Conflicts

 

                                                                      Soudan Soldier

                                                                 Watercolor by Anmarie

Armed conflicts never solve geopolitical problems, and they sometimes last a very long time. Sudan is in a forgotten war, deliberately ignored by the world because of its complexity. Rebels clash with government troops while the weakened population has been suffering from famine for decades, causing an unprecedented global crisis in the region.
They often cause more suffering than concrete solutions, leaving fractured societies, weakened economies, and generations marked by the loss of loved ones. Force does not guarantee peace; only dialogue and cooperation can. Rather than resolving disagreements, wars reinforce mistrust and prolong instability. Destroy cities, countryside, lives, structures, and historical sites. Countries can sometimes take a century to rebuild afterward.
It is crucial to rethink our methods for resolving conflicts. We must invest in preventive diplomacy, peace education, and structures to promote international mediation, rather than consider war as inevitable. Societies that listen to and seek compromise foster innovative solutions, meeting the aspirations of people without violence. Humanity should exchange weapons for speech to build bridges instead of walls. Wars are expensive and harm the economy and budgets of countries, which could invest that money in science and education.
Adopting this perspective involves revisiting collective memory, listening to the stories of survivors and affected communities to draw lasting lessons for the future. We must recognize the resilience of those who, despite the scars of war, work to rebuild the social fabric and promote peaceful values. Moreover, citizen engagement is crucial: by participating in solidarity actions and by supporting access to education and culture, everyone helps to ease tensions and promote mutual respect. In short, relying on collective intelligence and human creativity fosters true peace based on shared justice and dignity. Numerous current examples show how a strong commitment to peace can transform the destiny of nations on a global scale. Disarmament actions, reconciliation processes, and intercultural exchanges show the great potential of human cooperation. We must draw inspiration from the successes of multilateral dialog, where understanding the other is more important than victory. By focusing on conflict prevention through education, exchanges, and diplomacy, societies avoid losses and cultivate a culture of respect and shared responsibility. This ambitious horizon requires collective mobilization and a continuous questioning of our governance models and priorities as a global community. Finally, let's remember that peace is not just the absence of war but a dynamic process requiring vigilance, commitment, and creativity from everyone. It is based on social justice, equity, and respect for the dignity of all. By investing in these values, humanity will be able to overcome destructive cycles and build a future of solidarity and reconciliation.

 Each month, thousands of Sudanese flee to neighboring countries. A year after clashes between armed factions, Sudan remains at war, with 15,000 dead, eight million civilians displaced, 25 million in need of assistance, and an imminent famine. Since mid-April 2023, a wave of violence has been sweeping across the country without interruption. Humanitarian aid workers often must leave the territory due to the dangerous security situation, endangering their most courageous volunteers. Although humanitarian supplies are available in Port Sudan, they are hampered by looting of warehouses, bureaucratic obstacles, insecurity, and communication breakdowns. According to UNICEF, children are the main victims. The older ones are forcibly recruited by armed groups. Women and girls have been raped, leading to new pregnancies. Some are too weak to feed their babies. We are entering a vicious cycle that is difficult to break. Militias are killing people based on their ethnicity. A ceasefire seems impossible; the international community must bring the opponents to dialogue to avoid disaster for the Sudanese people, and the future of Africa's third-largest country is at stake. The survival of millions of people is at risk, as well as the stability of a region exacerbated by a growing famine. This war is destroying agriculture, businesses, and national economies; after this, it will be complex to get the economy back on track.

Paris between luxury and extravagance

 

Watercolor and ink by Amarie

Paris, nicknamed "the City of Light," never ceases to fascinate, inspire, and make people dream. It is a place where history and modernity intertwine, where luxury meets excess, and where every street, every boulevard, seems to vibrate to the rhythm of rare elegance. Capital of refinement, fashion, and art, Paris alone embodies the epitome of style and urban extravagance.
The light of Paris, whether it is that of the golden lampposts lining the Seine or that of the sparkling shop windows of Avenue Montaigne, symbolizes much more than just nighttime lighting. It is no coincidence that Paris was the first major European city to adopt public lighting in the 18th century, thereby reinforcing its reputation for avant-gardism and innovation. A city of intellectuals and creators, it welcomes millions of visitors each year who come seeking inspiration and wonder.
From the splendors of the Eiffel Tower to the flamboyant stained glass of Notre-Dame, Paris shines with its architectural heritage. The museums, such as the Louvre or the Muséed'Orsay, house invaluable treasures that make Paris a universal cultural capital. The mythical squares—Place Vendôme, Place de la Concorde, and Place des Vosges—are so many jewels that punctuate the city, bearing witness to a splendor that has never waned.
In Paris, luxury is not limited to a simple material notion: it is rooted in the very soul of the city. The high-end fashion boutiques, the century-old palaces, the jewelry workshops, and the grand Michelin-starred restaurants embody this unique expertise. On the Avenue des Champs-Élysées, in the hushed salons of the Ritz or the Crillon, the notion of service reaches peaks of perfection.
Paris is the cradle of haute couture. The biggest names have set up shop there: Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Hermès... Every year, Fashion Week transforms the city into a theater of elegance where designers, models, and trend enthusiasts gather. In the Marais, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or Faubourg Saint-Honoré districts, each boutique competes with creativity and exclusivity.
Luxury is also discovered through gastronomy. The starred chefs, such as Pierre Gagnaire, Guy Savoy, or Alain Ducasse, make the taste buds of gourmets from all over the world vibrate. The famous pastry chefs—Yann Couvreur, Pierre Hermé, Philippe Conticini, Cédric Grolet,Cyril Lignac, Jacques Genin, Sadakaru Maki—offer creations that are as much sweet works of art. The markets, the historic wine cellars, and the cheese shops all contribute to this daily celebration of French refinement.
Paris is a city that dares and has fun: its extravagances are legendary. In the social evenings of palaces and private clubs, the party is adorned with excess and gentle madness. The Moulin Rouge, the Crazy Horse, and the legendary cabarets make Parisian nighties dance under the spotlight, where glamor mixes with audacity.
From fashion shows to costume balls, Paris loves spectacular staging. The city hosts the largest international trade shows—Maison & Objects, Paris Photo, and FIAC—as well as prestigious galas in museums or private mansions. The fireworks on July 14th and the Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées transform the city into a magical setting.
The Parisian art scene is just as vibrant, from the discreet galleries in the Le Marais district to the bold installations at the Palais de Tokyo. Rooftop evenings, hidden bars, and festive cruises on the Seine offer many opportunities to experience Paris differently, in an atmosphere that is both eccentric and refined.
If Paris shines with all its splendor, it remains nonetheless a city that knows how to evolve. The new neighborhoods, such as the thirteenth arrondissement or the La Défense area, bear witness to urban dynamism and embraced modernity. Ecological initiatives, the rise of design, and avant-garde architecture are integrated into the Parisian fabric, blending respect for traditions with bold innovations.
From the splendor of the Opéra Garnier to the conviviality of small bistros, from majestic gardens to narrow cobblestone streets, Paris captivates with its contrasts. You encounter all cultures, all styles, and all desires. It is this mix, this effervescence, that makes Paris a unique city in the world.
Paris, the City of Light, is not just about its monuments or its history: it is, above all, an invitation to celebrate beauty, luxury, and extravagance in all their forms. Whether you are just passing through or a resident, Paris offers everyone the opportunity to dream, to marvel, and to experience a city where anything becomes possible thanks to the audacity and creativity of its inhabitants. A true jewel in the heart of Europe, Paris remains and will continue to be an unparalleled reference, a symbol of an art of living that fascinates and inspires the entire world.

It is not surprising that part of my family lives there. It’s difficult to dislodge and understand them, especially as they live with four people in an area of only 40 square meters. I suppose this is the price to pay to live in a luxury metropolitan city. Of course, my son has managed to land an exciting job at the company T.E.S.S., and my daughter-in-law has more opportunities to find  interesting employment. I bless them.

Maternity

 

Drawing with color pencils by Amarie 

Young bride, it is a state that one hopes for and dreads at the same time. It is the unknown world that opens to the young woman, and the doubt remains about whether she can handle all the stages up to childbirth, the course of which and the outcome of which are unknown. It is a journey of emotions, challenges, and discoveries. Motherhood is much more than just a state. It is a complex journey filled with intense joys, upheavals, and unique experiences.
The only thing I realized with certainty was that the average duration of a pregnancy is nine months. I found this term extremely long! My pregnancy was accompanied by multiple physical transformations: weight gain, changes in body shape, hormonal fluctuations, mood swings, sudden fatigue, cravings, uncontrollable hunger, and the emergence of new ailments like aversion to the smell of morning coffee and, above all, digestive issues characterized by nausea and vomiting. These changes were both a source of fascination and discomfort. On a psychological level, my day was divided between an ambivalence of happiness and apprehension, an oscillation between serenity and anxiety in the face of the unknown. Fortunately, time was precious, and the profession engulfed all my worries. Besides, I had no one to confide my doubts and my anxieties to and to seek advice from. "Each pregnancy is a unique journey," my dear family doctor assured me. "Don't worry, I'm here!" My prenatal care was provided by a physiotherapist with her weekly light exercises, regular check-ups with my gynecologist in Bruges, and my local doctor for minor ailments. They all try to reassure me as best as they can to ensure a positive pregnancy. My delivery would take place, if possible, in a hospital setting. I worked until the evening before, making sure to give birth before the medical service opened the next morning with an ultra-fast, taxi-style delivery.
My motherhood was ahead of its time in the difficult context of the movement for women's place in society and the not-so-easy reconciliation of professional and family life at the time. We were already exposing ourselves to numerous family and societal criticisms, firmly challenging ancestral norms. While the support of those around becomes crucial during the pivotal period in the lives of the mother and child, one struggles with misunderstanding, exhaustion, hormonal upheavals, identity questions, baby blues, and the increased mental and physical load. It is a delicate transition where the mother-child relationship is established and the confrontation with the new role, that of a parent, takes place. My primary goal: to be a good mother despite the challenges. Succeed in balancing everything, offering the best to your child. It was essential to value my atypical journey, to accept imperfection, and to remind myself that every story is legitimate. Despite the challenges, motherhood is rich in happiness: first smiles, first steps, shared discoveries, and bonds that are woven day by day. The relationship with the child, filled with tenderness, wonder, and sometimes challenges, profoundly transforms the one who becomes a parent. Motherhood is also about growing with your child, questioning yourself, learning to let go, and passing on values. It is a journey marked by doubts and bright moments, fatigue and laughter, worries and pride.