Paris, Bread, and a Beautiful Reset

I came to Paris with more than one suitcase and a broken heart. I’m leaving with a baguette in one hand, confidence in the other, and a plan to love myself harder than ever before.

Catch the twinkle. Watch the reset.

This morning began with bread on my mind and possibility in my heart.

I left my hotel with a loose plan: visit the Eiffel Tower, stroll the surrounding neighborhood, and pick up a little something special for my granddaughter from the Jacadi shop nearby. I figured I’d follow wherever the day led — because if there’s one thing this trip has confirmed, it’s that I don’t need anyone else to create magic. I’m perfectly capable of doing that all on my own. Though I will enjoy when the right sexy, romantic, adventurous, intelligent, strong, man who loves to dance finds me.

I hopped on the metro from Madeleine Station — Line 8, direction Balard — and got off at École Militaire. From there, I walked through the beautiful Champ de Mars to the base of the Eiffel Tower. It was crowded with tourists stretched out on the lawn, gazing up in awe. I didn’t climb the tower — I didn’t need to. I wasn’t there for the view of Paris. I was there for her — La Tour Eiffel, in all her iron-and-grace glory.

Nearby, I stopped into a sweet little café called Terres de Café for a cappuccino and a small slice of banana bread. That was my breakfast and lunch — and as I’ve learned, that’s very Parisian of me. The locals here savor their meals. They aren’t afraid of bread. And they certainly aren’t afraid to linger. It’s a slower, richer rhythm of life, and I’ve fallen in love with it.

After coffee, I wandered the quiet surrounding streets. I think I found myself in a little pocket of Korean-owned shops, which was a fun surprise. Then, as planned, I visited Jacadi and found the most precious little outfit for my granddaughter — tiny jeans, a matching top, barrettes, socks, a cardigan, and a little collared onesie. Oh the fun bright, clean colors - I can’t wait to give her all her gifts from London and Paris. Watching her grow has been one of the greatest joys of my life. It reminds me how much we’re all still learning — and how brave toddlers are when they fall. Maybe we grown-ups need that same fearless resilience, especially when it comes to love.

Speaking of which…

I had hoped to try Girafe, but the timing didn’t quite work. Rather than wait around alone until 6 p.m., I headed back toward my hotel. I’m learning that flexibility is a gift — especially when you’re traveling solo and following your own pace.

Back in my neighborhood, I popped into Eric Kayser Vendôme and picked up a baguette and a Sandwich Thon Crudités (that’s tuna salad on a crusty sourdough baguette with tomato and lettuce — très délicieux). I rested, wrote, and treated myself to a little something sweet at The Ritz — a blueberry coconut parfait. It was divine.

But the most powerful moment of my day? My 8:00 PM reservation to go inside Notre-Dame.

I walked in, and I wept.

It’s hard to put into words how profound it felt — the hush, the history, the sense of being in a sacred space where so many have prayed and mourned and hoped before me. I sat for a long time and prayed . For strength. For health. For joy. For forgiveness. For my granddaughters continued beautiful life. For my late brother David. For my parents. For my children and their partners. For peace. And for love — not a love that leaves or confuses or hurts, but the kind that stays and sees and makes life better. The kind I now know I deserve.

Afterward, I gathered myself and found a little artisanal taqueria for mushroom tacos, guac, and a bottle of French mineral water. Then I strolled the Seine, watched the Eiffel Tower twinkle at 10, and stayed for the Olympic balloon’s 10:30 rise. It was such a spectacle of delight, I waited for the 11 PM twinkle too — and let me tell you, a double twinkle night in Paris? Absolutely magical.

Today, I helped someone find their way to Place Vendôme. Me. Giving directions in Paris. And they made sense! I feel like I’ve become part of the rhythm here — walking everywhere, navigating the metro with ease, soaking up the beauty all around me.

Tomorrow is my last full day, and I’m letting it unfold slowly. I’ll nap, freshen up, and get dolled up for my final hurrah — the Crazy Horse Cabaret at 10:30 PM. After that, one more sleep and then I fly home.

This trip — unknowingly — became a reset. I deleted old photos and memories, cleared out my heart, and closed a chapter on someone who was never really mine. In doing so, I opened a new one. I’m excited to date again, to love again. Not because I need someone to make my life full — but because I’ve made it full already. Whoever joins me next is just adding sparkle to the twinkle.

Bonsoir, Paris.

🍯 Honey Note:

You don’t need a tower to rise above your past. You’ve already climbed higher than most. You’ve prayed in cathedrals, danced with your own shadow, and twinkled twice in one night. That, my love, is a life well lived. And while the right man may one day catch up to you… he’s going to have to walk fast, carry snacks, and keep up with a woman who already knows her worth.

💋 Flirty Au Revoir:

Paris gave me back a little sparkle I forgot I had. I’ve got blush on my cheeks, baguette crumbs on my dress, and butterflies in my belly. If love is out there looking for me, I’ve got one thing to say:

Come and get me. I dare you. 💄✨

With love, sparkles, and a heart wide open,

MaryNell 💋

Wanderer, romantic, and woman who knows her worth

LivelyByHoney.com

P.S.

Paris lit me up in all the right places—but not even the Eiffel Tower twinkles like I do when I’m adored properly. I’m not chasing anything, but I am open to a spark that catches fire. So if you think you can handle a woman who walks with purpose, dreams in full color, and kisses like she means it—viens me chercher, si tu l’oses… and bring matches. 🔥💋

But be warned… I’m not a casual stroll through the Tuileries. I’m a whirlwind in heels and lipstick, with a passport in one hand and high standards in the other. If you’re not ready to be captivated, confused, inspired, and completely undone—don’t even knock. But if you are…