The Mégisserie
A Letter of Petit Paris 04~The watercolour, the path, the aroma
Hi, Hi! “ How is your week, guys? We have heavy rain in Hong Kong this week. Well, it’s not good for outdoor activities, but perfect for writing indoors and the after-walk. Besides petrichor, you may also be aware of the special nourishing colour-way after rain. Although we can capture it with a camera, watercolour could be another suitable medium. ”
Friends are like flowers; they bring color to your world. ~ Unknown
* Walk with me *
14 quai de la Mégisserie is a Haussmann building built by architect Henri Blondel in 1860. It is located in the 1st arrondissement near my hotel, and was listed as a historical monument in 1999. Every morning, I passed by while the shops were still closed. I’d always stop in front of the neoclassical façade, admiring its magnificent cariátide. A cariátide is an architectural supportive column in sculptured female figures. A decorative load-bearing element supporting the balcony above. These were designed by the French sculptor Aimé Millet. Don’t you think they are magnificent?
In fact, this is a street where floral & garden supplied located. When all shops opened, an immersion of not only visual but sensational delight enriched my way home.
Can’t you imagine the cheer of walking along Quai de la Mégisserie on a sunny morning? Embracing the breeze from the Seine and the sweet aroma from the rainbow-coloured box plants. I wondered if it’s what it meant in a quote I recalled, the same joy derived from friends?!
*The Watercolour*
To publish the first book as an indie author was harsh. Everything started from scratch, & a lot of time was spent in research & technical stuff. It’s a long & lonely path to experience, what you need in the primitive are family & friends! Those who are willing to read your first draft, not knowing if you can publish successfully or not. They comment & advise generously for you to break through the first obstacle: Release. The initial thought of my Petit Paris series had to be an authentic travelogue of what I saw & felt. My poetry was green, but I had confidence in my photography because in Paris, there's always something to frame. I did minimal post-editing to preserve the colour tone of the photos, using monochrome line art with free verse. I sent my draft to Jessie, the first friend reader who was always willing to support my travelogue dream. “ How about adding a colour drawing in the middle section? An add-on as a highlight may sound more interesting... say, by watercolour. ” Jessie advises.
Truly speaking, I put my watercolour kit in my drawer for almost 15 years. When I was a design student yearsssss..... ago, I did worst in watercolour, and that’s why I really don’t have confidence to produce one... but finally, I did.
That’s how this watercolour drawing was added in my third revision of Book One: Pont Neuf. (Now, each little book has its unique centre page.) Thank you, pal. “A kind word, a smile or a Hello! from a pal brings colour into our world whenever we feel grey. ” That’s what friendship is meant to be， and I'm blessed to have mine.
🐦 This is an edited version of a ‘Behind The Scenes Blog Post’ of my ebook Petit Paris. Originally published on my official Author website, as The Mégisserie, feel free to visit.
* A Poem for you *
(free verse)
Friends are…
(in the voice of a bird)
As long as we are friends I’ll call you pal Let’s talk in the air when the sky is blue Sing in the rain when not having mood We can be three or two Share our teeny-tiny jokes of nobody cares Make our dreams as big as asteroid B612 Someday we can reach I’ll calm you when you’re vex Hug you when you’re sad Warm you when you’re having flu Stand by you when you don’t know what to do We can fly up to the wire Stick together counting clouds Sound of silence until dusk Lean on me when you fall asleep Don’t panic if one day we’re separate Remember our birdy Morse code Only true friends will know I’ll find you…you’ll never be alone
©Oiseau Distrait 2026
🐦 This poem was originally published on The Daily Cuppa on Medium, under the same title.
Here it is, I hope you like my Paris walk this week. Stay tuned! À bientôt! ~Oiseau
🐦 If my words resonate & my picture echoes with you. Stay! As long as you please, be my guest.
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