27 January 2020
26 January 2020
25 January 2020
Boy Lo
Boy Lo has not been feeling well these last few days. He has had a mild fever. The doctor said it is a bad cold. It is not in his lungs nor throat. Martin the flu last week, and now Gabriel. I am in Paris helping them out. He sleeps in our arms and whimpers. Gabriel lost a pound. I think I gained ten.
Poor little Boy Lo.
Boy Lo
Boy Lo has not been feeling well these last few days. He has had a mild fever. The doctor said it is a bad cold. It is not in his lungs nor throat. Martin the flu last week, and now Gabriel. I am in Paris helping them out. He sleeps in our arms and whimpers. Gabriel lost a pound. I think I gained ten.
Poor little Boy Lo.
24 January 2020
23 January 2020
Dare to Be
Live and let it be. Dive deep. Turn the key. Sing. Laugh. Cry. Speak up. Buy flowers.
Take the chance.
Play the game.
Make mistakes.
Eat the extra slice of bread, and have wine.
Go around barefoot and sleep outside.
Enjoy the little things, like the art of tieing your shoelaces and brushing your teeth.
Invite friends over, cheat at cards, hid a treasure, unbutton one more button on your shirt. Wear red lipstick.
Let your hair go ...natural
and take a photo when you just get out of bed and post it.
22 January 2020
Being a Flâneur in Rennes
A view from my mother in law's home.
Walking about Rennes under a big unusual blue sky brought to mind the French word Flâneur which is best described, (via The Local)
« A flâneur is someone going for a stroll, taking in the sights and sounds of the streets and possibly having some elevated thoughts as they do it. It has a sense of sophistication, possibly even intellectualism, as it originated in the 19th century when only the monied classes had the leisure time to take aimless strolls."
"If you are walking round to the corner shop to buy toilet cleaner, you are not a flâneur."
"If however, you are taking an aimless stroll along the banks of the Seine, contemplating the historic architecture and the transience of all human experience then you've nailed it. »
I was happily fortunate to be a flâneur at times while visiting my mother in law with my husband xxx
21 January 2020
Mother and Son
Yann's mother, my Belle Mere or known as Bonne Maman (her grandmother's name) turned 90 last September. Imagine that she took a train from Rennes to the French Alps where she spent time alone, hiking, reading and breathing in the fresh air, then went to Vichy by train to spend time with her sister in law, then took another train to the French Riviera to be with her nephew and his family, then flew to Corisca to visit... and after two months of being young, free, and a bit wild flew to Marseille and then took a train home. Imagine that... and her famous little suitcase that can pack an unlimited amount of clothing for any activity, event, weather change or pop up surprise.
Yann and I spent a few days in Rennes (Brittany region in France, about twelve hours away by car and six hours away by train... hence, the train won by six hours. Oh yes, that is where I saw the adorable mushroom dessert in yesterday's post. When we changed trains in Paris from Gare de Lyon to Gare de Montparnasse that is where I saw the mushroom dessert.)
20 January 2020
Temptation at the Train Station
Red topped mushrooms.
Desserts disguised as mushrooms. Mushrooms lined in a row, straight from a fairytale. White chocolate coats filled with vanilla mousse and red fruits. I saw these darlings at the train station. Hidden wonders! I never would have guessed that the train station in Paris' main temptation was dessert.
19 January 2020
Beating my Drum French La Vie
Come see Provence, those villages that are worth a thousand photos, where cobblestones make you wish you had worn walking shoes, and shutters of blues that you want to take and stuff in your suitcase but you know you cannot. Where walking through one village after another you are transported into some magical place that inspires your breathing into song.
French Breakfast. The real deal. Where eating baguettes and croissants with butter and jam never added weight to anyone. You see the French la Vie meals are the cherry on the cake because that is where friendships bloom amongst the guests and the conversation takes us to another glass of wine or simply time to smile at the carefreeness of it all.
Those backroads, stone houses, olive orchards, lavender rows, where nature winks at you as you follow the brocante sign to another village.
Pops of color
Pop.
Eye Candy.
Splash.
Smile.
Lick it up.
Happy Provence.
Brocante
Big and small.
Metal and paper, and Pottery and textiles, Paintings and watering cans, and literally everything under the sun and someone who knows how to negotiate for it and how to get it home for you, and even if you do not buy a single thing you still enjoyed every minute of being in a living museum.
Where those who come to the French la Vie come again and remain friends.
Even if they buy everything I love.
The dates are set for this coming year for the French la Vie even though this is January I am starting to plan the path ahead. The first French la Vie is in April which is literally tomorrow the way time goes by. Antiquing in the way of brocante is high on the list it is the engine of the entire week, but it is not the only thing that we do while in Provence. Going to the brocante is a wonderful way to dip into the culture and history of France. The objects have a story, and those stories led to other stories simply because most of the objects are practical home items but not just practical like a piece of tupperware, the objects are handmade, and the stories start there. We will visit artisans' homes, studios and friends of mine who have created poetic homes and lifestyles to inspire. And of course, we will visit places that make Provence what it is... Charming.
Here is a listing of available dates for the French la Vie 2020
18 January 2020
Chinese Noodle Soup
Chinese noodle soup
home made
made up by me
for my cold.
Take a pot of water and as it heats add the following
Some diced fresh green beans,
Sliced Chinese cabbage
Red chicory
Ginger and garlic
green onions
parsley,
Chinese noodles (hence the name of my soup)
and here is where it goes in search of flavor and as I am not home where spices fill my cupboards I had to experiment... I added coconut milk, nutmeg, balsamic, mustard, and soy sauce. Honestly I did (!) and it tasted fantastically yummy!
Back to bed tomorrow I trust I will feel renewed.
17 January 2020
In Paris to See Gabriel
In Paris for a few days to spend time with Gabriel, Chelsea and Martin. Though from the moment I stepped off the train I have been in bed achey, stuffed up nose and exhausted. I have slept nearly off and on around the clock. I guess I have a cold I do not have a fever, nor a sore throat. Hopefully, this will pass before I have to go home.
16 January 2020
15 January 2020
I spent a few hours sitting in a young man’s workshop in the souk in Marrakesh while he talked about where he finds his carpets and watched him make cushions and poufs. Most of the pieces were old (not antiques but definitely handmade) it was sad on one hand to watch them being cut, but on the other hand, creating new purpose. The souk is filled with artisans practicing old trades works such as leather, textiles, basket weaving, woodwork... I enjoyed every minute being in the Medina in Marrakesh talking with the people there.
14 January 2020
13 January 2020
Tea and Cakes Marrakesh Style
Little cakes with mint tea, such a variety of cakes it was hard to decide. Lemon, date, raisin, almonds, peanuts, pistachio, honey, argan oil, more honey, cinnamon and combinations of the above.
The one above was shredded toasted phyllo dough with honey and cinnamon which robed an almond paste nugget.
Moist lemon and almond baked in an egg white and powder sugar coating.
Which one? These were some of the many we had to choose from.
We did not have this one, but it looked promising. But how many cakes can one person eat in a day? I am not a sweets eater but still, it was hard to decide which one to have.
This one was like an amaretto. I had a tiny bite.
Oh my.
Just guess. Because I do not know I was in a food coma.
12 January 2020
The Alleys in Marrakesh
Endless passages have we wandered about in the Marrakesh Medina aimlessly with a gentle pace gathering moments into our memory banks. Inspired by the kindness of people who's prayers echo over the sunkissed Riad walls where faith is evident as well as hardworking souls and traditions that carry them onward: A little girl walking with a tray of bread balancing on her head to be baked in the community oven, donkey driven carts, carrying supplies this way and that, racing scooters that weave smoothly as argan oil between anything everything along the narrow passages, spices stacked high while Amlou (a thick brown paste with a texture similar to peanut butter) is being made by roasting almonds mixed with honey and argan oil... plus the endless weavers, colorful rugs and sandals and snake charmers and cats.
There is something about Marrakesh that renders inspiration that stirs my senses that makes me want to sip mint tea until sunset and contemplate the stillness of peace.
11 January 2020
A Sweet Taste of Marrakesh
After an incredible lunch at Nomad
where the menu is a perfect blend of traditional recipes served with a modern hand richly flavorful. The menu changes as the products are sourced locally, served fresh and are made on spot. I savored each bite. After the meal, we had mint tea as we looked through the dessert menu. I am not a sweet eater and ice cream is lost on me though the dessert menu was intriguing and miles away from disappointing.
The ice cream read like an exotic novel, Hibiscus flower infused with vanilla and wild mint, Amlou almond, argan oil, and honey, Olive oil and orange zest, Sweet pumpkin and saffron, Smooth spiced chocolate the spices we were told were Moroccan, Sorbet of Berber Tea – Sage, geranium, marjoram, wild mint, and lemon, and Rose, raspberry and black pepper. What was not to like? I wanted to say, "You have slathered my imagination! Literally drooling. I want to dive into a big bowl of a bite of each. Leave me no need for a spoon." Thankfully, I was polite and did not say that.
And if that wasn't enough we had the Saffron scented Moroccan Date cake
with vanilla ice cream and salted caramel sauce. Moist, hot, like a pudding no wonder it is the most popular dessert they serve. My waist could grow five pounds from one bite and I wouldn't care.
Colorful interior beautifully executed to the point where I dream of buying a Riad and asking the designers of Nomad and El Finn to decorate and cook for me for the rest of my life. If only I were rich and the world was free of poverty and in peace and I there was no guilt for having completely greedy dreams! God, I would have a knock-your-socks-off-home massive enough that my mother wouldn't call me a hoarder because it would be large enough that it would appear minimal. Oh and let's not forget the cooks to the point that my body would be one giant lovely lump of sugar on a bed of pillows.
Okay, food coma drama driven la la dream. I do not want to be a lump of sugar... but the bed of pillows I would keep.
Almond flour Cardamom Ginger Orange cake
with caramelized orange zest and vanilla ice cream.
Oh my, it reminded me of the dessert I had in Greece but instead of using dried crushed phyllo dough in Marrakesh they use Almond flour. Instead of orange juice they cook and used the entire orange.
Delicious.
I think my Bucket List that only had listed: To become a Grandmother, might have to add months stays in some of my favorite places with my family.
Dreams they say are good. Imagination is equally as beneficial.
10 January 2020
Back in Marrakesh
Well yes, I am back in Marrakesh with friends Ching and Gary. The weather is beautiful and warm with the perfumed air enticing me further and further into the souks, and the spices teasing me to take Moroccan cooking lessons.
We were supposedly looking for a rug for their apartment in Cassis but it is so easy to get sidetracked in the Medina and lost. But by some miracle, I haven't been lost and I haven't used a map, nor GPS, visuals have been my guide. That doesn't mean if someone asked me how to go somewhere in the Medina or draw a map that I could. No, it simply means that I know how to get back to the El Fenn Riad where we are staying. A true miracle.
But the big question is How many of these slippers do my friend buy?
If you have any questions about traveling to Marrakesh let me know and I will try to answer them in regards to my personal experience. Of course, I know very little but if you are thinking of traveling to Marrakesh I would encourage you to do so.
El Fenn Riad where we are staying
09 January 2020
Love Feast Day
“This much I know is true, that God blessed the broken road that led me straight to you”. (Rascal Flatts)
Thirty-two years ago today!! Our hair was a different color though our hearts remain the same.
Happy Anniversary French Husband xxx
08 January 2020
Baby's First Bite
Baby's first bite.
Discovering taste, and texture.
First bite.
Chelsea and Martin steamed the vegetable until it was very soft so that it would be easy to swallow without much chewing. They are following a movement that lets babies feed themselves (self-fed) by letting him discover texture/taste by grabbing and manipulating his own food rather than have it pureed and spoon-fed.
Sounds good, fun and messy to me.
Notice the plastic covering on the floor, a spoon, a bowl, and a bib and a carrot.
At his check-up at the doctor's today, he weighed 10 kilos. Gabriel is nearly 7 months old. No teeth yet.
Breastmilk has served him well and will continue to serve him well.
Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide to Introducing Solid Foods
07 January 2020
06 January 2020
The Way to a Man's Heart
French Husband loves to eat. I was taught that the way to a man's heart was through his stomach. It stands to reason that we'd make a good team. Except he eats so fast. His plate is cleared-off before I've taken my first bite. Honestly, he shatters the French image of proper dining etiquette. He borderlines abnormal in this department. I've often wondered why he doesn't enter a food eating contest.
To slow down his rapid hand-to-mouth feeding, I ask him simple non-threatening questions. (Non-threatening because he could blow food chunks.) Questions such as, "What are you eating?"
Last night was no exception. I made curry lentils in a coconut sauce. I asked French Husband if he could define the flavors he was inhaling? Barely coming up for air he answered, "Brown and good!"
"Really," I continued, "I haven't seen brown and good in the market place. Seriously, Honey what is the flavor of brown and good?"
He guessed cinnamon.
French Husband knew if he wanted seconds he had to appease the cook. He said the dinner tasted like bananas mixed with little grainy things and chopped white stuff. Adding there were hints of chocolate, eggs, and tomatoes. He almost described a cake until he said tomatoes.
I gave him enough clues that the fish in the pond could've given me the answer.
I said, "It is white." French Husband chipped in with, "White Chocolate!" Not acknowledging that response I continued, "It grows on a tree." he said, "Mais oui, bananas!"
You're probably thinking he is being funny, that he's pretending to be food illiterate. Trust me he is not kidding. He claimed to our baker friend that mustard would be a sweet flavor to add to brownies.
Looking at him I shook my head, "Remember your children are listening."
One last clue. "It starts with the letter "C" and it is hard."
French Husband didn't miss a beat. He looked at me with a twinkle in his eye. I smirked, "Don't even say it, or you will be eating rocks tomorrow for dinner."
French Husband does love my cooking. Actually that doesn't sound like a compliment anymore.
I'll let you know what he thinks of rock souffle.
Repost from 2007
05 January 2020
tHE sHORTEST In tHE fAMILY
Whenever my family takes a selfie I am in front since I am the shortest so I can be seen. Though I might as well be standing anywhere since standing in the front doesn't make that big of a difference.
The funny thing is they think it is funny.
So to be in the photo I have to jump up.
Which makes the selfie looking like this.
But at least you lucky viewers are able to see my white hair taking center stage.
03 January 2020
Taking a Motorcycle Ride
Sacha, Yann and the Italian Girlfriend.
A welcomed ride on a glorious day.
Homesickness
When you live in a foreign country rather than the one you know as home, there are certain things you expect will be different, unusual, far from the norm of what you are accustom to. Those big things like language, culture, food... those big things that are necessary to understand and help one to feel like they fit in. One doesn't expect to be thrown off by the little things such as how to open a door, toilet paper, signatures, handshakes, ice cubes, you know the little things that you don't expect to be different but are and catch you off guard the first time you encounter them.
When you live in a foreign country you will learn the language, learn about the culture, cook their food, sing their songs and eventually laugh at their jokes. But when you first live in a foreign country you will miss the smallest things from back home the most. For me the things I missed the most were so silly I can hardly bring myself to tell you let's just say you will miss the smallest things because it is easier to cope with than feeling homesick because you aren't there for a parent's birthday, or a niece's birth, or your best friend's wedding nor any of the unending list of important dates that will come every month for the rest of your life abroad.
When you live in a foreign country your mother tongue sounds like music. When you hear someone speaking your language your very words will race out, "Hello, where are you from?" Perfect strangers seem like your new best friends. You have much in common without even knowing the person's name.
You wonder why you don't meet more people when you are back home... everyone there speaks your tongue?
Then after years of living in a foreign country, you realize you have two places called home. You look around and the foreign place doesn't feel so foreign. The doors that were closed to you before have opened over time, and the homesickness feels so common you think of it as a bruise that won't go away and you have learned how to protect it.
When you live in a foreign country the keys to your new life will seem strange. The keys to any door at first feel awkward to use. Then one day you realize that the passage is just part of the journey and every nook, cranny, door, and key has brought you to a another place within yourself.
....
Thank you for your emails, comments, notes of support, encouragement, and prayers for Brian's family. I am very grateful for your caring and love.
02 January 2020
Lean on Love
This mysterious thing called life.
So unbelievably beautiful, complex and deeply intertwined.
Today my cousin died.
A beautiful, talented, do-anything-for-anyone, tender-hearted young man.
His death is shocking. I am so sorry for his children, his parents, our family.
I do not understand life at times but this I know:
Love deeply, reap the unending gift that it is to love and be loved,
and when sadness comes
because it will
lean on those who love you.
Lean in and let others hold you.
Godspeed dear Brian.
01 January 2020
New Year's Day
New Year's Day is not just another day. Though sometimes I wish it were. New Year's Day has a way of getting under my skin pushing up memories of the past years to the surface. New Year's Day feels like someone opens my front door, takes the rug off the floor and shakes it out the window of my being. Buried feelings, promises not kept, ideas that never made it to reality, words said, words not said, paths not taken...
As the emotional dust billows overhead I found myself contemplating what needs to be cleaned up and how to let go of things that don't need to be around anymore. And yes... of course, I swept a few things back under the rug.
The other evening I went for a meditative walk around our village, down the hill, under the moon, along the little road with the cold misty night air scented with pine and rosemary, my senses feeling the rush of goodness that nature brings. I listened to the sound of my feet on the path, to the night birds singing, and as I approached the center of the village I heard the church bells ring. Peaceful joy.
The dust cloud settled. The feelings of "New Year" paved evenly underfoot and the moon came out from behind the cloud. I unlocked the front door walked into our house and felt home.
I promise to not to swear.
I promise to put Christ before my actions and words.
I promise to not procrastinate.
I promise to travel more.
I promise to embrace all the imperfections in me and claim them my own.
I promise to say give affirmations and say I love you more.
I promise not to worry if I do not keep any of these promises after today.
My word for this year is "discipline" which I need considering I already swore three times.
What do you hope the New Year will bring?
31 December 2019
30 December 2019
2019
A very full year is coming to an end.
A year when I became a Grandmother.
Of meeting Gabriel and adoring him instantly.
A year that I lead 12 French la Vie groups and enjoying every single person I met.
A year of creating a home for my friend's Gary and Ching. Plus having the pleasure to work with Rene the genius.
A year of being grateful that my family is well and happy.
As well this year we said goodbye to a dear friend, Patrice. Life is mysterious.
A year that I was able to enjoy shelter, food, warmth, water, peace... again.
A year when I decided to let my hair go white (since August), hoping I do not back out and dye it again
A year that I became a French citizen.
A year that I spent following my passion and calling it a job.
A year that I continued writing a blog.
What did 2019 bring you?
29 December 2019
28 December 2019
27 December 2019
An Apple Romance
Take an apple caress it on your sleeve, until the golden delicious sunshine beams.
Core the center (by piercing around the stem) creating a golden bead.
Interweave the autumn jewels: Walnuts, dates, cinnamon, raisins...
Bathe in maple syrup
Overflow the heart.
Gently bake the golden gem until the colors fuse.
Before serving, add a dollop of creme fraiche and a touch of mint.
26 December 2019
Christmas Family Photo
Christmas morning after breakfast, before opening the gifts we said we had to take a family photo knowing that the day would go by as Marrakesh did in a blink of an eye knowing better to take a photo when we thought about it otherwise we might not have a photo of us all together. In Marrakesh, we managed to take one family photo the night before we left outside a restaurant. We hesitated taken a photo because we had bedheads, thrown on clothes and well didn't think we looked our best. Then laughed and took a photo.
We look forward to Christmas next year with Gabriel walking, talking and a Christmas tree without a single glass ornament.
I hope your Christmas was full of love and joy.
25 December 2019
Christmas Day
...and there we are
being born into love
challenged to live life lovingly
to give of ourselves honestly for the sake of love
The Christ Child is within us in the name of
Peace, Hope, Faith, Love, Joy...
May our longing be to be an example of this goodness.
to hold emptiness and fullness.
...
Joyous Christmas to you and your family.
xxx
24 December 2019
The Christ Child Arrived Poor
The Christ Child arrived poor and yet brought abundant gifts of joy, hope, faith, peace and the unexpected gift that those gifts are within us simply because we are loved. The gift of ourselves comes when we let go of fear and are lead by unfailing love which takes discipline, grace, and courage.
VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis' message last year:
"Let’s not get caught up in a frenzy of shopping, presents, and meals, all while ignoring the poor and forgetting who the celebration of Christmas is really all about, Pope Francis advised.
“If Christmas ends up as just a beautiful traditional holiday,” where everything revolves around “us and not Him, it will be a lost opportunity,” the Pope continued, “Please, let us not make Christmas worldly. Let us not put aside the one being celebrated."
“Trees, ornaments, and lights are everywhere, and the advertising machine invites people to exchange more new gifts to surprise,” he said.
"The day of Jesus’ birth was a day “full of surprises” in which everybody’s life took totally unexpected turns, and customs and plans were turned upside down, he said: Mary, a virgin, was going to have a child; Joseph, her groom, faced scandal with her pregnancy, but listened to God and took her as his wife; and the divine Word came as an infant incapable of speech."
"The people who welcomed the savior of the world were not the local authorities, leaders or ambassadors. Instead, they were “simple shepherds, who, surprised by an angel while they were working at night, rushed there without delay. Who would have expected that?” the pope asked, adding that God does the unexpected and “overturns our logic and our expectations.”
"Christmas, therefore, “is welcoming on earth surprises from heaven, it is a time to let oneself be “shaken by his surprising ways” because Jesus offers not the “reassuring coziness from a fireplace, but the divine shiver which shakes history.”
"Christmas “turns the tables” because the victors had humility over arrogance, simplicity over abundance, silence over noise, prayer over “me time” and God over one’s ego, he said.
"We should choose God’s silent voice over the “uproar of consumerism,” he said, inviting people to take time out to sit in silence before a Nativity and let themselves feel awe and be surprised by God.
"Pope Francis said. “It will not be Christmas if we seek the blinding lights of the world if we fill ourselves with presents, lunches, and dinners unless we address the poverty around us and bring our gift to share.” Pope Francis.
.............
23 December 2019
22 December 2019
Marrakesh
Marrakesh a feast for the senses and a color explosion. Certainly, a place to stimulate one's imagination, charge one's creative battery and walk ten kilometers in half a day.
Such an enjoyable time spent with these five youngins' and one French Husband.
I wish we could be altogether everyday all-day anywhere because for me that is the real gift of Christmas to love and be loved.
21 December 2019
Triplets in Jean Jackets
Triplets in jean jackets and Levi's. One of the triplets is standing on his tiptoes as to appear as tall as the other two. One of the other triplets has a baby cocooned under his jean jacket. No, they did not coordinate their attire, it just happened that they packed alike. Their matchy matchy did not bother them in the least.
Last night after Chelsea's birthday dinner we were walking back to our Riad and the triplets stood for a photo.
Guess who is the goofball?
20 December 2019
19 December 2019
On the Eve of Chelsea's 30th Birthday
A memory flashback
---------------------------
"The glass shattered. Red wine flew. The white wall transformed: Rose polka dots bloomed."
I recounted to Annie when she asked me how Chelsea's birthday party went.
"Was it a wine glass?" She asked.
"Yes."
"Was it a clear wine glass? Was the wine red?" She continued.
"Yes." I looked at Annie strangely, wondering why she was asking me for the details of the wine glass. "Does it matter I asked?" Knowing by the sound of excitement in her voice that something was up in her bag of historical tricks and trades.
She beamed, smiled a mile wide, and laughed out loud, "You know what that means?"
"That I have to repaint my wall? Or that you have a secret to cleaning red wine stains?" I guessed.
"Nooooooooo, it means you will have a year of good fortune and happiness galore! In Provence, it is a sign of 'Bonheur' when you break a clear wine glass full of red wine at a party. What wonderful, good news! Chelsea will have a fortunate year!" She clapped her hands appreciating Chelsea's good luck.
"I love it, Great! Yahoo Chelsea!" I added. Then I folded my arms in front of my chest, put my head to the side, made a funny face, and said, "Great! But do you know how to take red wine stains off a white stone fireplace?"
"No."
"Oh, lucky me." Then we both laughed, shrugged our shoulders, then toasted each other with our tea.
18 December 2019
Where is the Grinch?
The Grinch is out to steal Christmas he is hiding somewhere in the Christmas trees.
Can you find him?
17 December 2019
16 December 2019
15 December 2019
14 December 2019
The Nativity
"A nativity scene without Jews, Arabs, Africans or refugees.
Which made me ask,
"Where would we be?
Where are we now?"
My friend Faith McLellan who I met through blogging posted this on her Facebook page.
13 December 2019
When You Come to Provence
When you come to Provence take time to be, time to let Provence get under your skin and into your heart it won't take long. Provence is a place to aimlessly wander, to taste the countryside, to soak in the sounds and to follow your thoughts until they are just a mountain of softness and valleys of delight.
Provence is spread out like a quilt of many colors starting with the sky and everything under it. The blue sea, the olive trees, vineyards, tiled roofs, confit pots, cigales, rosé, rows of lavender, stone walls, painted shutters, scented foothills of rosemary, thyme, pine, and oak.
Let me lead the way, come on I will give you a key to open the source that is Provence.
Opening hideaway places, visiting private homes and artist's studios.
Discovering the history behind antiques, culture and the Provencal lifestyle.
With time to wander to places worthy of painting, and writing poetry.
Or simply weaving this way and that throughout villages.
With time to sip champagne in the middle of the afternoon and have...
Impromptu picnics, and moments to just be in the moment.
To go to as many brocantes as you would want, without worry about how to take your purchases home.
Sharing meals with friends, meals at restaurants and my home where I will cook for you a feast of friendship.
To be inspired
throughout every moment and to be surrounded by happy places.
To allow you to feel home in a foreign land.
History connecting you to a never-ending story.
Under a tiled roof, comfy-cozy without a care in the world.
Transportation provided, I wish it were this, with a linen canopy and fluffy chunky floral pillows to soften the bumps. Transportation so you can enjoy the scenery without reading a map, nor missing a turn or a sight to remember long after the days have gone by.
May Poppies,
June Lavender,
September Grapes,
October, pumpkins
Everyday landscapes to discover.
My favorite time of the year, May for flowers, Winter for calm, June for a touch of summer, October for the markets...
The weekends for the brocantes.
Today because it is what I have.
And if you are in Provence just come by and say hi!
12 December 2019
Christmas Treats
A star or an angel at the top of your Christmas tree?
Mine is an angel, but it is still yet to be found as it is at the bottom of the Christmas ornament box.
My friends have paperwhites instead of poinsettias.
What do you have?
Santa's little helper or an elf in disguise?
Have you written your letter to Santa? Or are you Santa?
Handmade lace ornaments that I bought but my friend does not make them anymore. Darn it. I have these in a bowl on the dining table in Paris that is the extent of Christmas decorations in our apartment that is rented over the holidays.
An old wind up music piece that I bought years ago at the brocante. It is still one of my favorite pieces.
Okay, I gotta get a moving I still have Christmas mostly in a box and that is just not going to cut it when Chelsea, Martin, Sacha, and Gabriel come home next week.
I dread putting the Christmas tree lights on the tree.
Really dread doing them until their up.
11 December 2019
‘‘Tis the Season
Finally, our home is beginning to feel like Christmas.
'Tis the season and what a season it will be having a grandchild to share it with.
10 December 2019
Buche de Noel Birthday Cake
Photo Via Buche de Noel Pierre Herme
1988
"Buche de Noel is my favorite cake!" Bright-eyed and hopeful was the response eagerly given by my French Husband, the newlywed. The flavor was a known fac; spread chocolate on anything and it was labeled Yann's.
My mother had made jelly-roll cakes for my brothers and me when we were younger, was that the same thing as Buche de Noel? The only difference between the two cakes as I could see was that we could have a jelly cake any time of the year and in France during Christmas as it is a traditional Christmas dessert. Kind of like candy canes, you can eat them any time of the year but usually, they are out of sight until December.
30 some years ago, before the Internet and ex-pats were easy to find in France, anything in English was reduced to one word, "Hello." Peter Mayle was probably writing, "A Year in Provence," while I was struggling in Paris with only three words of French in my pocket of vocabulary. How was I going to find the recipe? Calling my Mom in California was out of the question given the ridiculous cost five dollars a minute plus the surcharge and tax. Which meant fast talk and no umm, let's see, I think it takes, oh no, just a minute, let me go check.
To make a French Christmas cake, a Buche de Noel was going to be a challenge equal to anything Napoleon had to do. Napoleon is believed to have said, "The man who never makes mistakes never makes a war." Couldn't Yann have said brownies? His expectations were high as he asked me to make a Buche de Noel for his birthday which is in September, "Imagine a Buche de Noel in September!" Yann said like a child at Christmas. With Napoleon on my mind, I decided chocolate anything, even chocolate batter would be a hit.
Down to the metro, direction Rue de Rivoli, destination: Brentano's, the bookshop in Paris (since 1895) with a large English section. Certainly, they would have a cookbook in English.
On entering Brentano's in Paris there stood an American the size of a fortress. With a can of Coke in hand, he was carrying on like his world was coming to an end, demanding the saleslady, "... Don't you understand, E-N-G-L-I-S-H! I want a map of Paris IN English! I want a map that says, "Big White Church on top of the Hill," none of this rue crap, you understand! Why tell me why can't you folks just print a map that says street instead of rue?!" he was the ultimate tourist with his camera around his neck and coke-a-cola in one hand he continued, "I don't want any of this rue shit on my map." The petite saleslady looked bewildered as she tried to explain. I left the bookshop, to embarrass to request a French cookbook in English.
Up above the markets of Les Halles, battling in our kitchen the size of a nutshell, mustering up memories of my Mother making jelly-roll cakes, gathering allies in chocolate, sugar, eggs, and flour I conquered my Waterloo. We "ate cake" that night Buche de Noel in September.