Writings

©2019 (Unedited Excerpt from my memoir) A good neighborhood—Le café “Aux Deux Magots,” feverish with activity on Le Boulevard St Germain, faces La Rue de Rennes and right there, on the same sidewalk the little church of St Germain stands as always. I live in the center of Paris between the churches of St Germain and St Sulpice. I barely acknowledge them, reserving my ecstatic admiration for … [Read more...] about Paris – 1979 Left-Bank Neighborhood

Unedited excerpt of my memoir - ©2019 Sylvaine Francine I close the low gate behind me. The twins, Nicolas and Marion, run toward the children. I sit on a bench and think about Sam and India. Our fights over his drinking on dry days when no liquor can be purchased or consumed. We didn’t leave in the best terms; I was too upset with him. “Your French uptight temper, a real problem.” … [Read more...] about 1978 – Encounters – India and Pakistan

Don't you like my vertical desk? I can wheel it around and work from wherever I feel like it. On the front porch, I sit at the round table. I place it next to the sofa where I sit. I love to wheel it to the bedroom, I spread everything the bed. It reminds me of my student days in Paris. Unedited excerpt of my memoir - ©2019 Sylvaine Francine On the other hand, I have a good life in Paris: … [Read more...] about My rolling desk

Unedited excerpt of my memoir - ©2019 Sylvaine Francine So, this is the way I live. On one hand, managing my busy schedule leaves me breathless. I pay for my lodging, every Franc, earned honestly. Every Franc costs me my nails which I chew at the end of every month and the intensity of my college curriculum makes me tired and feel helpless. I dread my end of the year exams. Will I pass them? I … [Read more...] about Paris 1979 – Eat the Cookies

Unedited excerpt of my memoir - ©2019 Sylvaine Francine Every day, from morning to evening I run ragged, constantly I glance at my watch. It is seven o’clock. I lock my door and one more time, I mentally inventory what I need for this day. I fly down the seven floor spiral staircase and hold on tight to the railing. It is easy to get dizzy, to miss a step. Every day, at this early hour, I … [Read more...] about Paris – Right Bank Neighborhood, 1978

Unedited excerpt of my memoir - ©2019 Sylvaine Francine My grandparents, Eugene and Marguerite, moved out of the street of the Pierced Ass Holes to a house fills with light as soon as the sun hits it. A courtyard spreads on the front, and past the two flowerbeds and the seven feet iron gate, the water street pump stands, right there, handy to use. There is running water in the kitchen, but I … [Read more...] about The Water Pump House