Four years ago today there was a coordinated attack in 6 locations that are now known as the Paris attacks. 131 people died and hundreds were injured from mass shootings and suicide bombings in public streets, restaurants, and public events with the most devastating one during a concert at the Bataclan. It was such a horrible experience that some people still suffer from the trauma and understandably so. France has had many other incidents since then with the latest one being the stabbing of several officers at the Paris police headquarters by a religious extremest just last month. Wikipedia lists 20 after the November 2015 attacks. Some level of PTSD is probably carried by a decent portion of the population and the presence of armed guards might not be enough to make them feel safe enough. The ones who have survived have to deal with the loss of family, friends, and loved ones and tension seems to be only be escalating. Do I worry that we may eventually be caught up in such an event? I try not to think about it. It was a concern when we were wondering if we should come here, but you can get hurt or die anywhere. We are so far away from family and friends, but we are doing what we can to make our connections here and appreciate the life we do have. 

I visited the new memorial sculpture by Jeff Koons last month which had, and still has, mixed reviews and much controversy due to its design and cost to taxpayers. I had just learned earlier today that it got vandalized recently because it has been said that the balloons for the Bouquet of Tulips look like a bunch of anuses and looks pretty “suggestive” juxtaposed the incredible detail of the hand holding them. This isn’t the first time he’s done tulips and as someone who used to make balloon animals and a ton of balloon tulips, these are just how they look… maybe a touch more translucent in reality. I’m not saying I’m a Jeff Koons fan, but this sculpture seemed well done. I thought it was quite respectful considering his body of work. It does seem like an innocent and hopeful gesture to the world. Will it eventually be accepted like the Eiffel Tower? Maybe. The Tower’s debut wasn’t as welcoming either so only time will tell.