From Rachel’s Diary
From Rachel’s Diary:
Apparently there was a fall break.
I realized that yesterday when someone mentioned classes starting again and I had to think about it. I just… worked through it. Fewer classes meant more time with René, more assignments, more wandering the city with the camera.
I’m not sure if that’s dedication or a warning sign.
November 1st was Toussaint. All Saints’ Day.
Everything closed, the city quieter than usual.
I ended up near Père Lachaise without realizing what day it was and walked straight into families visiting graves—flowers everywhere, candles, people standing in small circles talking softly like the dead might be listening.
I should have turned around.
Instead I took photos.
Tried to not be invasive. Still, it felt like stepping into someone else’s memory with a camera.
Armistice Day is coming next week. I’ve heard the ceremonies here are something else entirely—bells, silence, the whole city pausing.
Part of me can’t wait to see it through the lens.
Which makes me feel strange when I remember Thanksgiving is coming too.
One holiday I want to photograph. The other one I’m not sure I even care about.
Sometimes I hate myself.