1985-05 (May)

May 6th, 1985

Paris; two weeks today since arrival on 22 April. Photographer sent by publisher Christian Bourgois came and shot four or five rolls of film in various rooms and areas of the Port-Royal lobby, from 1 to 2 o’clock, well over a hundred different moods and poses. Rather harrowing, though I didn’t get really tired till it was over.

Back in room, joined by Hugs who arrived in time to watch the shooting of a film of the final [frances?]. He and Gwyn went shopping while I stayed for the pre-arranged 2:30 appointment with Paul Carnignau, up from Toulouse.

Paul was in lobby on schedule. We came back up to the room and talked (question and answer) for an hour and a half, mostly about September, which he is examining now in his extensive exegesis of my work. Gwyn and Hugs returned from their shopping and Paul left to return after for an 8:30 dinner at Le Recamier, a few blocks away down the blvd Raspail. Elegant mural, enjoyed by all three of us all the way through. We walked back to the hotel together; he and his wife will visit us in July when they come over for a first hand look at the scene of his studies. Hotel by midnight. Lights out 1 a.m.

May 7th, 1985

Sunday’s interview with Mathieu Lindon appeared in today’s edition of Liberation, left in the lobby for me by Phillipe Jaworsky, along with a photo by XXXX Jaworsky: a note says he’ll send me better pictures to Memphis later. Secured to go well enough, so fas as I could follow it in French.

Took a cab to l’Institute Geographique, 107 Rue la Betie, and finally found a “profile” bird’s eye map of Paris to take home. Afterwards we walked on to the Champs Elesses, a crowded, vulgar thoroughfare; had lunch in a home bar-restaurant, and walked back across Port Alexander III. Reached hotel after stop at le Notre for pastries. Took another- long nap; got up for scheduled meeting with Hugs, who finally called at 8 with a complicated plan for taking two girls to dinner with us at a 7th Arrondissement bistro, Josephine- complicated my violent objections from third girl, his steady, Gabriella. Highly satisfactory meal. We were delighted to see Rossette, though the recent breakup caused some strain at dinner. I had Claire oysters and ris-de-veau; bottle of white wine, a magnum of red burgundy, champagne afterward for the others and a glass of Calvados for me. Unfortunately, Gwyn got sick just as we left at mid-night. Finally, asleep around 2 a.m.

May 8th, 1985

Last full day in Paris; forewent scheduled visit to Michel Gasset and his wife in Versailles. At 11 o’clock received a phone call from Michel Davaud expressing his admiration for Follow Me Down and wanting film and TV rights. I gave him Rosen’s address, forgetting Mary King Right here in Paris; must write her a note when I get home, in case she wants to call him.

Gwyn feeling much better after last night’s nausea but still a bit shaky and, of course empty. She finished packing her big Vuiton by midday, and I got mine done by 2- clearing decks for tomorrow departure.

Lunch at l’eseyrial, corner Rasbail and St. Germaine, omlette and red wine for me, toast and red for Gwyn. Came back to hotel to wait for Hugs, due at 3:30. Arrived at 4:30, with photo equipment; took about a zillion pictures of us –some in bathroom, some on bed, some on balcony. Wore me out.

Last dinner, Chez Maître-Paul, a down to earth small bistro in the old style. Very good, made a splendid farewell to the food of France.

Hugs came back to hotel with us to pick up his final stuff. I gave him 500FF to lay in a modest supply of wine now that we’re leaving. Afraid I’m developing a farewell head cold.

May 9th, 1985

Leaving Day- the seventeenth of our visit. Paid hotel bill at desk: 19,284 FF= $2075. Left in cab for Charles-DeGaulle Airport at 8:20; checked in with Air France by 9 o’clock; flight 17B. Bought silk ascot duty-free while waiting. Took off on schedule, 10:30. Plane half-empty, thank god; plenty of room to stretch out for sleep, though I didn’t get much of it. Bought a Dion scarf for Margaret en route. Landed on schedule at Wednesday, 12:25 pm. No trouble with customs; took cab to LaGuardia. Republic flight 635, left 4:30; Memphis 6:15; cab home. Glad to be here; animals glad to see us, especially after three long lovely weeks.

Cold still developing, alas, but jet lag not bad.

May 10th, 1985

Cold worse, condition aggravated by jet-lag; stayed home all day in robe. Weight, 161- a gain of about five pounds; not to bad, considering the extended caloric abuse of seventeen days in Paris with at least the great meal a day. Paid bills; answered urgent letters. Otherwise, just sat around for dinner, lean cuisine for the first time in three weeks.

Wrote to Mary King that FMD is out of print at Gallimard- and therefore up for grabs. Also told her of movie-rights query from Michel Davaud in Paris. Also answered letter from (Mrs.) Brenda v. Caldwell of Forsyth, Georgia, who is doing her PH.D. dissertation on my work, assuring her I will help her if I can, including a meeting in late Fall or Early winter.