I got to Saumur, France around 5:30 last night. I would tell you the train ride was lovely, but I have no clue. Slept through the whole damn thing. My flat here is tucked away in a wee alcove, which I deliberately chose so that I would actually rest. Resting, ha, that is not a…
I had a minute today when the magic of the moment occurred to me. Three years ago, I thought I was just passing through Saumur, France as a quick stop on the route to Fontevraud. I had nothing more than the beginnings of ideas for a novel. Now, I stand here in Saumur at the…
Bonjour mes copains a Paris. The last 24 hours of travel have given me a few aches and pains, but also some moments to fill up my tank. I gave myself 6.5 hours to get through the legendarily awful customs lines at CDG Airport and get to Montparnasse to catch my train to Saumur. Who…
In the quiet of the Grand-Moûtier at Abbaye Royale de Fontevraud, the wind carried on it the constant whisper of a thousand years. I sat, regretful in my exhale, as the Abbey slept. It is the silence when I am the most terrified and at peace. I lingered on the waxing moon, just three days short of full release, and shook. This place—this holy, sacred, venomous, cruel place—soothed me in the darkness, and I submit.
Midnight, at Fontevraud.