Stain-glass Eyes

De Gaulle Airport, Paris, France Before I stepped into Prague, about two weeks ago, I had a plan.   I’d get a bus to the city centre and follow the directions to the Bread and Breakfast place I reserved ahead. My flight from the U.S. had more turbulence than I like, but I landed and found the bus I needed to head for the center of Prague.   I should mention I arrived a day late!   I missed my connecting flight in France and scheduled a flight for the next day.   I left Michigan in a blustery storm as did many from other states.   The flights were not on time so connections were virtually impossible.   But, talking to the ticket agent at Air France (who was flying for Delta) she emphatically assured me I had “Plenty” of time and should have been able to get my connecting flight! (so I paid for a night in Hotel Ibex, next to the terminal)   I was at the terminal (Charles de Gaulle Airport) by five the following morning to get my flight to Prague, in the Czech R

Yeah, it’s the first of December.   I feel the crispness in the air.   The almost, musical sound of charity bells ringing.   Aisle upon aisle of holiday decorations in stores.   Ugly holiday sweaters instead of cute ones. Velvety dresses and shiny shoes….   Piped-in music buzzes in my ear whether or not I make a conscious choice to listen.   The calendar clogs up with reminders of time-lines.   Every day I’m checking to see if there’ll be snow in case I need to wear boots.   Memories creep in.   They take up space in my already bulging mind. I have presents to create (and a late birthday gift for my niece), chorale rehearsals to prepare for, packing decisions to finalize before my trip abroad.   And still I have to cram in walking and swimming.   Maybe a nap or two would be delightful. I saw a candy cane this morning.   It brought me to tears.   It’s not funny.   I was overwhelmed with sadness. Not a sad sadness, but a warm, closing-my-eyes sadness. I didn’t want the