1775 June 14 – Paris, France

Diary, June 14th brought me face to face with the heart and soul of Paris — its artisans. I meandered through the bustling streets, where the melody of the city was crafted by the hands of its creators. It was in this vibrant maze that I encountered Étienne Girard, a craftsman whose skill with wood was as renowned as his philosophical outlook on life.

Étienne's workshop was a cavern of wonders, filled with intricate carvings and the scent of freshly worked wood. He welcomed me with a warm, rough hand and a smile that spoke of years spent perfecting his craft. We talked about the art of creation, the satisfaction of shaping raw material into something beautiful and enduring.

As Étienne showed me his latest projects, our conversation delved deeper, exploring the parallels between art and life.

He spoke of his work as a reflection of the human experience — each carving a story, each stroke a moment in time.
The afternoon waned into evening as we shared stories and laughter, the workshop a haven from the bustle outside. Étienne, with his wisdom and wit, showed me a side of Paris often overshadowed by its grandeur — the humble, yet profound world of its artisans.

Leaving the workshop, I felt enriched, not just by the artistry I had witnessed, but by the connection made with a soul as deep and textured as the wood he carved.

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