What Is Happening to Our World -- Again

Back on January 9th, after the attacks at Charlie Hebdo and atrocities in Africa, I had posted what you see below.  And now, after attacks again in Paris and other parts of our world, I feel the same way, I ask the same question.

My entire life, I have wanted to go to Europe.  It almost happened many moons ago and then just a couple years ago, but plans fell apart for various reasons.  Everyone who knows me personally, knows of this longing within me to see Paris, Barcelona, Portugal, Berlin, Greece, London, Ireland, Amsterdam, Florence, well, you get my point.  Instead, I live as if I'm there.  Studying (and teaching) languages (Russian, French, Spanish (forever!), Italian, German; watching films; reading, and eating their cuisine...I am a consummate armchair intercontinental traveler.  So when Paris was hit, I felt the horror.  I know it's not the same as someone who lives there or who has traveled there, but literally, I am heartsick.  The same heartsickness I felt after 9/11, and I am not a native New Yorker.

I sat in Starbucks both yesterday and today, reading The New York Times, trying to grab every detail of what occurred, as if there is any way to understand it.  I felt guilty of having the luxury of drinking my coffee and reading a newspaper.  I thought, such normal acts--drinking coffee/reading a newspaper--but for many, so far away from their current normalcy.

My heart is breaking for you and your people, chère France.

From 1/9/15:

This week's global crimes against humanity leave my heart devastated.
What is happening to our world?

9" x 12"
Oil, Acrylic, Ink on Canvas