As I witness their unwavering faith, courage, and the strength of their hearts, I am filled with a deep sense of awe and reverence. Their resilience in the face of adversity inspires me to keep moving forward and striving for a better tomorrow.
Mohammed and his family are on the waiting list to flee Gaza to Egypt, possibly in two to three weeks. They do not know anyone in Egypt, they do not have a place to live... and yet that is better than the life millions of Gazans are facing.
For more information on what it takes to leave Gaza, tap here.
I will keep you posted all along the way.
Mohammed says thank you to each of you who have helped make this possible.
Even if you haven't donated money, you have been part of my blog, and because of that, you have given me a platform to use to help Mohammed. For that, I thank you.
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Mohammed lives in Gaza with his wife and 10-month-old baby Karim. When Israel declared Northern Gaza was unsafe for civilians and that an imminent attack would take place, the family discussed what to do: Either abandon everything and head to the south with only that which they could carry or stay in their home. Mohammed's mother thought their family should stay together, "...if we die, we will die together." Mohammed, his wife, and baby Karim decided to head south. It was difficult to endure checkpoints under military threat, but they made it to the South. Their home in Northern Gaza was bombed and demolished, where his mother, sister, and brother were killed. Their bodies were recovered from the rubble. Also, his father was injured, and another brother is waiting for lifesaving surgery.
The photo above is Mohammed, a journalist,
and his mother before the devastation of their lives.
Can you imagine leaving everyone, your home, your comfort, your belongings, and heading to an unknown future?
Mohammed and his wife.
Baby Karim
A few days ago, Mohammed called to thank me.
I said he did not need to thank me; I needed to thank him for allowing us to help. I was humbled by his calmness, his responses to my many questions, his strong faith, and his will not to succumb to anger or bitterness. We talked about life in Gaza before October 7th and to the present date.
Do you have any questions?
Mohammed with his brother, who was killed.
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Favorite Violets.
The bravest little flower
Dares to bloom before spring announces itself
Receives a white winter coat and a heavy tiara of raindrop diamonds,
Blooming purple with a note of glee.
Here I am, such a graceful little flower reminding me of faithfulness against the odds.
What is your favorite flower?
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There are moments in an ordinary day that enter the heart,
changing it with each beat.
Moments that cannot be explained only felt.
Moments when everything becomes crystal clear and,
in the next breath, dissolves into a mystery.
Many moments in the rhythmic nature of the day;
Fleeting, concrete, carving, and uncertain,
challenging and caressing us even when we are not aware.
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Olivia, two years and five months old.
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Please help us evacuate Sonja's friends, Mohammed, his wife, and their baby son from Gaza to Eygpt - Donate and Enter to Win a Free Stay in Paris. We've raised €14,000 but still need €6,000 more to give them a safe exit. You'll be entered into a raffle for every $50 you donate and/or if you share our GO FUND ME link on your social platform to our cause. If you donate $100, we will enter your name three times. To win a free one-week stay in our one-bedroom apartment in Paris (dates to be discussed, airfare not included). Let's come together to save three lives. The drawing will be held as soon as we hit our fundraising goal. Thank you for your support 🙏 #HelpFriendsInNeed #DonateToMakeADifference #ParisVacationGiveaway
You can make a difference in this darkness.
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Without the fear of being killed while going to the market for baby formula,
and then quickly go back, hoping your home is still standing.
Years ago, there was an interview about Mother Theresa in India caring for the dying.
In this particular interview, Mother Theresa was feeding a starving baby while reporters pestered her with comments such as: "You cannot save the dying; you are only one person; look at you as you care for one baby in the sea of many dying people. What is that you are doing... feeding one life?" and as they threw their insulting accusing anger towards her, Mother Teresa focused on the baby in her arms saying, "Look how he takes the bottle, look how he looks in my eyes, look how he is eating..."
She focused on hope and stood in the sea of suffering, doing what she could:
A small stone cast causes ripples.
Those ripples spread forth regardless of what it will run into.
Casting our stone is a daily choice.
___
Whatever you believe in this horrific, brutal genocide taking place every second we breathe,
please remember that what some people do is not what all people have done or believe.
Innocent people just like you and me, with different skin color, faith, religion, habits, clothing, lifestyles... are the same as you and me in more ways than not.
Please help me help one family stay safe.
Without the never-ending sound of drones, bombs,
and skies brighten with phosphorus explosives.
Mohammed, his wife, and his baby son await the right to leave Rafa for Egypt. We were told that due to the increasingly high demand the cost has increased.
We need 18,000 Euros.
We have nearly 14,000 raised.
Please let me know if you can or know someone,
an organization, or anything else that can help us raise 4000 Euros more.
Thank you xx
]]>My niece, Patti, is visiting Chelsea and her family in Paris to celebrate her father, my brother’s heavenly anniversary.
When Patti was 16 years old, my brother Marty and she came to France. I met them in Paris, and then we continued to the south of France. We stocked up on many memories, especially climbing up the Eiffel Tower. As there were few people there, we could hear the policemen talking to their horses at the base of the Eiffel Tower, "Voulez-vous du fromage (Do you want some cheese?)," they asked their horses. It was so strange and surreal that we cracked up laughing.
Their time together in Paris was deeply meaningful and has become a sacred memory she wants to build on. Plus, there is a bond between Chelsea and the new little ones to get to know.
Years ago, when Marty and Patti came to Paris, we stayed in this utterly take-you-back-in-time hotel with magnificent views of Notre Dame. Or, as my brother called it, "A hole in the wall that only my sister would fall in love with. But the view was good, and it was cheap."
It was sweet.
Chelsea, the two pickles, and Patti climbed the Eiffel Tower today. Olivia, wanting to be BIG, hiked up by herself. I love how her little dainty hand flows beside her. She was so proud.
Gabriel led the way. As he waited a few steps ahead, he felt the Eiffel Tower move. Very concerned, as he has a strong sense of caution, he signaled his mom to ask if this was genuinely happening and if they should be afraid. Chelsea reassured him, as he has (always) a precious awareness of his surroundings, that the vibration he felt was due to the powerful elevator taking people up and down.
I admire that about him.
Patti, Gabriel, and Olivia enjoy the view with a banana and a rice cake, feet in the air, and big American smiles, as we say in France.
Memories gathered in a bouquet of tenderness bring a sacredness to caress the wound of loss. Like a balm to the soul, memories wrap themselves around the heart, offering solace.
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A marble art piece I saw at the brocante last Sunday.
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I have been sad witnessing what is happening in Gaza with Palestine.
It is beyond the scope of any human emotion or comprehension.
And yet it is here.
Begging us to take a stand, to be the power of love that will save us all.
So, I went to my blog archives to find a story of Annie to guide me.
This came up:
2009
Last night, Annie came to me in my dreams and held my hand.
Dreams have a way of healing us; I was sad yesterday after saying goodbye to Sacha.
Annie walked with me along the river. I had my hand in hers; she talked about roses and how I should pick some from her old garden.
She leaned into me as I put my arm around her. She gave me three dried roses.
Laughing, I said, "Hey, remember you used to tell me this was not the moment to cut roses and plant them, let alone dried ones?"
She smiled,
"Life has a way of surviving, you'll see."
---
I hope I do, Annie.
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The language of flowers, do you hear their message? Strong in gentleness, faithful in their offering of beauty. Giving without asking why or how. Flowers speak a language without words, yet the message is deeply rooted in us.
This Zinnia celebrates its uniqueness by wearing a crown of striking gold. It doesn't seem to mind that it is one of a kind. It doesn't seem out of place amongst the other flowers in the garden. Instead, it seems to echo the universal truth by claiming: Be boldly yourself.
Not your average wallflower...a single, beautiful, red-head.
He loves me, but he loves me not. She loves me, but she loves me not. One mustn't pluck the petals in such a way. The tender soul needs to be nurtured, down to the root and up along the stem of consciousness, petal by petal, hand in hand, heart to heart. You are loved, you are loved, you are loved...
Evening falls, the sky grows dark, the moon rises, and stars bloom like flowers above. Life changes constantly yet remain the same. Down below, in the silence, in the stillness, in the darkness, the garden grows unafraid.
Photos: Zinnias is growing in my mother's garden by my father's barn.
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Pasta with Asparagus al dente.
Cook Pasta in a few minutes less than what is written on the box.
While the water is doing its best to boil, prepare the sauce.
Saute a hearty handful of pine nuts and put aside,
Saute strips of smoked salmon,
Grill the asparagus with olive oil and salt,
Pour cream into a pan and heat,
Grate plenty of lemon peel,
Cut the grilled asparagus into bite-able sizes.
Before the cream rolls and rumbles wildly,
add the asparagus, pine nuts, smoked salmon, and a tad of fresh tarragon.
Let it simmer and thicken.
Drain the pasta, add a touch of olive oil and Parmesan toss,
Then add the asparagus cream sauce and spruce it up with the lemon peel.
]]>Deep and tender
Bitter and blistering
Spreading open
Mend the wounds
heart and soul.
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Thank you! Thank you each of you who made this possible. Thank you to those who shared this to your posts and friends, I am grateful, overwhelmed. Thank you.
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The French la Vie, we believe that the best way to experience the heart of Provence is by exploring its picturesque towns and villages through the eyes of its people. That's why we curate intimate groups of no more than four guests and create a one-week itinerary around handpicked brocantes, stunning landscapes, and charming villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Provencal lifestyle.
The French la Vie offers a unique voyage of experiencing Provence with someone who has lived in and loved the area for over thirty-five years and who is happy to share what they have come to know as graceful and heartfelt.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at coreyamaro@aol.com
Thank you, and we hope to see you soon,
Corey and Chelsea
]]>The unending violence in Gaza is unimaginable.
The hostages are caught in the indiscriminate bombing, as well as millions of innocent Palestinians.
I am asking for help for a family in Gaza, who are friends of a very dear friend of mine, and though the support has been generous, it isn’t enough to pay for their exit from Gaza.
I will never accept why there is violence for violence.
Where greed, dominance, race, and religion direct people’s decisions.
Love is love,
life is life,
and we all bleed.
----
Last night, Mohammed's multi-generational home in the north of Gaza was bombed to the ground. His father was rescued. His mother, younger brother, and sister remain buried under the rubble.
My friend wrote a week ago:
"
12,000 dollars is needed, and we have nearly 5000 dollars in our collection.
]]>
I have sad news. Mohammed’s family’s home in the north of Gaza was bombed today. His mother, his sister, and his brother were killed. Mohammed, his wife, and their ten-month-old baby are in the South.
Thank you for the donations many of you have made. It is humbling to beg
help for one family in Gaza when millions need support. Innocent people are caught
In the middle as the world watches.
Thank you to those who have sent money to my friend Sonja
to help her Palestinian friends leave Gaza.
Questions and concerns about GoFundMe for Palestine,
please read their statement by tapping here.
Chelsea and I marched today in Paris for a permanent ceasefire.
These are some of the banners we saw. I posted many of them on my Instagram stories.
Plant seeds of hope
That love prevails
And that we can live together in this world
Without the need to kill one another to feel safe.
]]>
With your help, Mohammed and his family will be evacuated.
Please, any amount, even $1, can help.
]]>Please help my friend evacuate her close friends from Gaza.
I would greatly appreciate any offer you make.
Mohammed, a 26-year-old journalist from Gaza, nearly lost his life last November when Israeli forces bombed his home, killing his uncle.
Married with a one-year-old son, he relocated his family from northern Gaza to the southern city of Rafah.
However, Israel has threatened to expand its ground invasion to Rafah, where over half of Gaza’s population has sought refuge.
Journalists are particularly at risk as they have been systematically targeted by the Israeli army, with over 126 killed to date.
With your help, Mohammed and his family will be evacuated.
]]>CEASE FIRE PERMANENTLY !
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A nutty chocolate pop-in-your-mouth deliciousness.
A ton of praise for something simple to make.
In a bowl, add.
Half of a cup of six various nuts and chews
In mine, I put half of a cup of (unsalted)
Roughly chopped walnuts,
Hazelnuts
Cranberries
Pistachios
Chopped apricots
Chocolate chips
and
1/4 cup of sesame seeds
Then, add three tablespoons of brown sugar to the mix or honey.
And three large egg whites.
Mix, then scoop onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper.
Bake at 350° for 12-18 minutes, turn the oven off, open the door, and let them cool off completely.
If you make them, please send me a photo and your combinations.
The possibilities are endless,
Such as coconut, almonds, raisins, various seeds, macadamias, etc.
I will try a savory batch and keep you posted on how they turn out.
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Are you ready to embark on a cheesy adventure? I'm talking about an adventure that will take your taste buds on a wild ride and leave you feeling oh-so-satisfied. I'm a self-proclaimed Cheese Yum Bum, and here to share my knowledge with you.
French grocery stores are a cheese lover's paradise, with a plethora of options to choose from. Listed below, I have rattled off a list of cheeses without even breaking a sweat. Let's say I have the Brocante Bug and am a cheese enthusiast. I've tasted them all, and my taste buds couldn't be happier.
While some people come to France for the museums, fashion, pastries, and architecture, I'm here for the cheese. When Chelsea and Martin married, they had a sit-down dinner, a dessert table, and a sprawling cheese table. Unfortunately, I was too caught up in the joy of the moment to notice (I still cannot believe that) the cheese table, where I had purposely bought enormous antique cutting boards for the cater to display the cheese. However, I recall so many snippets of incredible happiness that day that it doesn't matter. If it hadn't been for my brother Zane pulling me aside and saying, "Have you seen the dessert table!!" I would have missed that, too. Sometimes, I wonder where I was that day. Weddings do that, take you on such a profound level of joy that it is like a blur of stardust in the sunshine, unreal. Anyway, I am getting off the subject. Let's go back to cheese.
The French eat cheese daily, and for good reason. It's a healthy, calcium-rich food deeply ingrained in their culture, often shared after lunch or dinner. Each region offers a unique array of cheeses in taste, texture, and color.
Camembert
- Roquefort
- Gouda (Dutch)
- Emmental (most popular)
- Comté
- Cheddar (English)
- Brie
- Parmesan (Italian)
- Saint Nectaire
- Mozzarella (Italian)
- Pont l'Eveque
- Fromage Frais
- Fourme d'Ambert
- Langres
- Mont d'Or
- Brillant-Savarin
- Crottin de Chavignol
- Port Salut
- Feta (Greek)
- Bleu Auvergne
- Cantal
- Beaufort
- Raclette
- Tomme (various types from different regions)
- Coulommiers
- Beaumont
- Fromage Blanc
- Petit Basque
- Banon
- Faisselle
- Etorki
- Chaource
- Buche de Chèvre
- Gorgonzola (Italian)
- Brebis
- Morbier
- Munster
- Livarot
- Burrata (Italian)
- Brie de Meaux
- Cantal (the oldest French cheese)
- Mimolette
- Bourson
- Epoisse
- Saint Felician
- Abondance
- Reblochon
- Saint Andre
- Picodon
- Cabéco
- Ossau-Iraty
- Madame Loik
- Petite Suisse
France is the land of cheese, and it's the impossible temptation of their mouth-watering varieties. From soft and creamy Camembert to nutty Comté and tangy Roquefort, each cheese is a unique experience that tantalizes your taste buds. With over 400 types of cheese, there is always something delicious to scoop up and bring home. Imagine traveling by taking a cheese journey through France.
One of the most well-known regions for cheese in France is Normandy. The region is famous for its rich, creamy cheeses like Camembert, Pont l'Eveque, and Livarot. These cheeses are made with cow's milk and are known for their soft, bloomy rinds and buttery, tangy flavors. These cheeses are often paired with local ciders and wines, complementing their flavors perfectly.
Another region that's famous for its cheese is Brittany. This coastal region is known for its buttery, tangy cheeses like Saint-Paulin, one of the region's most popular cheeses, a firm cheese with a creamy texture and a nutty, milky taste. It was originally produced by Trappist monks working out of their monasteries.
Burgundy, "The King of the Cheeses," is how Brillat-Savarin described Epoisses cheese in 1826. Matured using Marc de Bourgogne (with a distinctive scent), like most cheese, it should be served with a piece of good bread, pure and simple.
In the mountainous region of Auvergne, you'll find a variety of strong, savory cheeses like Bleu d'Auvergne and Saint Nectaire. These cheeses are made with cow's milk and are aged in humid caves to develop their distinctive flavors. They're often paired with hearty dishes like stews and roasts.
Roquefort must be produced exclusively with milk from Lacaune ewes. The Lacaune are well known for their high milk production and ability to adapt to the poor land of the Causses. The milk must come from a farm in the approved Roquefort area.
Savoie is another region that's famous for its cheese. This region is known for its fondue and raclette. Two melted cheese dishes made with local cheeses like Beaufort and Reblochon. These dishes are often served with bread, potatoes, and meats, making them hearty and satisfying.
To learn more about cheese, follow these links.
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First signs of spring.
]]>
(photo via a video from a Palestinian journalist )
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.
]]>Amidst the darkness, flowers are painted with delicate strokes of vibrant colors, serving as a poignant reminder of the duality of existence.
Spring after winter reminds us of the perpetual cycle of change we face as part of our journey through life.
Even though the beauty surrounding us is often overlooked, it is always there, waiting for us to pause and appreciate its wonder.
Only through moments of reflection and contemplation can we truly understand life's profound depth and richness that surround us, as if holding our hand, leading us to the next brushstroke of texture and color.
To see the frostwork as nature's delicate hand setting the stage,
The sudden burst of wind as an invitation to dance on the stage with falling leaves as partners.
A wintry scene of hibernal beauty, a land of shimmering blankets,
There is a certain poetic quality to the way nature transforms the world,
as we leave behind a sense of stillness and wonder that is hard to find in any other season,
Let us gracefully be part of nature's call.
Amidst the darkness, the flowers are painted with delicate strokes of vibrant colors, reminding us that even in the tangle of chaos and uncertainty, there is still beauty.
---
]]>
The French la Vie, we believe that the best way to experience the heart of Provence is by exploring its picturesque towns and villages through the eyes of its people. That's why we curate intimate groups of no more than four guests and create a one-week itinerary around handpicked brocantes, stunning landscapes, and charming villages, allowing you to immerse yourself in the Provencal lifestyle.
During your stay, we'll have ripe occasions to connect with antique dealers and visit markets and brocantes. There are so many of them you will lose count! We will visit at least 19 of them, the best of the best. We will take a peek into my antique/brocante friends' homes, who generously invite us into their world, where you can see how they created their homes with their antique finds, share a meal with them, and, of course, we will visit various antique dealers' spaces, and each one will tempt you with their collections. We aim to fill your senses with delicious moments that will fill you with joy, longing, and more to carry the experience for years.
The French la Vie offers a unique voyage of experiencing Provence with someone who has lived in and loved the area for over thirty-five years and who is happy to share what they have come to know as graceful and heartfelt.
The cost of our one-week journey includes:
Seven nights accommodation with shared bathrooms in my home.
Transportation: We arrange a group transfer from Marseille on the first day at 11 am and a return transfer to Marseille airport, hotel, or train station (arrival at the airport at 9 am). And all transportation during the French la Vie week (in a minivan)
All meals: French breakfast and seven lunches and dinners. We will do a mix of charming restaurants, picnics, and hosted meals at my friend's homes, with drinks included.
My services as a bilingual guide for all brocantes, flea markets, and planned activities.
We will visit places in Marseille, Aix en Provence, Lourmarin, Cotignac, Carpentras, Isle sur la Sorgue, and other delightful villages.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email me at coreyamaro@aol.com
Thank you, and we hope to see you soon,
Corey and Chelsea
]]>
What an overwhelming response for the giveaways! More than that was your thoughtful comments. So many of you have been reading my blog for centuries; well, you know I exaggerate; storytellers do.
Looking over the messages, I recognized most of you and had difficulty randomly picking names. I want all of you who left me a comment or email regarding the giveaway to have something. I will match your request: a deckled book, a small trinket, or a letter. I will send a French 1700s handwritten letter if I need more things.
Will the following please send me your mailing address to my email:
coreyamaro@aol.com
<<<< please tell me your preference in the email >>>>
Cynthia Thompson,
Ali,
Nancy O.
Ardis,
Gail Lannum,
Bonnie Schulte,
Kathy Woods,
Laurie,
Cheryl Liberty,
Carolyn,
Pauline,
Tom Kurth,
Mgkozier,
Barbara Woods,
Nola Moyer,
Rsombar,
Kristin A Freeman,
Stephanie Miller,
Patsy Volpe,
Judith Ryba,
Judy Pinson,
Anna Schlemma,
Trisha McMillin,
Jeanette Janson,
Charlene
Delphine Hudson,
Cheri,
Carrie Schwab,
Kathy BF,
Chicago Shelia,
Dottie Eberhart,
Jacqueline Braudaway,
Niki Weippert,
Jenn,
Judith Bryant,
Bonnie Bell,
PMJ,
Momof5,
Allycowee,
Marilyn,
Janelle Cleveland,
Maria,
Ann Hadley,
Ann of Avondale,
Ed Schnurbusch,
Bette Lee Collins,
Robin,
Ann Franke
Teddee Grace,
Jennie Q,
Evelyn Jackson,
Judy W.
David,
Jeanne,
Kelley,
Margaret,
Carol,
Diane Merrick,
Bev S.
Cheryl,
Suzanne,
Ray Ramirez,
Susan W.
Maureen Albrecht,
Sue Young,
Lila Bright
_____
These three giveaways are over. But more to come in the following weeks. So, could you send me your addresses, and I will get busy packing and mailing?
Thank you, Corey
]]>
Every Saturday late afternoon and Sunday morning, the bells in our village start ringing for ten minutes as a call to celebrate Mass. They also ring again at the end of Mass. The bells are somber when calling mourners to the church before a funeral and joyful when ringing for a wedding.
The Angelus is an ancient pattern of bell-ringing that occurs at seven in the morning and seven in the evening as a call to prayer and ten minutes before noon every day—the bells in our village ring every hour. For instance, if it is midday, they ring twelve times and then another twelve times a minute later. They also ring twice every half hour throughout the twenty-four-hour day.
The bells can elicit a range of emotions, depending on the occasion. As for me, I always experience a sense of tranquility and solace when I hear them ringing, be it for a wedding, a funeral, or Mass. As I live in the heart of the village, very close to the church, I feel fortunate to hear the bells all day long, reminding me of our community's rich history and traditions dating back to the 1100s.
In 2013, I posted about the bells in Notre Dame:
"Nine newly cast bells have been displayed at Notre Dame, the Paris cathedral, weeks before being hoisted into the two great towers for Easter.
The new bells, weighing 23 tons and named after saints and prominent Catholics, have been cast to mark the 850th anniversary of the Cathedral's founding in 1163. They replaced bells that had become discordant and will first be heard as they peal out on March 23, in time for Palm Sunday and Easter week.
"Eight of the nine new bells were cast in a foundry in the Normandy town of Villedieu-les-Poeles. The ninth - a "bourdon," or Great Bell, named Marie - was cast in the Netherlands and then sent to Normandy to join the others.
Recently, they were sent by a slow-moving convoy of flatbed trucks to the French capital.
The old bells, dated from different periods throughout Notre Dame's history, were out of tune with each other, and the one surviving Great Bell, Emmanuel, has hung in the cathedral since the 17th century. It will remain." Via The Telegraph.
"The South Tower is home to Notre Dame’s largest bell, the Emmanuel Bell.
It is sounded for major holidays like Christmas, Easter, Whitsunday, or All Saint’s Day, or significant events, for example, the death of Pope John Paul II and the election of his successor, Benedict XVI.
The Emmanuel Bell was cast over three hundred years ago and was named after its godfather, Louis XIV. It weighs 13 tons, and its tongue, the inner part of the bell that strikes its walls to make sounds, weighs 500 kilos." Via Notre Dame News
The new bells are beautiful.
The rim I could not hold in my hand.
Each one is named.
"The North Tower is home to four bells rung daily to indicate the cathedral’s services and the time. They each weigh between 2,000 and 3,000 kilograms.
These bells rhythm believers’ daily lives, calling them to prayer and indicating a solemn call to services. They were once used to inform people of the time. Everyone has a watch today, but the bells continue to ring the hour, showing that the cathedral is a Living place." Via Notre Dame News
French Husband and I went to Mass last night at Notre Dame. The bells were lined up from the smallest to the largest down the center aisle. The church chairs had been removed to make room. I had never seen so many people inside Notre Dame; I could barely move.
But I had a mission and would see to it no matter what. I managed with calm determination to lay my hands on each bell and say the names of those I love, those in need of prayer, those I have promised to pray for, for you who read my blog and have prayed for me and my family, for our friend who you have been praying for, for my Godchild Daisy, for Heather, for Alisa, for Shelley... it took several minutes at each bell. But I did it.
I prayed that when these bells go up into the tower, and when they ring, whenever they ring, they will echo the prayers said, the prayers heard ... that when the bells ring, those of us might also sing with full generous hearts: Life! Healing! Hope!
My view is that our prayers will be heard for years to come.
-----------------------------------
Since then, due to the fire in 2019
The news of the cathedral fire was devastating; it was feared that the whole church would be destroyed if the towers fell. Thankfully, the fantastic firefighters could extinguish the fire that had spread to the north tower bells. Unfortunately, the six smaller bells over the crossing were destroyed. The small bells were made in France in 1879 and, weighing over 30 tons each, were a significant part of the cathedral's history.
The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is announced on the 8th of December, 2024. A Te Deum is planned for 15 April 2024, five years after the fire. The supervision of the restoration is entrusted to the architect Philippe Villeneuve.
]]>French antique love letters are a rare find.
Love letters aren't always between two lovers.
The letter I found was written to someone's grandfather.
These love letters are on embossed paper (14 x 10 inches) with paper flowers and birds, often tied with a pastel ribbon. The words written are poetic, well-chosen, and tenderly scripted.
It's a beautiful love story that started with a love letter in 1898.
The love letters were not from the same person, though from the same family. Letters to a husband, a mother, a grandfather, a daughter, a husband-to-be...
A love story
A family's story.
Spoken.
Held.
Treasured.
Marguerite.
A child.
A love letter.
No age is too young or too old...
To express love.
A love letter to start the year.
1898.
I do not have any love letters to give. However, I have some letters below to share. If you are interested, please email me or leave a comment.
Indeed, you have seen movies where a person waits desperately for the post to arrive. And when the butler brings in the long-awaited letter, they grab it and race to another room to read it alone...
These are invoices, but the letters were hand-delivered, folded with the address marked on the paper directly.
The ones I have are from the 1800s
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I unexpectedly have an opening for the French la Vie journey on May 7 - 14th, 2024 due to a cancellation caused by an illness.
If this sounds like something you might be interested in, feel freto e-mail me.
🇫🇷
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The tiniest treasure that can fit in your pocket.
Antiques come in various sizes.
When in the antique business, looking for smalls takes more patience —
To be successful, you need to buy full boxes,
and finding such types of boxes takes time, especially if you are curating towards a particular style.
Finding a table
Finding a chair
Finding a mirror
You can spot big pieces from a distance and sum them up enough to decide whether or not to investigate further.
But, finding smalls takes you to another level, usually to a box on the ground that you must dig through.
So today, in honor of those who dig for gold, who persevere, for those who are doubtful in their efforts—-
I am giving away a few tiny old things to put in your pocket to remind you to keep striving forward.
Let me know if you are interested in the random draw by commenting on my blog or emailing.
I will announce the recipients for a deckled page book on Monday and the other little gifts I post.
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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.
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Are you coming? Are you up for another brocante blitz around Provence?
Meet the French in their homes?
Fill your suitcase or ship boxes home?
Are you ready to have fun with other people who the Brocante Bug has bitten?
If so, could you keep an eye on my French la Vie Journey Page to find the dates for 2025?
Surprises await not just behind doors but places that only the locals know of.
The biggest surprise is my daughter, Chelsea, is jumping on the brocante wagon.
She is going to be my partner, and I could not be happier!!
No matter what you like as far as antiques go, there is something, well more than something, for everyone. As one traveler said, "The French la Vie is the best way to see a country and understand its history; it is a living museum and a dream to go behind the facade into homes of the French."
A group of friends came last year to go antiquing. One of the friends did not know a thing about antiques and was only here to share time with her friends. But a few days later, she had bought a massive painting and a rug that could barely fit into the van!
And then there is the food. I do not need to say more about that!
And the friendships that occur. Several of the women who have gone antiquing with me have been doing so for several years.
One thing is sure: our days are full, from sun up to sunset.
Usually, our groups are in April, May, June, September, and October.
Not too cold, not too hot, hopefully, little rain.
Our groups are for four people only. If you have friends who want to join you or not, it doesn't matter.
Pre-training my little people.
I hope you will join us!
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Via PEACE NOW
If you follow me on Instagram you will see my stories are about the Palestinians in Gaza.
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Sunlight on my face
tears run down to my heart
the despair in Gaza
and in places of horrific violence
because of greed, hatred...
what is war if not the slaughtering of innocent lives?
Why is peace controversial?
The words proportional and collateral damage are sickening.
What happen to the noble avenue of love and forgiveness?
my voice is small but not lost
I cannot be silent.
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Superman is in a red cape, and a fish is in a fountain without water.
Click on the link to see the video
]]>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!
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Open hands,
open hearts,
open minds,
open the barriers, open books,
open ourselves to the lives of others.
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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.
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They sat cozy and warm, inviting me in.
Bubbling with a conversation: Golden thyme
winter perfume
tempting me to taste their roots.
Earthy and whole.
---
Carrots
Cauliflower
Leeks
Onion
Potato
Fresh Parsley
Bay Leaf
Thyme
Olive Oil
Salt
Sichuan Pepper.
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It takes courage and faith to go where one has never gone before, to believe in something that seems hopeless, and to imagine that it is possible to change unless you have someone in your corner or a cause that’s rooted in your heart, either way, both of these can give a foundation to embrace the challenge.
Be the reason someone finds hope.
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Sacristian
Puff pastry twist with a creme patisserie filling and almonds.
About a foot long.
A typical French breakfast is simple: a tartine (baguette) with butter and jam,
and a drink (tea, coffee, and or orange juice).
It's usually eaten before 8 in the morning.
Viennoiseries (French pronunciation: [vjɛnwazʁi], "things in the style of Vienna") are French baked goods made from a yeast-leavened dough in a manner similar to bread or from puff pastry, but with added ingredients (particularly eggs, butter, milk, cream, and sugar), which give them a richer, sweeter character that ...
Gabriel and Olivia prefer pain au chocolat.
The "baguette de tradition française" is made from wheat flour, water, yeast, and salt.
French bakeries have a variety of breads some include:
My favorite
Croissant 1 euro
Pain au chocolat 1 euro
Note the paper-covered sugar cube.