, and many a park bench to people watch and enjoy crisp afternoons, watching the beautiful world go by. As a young girl raised on a diet of Vogue magazine and books about Renoir and Picasso, Paris has always had a big place in my heart, even before I visited as a grown woman. Because even before I touched down at CDG for the first time, I had been to Paris many times in my dreams.
So really, Paris is personal. And when maniacs threaten a place occupied by endorphins and imaginations, it's hard not to feel it just a little bit more. As a human being, we connect with people everywhere who are feeling great pain and suffering and loss. But when they struck Paris, the wounds felt so very deep. Is that really so hard to understand?
So today as we walk around New York and get back to work- vigilant and mindful that the world is on edge, I think of Paris and the people there, and hope that others around the world will be able to one day be able to look at France once again with hope and inspiration, and move past this horrible tragedy.
Paris, you have once again inspired all of us with your grace and beauty. I am sad not just for that beautiful city, but also for the world. I hope the people there and everywhere stay strong as we all process how to live in this crazy world. Love to all who have been touched by this and any number of terrible tragedies- it's hard to think about moving on, but we must. Cause that's what's up this thoughtful Monday in New York. Yours, in peace. XO