This summer I presented my thesis research at the Global Consortium for French Historical Studies in Paris. It was very intimidating, as I was on a manel with 2 Oxford scholars and a well-known published author. I nearly chickened out many times. But I did it! And I got the most questions, which tells me…

I was able to travel to Paris, Versailles, Rouen and Bruges by myself in July 2021, between COVID waves. I was able to visit some familiar haunts as well as other places I’ve been meaning to visit but never have. Day 1 I visited the crypt beneath Notre Dame, which was thankfully open despite the…