Memories of Paris: Matriarch's Iconinc BLACKBIRD Roll-On Laid to Rest at Pere Lachaise

November 23, 2013

"Sadly, I don't have a visible picture of Blackbird because it is hidden among the roses at Jim Morrison's grave. Unfortunately, there were too many people there to jump the fence and take a closeup.  There are three reason why I left Blackbird with Morrison in Paris.  First, as I have been learning about perfumery, most of the fragrances I have sampled have been produced in Paris, except for those from the House of Matriarch.

I wanted to bring an extraordinarily unique, complex, and American parfum to Paris.  Blackbird was perfect. I wanted to bring something extraordinary from the new world back to the old.

Secondly, my intention in traveling to Paris in my fortieth year was to reassess the good and the bad in my half life.  I felt Blackbird would be the perfect companion. During this 10 day trip, filled with a manic energy,  we walked almost 17 miles per day, as we enjoyed Paris, its sights, smells, its architecture, and the incredible art produced there..... Blackbird was the perfect complement.  I almost lost Blackbird half way through the trip as I had a hole in my jeans.  My wife and I actually searched the streets of Paris to find Blackbird to no avail.  I learned something about letting things go that day.  

However, upon returning to our hotel, a thought hit me and I realized that I had worn a different pair of shoes the day before.  It was the only place we had not looked and we found it.  Miraculously, Blackbird slipped into the only place where I could find it again.  I was thrilled... I thought to myself, well.. my Blackbird adventure continues...

During my trip, I thought often about your story of how Christi came up with Blackbird - the artistic process, inspiration, life, death... 

As we were walking at a pretty heavy pace, we ended up collapsing of heat exhaustion near the Sorbonne after walking the entire grand canal at Versailles.  It was at this time that I learned more about what and who are important and inspirational to me and what I am grateful for.  I felt great to be alive. And that there is so much beauty around us.

It was at this time that I wanted to pay homage to the greats that have come before us and have created such great beauty.  After recovering for a day, I wanted to visit Pere Lachaise.  First, we visited the grave of Oscar Wilde, Chopin, and lastly, Jim Morrison.   I wanted to leave Blackbird as a token of appreciation to the artistic process, Paris, and to an international American icon whose music has inspired me and my wife. Boy, were we exhausted, but exhilarated.  

I feel revitalized since my trip to Paris.  And Blackbird was integral to my experience.  Thank you very much for letting me into the world of an artist."