I am still chasing stars this trip, and I happened to be walking past St. Chappelle when it was five minutes from opening and the line was quite manageable, so I went in on impulse. I had seen it three years ago when it was still being restored, so one whole side was blocked off. It was gorgeous to see the full array of windows open to the light. They even had chairs, so I could sit and paint comfortably. A luxury.

I love the floor tiles as much as the windows, and in one magic moment magic moment, I looked down at one floor tile and saw my beloved first dog Dougal. He was the most utterly joyful dog I have ever known, and if I was down, I would take him to the park and watch him frolic with butterflies. He was a long, lean, red Doberman shelter guy, completely unscarred by his precious life. I always called him my angel because he taught me to notice and appreciate the everyday delight. I absolutely love that there was a Dougal in Medieval times as well. Maybe he really was an angel.

I was a little drawn out by then, but I also loved the whimsical carved animals on the west door portals. What a stunning place in so many beautiful details. (Not to mention a stunning rose window based on Revelation, which always sparks my artistic imagination.)