Some Christmas Thoughts

Maya Angalou writes that once we realize that the world owes us nothing, then we realize that everything we are given is just that--a gift.

What are my gifts from my world?

My family--this group of people has nurtured me since I appeared on this planet and continues to give gifts to me. My mother and step-father love me unconditionally and let me know it often. They support me in all of my endeavors and only want blessings in my life. My sisters and their amazing families continue to amaze and delight--these women are building such lives for themselves and it is always a gift to watch their children and grandchildren grow and move into the world. My younger brother and his wife and two daughters in China give a gift every time they share a picture or write an email or say a prayer....they know what they mean to all of us! My aunts and uncles, cousins and extended family members, step-sisters, step-mother and everyone else connected to me by blood or marriage give the gift of their time and presence in my life. It is always greatly appreciated and loved. Even the memory of those no longer with us is a gift. It is a gift to remember their love and works. Thank you!

My tribe--Those people who have chosen to remain in my life through our various connections whether from college, a past love affair, a chance meeting or random attachment. That you remain in my life is a constant and visible gift--one that echoes through every aspect of my life. You challenge me, lift me up, give me wisdom and advice, provide succor and amusement and basically show me new ways to love. Your lives give this world much--you are all professionals, immersed in the various rhythms of your lives and yet always manage to create our symphony when we are together. And for those of tribe who have moved on, whether through estrangement or death, your vast energy and presence leaves a void that we will never fill--we just gingerly dance around it, look in, remember, laugh and love and eat some more.

My church--who would have ever thought that I would finally realize the need for a church in my life. What a gift! This congregation supports and loves me and lets me share my gifts with them. Talk about a theological win/win situation!

My work--the simple fact of being present in the world of WATC is a gift that grows me professionally and intellectually and is one I cherish deeply.

My theater friends--the gift of your talents (and that I can share in those on occasion) is one of the highlights of my life. I know, at the end of my life, on looking back, my theatrical experiences will be some of the brightest stars in my memories.

My city--what a treasure Wichita is! What a gift to live in such a vibrant, beautiful city! Such a well-kept secret--do we dare let anyone know? They might move here and ruin it! Or possibly, add their own gifts to our community.

So, I guess the reason for this post is gratitude. I am grateful for the gifts that are present in my life, in my memory and in my heart.

Peace and love,

Paul

Paul and Shanna and Indiana Jones

Today at lunch at Sabor in Wichita, Shanna and I were chatting away when she leans over and says to me...."I think that's Harrison Ford at that table". And sure enough it was....I went over when I had a chance and told him how much I loved his work and shook his hand. He was very kind! Too cool! I knew that he came to town often because he flies Cessnas....anyway, I return to our table and Shanna immediately asks if I told him that Millworth was my favorite song he sang. Man! Make one innocent mistake and it haunts you your ENTIRE life!

PAX

Paul

Upcoming Performances

Hey all....I have two fun Christmas performances coming up, both on Sunday, December 14th:

10:30 AM--The Many Moods of Christmas, at University Congregational Church, 29th and Webb

4:00 PM--A Christmas Soiree', at Grace Presbyterian, 5002 E. Douglas

I have performed in the "Many Moods" numerous times and it has become a holiday favorite. 30+ piece orchestra and terrific arrangements of familiar carols, this is a terrific morning of music.

I have sung with Ron Daray for his "Christmas Soiree'" for a number of years. This is the second year at Grace (he recently changed churches) and it is an opportunity to hear some unique arrangements of carols and holiday music with a nice sized ensemble, brass and strings. It has always been one of my favorite gigs of the year! Come and hear both!

Peace,

Paul

More pics from 12 Passage Beslay

Above is the living room of the apartment.

Above is a decent view of the cute cuisine (kitchen).

Above is the guest room where I slept when I was in Paris.


Above is the view looking south from my balcony.

9 1/2 hours on a plane

OK...those of you who know me know how much I dislike sitting still. I do everything I can to keep from getting into situations where I have to sit for prolonged periods of time.....so, why then, do I willingly sit myself into a very uncomfortable chair with room for 6' of 6'3" me...and then hurtle across the Atlantic for 9 and 1/2 hours???? HMMM? I know my brother really wants me to visit him and his family in China....but, man, I don't know if I can do much longer than that!

PAX!

(Oh yeah, I am sitting in O'Hare waiting for a flight to Wichita....in 4 hours....remind me why Wichita is called the Air Capitol of the World? Hmmm? It sure ain't easy to get to!)

Saying goodbye to Paris

Here is the front of the apartment building at 12 Passage Beslay where I have been sleeping while in Paris. I leave the city tomorrow to return to the US. Sigh.

I have such an odd range of emotions--but ultimately I am so pleased with the entire trip. It has been such an easy thing! I can't wait to do it again...and soon....with anyone who wants to tag along!

Pax!

Love!

Paul

Debra's visit to the US Consulate

This was taken right after Debra got all of her paper work signed so that she and Marc can get married. Marc is a GREAT guy and I am so happy for them both! They will be setting up house in the tiny village of Berniere sur Mer on the Normandy coast. Wish them the best!

A visit to Pere Lachaise and Georges Seurat's tomb

Thursday out and about Paris with Debra

St. Martin du Vivier

Ok...the little hotel I found for my side trip turned out to be so freakin' charming! It was nestled in the hills above Rouen, and once I figured out the bus system, I was minutes from everything I wanted to see. I spent a good deal of time in the ancient cathedral--lit lots of candles and said lots of prayers for all of my peeps. There is something eternal about these places...they even speak to my protestant soul! Don't tell Rabbi!

Peace and love,

Paul

Pics from around Rouen and St. Martin du Vivier

Pour Christina et mon classe!

Tuesday in Rouen

Today I took the train (and why the hell don't we have a decent train system in the US? HUH??? The Europeans have this amazing system and can get anywhere cheaply and quickly)....anyway...today I took the train to Rouen. My hotel is actually a village over in the charming hillside town of St. Martin du Vivier. I plan on exploring both it and Rouen all day tomorrow. I am staying at the Best Western La Berteliere and it has this pastoral inn quality that has me already in my PJs and ready for bed. I ate at my first 3-star restaurant tonight (and l'addition proved it!) and it was so delicious. In fact, I have yet to have a meal that wasn't tasty. Even the McDonalds fries I ate one day were really great. I think it has to do with NO preservatives and NO high fructose corn syrup. These people know how to eat! AND I have yet to see a single FAT French person. There are some thick folks, but not like we have in the states. I really think there is a link between the preservatives the US puts in its food, and how fat stay in our systems. ANYWAY, enough of that.

Peace and love,

PJ

Being a new diabetic in Paris.

It turns out that Paris is a GREAT city in which to be a diabetic. There are pharmacies on every corner and they each have at least one English speaking clerk. I bought some glucose tabs, but have discovered a tastier way to raise my blood sugar. The one time my blood sugar got really low, I didn't panic, went to the closest boulangerie and had the most delicious crepe du chocolat. My blood sugar was fine tout suite. In fact, I have yet to run a high blood sugar this entire trip, and while I know it makes my mom a little nervous, I just make sure I have a pastry shop or bakery in sight AT ALL TIMES. Delicious! (I know the amount of physical activity I am engaging in keeps my blood sugar in the mid to high 90s usually.) OK--enough about my diabetes!

Pax!

Paul

Monday Morning

Place de Bastille with Mitterand's 70's National Opera in the background.

Rue de Charlemagne in the Village de St. Paul. A quaint neighborhood near the Marais. This morning it was filled with energetic high-schoolers heading to their various Lycees.


Exterior of the Picasso Museum. Inside were some wonderful Gauguins and of course tons of terrific Picasso works.

Sunday in Paris

I awoke to the sound of hundreds of church bells ringing all over Paris--calling the faithful to worship. I slept in. I'm on vacation. I'm sure God will understand...n'est pas?

The picture above is from the most amazing market on rue de Richard Lenoir. I have never seen so many people shopping in one place. It was fabulous.

Afterwords, I took myself to the cinema to see the latest James Bond flick and let my aching feet and legs rest a bit.

A plus demain!

Pax.

Paul

A funny tale....

So today while I was looking for Shakespeare and Co. (I got off at the wrong stop and was, yes, once again, lost) I found a small bookstore where the proprietor was setting out his books for the day. In my very best attempt at politeness (and in my limited Francais) I told him I was lost and asked for directions to the road that Shakespeare and Co. was on. Imagine my shock when the THICKEST Texas drawl I have ever heard came out his mouth and said "Straight ahead two blocks and turn right". I would NOT have been surprised had he added a pardner to the end of that. Just goes to show....you can't tell a book seller by his french apparel.

Pax!

Paul

Saturday Afternoon at the Arch de Triumph

Paul at Shakespeare and Co.

Thank you, Bill, for the heads-up!

rue de la Huchette

Notre Dame