French la Vie

Gabriel Adores Olivia

A happy little family.

Gabriel adores Olivia.

 

When Gabriel started to consume solids I would say,

"Mmm, mmm, mmm, yummy for the tummy."

Gabriel started to say this too, especially when something was extra delicious.

He refers to being hungry, or wanting something to eat as, "Yum".

When Gabriel first saw his mother he let out a giggle, nearly leaping out of his father's arms

to get to his mother and his sister. He was very aware that a baby was coming referring to her as Papilotte.

After he kissed the baby he said, "mmm, mmm, mmm." in the sweetest little voice.

My heart melted with tenderness.

 

 

 

Olivia 

(In French it is pronounced with three syllables and in English four I am told.)

Eight pounds.

Born October 21.

Chelsea had a natural, easy, speedy (two hours plus) labor. Amazing. 

Breastfeeding.

 

Nobody guessed name, date, weight, and hair correctly in the guessing game.

Though some of you did guess the name, and a few the date, even fewer the weight...

Original I thought Ophelia, 10 lbs, October around the full moon and no hair.

 

 

 

Hours old.

Thank you for supporting our family with love and kindness.

Overload to happiness.

Who is Jesus, Gabriel Asked

 

Gabriel was looking at a book of artwork (Le Mauritshuis) at our home. A few pages later, he came upon an image of Christ crucified. He stared at it, then slowly traced it with his finger. He looked up at me and asked, "Who is this? Is he dead?" I said, "It is a painting of Jesus. Yes, he was dead. Do you know who that is?" he shook his head no. I sighed, "Well, Gabriel, to hear about Jesus this way is not the easiest place to learn about him, but here it goes: Jesus was a man who was killed because certain people did not like what he talked about and who he said he was." 

"What did he talk about?" 

"Oh, things about being a nice person, about being kind to one another, about sharing what you have..." Before I could finish, Gabriel stopped me,

"He was killed because he was nice?”

"Yes, crazy, isn't it? And because he said he was God too."

"Well, if he was God, why did he die?"

"That's a good question. Because he wanted to show us that love doesn't die, he was resurrected and came back alive."

 

 

"Vavie, when you are dead, you are dead. You don't open your eyes, and you do not live anymore."

"Yeah, you're right about that. But, Jesus was different."

"I don't get it."

"It is hard to grasp."

Gabriel looked at the picture of the crucified Christ. And since he had to go to school, I told him we could talk about it more another day. He closed the book with a mind full of questions.

I tried to keep it simple and not go into a full-blown dialogue about symbolism, history, and religion. I was talking to a five-year-old and didn't want to make him cry before school started.

How would you have answered Gabriel’s questions?

 

 

 

 

Pigtails for Olivia

Olivia longs hair like her mommy so she can wear pony and pigtails.

Today, she wanted braids, so Chelsea obliged; the teeny tiny braids delighted the little heart.

Rebecca, a blog reader friend, wrote me on Facebook and said, Olivia is going to win the hong hair contest. She very well might.x   

 

The Girl and Her Lipstick

This little Pickle has a thing for lip balm

applies it generously

carries it to bed.

Chelsea said, “I am not even a girly girl,

I don’t even own lip balm.”

Children are their own sense of wonder.

 

(Lipstick is really lip balm)

Sweet Dreams Wiggleworms

One of the advantages of living close to your parents is that

you can go out, spend the night away,

 

Trusting, umm, knowing your children

are sleeping sideways in your parent’s bed,

kicking and wiggling.

Sweet dreams are not assured.

PS

If only I had a camera to show the rollercoaster movement throughout the night.

Wiggleworms! 

 

Mother Nature

a black violet carpenter bee

Gabriel found it and sensed it was injured somewhere but we didn’t know where. I found a reed and he carried it to a shady moist area.

The cycle of life through the eyes of a child.

A Day in Provence

You know you are in Provence when you see red-tiled roofs, lavender fields, sunflowers with poppies waving their last farewell, bouillabaisse sharing hints of garlic and saffron, served first with a Pastis, painted shutters in almond green and sky blue, and faded sunshine (if there is such a season in Provence!), Autumn-colored pottery, goat cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves, and the palest rose wine…

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To see the sweet, funny video of Gabriel and Olivia, head over to my Facebook and tap here.

Splashing Reality

 

 

 

 

 

The two pickles are staying with me (Yann is sailing with a friend) while Chelsea and Martin prepare to move from Paris to Provence. 

Our little town has sixteen fountains; most are from the 19th century. The water is from a natural spring, so the sixteen fountains were dry for the last few years when the drought was at its worst.

Instant free entertainment. Splashing.

I should share photos of each of the fountains, duh, after living in this village for longer than I have lived in one spot ever in my life: thirty years. My, what a reality check. I have lived in this village longer than I lived in the States. 

Sixteen fountains, and not once did I toss a coin in the fountain.

 

 

Thinking Outside the Box

Child’s play. Is the best way for children to learn 

 »Let us play. »

We adults try to teach or encourage with our ideas, which are needed at times. However, it is so important to let children experience things on their own when the environment is safe for them to do so.

 

To let them discover in their way-

To allow them time and space to imagine and pretend-

To not have rules or give them a right or wrong way.

To listen to them and respond when asked with positivity and encouragement.

 

Gabriel played with these boxes, building various towers.

He wanted me to take photos of each one.

Some fell, and a few were bumped by a certain little Pickle. But that did not deter him from creating towers. 

 

Yes, those are peeling tattoos, and chocolate was dropped on his t-shirt. It didn’t bother him, so I left it be.

We need to think outside the box,

to be challenged to 

Let our inner child play.

 

The joy I have watching them find their way.

 

Little One

Little One in the park.

 

The Gift

After school, Chelsea, the two little Pickles, and I went to a toy store—an absolutely lovely, take-you-back-in-time type of toy store. Before entering Chelsea, set the rules, "We are going in to buy an elastic because Vavie wants to teach you Chinese jump rope since you two were mesmerized by it today at the park; plus, we need to buy a gift for Victor for his birthday. Okay? That's it, that's all, okay?"

Okay, they nodded, and we went in smiling. What child would go into a toy store with a frown? 

It is such a dreamy, happy, colorful, paradisiacal place for a child—similar to a brocante for me.

 

After that brief moment, all went sour.

Children and toy stores can be a source of joy or disappointment, especially for children under four years old and after a long day at school.

We found the elastics. But there was only one pink one, and Gabriel grabbed it first. Olivia was devastated. That is the life of a two-year-old, deep emotion expressed at any given moment. We found another brightly colored elastic higher up on the shelf, and an instant smile spread across her face.

In advance, Chelsea had asked Victor's mother what Victor liked. Chelsea headed in the direction of Legos. But Gabriel had another idea. Chelsea told him that she had asked Victor's mother and that Legos were what he wanted, not the tiger Gabriel had in his hand. 

"You seem disappointed, but Gabriel, Victor doesn't like tigers like you do." Chelsea sympathized.

 

Gabriel said sadly to his mom, "You are not nice, and I want to get a new mom."

Chelsea responded, "Great, add that to your birthday list."

Which Gabriel replied, "You are not funny."

Five steps later, after massive tears that would make the Rhone seem like a creek. Gabriel said, "You know I wanted the tiger for myself."

"I know," Chelsea winked.

Gabriel added, "We could add that to my birthday list, not the new mom."

"Okay, that's a deal."

We walked home and played Chinese jump rope, which Gabriel added wasn't as easy as it looked. I told him that if everything was easy, there wouldn't be the thrill of accomplishment. His efforts paid off. Olivia laughed trying to jump, and that was good enough.

Why do we unlearn our feelings and disregard others? I wonder if the world would be better if we could be honest with our feelings about what we want, let the emotion run through us, and, after expressing ourselves, not hold disappointments and grudges that boil over often to a non-forgiving place.

Oh, little hearts, stay open, wise, and true to the goodness of who you are.

 

Olivia, Stringing English and French Words

 

 

 

This One

Striking a Pose

 

Child’s Play

When children ask, "Will you play with me?"

They are saying:
I like you
I want to be by you
I want to learn
I have fun with you
Watch me
be proud of me
Listen to me
We can build the universe
You teach me to be confident
and happy
and how to learn
and build
and create
and share...
When you are by my side, anything is possible."

 

Little helpers start when they are little.

 

 

  

 

Sponges they are absorbing everything.

Reflection 

Emotion

Expression

Silence

Words expressed and not expressed

Words to understand.

 

 

 

 Will you play with me?

It is an invitation to be with them. 

In many ways play means living and loving and laughing together.

Deckled Edge Books - A Give Away

 

Deckled edge or rough edge books originated from wooden or cloth pulp, and the mixture was poured into a wooden or bamboo mold (also called a deckle). Once in the mold and shaped, the paper was hung to dry. The excess mixture could seep from this process, leaving an uneven edge. After the paper was dried, the deckled edge was cut for a fine edge or left "deckled.

The photo above is part of my collection of deckled books from the 1700s.

 

These two love bugs are talking about old stuff.

 

Nearly twenty years ago, I started this blog; it has been a part of my daily life. I have met many of you, created a business, seen parts of the world, and documented most of my life. Your comments and emails have encouraged me, which has been a rewarding gift to my family and me. 

So, for the next few weeks, I will do a massive giveaway to thank you for being part of my blog.

Today, I am giving away a few deckled page books. If you are interested, please let me know by leaving a comment either on my blog or by email. I will randomly pick a few and send you a deckled book.

Now and then, I will have a giveaway for the next few weeks. It doesn't matter if you receive one thing or several; there isn't a limit. 

I have been gifted with plenty of brocante items, and since most of you started following me because of my brocante bug, it is a delightful way to share the pleasure of giving and receiving what I have because of it.

The Red Cape

 

Superman is in a red cape, and a fish is in a fountain without water.

Click on the link to see the video

Be a Superhero

Be the Superhero

That you are.

Love endlessly

everyone

Acts of kindness and forgiveness

Lead the way.

When the world seems weary 

Remember, you are the Superhero when the world seems weary..

Onward with love!

 

 

The Question of Lines

Chelsea was at the children's park when she called to do a video chat with me. Olivia was cheering my name, and I felt she wanted to jump in the screen. I know I did; her smile was adorably contagious. Gabriel, I could see sitting crossed leg on a bench in the background; he had a very serious look, not mad, but profound. I asked him, "What are you thinking about?" He was concentrating too hard to answer, so Chelsea told me,

"He is busy thinking about lines."

I smiled, and while waiting to hear more from Gabriel, I soaked up sweet moments with Olivia, who put her face so close to the screen to be close to me that I only saw her forehead and nothing else.

After a while, Gabriel came around. As soon as he saw me, he said, "Oh, Vavie, what a beautiful sweater you have on." I thanked him, and we continued talking.

Children are clever, and their responses and learning are fascinating in how they sum up life around them and say things in such blatant truth. My friend Cheryl in Australia, who is a kindergarten teacher, told me that when she asked the little ones to describe a person, a little girl raised her hand and said, "My dad, he is a man; he has a penis." Children give me hope for the future because their minds are eager and innocent, and they search for knowledge and try out their learning with play and questions.

Chelsea was at the children's park when she called to do a video chat with me. Olivia was cheering my name, and I felt she wanted to jump in the screen. I know I did; her smile was adorably contagious. Gabriel, I could see him sitting cross-legged on a bench in the background; he had an earnest look, not mad, more profound. I asked him, "What are you thinking about?" He was concentrating too hard to answer, so Chelsea told me,

"He is busy thinking about lines."

I smiled, and while waiting to hear more from Gabriel, I soaked up sweet moments with Olivia, who put her face up to the screen to be closer to me so that I only saw her forehead and nothing else.

After a while, Gabriel came around. When he saw me, he said,

"Oh, Vavie, what a beautiful sweater you have on." I thanked him, and we continued talking.

Children are clever, and their responses and learning are fascinating, especially how they sum up life around them and say things in such blatant truth. My friend Cheryl in Australia, who is a kindergarten teacher, told me that when she asked the little ones in her class to describe a person, a little girl blurted, "My dad, he is a man; he has a penis."

Children with their eagerness to learn, how they absorb knowledge with their innocent minds full of intrigue and insatiable curiosity in exploring their surroundings and how they come up with solutions and understanding through repetition, their boundless search for understanding how they try out their learning through play and questions.

I love being a witness to who they are and are becoming.

As I said farewell to Olivia, Chelsea, and Gabriel, I couldn't help but wonder about the world as they saw it. For a child, lines are the key to unlocking a whole new level of understanding. They reveal the hidden structures in construction, the beauty in art, the shape of form, and the logic of math. I imagined the world through his eyes, alive with the intricate complexity of everything around him - the towering buildings, long avenues that turn into winding roads, swaying trees, delicate stems, colorful building blocks, sparkling windows, the shapes of letters, furniture curves, and our bodies' unique form. It's a world full of wonder and endless possibilities waiting to be explored.

As soon as we hung up, it dawned on me that I had completely missed the compliment he gave about my sweater.

It has stripes.

 

Goodnight, I Love You a Lot!

selfie by Gabriel 

See his chickenpox?

While in Willows

One evening, as Gabriel was ready for bed, he came to the table where we were playing cards  to say good night to us

He kissed my mother and Yann and my niece goodnight, and then he came to me.

He wrapped his arms around me, saying, "Goodnight, I love you a lot!"

Then realizing the others could hear him he turned to them and added,

"I love all of you too."

Then he gave me an extra kiss.

---

It feels pretty cool to be thought of as extra special hehehehe.

A Mouse in the House

Child play is crucial for children's development.

It helps them understand the world around them,

master skills through repetitive actions,

and develop valuable traits such as sharing and listening.

 

Gabriel and Olivia are at the age where they sometimes play together.

 

Gabriel, while playing house with Olivia, asked me,

"Do you know what animal has the most teeth in the world?"

I didn’t know, and I assumed that a sailfish was probably the answer since we had talked about Sailfish and other sea creatures.

Nonchalantly, he replied, "No," 

I asked him if he knew.

Gabriel giggled, and without looking up from his playing, he said,

“The animal that has the most teeth in the world is a mouse because he collects all the teeth from all the children in the world.”  He delivered his joke with flawless timing. I was impressed at how he told it as if it wasn't a joke that he knew without knowing that timing is essential (something I have never mastered) and that he knew he was telling a joke.

How darling he can see the Tooth Mouse with all the children's teeth and believe it even though he hasn't lost any teeth yet. Wait until he hears that it is a Tooth Fairy in the USA.

----

For the record:

"A garden snail has about 14,000 teeth, while other species can have over 20,000. But that's not even the most shocking part: The teeth of an aquatic snail called the limpet are the most potent known biological material on Earth, stronger than titanium." wiki.

 

If You Could Change One Thing About Your Body?

This is a strong message about how we view ourselves as we age. 

I look forward to asking Gabriel this next time I see him.

What would I change about my body if you were to ask me? My double chin.

If Gabriel asks me, I will say, "To have wings."

Ah, I must strive to be as a child, innocent and absorbent as a sponge.

 

Family Affair

We met up for dinner that started with hot chocolate at Cafe Rendez-vous, an old-fashioned style, classic

 friendly place by the catacombs in Paris, with a direct metro to Chelsea and walking distance from our apartment.

Gabriel knows the bartender; hot chocolates are our go-to, especially on a chilly night.

In France, nobody minds if you are not of age. Olivia breastfed while glittery shoes dangled.

Eventually, we had dinner and talked long after the last glass was removed.

The only part of our family affair that was missing was Sacha.

Gabriel Words that Echo in my Heart

As I was leaving to go back home,

Gabriel came to me as I opened the door.

"Vavie, I love you more than anything, more than everything, more than the words I know."

I bent down to see his heart in his eyes

Thanking anything and everything for this little child in my life,

"I love you, too, more than anything and everything I know and don't know."

He giggled

and kissed me.

 

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.

 

 

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.

A very simple Question of no Importance

 

 

Which one loves this art display more?

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.

 

 

Buttery Flaky Yumlious

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.

Rainy Day Happiness

 

 

Photos via Chelsea.

How would you answer that question?

My Afternoon Date

We walked hand in hand

to the ice cream shop.

After that treat we around the corner to the park. 
A band was playing so we stopped and listened.

 

 

If ever you want an authentic view of Paris, go to this park on a Sunday afternoon or any day after 4:30.

Park Villmin

 

For a delicious original bit to eat breakfast, brunch, lunch, drinks, or dinner... outdoor dining too.

Cafe A

 

Fav handmade ice cream La Fabrique a Gateaux et a Glaces

A neighborhood ice cream shop with classic and original flavors.

Along this street and the surrounding blocks is the Canal Saint Martin. 

Shops, restaurants, small hang outs, very local flair.

Boheme style of Paris.

___

 

 

 

The Artist and His Animals

 

 

Gabriel's artwork is his gift to me.

I love the various hoove colors.

And who stays in the lines without being told so?

Gabriel does. 

The striped leg,

The orange mouth.

One yellow leg.

So many intentional details.

I am going to Paris tomorrow to be with the two little chunks of my heart.

xxx

Breaking News: La Rentree

First day of school.

Someone is not happy.

As Gabriel said this morning, "Maybe we can figure out a way so I do not have to go to school?"

And what is Olivia thinking? She begged to put on a backpack and to go to school.

The two remind me of Chelsea and Sacha, though Sacha is Gabriel and Olivia is Chelsea. Oh, and that feels like yesterday.

"In France, school is compulsory from three years old (since the beginning of the 2019/20 school year) until 16.

A child's year of birth determines when they start school,

and the school year starts at the beginning of September."

I personally think that it is too young and shouldn't be compulsory.

School in Europe,https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-43562029. Click here to read more.

 

Last year, Gabriel started school.

And it went well until...

____

 

Luckily, the day ended well, especially when Gabriel found out Billie -, his best friend, was in his class.

Billie is his superhero, and she is unlike Gabriel. A little firecracker of energy in the playground daring to do things that Gabriel admires and cheers her on.

What I think about the French Education:

 

Someone once told me that the difference between a French person and an American person could be summarized like this:

"If you put a French person and an American person in the middle of a dense jungle and asked them to find their way out, the French person would bend down and look at the soil for clues, look up to see which way the wind blew the trees and which way the sun was moving across the sky... in other words, the French person would study the situation at hand before making a move. On the other hand, the American would climb up the nearest tree, look around, and holler, "HEY, Anyone out there?"

In general, because thankfully we cannot label a whole country, let alone a single person, the French are more methodical in their approach, trusting that they can find their way by themselves. In contrast, the Americans look at teamwork and will go on a limb to find a new way.

Why?

If you ask three hundred thousand French people, "Did you have fun (as in liked, enjoyed, considered it the best years ever...) school?" Two hundred and ninety-eight of them would answer solemnly, "No." Then, they would look at you oddly and ask, "Why?"

French students go to school to learn how to study. Fun is rarely in the equation. On the first day of school, they are taught to come into the classroom and sit at their desk quietly. They are not allowed to talk unless they are asked a question. If the teacher asks the students for a response or "Who knows the answer?" The French child is supposed to raise their hand no higher than their shoulder, with their pointer finger in the air. Unlike an American student, they cannot wave their arm frantically and excitedly say, "I know, I know, ask me!!!!"

The French are taught from a very early age to sit still, listen, obey, and if in doubt, re-think; if you don't know the answer, listen, and if you think you are right, you probably are wrong.

Therefore, when they know the answer, they know they are right. Their opinion is well thought out; they can back it up with many examples. They will listen to your arguments and ideas but ultimately believe they are never wrong.

American students are taught they are the masters of their universe and can accomplish whatever they want if they believe it, work hard towards it, and have the money to get it.

The Americans and the French come from very different upbringings, educational approaches, and ways to be. In France, you rarely hear: "If there is a will, there is a way!" Watching my children go through the French schools and listening to many of them talk about schools, I believe I would have suffered dramatically in their mold. I was raised to climb a tree and believe in myself, even if I didn't have a single example to back it up.

This is not to say either approach is better or worse than the other. Both have advantages, both are worthy, and both ways of educating can shape a different way of thinking.

In the end, the American who climbed the tree and the French person who studies the surroundings find their way... and both ways bring for an exciting conversation at the end of the day.

 

Tatty McLeod says it best... as she inmates a British woman and a French woman on many differences between the two. Tatty is French/ English

___

 The Local: an online newspaper, a very good source of French for ex-pats

and others who are interested in life in France

 

Their description of going back to school and the meaning of "La Rentree."

 

 

Cooking with Olivia

Set up a makeshift kitchen outside

Take a cup of water, some dinette set dishes, a spoon...

Uncooked pasta,

mint, basil, oregano, rosemary, lavender and bay leaf.

Rocks of course.

 

We spent the morning pretending.

Olivia likes basil, pasta, and rocks, the rest forget about it.

-----

I found a lovely old child's cupboard at the brocante. The makeshift kitchen.

The Memorable Haircut

  

A little haircut by the pool for Gabriel while on vacation. I thought I was giving him his first haircut. Such a memorable spot, a good memory creation I would be smiling about for years.

I know how to cut hair. You will never guess where I learned unless I wrote it on my blog years ago. I want to remember if I have mentioned it here. But I need help remembering.

 

My daughter burst my bubble by telling me I had given Gabriel's first haircut about two years ago, in Willows in my Mother's kitchen. But do I remember doing so? Terrible! I didn't believe her; I was convinced this was his first haircut. My daughter brought photos to correct me, and I looked at them in disbelief. 

I am not losing my marbles, maybe just a few sweet memories.

Thank goodness, I can still make them.

River Swim

 

 

"The Ardèche River is a prominent river located in the Rhône-Alpes region of France. It is known for its stunning landscapes and the famous Ardèche Gorge, a natural wonder that attracts tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The river is popular for various water activities, such as canoeing, kayaking, and swimming." 

 

 

 

We went to the river for a swim. Fish were visible in the water, and the rocks along the bank were slippery. The water had a greenish tint, which made me hesitant to get in.

Gabriel, known for his overly cautious nature and doubtfulness, surprised us by jumping in and swimming across to the other side with his Dad and Yann. It was a wondrous sight! His bravery encouraged me to overcome my reservations and join him in the river.

In the end, he managed to swim back and forth eight times.

Olivia was the first to jump in. Unfortunately, I didn't have my camera ready at the time. She's genuinely fearless at times, especially when compared to Gabriel. Her 'go for it' attitude often paves the way for him, motivating him to follow suit.

 

Selfie by Chelsea

 

Photo by Chelsea.

Olivia is decked out. She liked that we both had glasses on.

Exploring Today

 

I know I shouldn't, but how can I not, given how life unfolds daily among us?

I wonder what this world will be like when Gabriel is my age.

Will it be as enchanting? Peaceful? Sacred? Full of life?

If he becomes a grandparent,

Will his grandchildren's hands be stained blue from blackberries they collected on the untamed bramble?

Will they follow dragonflies admiring their dance alongside the reeds?

Will they grab a fallen tree branch and use it to explore a creek until dinnertime?

Will they have nature as their playground?

Will the sunshine rosy their cheeks?

 

(Thank you for your lovely notes about Yann's photo of me. But please do not hold your breath for another one of his photos. It could be another ten years from now.)

An Afternoon Treat

 

An afternoon treat at a cafe in Cassis with Olivia, and Gabriel.

One of them delighted in a sugar crepe,

while the other devoured a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Meanwhile, one of them amused themselves with an empty chocolate ice cream dish.

The excitement continued as one of the little ones suddenly stood up, pretending to be a lion.

The cherry on top-- started with one of them having a meltdown when we switched seats due to the heat. 

---

Crepe or Galette

from Crepe Magique

Click below to find out more.

Everyone who traveled a little will tell you the same thing : crepes can be found all around the world. But they are made with very different types of flour !
The basic principle if really simple : it consists in cooking a blend of cereals and water on a hot surface which, once hardened, is usually garnished before being folded and ready to eat.

• In China, there are crepes made with rice flour.
• In South America maize flour is used to make tortillas, whereas in India ''dosas'' are made of chickpea or lent flour.
• In Europe and Russia, buckwheat flour is used.
• But it is certainly wheat flour that is found in most countries : in North America (pancakes), in Europe and Japan (crepes, piadinas, etc.), in Northern Africa ("msemen").

TRADITIONAL FRENCH CREPES

CREPES

Crepes are made of a blend of eggs, melted butter, milk and wheat flour. The resulting batter is used to make savory crepes, for example those garnished with ham and cheese. In order to make sweet crepes, all you need is add a little sugar and flavor to the batter. This variety of crepes can be filled with chocolate, jam or honey.

Traditionally-made crepes are paper-thin and made of salted butter so as to become crispy on the edges while remaining soft in the center. Their color is yellow, with browning.

Discover our crepe recipe

SAVOURY CREPES

Savoury crepes (called "galettes in French) are made solely of water, salt and buckwheat flour. This variety of batter is gluten-free. They are more savory than crepes and their color is brown. Galettes are generally filled with salty ingredients, although salted butter caramel can also be used. You can tell a galette from a crepe thanks to the holes that are due to the fermenting of the batter.
Traditionally-made galettes are made of salted butter too.

Our galette recipe here

SO : CREPE OR GALETTE ?

Here is a recap chart presenting the differences between crepes and traditional French galettes.

CREPE

Flour type: Wheat

Other ingredients: Eggs, milk, butter

Presence of gluten: Yes

Batter standing time: 2 hours

Salted butter cooking: Yes

Cooking temperature: 200°C (400°F)

Color after cooking: Yellow

Presence of holes: No

Thinness: Very thin

Sweet fillings: Yes

Savory fillings: Yes

Taste: Light

GALETTE

Flour type: Buckwheat

Other ingredients: Salt, water

Presence of gluten: No

Batter standing time: 6 hours

Salted butter cooking: Yes

Cooking temperature: 250°C (480°F)

Color after cooking: Brown

Presence of holes: Yes

Thinness: Average thin

Sweet fillings: Seldom

Savory fillings: Yes

Taste: Strong

Via Crepe Magiques 

 

_________________________________________________________________

 

Who Is God

 

Walking hand in hand along the crowded streets of Paris on their way to school, little Gabriel, as curious as four years old can be, turned to his agnostic Daddy with yet another question in the slew of questions a child can ask on any given day. "Daddy, who is God?" he inquired as he had asked before, with his curious eyes looking up at him.

Martin paused momentarily, finding the right words, "Gabriel," he began, "God is love. God exists in everyone and everything around us. Although we can't see God with our eyes, we can feel God..."

Now you must know that the word "Feel" sounds the same as the word "Smell,"

Which in French is "Sentir."

Gabriel thought about it ...

Martin wondered if he understood as he could see Gabriel's wheels were turning and how he would answer him if this conversation went further.

And then, in an unexpected twist, Gabriel replied while nodding his head, "So, God is like a fart." he said as one would say, "The sky is blue."

Martin was momentarily speechless, not knowing how to respond to this surprising analogy. Yet, his parental instincts kicked in, and he managed to stifle a laugh, understanding the whimsical connection Gabriel had made was not in malice. 

And so, another memory was etched of the unpredictability of raising a child.  

A child's magical and mystical perspective effortlessly intertwines, shaping their lives and understanding of the world. Our role is to be present, cherishing their candid and imaginative musings.

 

A Child's World

When a child learns to communicate, those first words emerge like candy from a dispenser, sweet and colorful. They gift us with their newly found words. Each word holds a world of meaning, opening doors to deeper connections and understanding.

I find myself utterly captivated by this spontaneous expression. It reminds me that life's simplest moments can be the most profound. Children possess an innate ability to communicate from the heart what matters to them.

And oh, how I listen! With rapt attention, I savor each note of their composition. I am moved by the authenticity of their communication, unfiltered and raw, reminding me of the need to express ourselves with our language, be it in love, frustration, joy... or "I have something to say!"

The child's language journey is a masterpiece in progress, a testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and connection.

Gabriel's English blossoms daily. On the other hand, Olivia, unlike Gabriel at his age, enjoys playfully repeating English words. It's endearing to see Gabriel watching her intently, seemingly thinking, "Hey, I could do that too!"

The other day, as I was preparing lunch in the kitchen, Gabriel suddenly jumped into a conversation with me. His enthusiasm caught me off guard, and I struggled to comprehend his words. However, I was determined to understand what he wanted to convey. I asked him to repeat his words and tried echoing what I thought he meant. Unfortunately, my attempts to grasp his message were in vain, as I seemed to be missing the mark completely. His French is far better than his English, and he only tries to speak English to me. 

Patiently, Gabriel repeated his words slowly, letting me piece together his darling thought. With a joyful gleam in his eyes, he shared, and I understood after his fifth attempt,

"Bambi (his beloved stuffed animal) "fais" is fist feps. I fee em! I fo appy, I appy tears."

I repeated, "Bambi took his first steps! And you saw him! You are so happy! You have Happy Tears!"

He held Bambi closed and beamed, "Yes!"

I couldn't help but be overwhelmed by the sheer sweetness of Gabriel's imagination. His love for Bambi and his rich emotional expression of joy. Knowing that the first steps are a significant milestone in a baby's "life" were heartwarming. It was a reminder of how children observe our attitudes, actions, emotions... our responses to life and learn from them.

As I hugged him tightly, I marveled at his sharing with me and the beautiful emotions he could now express in words, in happy tears.

Exploring By the Creek

Hand in hand,

we skipped toward the creek's edge, a stone's throw from our home

we roamed, 

Early in the morning, racing against the soon-to-be afternoon heat,

we set forth on a quest with nature's rhythm as our guide.

 

 

 

"Have you ever seen a dragonfly?" I asked, the memories of my childhood flooding back. "When I was little, they were everywhere, along with caterpillars. Countless, they were! We had to walk on our tiptoes carefully, you know, not to squish them. Can you imagine a sidewalk teeming with brown furry caterpillars?" I said as he gazed up at me, trying to envision the scene I painted with my words. "And dragonflies perched on our shoulders!" His eyes widened with wonder, but then a shadow of fear crossed his face. "I scared of dis!" Gabriel is a shy little person when it comes to experiencing something he doesn't know; he is sweet and apprehensively sensitive to the world around him; holding my hand tightly, we meandered toward the creek, and I knew he wouldn't dare dip his toes in the water no matter how much coaxing and comforting I offered. So, on a muddy wet rock due to the rain the night before, we settled, with Gabriel in my lap, finding safety in my embrace.

"Where are the dragonflies? And the fishes?" Gabriel questioned as he panned the creek's surroundings. "We have to be very still, allowing nature to feel that we are not a threat," I whispered, encouraging him to be patient and observe. 

We sat in delicious silence together, sipping in the soothing breeze and meditative creek. Time seemed to take us in as we blended with nature's rhythm, slowly lifting its veil; Our surroundings came alive. Gabriel turned to me with the biggest silent wow expression on his face. A dragonfly landed gracefully on a nearby reed, its blue iridescent wings shimmering in the sunlight, matching the joy of Gabriel's delight.

 

(Large metallic damselfly with fluttering, butterfly-like wings.)

Gabriel's eyes lit up with awe as he marveled at the delicate creature. "Look, Vavie, a dragonfly!" he whispered excitedly. I smiled and nodded, savoring the moment of discovery and connection. "You see, Gabriel, this is the gift of being patient!"

In that stillness, we became one in nature's play. With each passing second, Gabriel's fear softened, replaced by curiosity and awe. In silent harmony, we observed the dragonflies fluttering and the fishes swimming while water striders raced here and there on the creek's bed. We were witnesses to nature's unfolding before our very eyes. 

 

 

As we sat in quiet wonder, a playful squirrel caught our attention, darting along the tree branches with lightning speed. Gabriel's eyes sparkled with delight, and he giggled, "The squirrel is fast, Vavie!" I nodded in agreement, marveling at how nature rewarded us.

"Did you know, Gabriel," I said, "that a dragonfly is also incredibly fast? Some say it can fly as swiftly as a cheetah runs!" He turned around, eyes wide with surprise, and said, "No, Vavie! That can't be true!" I chuckled and replied, "Well, nature holds surprises."

"We'll have to look it up when we go home," I suggested, and he eagerly nodded.

 

 

We headed home for lunch with full hearts and empty stomachs.

We chattered with excitement about all that came into sight.

The creek, oh how it dazzled us, a wondrous, magical place,

With awe in every word we spoke and gratitude on our faces.

"Next time, we will put our feet in the water, okay?" I asked, knowing the answer.

 

NOTE:

"According to legend, Mary Magdalene left the Holy Land and found refuge in the Massif de la Sainte-Baume to continue life as a hermit and to do penance. Her endless tears flowing freely gave birth to the Huveaune. Lucy + Jorge Orta drew inspiration from the Mary Magdalene myth to create Marie La fée de la source. Alone in the woods and kneeling over one of the Huveaune’s sources, she bestows an offering of water upon us. In the water cycle, Marie represents the moment of outpouring, when water contained in the earth suddenly bursts to the surface and becomes a source. She is a symbol of giving and sharing.

Marie La fée de la source was inaugurated on April 6, 2013, in the Martellières, Saint-Zacharie." 

 

The legends

There are many legends here, and they begin in the Paleolithic period. In Antiquity, barbaric rituals were carried out on altars in the forest. Blood flowed in large quantities, turning the moss red. The forest was formerly called Our Lady of the Waters. Water is indeed everywhere on the mountain range, and is said to be Mary-Magdalene’s tears.

Click on both to discover more.

 

 

 

The Walled Garden

Beneath the vast tree's shade,

a peaceful place to be.

A friend's garden wall,

Olivia's wonderland unveiled.

Where butterflies dance,

and rocks await her hand's embrace,

Crunching leaves' symphony,

enchantment in simplicity's grace.

 

Child’s Play

 

Two antique toy horses with two little people having fun playing with them.

Should I be mindful because the toy horses are collectible?

Nah.

Memories are more valuable.

The toy horses have endured many children,

And this may be their last leg, but I doubt it.

Gabriel and Olivia are not galloping on them. They sit and giggle.

Oh, and Gabriel has created a bubble paper collar for his horse.

 

Curls in the Lead

 

One similarity between these two little ones is their untouched, curly hair. 

Gabriel’s hair remains uncut, while Olivia's is finally growing beyond peach fuzz.

 

 

Bastille Celebration in Cassis

photo via Martin

We told Gabriel about the fireworks. When the evening grew darker and darker, the fireworks would begin, booming loudly and shining bright like thousands of stars in the sky. He tried to stay awake, but neither the booming firecrackers nor the glittering stars overhead could keep his eyes open.

Sweetness Overload

Waiting for us when we returned home was this little one.

After an 11-hour drive from Italy, he renewed us with his smile and hugs.

Hand in hand,

we went to the fountain to see the fish, smell the overloaded rose bush, and then rub our palms together with lavender and breath in its summer scent.

Olivia will come with Chelsea in a few days.

 

Memories I Want to Keep of Gabriel

Gabriel had something important to tell me, and just like that, he started to speak English. Becoming bilingual is not as easy as one would think, and it certainly comes in many forms. Some people are born into a bilingual family, some study a foreign language, and for others like me, it is more like sink or swim: I paddled.

Chelsea only speaks English to Gabriel and Olivia, Chelsea and the children speak French to Martin, and Martin speaks English but mainly only to me. I speak English to everyone in my family, and they all speak English to me; Yann speaks French to everyone but not to me, and Gabriel speaks French to everyone too, but recently started speaking English to me! Olivia smiles.

As I was saying, Gabriel had something important to tell me. His words were heavily accented as he searched for them enthusiastically. He said, "Vavie, at our ouse ze washing (turning his hand around in a circle to express machine), (so I added machine?) Yes, ze washing machine tis... At this point, I watched him think, admiring his attempt to express something important with his limited vocabulary or, I should say, his newfound tongue in a second language. I understood instantly he did not know the word in English. As he searched, I recalled my attempt to use words I knew for words I didn't know. "Soup-Air I used for Super" The French use the word Super more often than we do in the States, and it doesn't sound corny. I said "Soup-Air" to replace words such as great, fabulous, wonderful, nice... it is a super word to have in your pocket as is, "Ca-Va," which means an entire mini vocabulary for the French. It saved me in many conversations. 

Anyway, Gabriel had something important to tell me and just like that he found a word he needed to tell me about ze washing machine... he said, "Mommy telephone un personne ze washing machine is sicky." Sicky meant broken. Wow, he did it. He communicated with the words he knew brilliantly! Sicky is a child word we use to describe a child when they are not well and the washing machine isn't well.

 

 

 

 

 

A Recapture of Gabriel's Birthday Party

Gabriel and the Dinosaur Cake

 

 

 

My nephew Joe and his girlfriend, Jazmin, from California, are visiting us.

This morning I told them they were responsible for creating a dinosaur cake for Gabriel's fourth birthday. They rose to the occasion without hesitation, even though neither had baked a cake nor made frosting. I added that I did not have a mold for a dinosaur cake.

I thought it would be a fun-loving memory of their time in France. Yesterday, we spent the entire afternoon at sea in Cassis. Today we decorated, they baked, and I cooked. 

Voila, success, a chocolate dinosaur cake with a blueberry eye.

Gabriel was pleased. 

----

 

 

 

Gabriel is 4

 

Four years ago, four years of joy and discovery.

Of a love unknown before.

Four years of celebrating life through your eyes.

Happy Birthday dear Gabriel!

I will see you tomorrow, and we will have all the fun.

Who is Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?

The little family went to the woods for a picnic.

The little sister found delight in being outdoors, hearing the sounds of nature, and sitting at the big wooden picnic table.

The older brother, but still little, worried, knowing the story of "Red Riding Hood."

He asked as he held tightly to his father's hand,

"Are you sure, really sure, that there are no wolves around?"

I suppose I might have shared those "big eyes and big teeth," overly exaggerated.

 

Note: Gabriel LIVES in his soccer outfit and bike helmet.

Photos by Chelsea