The Danger of Projecting an Identity

My favorite out-of-context quote from today's post about "The Danger of Protecting an Identity" on Donald Miller's blog :

"If I were really cool, as we commonly define cool (a projection that we don’t care what other people think) I’d go about my day in coaches shorts I bought at Target, socks that don’t match, the most comfortable nurses shoes I could afford, and stand in parks laughing at how funny squirrels look when they crack nuts. Now that is freedom."

 Caption: "Hey you, statue guy! Pose for the picture and look cool!

To produce good

 

"What is to give light must endure burning"

~ Victor E. Frankl

Giverny!!

There were a lot of people here!

I wish I could live in Monet's house

Chartres!!

Yesterday morning at 8 am I left my place in Paris for Chartres.  

 

After approximately 2 hours (my time on the metro combined with train traveling) I arrived in the peaceful town of Chartres.  What was I too see while exiting the train? Well, none other than the Chartres cathedral!!!

Since I was hungry at this time, I walked around for a little while to find a cafe.  

When I found one, I entered and was asked by a waitress where I would like to eat: inside or outside.

I replied: outside.  She then led me to through the cafe to the other side.  After walking outside I was seated.  

Looking straight ahead, I was pleasantly surprised at what I saw: the Chartres cathedral was no more than twenty feet  in front of me!!

It is rather difficult to convey the feelings that I had experienced with this discovery. 

Surprise: obviously. 

Happy: without a doubt!

Here I enjoyed a Croque Monsieur with a walnut salad.  I had a cafe creme with that as well.

After this I went inside the cathedral.  It was almost 12 o'clock.  Here I found a tour-guide who was recommended to me from one of my professors.  His name is Malcolm Miller.  Have you heard of him?

The tour was great! I recommend it to anyone looking for a good lesson on the history of the cathedral. 

This was by far my favorite part of the trip.  If you ever find yourself in France, I highly recommend that you go to the Chartres cathedral. 
Au revoir!!

Bastille Day!!!

Louvre

Cubist art in a cubist world

Today I got the chance to go to the Pompidou center in Paris.  This center holds some of the greatest modern artwork that I will ever see. 
I did not expect to see some of my favorite pieces of artwork there.  I was really surprised at how many people were taking pictures of the artwork.  I just had to join in.  Some of my favorite works are pictured below:

This was my favorite painting by Georges Braque