I woke up Saturday morning to ambiguous texts about my travel schedule and events in Paris and knew something terrible had happened overnight.
I am full of emotions.
Sad. Confused. Scared. Angry.
The attacks happened in the area of Paris I’ve fallen in love with and where I’ve chosen to stay on my last visits there.
Cafe Bonne Biere is at the end of the block where my mom and I stayed last Christmas.
This area of Paris isn’t overrun with tourists or people pushing cheap Eiffel Tour souvenirs on the street or overpriced mediocre restaurants (probably memories of Paris most of us Americans have).
The streets here are lined with little boutiques, small cheese and wine and chocolate stores, and welcoming cafes.
Life and love and art are inherent in this neighborhood; it is the epitome of Parisian life that we all dream of.
To honor those who were killed while they were doing what Parisians do best–enjoying life–let us celebrate our our blessings and the company of our friends and family as much as the vibrant people of Paris do.