A Fun-Filled Day With Frederic

"Every experience shapes us
to who we will become."
-as heard while watching
the TV series, KYLE-XY, Season I
If you have been following my blog you may recall the framed collage gift that I sent to Paris, France to the L'Osteria Ristorante. I was so happy to see it hanging in the Ristorante on May 21st when I peeked into the window (the Ristorante was closed at the time). I had arranged a lunch with Frederic Deltour on May 22, 2009 at this same Ristorante. I was hoping he would show up. Who could be certain that he would?

When Alan and I were in Paris in December 2006 we saw Paloma, her husband, Alexandre, and their son, Jonathan. I tried to see Frederic but he was out of town at this time.

In July 2008 we found ourselves in Paris once again but I neglected to notify Frederic until the last minute. He read my email 'too late' and we had already come and gone.

This time it all worked out. We were to meet at 1 o'clock. Alan went inside the restaurant to see if he was inside. I remained outside as 'lookout' on the Rue de Sevigne. As I turned around I recognized Frederic straightaway. I smiled and he smiled back handsomely. It was as if we'd been 'old chums' who simply had not seen each other in a few years. The reality was that it was our first meeting. I hugged him 'hello'. Alan did the same and we entered the most fantastic Italian eatery we know in Paris.


I pointed out my framed Art collage that was now hanging inside the place. Frederic shared a lot of interesting facts about himself. He is involved with a business now but has a passion for MEDITATION. He hopes to create an annual MEDITATION trip/hike in the South of France and other global locations. I hope to participate as 'meditation' is something I strive to incorporate more into my life. In my opinion 'meditation' is all about being PEACEFUL with body, mind and spirit (and letting it shine and pass on to those around you).

Frederic's smile would thrill any one. He does possess a magic. He's a pleasure seeker. Yes, I am, too.
"What are your plans today?" Frederic asked.
"We were just going to walk Paris and maybe go to the Gallerie Lafayette food court. We like to be spontaneous," Alan replied.
"Yeah, we like to travel spontaneously," I remarked.
"You're welcome to go with us if you don't have any plans," Alan mentioned politely.
"Sure. I like that 'not planned' way of travel," Frederic said.

PHOTO: Michael J Armijo, Frederic Deltour, Alan Freiman
Outside the L'Osteria Ristorante, Paris, France

Frederic plans to take a trek this summer with his girlfriend to Spain. I learned more about his feelings on meditation and dealing with stress. I stressed the importance of 'balance' in one's life. Frederic's positive energy made us feel at ease in his company. He spent the day walking with us all over Paris. We even got lost for a few minutes. It's fun getting lost in Paris (as long as you eventually find your way).

I look forward to a future journey on one of Frederic's meditation excursions. If you're interested in participating on a meditation/hiking adventure, please leave a comment on this BLOG and I will provide details as they come available.

Twenty-five years ago today:

June 12, 1984, Tuesday

Hoorah! Accomplishment! I am starting my handwritten Journal #5 today. I am proud of myself for having begun all of these stories and 'eventual future memoirs'. I will be even more glad of it during my retirement days. I am sure. What will I have remembered and what refreshed memories will return?

I went for my typical bicycle ride this evening until 7PM. It was a good, "meditational" ride. I wondered if Chris was wondering if I was riding while he was riding. Now that his car is parked here he rides his bike to and from the military base. It is very difficult for him, considering the mountaineering type of bike that he has to use. It's no SCHWINN 12-speed Le Tour bike like mine.

"I can't come down on Thursday like I thought because I have to work on Friday," Chris said sadly.
"Ahh, too bad," I said as I took a bite out of an apple.
"I thought I was going to be free on Wednesday but there was a mishap at work. I will probably come next week though," Chris said with a reassuring tone.

It is all 'just as well'. By the time Chris does return for a visit I will be all situated and back in my Solomon Lane townhouse. I went to bed early: at 'nine-ish'.