French la Vie

Creative Life Force

 

We know that children learn by repetition, in actions and words repeated over and over and over again. 

Especially in sing-song and in play.

How often have you sung the same song, played the same game, or read the same book to a child in a day?

I read "Click Clack Moo" so often last week that I know it by heart; at least it is a funny story (thanks, Barbara Blizzard, for sending it to Gabriel years ago when he was born).

 

 

When observing children, we see them mimic our expressions, actions, words, emotions...

Have you noticed that they hide in the same hiding spot when playing hide and seek?

We played hide and seek the other day at the local park in Paris. The park is extensive, and nearly a hundred children play there every day after school. We gave boundaries to where we could hide. After hiding once or twice behind a tree, I hid by sitting on a bench. It took Gabriel a long time to find me. I told him sometimes something can be right in front of you, and we cannot see it because we do not expect it to be there.

 

 

 

Then, children love to ask the famous question, "Why?" Have you ever counted how many times they say it?

Or they will say, "Again."

Repetition, the needed, Why? and Again! To hear our response, to hear our choice of words, to hear our feeling, to see our body language, to understand the meaning underneath the meaning, to hear reasoning, to hear...

 

 

While playing with Olivia, I heard her repeating words in English. So delightful!

I made a game by asking her the same questions throughout the day.

As she is only two, she barely gave the answers in order, but she played joyously as children do.

What's your name? Olivia, pronounced, so sweetly yet unrecognizable.

How old are you? Two, and she would try to hold up two fingers.

What is your favorite color? Blue.

What do you like to eat? Pasta, Chocolate.

What is your favorite animal? She would make the sound of a horse.

But more often than not, she would answer most of the questions with her name and then say, "Encore."

 

Children are geniuses.

We were all of us when we were young.

Sponges for knowledge, truth, love, goodness, and affection for our loved ones. 

Joyous and confident on the path to discovery.

 

There was a study by NASA on childhood geniuses:

"The focus was on young children, aged 3 to 5, as they journeyed to decipher creativity.

A group of 1,600 kids enrolled in a Head Start program were subjected to a creativity test initially crafted for NASA recruits.

The results were startling; 98% of these youngsters were labeled creative geniuses.

However, a follow-up revealed a concerning trend. The genius tag dropped to 30% at age ten and further down to 12% at age fifteen. Only a dismal 2% maintained this level of creative genius compared to adults."

 

Let us be mindful of children. To pave the way for them to be themselves in openness, affirmation, and love.

To give them a space to be inventors in this world.

Those little bodies, minds, hearts, and souls deserve our best.

 

 

Be and Let Be

      

Rain, sun, earth, seed, root, stem, flower, fallen petal...   

We are the same at different moments throughout time.

We are the same.

Flower and rain,

Seed and root,

Each on their own path, each with their own reality, their own story-

Yet, we are the same.

Dalloyau, Saint Lazare Train Station in Paris

A covered walkway connecting the train station to a cafe, that has been converted into a dining area.

 

Pink velvet chairs.

One of the best milk chocolate, smooth, rich, and delicious.

 

 

 

Decadent desserts.

 

 

Dalloyau

Saint Lazare train station

in Paris.

https://www.dalloyau.fr/nos-boutiques/11-

Colors of the Wind

You think I'm an ignorant savage
And you've been so many places
I guess it must be so
But still I cannot see
If the savage one is me
How can there be so much that you don't know?
You don't know ...

You think you own whatever land you land on
The Earth is just a dead thing you can claim
But I know every rock and tree and creature
Has a life, has a spirit, has a name

You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You'll learn things you never knew you never knew

Have you ever heard the wolf cry to the blue corn moon
Or asked the grinning bobcat why he grinned?
Can you sing with all the voices of the mountains?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?
Can you paint with all the colors of the wind?

Come run the hidden pine trails of the forest
Come taste the sunsweet berries of the Earth
Come roll in all the riches all around you
And for once, never wonder what they're worth

The rainstorm and the river are my brothers
The heron and the otter are my friends
And we are all connected to each other
In a circle, in a hoop that never ends

How high does the sycamore grow?
If you cut it down, then you'll never know
And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon

For whether we are white or copper skinned
We need to sing with all the voices of the mountains
We need to paint with all the colors of the wind

You can own the Earth and still
All you'll own is Earth until
You can paint with all the colors of the wind 

 

Look What I Found on my Phone?

 

 

Someone found my phone and took photos.

That's a first.

Children with next to no screen time figured out how to take photos.

Impressive.

Living the Story that is Ours

 

 

"We must live with the story we have." 

A group of friends were talking about something that had happened that was difficult to understand and hard to accept. Some of us were baffled, others angry, and a few tried to see the bright side. At last, someone said, "We must live with the story we have." His words struck me as wise and faithful. I do not know how to explain it except to say it sounded like,

"Do the best you can and let it take its course."

 

 

 

 

At this point, or this chapter in the story, it is like trying to see the sun behind the clouds. 

Oh, those clouds do get in the way. Lack of harmony annoys me, like a pebble in one's shoe or a fly buzzing around the house, annoying. I want to take the pebble out and throw it at the buzzing fly. But what would that serve other than me? And it would not serve in the way of harmony. 

 

 

 

 

Reflection on a bronze urn.

Everything was speaking, symbolically of healing, letting go, trust...

Follow the light that leads, and focus on the golden reflection.

How do you deal with a difficult situation?

My mother would say, pray.

Yann would say, focus on the right thing to do.

I usually cry, followed by having to talk, and talk, and then I am able to pray and see the light-

And, I feel the feeling; in other words, Live with the story emotionally.

Yes, we must live with the story that is ours.

Black Friday

In a world of use once, throw away, toss aside, and buy a new one this is a reminder that some things cannot be replaced.

Let us hold true the awareness to value what we have. To be mindful of our unnecessary abundance, and learn to live with less as a healthier path to follow.

The Tradition of Thanksgiving

As far back as anyone in my family can remember, my mom made turkey cutout sugar cookies for Thanksgiving.

As I have mentioned on my blog many times, my brother Marty (may his soul rest in peace) 

would snap the heads off the turkey cookies before the Thanksgiving meal started, it became part of the family lore.

My mother puts on the Thanksgiving meal. She is a creature of organization and getting things done; this year, as she is getting older and the dinner is as big as ever, she made the turkey cutout cookies in advance and froze them. In the freezer is a cookie tin with my mother's homemade cookies; it is never empty, and everyone knows the cookies are there for the taking.

Two days ago, my brother Mat opened the freezer to snatch a cookie from the infamous tin, and in doing so, he knocked over a black tin that crashed to the floor. In the near distance, my mom asked, "What happened?" My brother replied that he had knocked over a black tin. My mother moaned, "Oh no, the Thanksgiving turkey cookies are in that tin."

 

(This pile of broken bits of Turkey cookies is for my brother Mat.)

Yesterday, she set the table, which she does with flare. She opened the black tin box to put a turkey cookie at each place. However, when she opened the black tin box, she saw the cookies cracked or shattered. She told me she wouldn't make any more of them as they are too time-consuming...

 

“I am going to serve them as is... I think Marty had a hand in this.

 

 

(Photos via my nieces Molly and Kate who helped my mom with Thanksgiving preparation.)

 

A very simple Question of no Importance

 

 

Which one loves this art display more?

What to Wear to the Boulangerie

Thirty years ago, this is how everybody dressed to go to the bakery. Nobody wore sneakers. Everybody wore high heels, and thank goodness that has changed. I liked how it looked but not how it felt. Cobblestones ruined plenty of heels.

 

My outfit in Paris. Hunting style in the bakery.

 

Du Pain et Des Idees
10eme Paris
High heels are not necessary.

 

Autumn Stroll in Paris

Saint Martin Canal

take a boat ride through the locks.

 

 

The Bohemian side of Paris. Once, it was off the beaten track, but now it is well-traveled and deserved. 

 

 

An Enchanted Floral Shop.

 

 

Ludovic is a street artist in Paris. His work is everywhere.

 

 

 

Yesterday, I went on a peace march.

 

 

 

 

A charming, one-of-a-kind, enchanting, original shop.

 

One of my favorite bakeries!

 

 

The newest trends are Vintage Clothing shops everywhere.

 

 

Cafe Bistro

It's worth it, especially for their ilse flottant!

 

 

 

Cold, rainy, windy night, but a lovely dinner at 

Les Resistance 

 

Also yummy.

 

 

Approved.

 

 

Embrace Life

Thank You for Your Responses

 

Thank you for your generous response to Chelsea's new adventure. She is looking forward to branching out towards something different and her own.

If you haven't, please fill out the survey; it is private. 

French Rendezvous Chelsea's survey

 https://forms.gle/F1v7W5yRS8TYPzwSA 

In the meantime, I am in Paris, missing the sun of Provence and remembering the grey sky of Paris.

Sacha is here, too, so it's a family affair.

We are enjoying our time together, even in the rain.

 

French Rendez-Vous

 

After years of working a corporate job, my daughter Chelsea has decided to launch a travel planning/advisory business for travelers

coming to France. You can follow the new adventure on Instagram @yourfrench_rendezvous (Facebook page and her website, coming soon). This is the beginning of her new adventure, and she has asked me to ask if you can help her by completing a market study to adapt the services and pricing offered. Chelsea wants to ensure she creates something that makes sense and will be helpful.  

Here's the link to the survey. Can you please help her by answering it (the responses are private, and she cannot see who sent them.)

 

Chelsea's French Rendez-Vous Survey:

 https://forms.gle/F1v7W5yRS8TYPzwSA 

 

 

 

 As your personal travel planner, she will research and craft a personalized, unique itinerary for you, considering your interests and preferences. This ensures that your itinerary and the suggestions (accommodations, restaurants, activities..., etc.) will be one-of-a-kind and specifically designed for you, free from any constraints of pre-packaged tours or predetermined lists of activities. For the information and details, you will only have to click and book what she has collected for you. Chelsea plans to share her advice and experience in project management with individuals coming to France, be it for one day, a week, a month, or longer. If you need a restaurant for a special occasion, or if you want to explore lesser known areas in France, or be part of an art, yoga, or cooking classes, or find a place to throw a party, or where to go antiquing, or go wine tasting... whatever you need when you are in France let Chelsea guide you by answering your needs or desires. Chelsea will deliver the customized information to you in your own "hand booklet" and be available to help you when you are in France.

 

 

 

Chelsea hopes to be your go-to person, even for minor details, like where to park, what about tipping, or culture differences to make your experience in France smoother. As most of you know, Chelsea was born in France and speaks flawless English and French. So if you have any questions, or ideas for her to share on her Instagram let her know.

 

Contact email: [email protected]

Buttery Flaky Yumlious

Street Art in Paris

 

A red circle-

is it a stoplight?

A street lamp-

painted black, not able to shed light.

What does it say to you?

 

The Difference

 

 Dressed and happy to go outside 

Safely,

an easy walk to the nearby park

Where she can play at leisure, and then give happy goodbye kisses until tomorrow,

There is a warm home to return to, with running water for a bath, to splash at leisure, and a dinner to feast on.

One thing she has in common

with children in Palestine, Ukraine, Yemen, Congo, Syria…

Are parents who love (loved)…them.

I will never understand why how this can be.

Love and forgiveness lead us, all of us to peace.

Be the Light for Others

Beet Salad by Ben

 

Driving around the Italian countryside, our stomachs begged us to stop to dine somewhere. Given it was Sunday and way past lunchtime, I had doubts we would find anything open; this is Italy, for God's sake.

At a few stops, we were greeted with a closed sign or someone to point us to a possibility on the other side of the mountain. An hour or so later, we drove up to Villa Inglese. The door was open, but the waiter told us they were closed. Looking at her watch and then at us, we got the subtle hint: we are not rule followers.

But, after a polite conversation, with Laurie who never meets a stranger, the waiter told us a simple pasta could be made and a bottle of wine served. Little did we know that we had stumbled upon a Michelin-worthy restaurant that wasn't fussy or fancy.

A simple pasta that is putting it lightly, a beet salad, cheese, homemade bread, and a deconstructed tarte Tatin in five bites but packed with flavor that each bite was worth ten.

I would drive over that mountain again and again.

But above all was the owner and chef Ben, a charming, easy laugh, fantastic storyteller, rich vocabulary, wine connoisseur, local folklore, and food enthusiast, he was the cherry on the cake!

...

 

In his kitchen, not far away from his garden and local producers,

Ben gathered these flavorful ingredients:

• Finely sliced beets, like shards of amethyst marinated in
• Red wine reduced to a shimmering syrup
• Chestnuts, cut as thin as parchment scrolls
• Pomegranate seeds, crimson gems glistening
• Roquefort sheep cheese crumbled like fallen meteorites
• Tiny cubed apples, a hinted sweetness
• Fresh beet greens and added surprise.
• Magic called a salad.

Villa Inglese, Ben owner and chef.

Silence is Not Golden

 

 

Vegetable Soup at the Airport in Italy

Seriously, Italy serves up deliciousness even at its airport!!!

CNN Story A Nurse Who Works with Doctors Without Borders

 

Bring peace-

a stop to violence and hate.

 

Weave Along the Cobbled Path

 

 

 

 

 

Three Views on one stone pathway.

There are plenty of charming. villages between Rome and Naples

I cannot pick a favorite; each one is a favorite.

 

 

Putting it Together in Italy

Some sneak peeks.

I will write more as soon as I’m able to sit still and not fall asleep, and put my thoughts in words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Find a Way

 

find a way

it is there

don’t give up

whatever brings 

goodness

follow it.

 

Helping my Friend Laurie in Italy

 

Nature is abundant and the glorious colors crown the day. Hopefully, soon everything will be in place inside 

 

 

Deep in the Italian countryside, I have been helping a friend set up her home. Step by step we are getting there. Thankfully, her cousins carry the heavy stuff upstairs. There are plenty of stairs in these hillside villages. 

 

My hands are covered in paint because I keep taking my gloves off and on rendering them pointless.

When we are done I will share what we have accomplished x

Helping my Friend Laurie in Italy

 

Nature is abundant and the glorious colors crown the day. Hopefully, soon everything will be in place inside 

 

 

Deep in the Italian countryside, I have been helping a friend set up her home. Step by step we are getting there. Thankfully, her cousins carry the heavy stuff upstairs. There are plenty of stairs in these hillside villages. 

 

My hands are covered in paint because I keep taking my gloves off and on rendering them pointless.

When we are done I will share what we have accomplished x

What I Saw at the Brocante in Italy

 

 

 

 

 

Saturday Self Portrait

photo by Chelsea 

At the beach on a late October day.

 

Planting Seeds for a Loving Tomorrow

I doubt there will ever be peace on earth.

I have been naive even to have prayed for it.

The soil of human hearts carries a history of suffering

Many more than others,

and the seeds planted during that history

have rivers of tears watering them.

Can I be a channel of that peace? How, when I get angry over the stupidest of things?

Maybe prayer will guide me.

Maybe I can plant seeds and water them with a small whisper,

"I am listening, I care about you, I am sorry, I am here holding what I can."

Walk to Discover

The following photos are from Sacha’s friend while they were in a hike together in Washington.

Via iamchrishachett on instagram

 

Southern Italy

 

When Italy is your neighbor...

This Haunts Me

Via Instagram 

the world traveling family 

Cease-Fire

 

 

 

 

 

The messages above were sent to my friend Natacha from her friend who lives in Gaza.

 

 

2011, when Natacha came to visit me.

Since then, she now lives in Marseille.

Natacha has worked for years with refugees and lived in the Middle East. 

***

 

Wrong + Wrong will never equal Right.

 

Cease-fire.

Speak up for peace,

Speak up for an end to violence.

 

"Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity..."

SIMONE WEIL

 

https://www.jewishvoiceforpeace.org

 

https://www.amnesty.org/en/

 

https://resist.bot/petitions/PJTFBX

These Two Pumpkins

 

 

On the way to an animated dinosaur exposition that Gabriel longed to see but knew he would be scared of,

we came across this very American Halloween decor, which surprised me more than the dinosaurs!

 

Isn’t the setup lovely?

Especially the Pumpkins.

Saturday Self Portrait

Challenging myself to post a photo of myself as is. 
We went to the sea to celebrate Olivia’s birthday.

The weather was exceptionally warm, which made for perfect picnic weather.

 

 

 

Sormiou is one of the Calanques between Marseille and Cassis.

The Calanques National Park is a protected and highly regulated area,

stretching over 20 km from Marseille to Cassis,

with 26 Calanques of various sizes (25 in Marseille and 1 in Cassis).

 

 

"The cliffs of the Calanques are a natural wonder nestled between Marseille and Cassis.

The breathtaking scenery is an absolute must-see.

With pebble and fine sandy beaches and miniature fjords with turquoise waters,

this biodiverse jewel looks just like a postcard."

 However, the water is cold due to freshwater seeping through rock cracks.

But that has never stopped me from swimming.

 

 

 

To see more, I posted a video on my Facebook page.

What About Love

  

 

little by little

however, we can

receiving and giving

big gulps

handfuls

whenever however

freely

I Gotta do it.

make the step

no leap

yes dive

stay focused on that love

absurd love

overdose

Without measure

but how

Absurd

in every way

that's the challenge

love

over and over 

until

divine

 

Amnesty International

sacred heart. 

 

https://www.amnesty.org/en/

https://www.amnesty.org/en/petition/demand-a-ceasefire-by-all-parties-to-end-civilian-suffering/?fbclid=PAAaZ4y8qkViPYNJ_awYY7S9zUGKhEFLAlTP1eVbF2XIoeb9N66gAdQKxU6vw_aem_AaELWK-rAwGCdMKA9eTfSbQ-nyqmO5B0JXLHiJvNsfBDyLut74Ibq8po6vCoVOAUNJ8

 

My cousin Robin sent me this:

"Taking Sides"

Today I am taking sides.

I am taking the side of Peace.

Peace, which I will not abandon

even when its voice is drowned out

by hurt and hatred,

bitterness of loss,

cries of right and wrong.

I am taking the side of Peace

whose name has barely been spoken

in this winnerless war.

I will hold Peace in my arms,

and share my body’s breath,

lest Peace be added

to the body count.

I will call for de-escalation

even when I want nothing more

than to get even.

I will do it

in the service of Peace.

I will make a clearing

in the overgrown

thicket of cause and effect

so Peace can breathe

for a minute

and reach for the sky.

I will do what I must

to save the life of Peace.

I will breathe through tears.

I will swallow pride.

I will bite my tongue.

I will offer love

without testing for deservingness.

So don’t ask me to wave a flag today

unless it is the flag of Peace.

Don’t ask me to sing an anthem

unless it is a song of Peace.

Don’t ask me to take sides

unless it is the side of Peace.

- Rabbi Irwin Keller, Oct. 17, 2023

They are Coming

 

It feels like a year since I’ve seen Gabriel and Olivia but it hasn’t been and tomorrow they’re coming. I am so happy.

Gabriel said the other day:

I am come… oh no wait -

I came... oh no no- um…

I am coming!

He conjugated the verb until it was the right sense.

His English is improving!

A Farmhouse and Friends

 

Another moment shared 

In the heart of Provence 

A farmhouse, a long wooden table, and a roaring fire, to share with friends gathered together by the love of experiencing France as they imagined it to be.

Reality and Reflection

Blurred

Follow Me in Provence

 

It's been quite an eventful week with Red Shed Tour, a team I'm delighted to be a part of. They bring large groups to explore the world of antiquing and discover the beauty of Provence twice a year. I couldn't be happier to assist Valarie and Michelle, the owners of Red Shed, who are incredibly kind and seasoned travel agents. Working with them has been an absolute pleasure these last several years.

We heard about an impending storm. We wondered if our well-laid plans might be washed away. However, luckily for us, the storms either trailed behind us or stayed ahead, completely missing our outings and leaving our plans untouched. It couldn't have played out any better. Hence, I wore (black!) tights, a raincoat, and boots for the predicted weather.

We were in one of the most beautiful villages in Provence, Lourmarin. My group hoped to go to Jean and Nathalie Masset's antique shop. Unfortunately, it wasn't open for personal reasons, but since they are my friends, they let me open the shop just for my group with the help of their brother-in-law, who brought me the keys to their shop.

 

 

It's incredible how connections can make a difference, especially when leading a group. Thanks to those connections, we had an exclusive opportunity to shop in their antique shop. We were trusted to write our receipts, pay on the honor system, and leave the money hidden for my friend's return.

This is a testament to the value of having friends to enrich the experience of those who trust me to show them a truly unique experience. I am grateful that after these many years of living in France, I can give back the beauty I see daily to others.

 

 

Olivia Turns Two

Happy Birthday Darling Olivia xxx

Photos Via Chelsea. 

Poetic Poésie

A little journey with new and old friends

to Cucuron 

with the Red Shed Tour.

Visiting private homes and creating memories.

When traveling who doesn’t want to go beyond the closed gate, along the unbeaten path, to be welcomed to meet those who live there, share stories, have a home cooked meal, sing and kindle friendship?

The first day, even with the threat of a storm we never felt a drop and enjoyed a flawless day.

 

Rainy Day Happiness

 

 

Photos via Chelsea.

How would you answer that question?

Soon This Little Lollipop Will be Two

Photo sent to me by Chelsea.

Pavlova

My friend Frances and I went to the Bar de la Marine in Cassis for lunch. The first time we went, I did not indulge in the Pavlova as I didn't pace myself for dessert. However, I never made that mistake twice. Some lessons are easy to understand. Dining is about pacing, it is about enjoying the experience, it is about savoring, and certainly, it is not just feeding an empty stomach.

However, most French women would forego dessert and smoke instead. I have always wondered why inhaling nicotine is better than dessert—lungs or Stomach, which neither need unhealthy choices. But dessert isn't throughout the day. Supposedly, a spoonful of sweets, as they do, suffices their tastebuds, and dragging on a cigarette is part of the French persona.

How often have I had a French woman stare at me while I am having dessert, with an oink disdain?

My friend Jean from New Zealand, who used to live in France, introduced us to Pavlova; it was the best Pavlova I have ever had in my life. I have her recipe, but it’s a secret; the trick is to have a chewy inside and crackly but not hard exterior.

I’ll share another recipe instead, which is delicious.

Other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries… and passion fruit, can be added.

 

 

New York Times Recipe

For The Meringue:

Four egg whites

Pinch of salt

1¼ cups superfine sugar

Two teaspoons cornstarch

One teaspoon of white-wine vinegar

A few drops of vanilla extract

For The Topping:

1 pound strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered

(Passion fruit was also in mine.)

½ teaspoon high-quality vanilla extract

One teaspoon of high-quality balsamic vinegar

Two teaspoons of superfine sugar

2 cups heavy cream

 

Step 1

To prepare meringue, heat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and draw a circle on the paper using an 8- or 9-inch cake pan as a guide. Flip the parchment over so the pencil marking is facing down (this ensures that the pencil won't transfer to the meringue). In a bowl of an electric mixer, combine egg whites and salt. Begin beating at low speed, slowly increasing to high. Continue until satiny peaks form; slowly destroy in sugar a tablespoon until the meringue is stiff and shiny.

Step 2

Sprinkle in cornstarch, white-wine vinegar, and vanilla, and fold in gently. Mound onto parchment within the circle and shape into a disk, flattening the top and smoothing sides. Place in oven, and immediately reduce heat to 300 degrees. Bake 1 hour 15 minutes. Turn off the heat, and allow the meringue to cool completely in the oven.

Step 3

To prepare the top, combine strawberries, vanilla, balsamic vinegar, and sugar in a mixing bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let sit at room temperature for at least 15 minutes and up to 2 hours.

Step 4

To serve, carefully peel off parchment and place meringue on a platter or cake stand. Gently crack the top with the back of a soup spoon to make a shallow nest for the whipped cream and berries. Whip cream until thick enough to hold peaks, and spoon it evenly over the meringue. Cover the cream with strawberries, allowing a small amount of their liquid to dribble onto the cream. Serve immediately.

The Lesson of Roses

 

Roses are a tale of duality.

With their velvet petals and prickly thorns,

Their softness and the toughness they wear,

Lending that beauty and challenge,

Much like the interplay of petals and thorns, they are eternally intertwined.

 

Goodbye Chris

My cousin Chris Souza, ten years ago.

In Northern California, my extended family, 60 first Cousins, 22 Aunts and Uncles, 112 second cousins, and too many to count third cousins, formed a foundation of love, faith, and togetherness. We are more than just relatives; we are a close-knit family, a community, and a source of unwavering support for one another. Growing up was an extraordinary experience, a daily affirmation that I was never alone.

Our lives were woven with joy, sorrow, and celebration threads of many hues, and every month seemed to bring a new chapter of our family story, whether it was the union of a wedding, the solemnity of a funeral, or the promise of a new life at a baby shower. We took part in each other's happiness and well-being.

 We went to school together, shared in the laughter and excitement of birthday parties, marked the seasons holiday gatherings, and found solace and purpose in our shared church activities. Even when we were physically apart, our connection remained unbreakable. We would chat on the phone, write heartfelt cards, and pray for each other's welfare.

Our parents' deep love and closeness were at the core of our family. They modeled the importance of nurturing these bonds, passing them down by examples of love, respect, and unity.

As I left home and moved to France, I realized what I had grown up with was a rare gift. I understood that the joy we shared would also be the source of strength during times of sadness; I understood that love would be measured by sorrow in saying goodbye many times.

In recent years, we have faced heartache and loss. We have bid farewell to family members, each one leaving a void in our hearts. But even in the face of these painful losses, our family bond has shone brightly. In these times, the goodness of our love truly reveals itself. We mourn together, support each other, and remember the beauty of the lives that touched ours.

A few days ago, my cousin Chris died from a sudden and tragic anaphylactic shock. In the midst of grief, our family rallied together again, a testament to our unwavering bond. I remember Chris for the love and faith he showed us and for reaching out to all of us in our time of need. He wasn't afraid to show his heart; he would visit any of us when we weren't well or in need. You might say he wore his heart on his sleeve, but I would say he carried it in his bare hands. When we were in high school together, he often took me home by the way of Foster Freeze for a chocolate malt and French fries. My mouth waters just thinking about it, but not as much as my sorrow for his sudden death.

Our family is a testament to the faith of love,

 it is a wellspring of

Compassion and hope that lights our way.

Saturday Self Portrait

in Cassis