I woke up this morning to soft sunlight shining on the leaves of the trees outside my window. The leaves are starting to change colour already. Autumn is coming. Across the river the bells of Notre Dame is tolling, telling us of the dawn of a new day.

I start my day in front of my easel. Doesn’t this sound like heaven. I can hardly believe it is actually happening to me.

After breakfast I take my drawing book and pens for a few sketches. First place to sit is across the road in the garden of an old palace.

The renaissance garden is beautiful and sparrows come to see if there is any spare food for them. The temptation is huge to get a book and spend the rest of the day here reading.

The local church is Saint Gervais. What a great feeling to have this whole big building just to myself.

I can spend hours in front of stained glass windows. There is magic in the way it can transform light.

Both old and new windows are great to admire. They appear totally different but I still prefer the old ones.

One of the sculptures, the Pieta is by an unknown sculptor but as beautiful as the one Michaelangelo carved. I end up drawing the face of a Maria.  Piece and quiet reigns.

After that I walked in the streets, admired the architecture, bought groceries and drew some more. As  I said: I think I am in heaven.

Saturday evening is time for the weekly organ recital in Notre Dame. This time we sit right up front, between the two rose windows The organ notes of Bach, Mendelsohn and Bossi rain down on us…