stories from paris

notre dame cathedral paris ile de la cite

February 13, 2025
by Cheryl
arts

Mass At Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris

Getting to go to mass at Notre Dame in January was such an immense experience. I am a very lapsed Catholic, but the building bolstered my spirit. It was here I learned that my French has improved enough to understand the words to the mass and the tears flowed. It…

February 12, 2025
by Cheryl
life in paris

A True Story? Paris est amusante.

Learning French is changing my perspective on life in Paris. It is a so much richer experience when you understand the world around you – and – to be honest – being able to eavesdrop is so much fun. I look like a big goofy American and people talk freely…

February 12, 2025
by Cheryl
life in paris

Dreams in Paris

I have had the same recurring dream since I was in my mid-twenties. I am trying to get home and can’t speak – everything is garbled. People think I’m drunk. I can’t remember my address. Uber doesn’t work. I’m stranded and just want to get home desperately. Since I’ve lived…

February 12, 2025
by Cheryl
recipes

Fall Classic – Chicken and Dumplings

Fall in Paris is glorious. Is it better than spring? Oui. It also has me craving a little bit of home. Between immersive French, data algorithms going off the rails, and trying to find all my packages all over the city – I’ve been a little overwhelmed, actually, a lot…

February 12, 2025
by Cheryl
recipes

Taco Hotdish Makes The World Go Round

I can cook. Really. I can. However, the dish that is most requested by my fellow Parisians is Bev’s Taco Hotdish. A little background. I worked with a group of grumpy old ladies in an office during college. You could still legally smoke and I think the office collectively smoked…