Sunday, June 20, 2004

Reflecting on France

As the cursor blinks reminding me of my bleak existence, my mind wanders to a time not that long ago, a time when I was happy. I want nothing more than to go back there and live in that fairytale world, surviving amidst the imaginary confines of nothingness. For there were no confines, no real rules or regulations for living and life, no responsibilities as such, just a lazy, spring afternoon lying outstretched in the soft grass covering over me in a simple French village that I’m not sure really existed.

Oh for to run to a train and speed away from it all, on to another fantasy realm that exists entirely within itself; stories and memories that cannot survive outside its bounds because outside the walls they are not reality but instead a quaint story of over stimulated imagination. A taxi or a walk, such a long time forgotten, to a slightly bigger figment of imagination that houses those wondrous vehicles of my destruction. Zipping, zooming, whirling into the night or possibly the soft darkness of an early morning, never too sure of the day or the time or of any realities of the common; destinations unknown, events unimagined, stories unwritten. Life to be lived being the only certainty lying before me, waiting to unfold into a kaleidoscope of everything and nothing at once.

That is the epitome of the wandering soul, the traveler lost among all the places they have never been and all the ones they know too well. They wander not because they have lost their way but because they have not yet found their way. Still all too unsure about their place in life, they flee the scene of their constant reality wanting nothing more than to come across the reality they wish to be constant. In that instant, they will not find fleeting happiness for a moment, but instead they will find lasting joy for a lifetime.

And, as I consider these plausible possibilities in a place bordering on unconsciousness, I am jerked awake by the thrust of the trusty transportation slowing to a halt to bring me to my next adventure. Stepping off, not knowing where I’ll lay my head that night or if I will, my feet carry me onward as my mind hurriedly tries to catch up and adjust to the new landscape of reality.


Monday, February 9, 2004

Bonjour

I just wanted to write to give a little update since I didn't write much the other night. We had french pizza last night and it was umm interesting to say the least. The dough was REALLY floury and the sauce tasted a little suspect, and well things like tuna on my pizza kinda scares me in this "I wish I had a Papa Johns" kind of way. I really like the bread and the Swiss cheese is wonderful, plus there's this really good fruit juice that I have discovered.  And, pasta-- pasta is always a safe choice.  
 
I have class EVERY day at 8am (Mon-Thurs) and as you  know I don't do 8am classes. I've had two in the past, each only 2 days a week, and I probably showed up for half of them. Here, if you miss one day, you're in BIG trouble. And, they made the point of saying that not hearing your alarm is in no way an excuse. Uhh, yea I kinda think I'm doomed! 
 
The plus side of being up at that ungodly hour (if there is even such thing as a plus side to hell) is that I get to watch the sunrise from the classroom. Just saying that though reminds me that I have to wake up BEFORE THE SUN RISES! 
 
So, things so far are good, just trying to get adjusted to early mornings and odd food. I'm looking forward to my bags being here, orientation being over, and going to a chateau on Thursday night. 
 
Feel free to message me back, these first few days there's not much going on in the way of homework and trips, so I have a few minutes to drop by the computer lab. Soon, though, I probably won't be able to email as often.
 
Wish you were all here!
 
--- that just reminded me that they play American music everywhere here, turns out the French mainly listen to American stuff... so much so that there was a law passed recently by the French government saying that all radio stations had to play 40% French music... anyways Pink Floyds "Wish You Were Here" was on in the bar the other night, so I at least have something that reminds me off home---

Sunday, February 8, 2004

I'm here, in France!

I'm in Europe! 

My bags aren't here yet, but the Abbey is beautiful.

Pontlevoy is quaint. 

Must run. More soon!

Friday, February 6, 2004

Heather leaving today!! (By: My Mom)

Well, Bethany and her Mom, Pam spent the night with us last night (and Melody did too) and we just left the girls at the airport, all checked in and on their way to their boarding gate!!  Their plane leaves Memphis at 10:42 AM and goes to Chicago for a 5 hour layover.  David is planning on meeting up with them at the airport and having lunch with them.  Then they're on to London and then to Paris. 
 
Someone from the Abbey (school) will meet them at the airport in Paris and they (hopefully several will arrive at similar times) will ride a train for several miles where a van from the Abbey will meet them to take them the rest of the way.  Pontlevoy, France is just a small village where the Abbey is located, 1 and 1/2 hours southwest of Paris.  The village is so small it isn't even on a map of just France that my neighbor got for me.  However, they do have a mayor and the whole town turns out for a big celebration when all the students arrive for each semester.  Actually, Heather's group (of 50 total, 15 from Southern Miss and the rest from several other schools) will only be the 3rd group to attend there since Southern Miss bought this property.
 
Heather requested that I make our famous Mid-Night Kisses, to take a small can of them to her host family that she will visit with, eat with some, etc.  We tucked the recipe inside the box so that should be very interesting for them.
 
Pray that all will go well with flight connections, etc.  I'm looking forward to sleeping in in the morning!!!