comme une petite fille

Every time I voyage en France, someone follows me.
At least I like to think she is following me,
it might be the other way around.

I can hear her softly singing in the background

Geez, I get tired of hearing that. I think it's the only
French she knows.


Kids, they believe in imaginary people.
Always our first night in France she stands at the window,
gazing at the rooftops. She tells me Peter Pan will be
arriving soon to whisk us off to NeverNeverLand.
I smile and let the words "Grow Up" go
unspoken. She'll hear them soon enough.
No harm done in playing along in her make
believe world.


Her mother always told her she was a princess, so
really no surprise that she would love a place full of
castles and carousels.

I guess that is why I always allow her to tag along.
She's not a lot of trouble, just slows me down a bit.
I have learned over the years to schedule appointments
with proper playtime in between.


She insists we stop and peek in all the windows.

We have to throw pennies and play in fountains.
She embarrasses me at times with her childish
play. People look at me like I'm the foolish one,
splashing in the water. It's almost as if they don't see
her.

Then there are the Patisserie Shops. More than
one choice makes it impossible to decide, so
we usually walk out with a bag full.
Children shouldn't have to make such decisions.

One good thing about her, she can entertain herself
for hours at a Parisian bistro. She is mesmerized by
simple things.

However, paying l'addition always requires that I
empty my purse of lollipops in order to find my money.
Not always easy, traveling with a child.

Actually, I have come to enjoy her company.
To see France through her eyes is a gift.
A place where yesterday and today unify
the whole.

I'm glad she follows me OR is it me following her?
It is strange really, the effect France has on me.
It has always been a place that stirs my creativity and
replenishes my soul.
A place where ancient memories live along side
new discoveries.


France is my safe haven. Must be hers too.

We have never been to France that we did not see
a rainbow. Perhaps we are both following it!
Anyway, I can't wait to see her again, that little
girl that lives inside me!

Bisou for now