Spring in Paris

Hi friends,

Spring has officially arrived in Paris. The weather is warmer, the sun is out longer, and little hints of greenery are returning to the city. Last weekend, my friends and I met up at the Royal Palais Garden to view the blooming magnolia trees before they fade away. Back in LA, I grew up with a magnolia tree in my family’s courtyard. Most of the year the tree looks sad and dormant but a couple times a year, the tree will burst into bloom with bright pink flowers. After seeing nothing but pale grey skies and barren scenery, viewing the vibrant blooms of the magnolia trees was nearly an emotional experience. Reminiscent of home, rebirth, and a new chapter in Paris all at once, I felt enraptured to see such a promising symbol of spring.

With a sweet and calming fragrance, the magnolia blooms are beautiful but fleeting. After a few weeks, the blooms will be replaced by green leaves and then eventually lie dormant again. Like all things in life, being present is a gift.

Life as an expat has been full of highs and lows, moments of certainty and total doubt. As I continue to search for a job in Paris, I’m filled with uncertainty and fear that I may not be able to stay. The future of my life here feels like its hanging by a thread, but I’m trying to hang onto hope that I’ll be able to make something work. By the end of May, my studies for my Masters in Luxury and Design Management will be completed and I’ll need to return back to the workforce to continue to live in the EU. So in the meantime, I’m on the job hunt and crossing my fingers that there will be a place for me to apply my skills and experience.

As always, thank you so much for reading.

Until next time. À bientôt!

xx

Kiana